Many CISL students choose a trip to “Sin City” during their time living and studying in San Diego, yet few students arrive with an itinerary. Here are some suggestions for fun activities during a trip to Vegas OTHER than experiencing the city’s nightlife:
1. Just walk around!
Walking down “The Strip” with your friends is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city, and you will probably encounter many street performers and free shows. The Treasure Island Hotel has a pirate show every night at 7 pm, and the Bellagio hotel has a spectacular water show every 15 minutes.
Many students agree that walking the streets of Vegas is the only way to truly feel how BIG Vegas is. Just remember: wear comfortable shoes! The Strip is very, very long! If you get too tired, you can always grab a taxi cab to take you back to your hotel.
2. See a show
Many students choose to see one of the seven Cirque du Soleil shows while they are visiting Vegas, but the city offers many other performances. Consider seeing a magic show, a musical, a comedy show, or a “headliner” like Celine Dion or Elton John.
Check out Las Vegas Shows for a list of performances.
3. Eat at a buffet
Vegas is known for expensive restaurants and celebrity chefs, but before the city’s culinary explosion, it was famous for its buffets. Experience “old Vegas” by eating at a buffet for one meal and enjoy the MANY dishes the buffet will offer! The Buffet at the Bellagio has many delicious international foods, while Cravings Buffet at the Mirage offers 11 live cooking stations.
4. Gamble . . . a little (if you are 21)
Vegas is of course known for its gambling, but many people are intimidated and a little afraid to gamble. Many casinos offer free lessons for beginners. It might be a good way to practice your English skills: just remember to only play at the tables with low bets! Don’t come back to San Diego broke!
5. Be adventurous
Would you like to do something really memorable during your stay in Vegas? Consider experiencing the SkyJump at the Stratosphere. You will fall 108 stories! If you are not too excited about free falling, you can experience Fremont Street Flightlinez, where you zip line over the Vegas crowds. Are you afraid of heights? How about swimming with the sharks at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, or riding the roller coaster at New York, New York?
See VegasClick.com for a list of all the “extreme” activities in Vegas. Warning: they look VERY scary!
6. Hang out by the pool
A trip to Vegas usually includes long nights and lazy days. Relax by the pool at almost any hotel and pretend that you are in paradise. Maybe you are?
As you can see, there is a lot more to do in Vegas than simply visiting bars and clubs . . . although the city’s bars and clubs are pretty incredible as well! Hopefully your daylight hours will also be full of fun events thanks to this list of suggested activities.
Fun Vegas Facts*:
- The huge neon cowboy that is seen in so many photos/videos of Vegas is named “Vegas Vick”. It is the world’s largest mechanical neon sign.
- Camels were used as pack animals in Nevada as late as 1870.
- Over 38.9 million people visit Las Vegas each year.
- Seventeen of the 20 biggest hotels in the U.S. are in Las Vegas.
- In Chinese culture, the number “four” is considered back luck. Therefore, the hotels/casinos Wynn Las Vegas and Rio have no floors that start with the number four. The floor after “39” is floor “50”.
- Many of the casinos and hotels in Vegas are thought to be haunted. The Luxor, The Flamingo, Bally’s, and The Hilton are just a few hotels with stories of ghosts haunting the hallways.
* From VisitLasVegas.com and VegasTodayandTomorrow.com.
Writing Assignment:
You just read the article “Tips for Enjoying Las Vegas.” Now, you will be the author! Write an article that gives tips for visiting a new city. You can choose ANY city in the world . . . except your hometown! (And except Las Vegas, since we just provided you with an article about Las Vegas.)
You must:
- Write a short introduction
- Say at least five things that the reader must do/see/experience
- Give some interesting facts about the city
- Write a short conclusion
Remember:
- Assume that your reader has never been to this city. Tell the reader all the cool things he/she needs to know!
- You will have to do a little bit of research for this post. Include specific names of places, sites, etc.
- The most interesting article will win a prize!
- Please bring this article to class on the date that your teacher requires.
Check back to the CISL Blog at the beginning of November to read the winning entry! Good luck!
Do you have a great Vegas story that you want to share? Email us at blog@cisl.edu.