The Las Vegas Strip is less a mere stretch of asphalt and more a monument to human ambition, or perhaps, desperation. It's a segment of Las Vegas Boulevard within Clark County, Nevada, universally recognized for its unparalleled density of resort hotels and casinos. When one speaks of "Vegas," more often than not, they're referring to this legendary, glittering ribbon of excess, even if the actual Las Vegas city limits are just north of it. For those who find such distinctions tedious, "Vegas Strip" and "The Strip" lead directly here, while those seeking further nuances of the term can consult The Strip (disambiguation).
Visually, the Las Vegas Strip is a kaleidoscope of architectural statements, each vying for attention. Images often capture its sprawling grandeur, from the vibrant pulse of Las Vegas Boulevard itself to the distinct profiles of titans like the MGM Grand Las Vegas, the whimsical skyline of New York-New York, the opulent facade of The Venetian Las Vegas, the timeless Romanesque grandeur of Caesars Palace, the conjoined spectacle of Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, and the iconic elegance of the Bellagio. An interactive map only hints at the sheer scale of this urban marvel.
This iconic thoroughfare, approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) in length, [1] is bookended by Russell Road to the south and Sahara Avenue to the north. Geographically, it exists primarily within the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester, neatly sidestepping the actual municipal jurisdiction of Las Vegas proper. A rather cunning move, if you ask me, allowing it to cultivate its own distinct identity, untethered from city politics. The coordinates 36°07′12″N 115°10′21″W mark its glittering heart.
Within this relatively compact expanse reside many of the globe's most colossal hotel casino and resort properties. The sheer ambition of its offerings—spanning extravagant hotels, bustling casinos, world-class restaurants, towering residential high-rises, and an endless parade of entertainment—has cemented the Strip's status as an unparalleled and globally recognized tourist magnet. It is, without hyperbole, a primary engine driving the entire Las Vegas economy. [2] So significant is this stretch that a substantial portion has been honored with the designation of an All-American Road. [3] Furthermore, both the northern and southern segments of the Las Vegas Strip are proudly classified as Nevada Scenic Byways and, indeed, part of the broader National Scenic Byways system, [4] a testament to its unique cultural and visual significance.
Boundaries
One might imagine the boundaries of such a prominent landmark would be straightforward, but like many things in Las Vegas, there's a certain delightful ambiguity.
Historically, the earliest casinos that chose to operate outside the burgeoning core of Downtown Las Vegas along Fremont Street did so on Las Vegas Boulevard itself, intentionally placing themselves beyond the city's reach. [5] [6] This strategic distancing set the stage for the Strip's unique jurisdictional status. A definitive, if somewhat arbitrary, marker of its fame arrived in 1959 with the erection of the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. [7] This beacon of kitsch and promise was deliberately placed 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) south of the then-city limits. Today, the sign resides in the median just south of Russell Road, a point approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) from The Sahara and roughly 0.4 miles (0.64 kilometers) south of the southernmost entrance to Mandalay Bay, which currently stands as the Strip's southernmost major casino. [8] [9]
In its most stringent definition, "the Strip" refers exclusively to the segment of Las Vegas Boulevard that falls roughly between Sahara Avenue and that venerable "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. [10] [11] However, Clark County, ever practical, employs the broader term "Resort Corridor" to encompass the entire stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard between the 215 Beltway and Sahara Avenue, along with its surrounding areas. [12] This suggests a concession to the sprawling nature of modern development.
From Clark County's perspective, The Sahara serves as the definitive northern boundary of the Strip. [10] Yet, many travel guides, perhaps swayed by the gravitational pull of sheer verticality, charitably extend this northern limit to include The Strat, positioned a mere 0.4 miles (0.64 kilometers) further north. [13] [14] [15] Conversely, Mandalay Bay, situated just north of Russell Road, is widely accepted as the southernmost resort truly belonging to the Strip. [13] The county officially designates the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign as the southern end, though it graciously acknowledges the popular contention that Russell Road might be a more accurate, or at least more pragmatic, southern terminus. [10] [16] Such debates are, I suppose, part of the charm of a place that thrives on illusion and flexible definitions.
• Las Vegas Strip: day and night • Looking north and south, 2013
History
Early years (1930s–1990s)
The Strip's genesis was rather unglamorous, beginning in 1931 with the rather quaintly named Pair-o-Dice Club on what was then known as Highway 91. However, the true harbinger of the modern Strip arrived on April 3, 1941, with the opening of the El Rancho Vegas. This establishment, boasting 63 bungalow hotel rooms, holds the distinction of being the first full-service casino-resort on what we now call the Strip. Its immediate and undeniable success proved to be a potent catalyst, swiftly leading to the construction of a second nearby hotel, the Hotel Last Frontier, which opened its doors in 1942. [17] [18]
The burgeoning potential of this desert gambling mecca did not escape the notice of less savory characters. Notorious organized crime figures, most famously Bugsy Siegel, became deeply invested in the developing Las Vegas gaming center. It was mob money, in fact, that largely financed the completion of the Flamingo, a resort that opened its casino in December 1946, followed by the hotel in March 1947. This set a precedent for the kind of capital that would flow into the area. Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn resort further solidified this trend, opening its doors in 1950. [19] Interestingly, a significant portion of the funding for many of these early Las Vegas ventures was channeled through the American National Insurance Company, an entity based in the then-notorious, and rather apt, gambling empire of Galveston, Texas. [20] [21] One might say the Strip was built on a foundation of ambition, and quite a lot of questionable cash.
Las Vegas Boulevard South itself has undergone several identity changes, previously known as Hwy 91, the Arrowhead Highway, [22] or even the Los Angeles Highway. Its enduring moniker, "The Strip," was bestowed upon it by Los Angeles police officer and astute businessman Guy McAfee. He drew inspiration from his own hometown's glamorous Sunset Strip in Hollywood, a name that perfectly captured the burgeoning, albeit slightly wilder, allure of Las Vegas. [23]
• The Strip in late 1940s. Pictured is the gas station of the Hotel Last Frontier, the second hotel on the Strip.
Unincorporated town
In 1950, Mayor Ernie Cragin of the City of Las Vegas harbored grand ambitions. He sought to annex the entire Las Vegas Strip, which, inconveniently for him, lay entirely within the unincorporated territory of Clark County. His motivation was clear: to dramatically expand the city's tax base, thereby funding his rather ambitious building agenda and alleviating the city's mounting debt. [24] However, the powerful casino executives, led by Gus Greenbaum of the Flamingo, had other, more self-serving, ideas. They aggressively lobbied the Clark County commissioners, successfully advocating for the area to be granted "town status." [24] This political maneuver resulted in the creation of two distinct unincorporated towns: Paradise and Winchester. [25] [26] This foresight, or perhaps stubborn self-interest, prevented the Strip from ever truly becoming part of the City of Las Vegas, a decision that was further solidified more than two decades later when the Supreme Court of Nevada struck down a 1975 state law that would have forcibly absorbed the Strip and other urban areas of Clark County into the city. [27] Sometimes, the best way to stay independent is to simply refuse to be absorbed.
The mid-to-late 20th century saw the continued rise of iconic properties. Caesars Palace, a monument to Roman extravagance, was established in 1966. The year 1969 ushered in the era of the true "mega-resort" with the opening of the International Hotel, a colossal structure boasting 1,512 rooms. This property, now known as Westgate Las Vegas, set a new standard for scale and ambition.
The first MGM Grand Hotel and Casino opened its doors in 1973, an even larger behemoth with 2,084 rooms. However, its history is marked by tragedy: on November 21, 1980, the MGM Grand suffered the worst resort fire in the annals of Las Vegas, a devastating event caused by electrical problems that claimed 87 lives. The resort, a testament to resilience, reopened just eight months later. In 1986, Kirk Kerkorian, the visionary behind the MGM Grand, sold the property to Bally Manufacturing, leading to its renaming as Bally's.
Mega-resorts
The landscape of the Las Vegas Strip underwent a profound transformation with the opening of The Mirage in 1989. This groundbreaking resort redefined the very essence of the Las Vegas experience, signaling a clear shift away from smaller, more intimate hotels and casinos towards grander, more immersive mega-resorts. [28] The 1990s became a decade of explosive growth, witnessing the debut of over 12 new hotels, many of them elaborately themed. Properties like the Egyptian-inspired Luxor, the medieval fantasy of Excalibur, and the tropical elegance of Mandalay Bay captivated visitors with their fantastical narratives. This era also saw the construction of The Bellagio, which, at a staggering $1.7 billion, held the title of the world's most expensive hotel at the time. [29] A pivotal moment in the evolution of Strip entertainment arrived in 1993 with the launch of the Mystère show by Cirque du Soleil at the newly opened Treasure Island hotel. [19] This marked a significant pivot towards sophisticated, non-gaming entertainment as a core attraction.
In a somewhat misguided attempt to broaden its appeal, resorts during this period also began to offer more attractions explicitly geared towards families and younger audiences. These efforts, while well-intentioned, met with rather limited success. [30] The core demographic, it seemed, was less interested in sanitized fun and more in the allure of adult escapism. The current MGM Grand, a truly massive complex, opened its doors in 1993, further cementing the trend of monumental scale. [31]
Beyond the colossal hotels, casinos, and resorts, the Strip had already begun to diversify its offerings with numerous standalone attractions. These included the saccharine delights of M&M's World, the indoor thrills of Adventuredome, and the extensive retail therapy available at the Fashion Show Mall. Even the Nevada National Guard has found a role, assisting with the inevitable security challenges posed by New Year's Eve revelries.
2000–present
The turn of the millennium saw the Strip pivot once more, this time towards an even more refined, luxurious, and high-end segment. This trend was unmistakably signaled by the openings of the opulent Bellagio (1998), the Italianate splendor of The Venetian (1999), and the sophisticated elegance of the Wynn (2005), The Palazzo (2007), and Encore (2008). During this period, many older resorts undertook significant expansions and renovations, often accompanied by a "de-theming" process, shedding some of the more overt, kitschy narratives of the previous decade in favor of a more contemporary, upscale aesthetic. [32] [33]
A truly ambitious undertaking, CityCenter, was announced in 2004 and subsequently constructed between 2006 and 2009. This colossal 66-acre (27-hectare) multi-use project, costing an eye-watering 16.1 billion in March 2025), rose from the former site of the Boardwalk hotel and adjacent land. Most of its constituent elements, a testament to rapid development, opened their doors in late 2009. [34]
• Four-segment panorama of The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace (left to right) from the Las Vegas Strip, across from the Bellagio fountains
The pursuit of non-gaming attractions continued in 2012 with the groundbreaking for the High Roller Ferris wheel and an accompanying retail district, The Linq Promenade. These developments aimed to further diversify the entertainment landscape beyond the traditional casino resort model. The ongoing transformation of the Strip continued in 2014 with significant renovations and rebrandings, including The Cromwell Las Vegas and the SLS Las Vegas. In 2015, the Las Vegas Festival Grounds opened, providing a dedicated space for large-scale events. The year 2016 saw further additions to the entertainment infrastructure with the opening of T-Mobile Arena, [35] The Park, and the Park Theater (now known as Dolby Live).
However, the Strip's narrative is not without its shadows. On October 1, 2017, a lone gunman positioned within the Mandalay Bay hotel tragically opened fire on a nearby concert, resulting in 60 fatalities and the gunman's own death. This horrific event remains the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
• The Las Vegas Strip as viewed from the Strat Observation Deck, 2025
The 2020s have continued this dynamic evolution. In 2021, the Pinball Hall of Fame relocated to a new, prominent spot near the iconic "Fabulous Las Vegas" sign at the Strip's southern end. [36] Later that year, Resorts World Las Vegas made its grand debut in June, rising majestically from the hallowed grounds of the former Stardust Resort and Casino. [37]
The architectural marvel that is the Sphere opened its doors in September 2023, instantly becoming a globally recognized landmark. [38] That same year, in December, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas finally opened, occupying the sites of the former El Rancho Hotel and Casino and Algiers Hotel after years of anticipation. [39] The retail landscape also saw expansion with BLVD, a three-story shopping center, which opened in November 2024, with additional tenants slated to debut through 2026. [40]
Future developments
The Las Vegas Strip is a perpetual construction site, always looking to its next iteration. The Tropicana, a venerable institution, was ceremoniously demolished in October 2024. Its footprint will be transformed into the site of a new Bally's Las Vegas resort [41] and the ambitious New Las Vegas Stadium. This stadium is destined to become the permanent home of the Athletics once they complete their relocation to Las Vegas from their temporary home in Sacramento. [42] [43] Both the stadium and the new hotel are projected to open in 2028, coinciding with the 2028 MLB season. [44] Not to be outdone, The Mirage also closed its doors in July 2024, but its legacy will endure as it prepares to reopen as the Hard Rock Las Vegas in 2027. [45] The only constant, it seems, is change, and the persistent hum of construction.
Transportation
Navigating the vibrant, often overwhelming, expanse of the Las Vegas Strip is an experience in itself, with a variety of transportation options catering to every level of urgency and preferred level of glamour.
Buses
RTC Transit, formerly known by the rather less catchy moniker of Citizens Area Transit (CAT), provides comprehensive bus service along the Strip. Their distinctive double decker buses, affectionately known as The Deuce, are a familiar sight. [46] These buses traverse the entire length of the Strip, connecting the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign and the South Strip Transfer Terminal to the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) and the lively Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. Convenient stops are strategically located near virtually every major casino, ensuring that a ride is never far off.
Trams
For those seeking a more exclusive, and often complimentary, mode of transport, several free trams operate along the west side of the Strip, connecting various properties with effortless grace. [47] These include:
- The Mandalay Bay Tram, which seamlessly links the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Luxor Hotel, and Excalibur Hotel and Casino.
- The Aria Express, connecting Park MGM, Crystals (which also serves as a stop for Aria Resort and Casino), and the Bellagio.
- The Hard Rock-Treasure Island Tram, which, when operational, runs between Treasure Island and the Hard Rock Las Vegas. (Currently, it remains temporarily closed, a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.)
• Mandalay Bay Tram • The Deuce bus • Aria Express • The Las Vegas Monorail
Monorail
While not directly on the Strip itself, the Las Vegas Monorail offers a rapid and efficient alternative for traversing the eastern side of the Strip corridor. Its 3.9-mile route extends from Tropicana Avenue to Sahara Avenue, with trains arriving every 4 to 8 minutes. [48] [49] It provides convenient access to several on-Strip properties, with the MGM Grand and The Sahara anchoring each end of its route. [49] The stations, a testament to strategic placement, include:
- SAHARA Las Vegas Station
- Westgate Station
- Las Vegas Convention Center Station
- Harrah's/The LINQ Station
- Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
- Horseshoe/Paris Station
- MGM Grand Station
The monorail's journey began modestly in 1995, utilizing two trains originally sourced from Walt Disney World. [50] In 2020, recognizing its vital role in the city's infrastructure, the monorail system was acquired by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). [51]
• The Strip traffic during the day, looking north from the MGM Grand. The strip has a number of pedestrian footbridges.
Pedestrian traffic
A truly remarkable, and often bewildering, aspect of the Strip is the sheer volume of humanity navigating its sidewalks. Tens of thousands of pedestrians are constantly in motion along the Strip at any given moment, [52] creating a vibrant, often chaotic, flow. As of 2019, an average day saw approximately 50,000 pedestrians traversing this celebrated stretch. [53]
To enhance both pedestrian safety and, perhaps more importantly, to alleviate the perpetual traffic congestion at its most popular intersections, several elevated pedestrian footbridges were constructed over Las Vegas Boulevard throughout the 1990s. The pioneering structure in this endeavor was the Tropicana – Las Vegas Boulevard footbridge. [54] [55] Some of these architectural solutions even mimic the distinct themes of the nearby resorts, a subtle nod to the immersive nature of the Strip. [56] [57] These essential footbridges include: [58]
- Veer Towers: Connecting Veer Towers, Waldorf Astoria, and the upscale Crystals Shopping Center.
- Park MGM and T-Mobile Arena Park: Providing a link between MGM and the Showcase Mall.
- Planet Hollywood: Interconnecting Planet Hollywood, CityCenter, the Crystals Shopping Center, and The Cosmopolitan.
- Spring Mountain Road and Las Vegas Blvd Corner: Linking Treasure Island, the Wynn, Fashion Show Mall, and The Venetian.
- Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Blvd Corner: Connecting Bally's, Flamingo, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace.
- Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana Ave Corner: Serving as a crucial nexus for the MGM Grand, New York-New York, Excalibur, and Tropicana.
• Elevated pedestrian footbridge at the corner of Spring Mountain Road and Las Vegas Blvd
Taxis
For those who prefer not to walk among the masses, taxis remain a ubiquitous and convenient option on the Las Vegas Strip. [59] They are readily available at virtually all resorts, shopping centers, and major attractions, and can also be scheduled for pickups. The Nevada Taxicab Authority meticulously provides information regarding taxi fares and defined fare zones, ensuring a degree of transparency in what can otherwise be a rather opaque transaction in a city built on chance. [60]
Attractions on the Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is less a singular attraction and more a sprawling, meticulously curated ecosystem of diversions, designed to separate you from your money in the most entertaining ways possible.
Gambling
• Casino floor at the Wynn • Hakkasan Nightclub at the MGM Grand
Despite the diversification efforts, the allure of the wager remains strong. In 2019, a striking eight out of ten visitors (81%) admitted to engaging in some form of gambling during their stay in Las Vegas, marking the highest proportion recorded in the preceding five years. [61] The average time dedicated to this pursuit, 2.7 hours, also represented an increase over the prior three years, suggesting a renewed commitment to the tables and machines. [61] Furthermore, the average gambling budget per trip, a not-insignificant 72 million in annual gaming revenues) collectively generated more than $6 billion in annual gaming revenues in 2019, accounting for approximately 26% of their total annual revenues. [62] Gambling, it seems, is still very much the beating heart of this particular beast.
The composition of gaming options on the Strip has not remained static. From 1985 to 2019, a clear evolution in the mix of table games offered in casinos has been observed: [63]
- Blackjack: The number of tables dedicated to this classic card game saw a significant decline, dropping from 77% of all tables in 1985 to a mere 50% in 2019. Correspondingly, its revenue contribution plummeted from 50% in 1985 to just 11% in 2019.
- Craps: This high-energy dice game also experienced a decrease in revenue contribution, falling from 28% in 1985 to 11% in 2019.
- Roulette: In contrast to the decline of others, both the number of tables and the revenue generated by roulette saw a respectable increase of 50%.
- Baccarat: This elegant card game witnessed a dramatic surge in popularity, growing from approximately 2% of tables and 13% of revenue in 1985 to 13% of tables and a substantial 37% of revenue in 2019.
- Additional games: The intervening years also saw the rise of a new generation of games, such as pai gow poker, three-card poker, and various iterations of mini-baccarat, all of which have steadily increased in popularity, number of tables, and revenue.
In response to evolving preferences, casino operators have been vigorously expanding their sports betting facilities and products. This includes significant renovations and upgrades to existing equipment and facilities. [64] While sports betting traditionally operates on a relatively low margin, the high-end sportsbooks have proven to be adept at generating substantial revenue in ancillary areas, particularly food and drink sales. [64] Consequently, these sportsbooks have been proactively expanding and enhancing their culinary and beverage offerings. [65] Modern, high-end sportsbooks now feature amenities such as luxurious single-seat, stadium-style seating, colossal high-definition screens, dedicated broadcast booths, and the capability to simultaneously display up to 15 different sporting events. [64] [66] Even the sports media giant ESPN has established a dedicated studio at The Linq to broadcast its sports betting shows, further integrating the activity into the entertainment landscape. [66] For the more independent gambler, some sportsbooks are now offering convenient self-service betting kiosks. [67]
Entertainment
The Las Vegas Strip is synonymous with entertainment, a veritable smorgasbord of lounges, showrooms, theaters, and nightclubs, [68] almost exclusively housed within the opulent hotel casino properties themselves. Among the more popular, and crucially, free attractions visible from the Strip are the mesmerizing water fountains at Bellagio, the now-shuttered but once-iconic volcano at The Mirage (a casualty of its impending transformation), and the dramatic Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain at Caesars Palace. For those seeking theatrical spectacle, several Cirque du Soleil shows continue to astound, including the epic Kà at the MGM Grand, the aquatic marvel O at Bellagio, the perennial favorite Mystère at Treasure Island, and the electrifying Michael Jackson: One at Mandalay Bay. [69]
The stages of Las Vegas have hosted an unparalleled roster of musical legends and entertainers throughout its history. From the early days of icons like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Wayne Newton, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Prima, Rod Stewart, and the flamboyant Liberace, [70] the tradition of star power has continued unabated. In more recent years, a new generation of global superstars has embraced the Strip for lucrative residencies, including Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Barry Manilow, Cher, Elton John, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, the enduring duo Donny and Marie Osmond, country superstar Garth Brooks, pop diva Jennifer Lopez, the incomparable Reba McEntire, vocal powerhouse Mariah Carey, the iconic Janet Jackson, Australian sensation Kylie Minogue, country-pop queen Shania Twain, illusionist Criss Angel, the late Olivia Newton-John, the legendary Queen + Adam Lambert, and contemporary titans like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Gwen Stefani.
Despite this impressive lineup, 2019 saw a slight dip in show attendance, with 51% of visitors reporting they attended a show, a decrease compared to 2015, 2017, and 2018. [71] Among those who did partake, a notable trend emerged: relatively more visitors opted for Broadway-style or grand production shows, while fewer gravitated towards lounge acts, comedy shows, or celebrity DJ performances. [71] Perhaps the spectacle must constantly evolve to maintain its hold.
• T-Mobile Arena • Allegiant Stadium
Venues
The Strip is dotted with a multitude of entertainment venues, each designed to host everything from intimate performances to colossal spectacles. Most resorts proudly feature at least one showroom, nightclub, or live music venue on their premises, with several boasting truly massive multipurpose arenas. Major venues of note include:
- Allegiant Stadium
- The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
- Dolby Live
- Las Vegas Festival Grounds
- LVXP Las Vegas (planned)
- MGM Grand Garden Arena
- Michelob Ultra Arena
- PH Live
- Sphere
- T-Mobile Arena
- New Las Vegas Stadium (planned)
Restaurants and dining
The Strip has, over the years, evolved into a formidable culinary destination, a fact that might surprise those who still associate Las Vegas solely with buffet lines. Its expanse is densely populated with an array of restaurants and fine dining establishments, the vast majority of which are conveniently nestled within the casino and resort properties. For a more exhaustive list, one might consult Restaurants in the Las Vegas Valley § Las Vegas Strip. In recent years, a veritable constellation of celebrity chefs has chosen the Strip as the stage for their culinary empires, including luminaries such as Wolfgang Puck, Michael Mina, the notoriously fiery Gordon Ramsay, [72] the esteemed Guy Savoy, [73] and the late, legendary Joël Robuchon. [74] Their presence alone speaks volumes about the gastronomic ambitions of this particular stretch of desert.
Shopping
If gambling isn't your vice, perhaps retail therapy will suffice. The Strip offers an extensive, often bewildering, array of shopping experiences, from souvenir kitsch to haute couture.
• The Rainstorm Show at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood • The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace
Notable shopping destinations include:
- BLVD: A new three-story shopping center, adding to the ever-expanding retail footprint.
- Bonanza Gift Shop: Proudly billing itself as the "World's Largest Gift Shop," this sprawling emporium offers over 40,000 square feet (3,700 m²) of retail space, a monument to souvenir excess.
- Fashion Show Mall: Conveniently situated adjacent to Treasure Island and directly opposite Wynn Las Vegas, it offers a more traditional mall experience.
- Grand Canal Shoppes: A luxury mall seamlessly integrated with The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts. Its unique charm lies in its intricate canals, complete with gondolas and serenading gondoliers, offering a slice of Venice in the desert.
- The Linq Promenade: An open-air retail, dining, and entertainment district that began its soft opening in January 2014. Located between The Linq and Flamingo resorts, it serves as a vibrant pathway leading from a Strip-side entrance directly to the base of the High Roller.
- Miracle Mile Shops: An integral part of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino complex, offering a diverse range of stores.
- The Forum Shops at Caesars: A premier luxury mall connected to Caesars Palace, boasting more than 160 shops and 11 restaurants, all under a simulated sky.
- The Shops at Crystals: A high-fashion luxury mall nestled within CityCenter, catering to the most discerning of shoppers.
- Harmon Corner: A prominent three-story retail center located adjacent to Planet Hollywood, featuring a mix of shops and restaurants.
- Showcase Mall: Positioned next to the MGM Grand Las Vegas, this mall is hard to miss, thanks to its towering 100-foot Coca-Cola bottle. [75]
- The Park: A short, pedestrian-friendly east-west street situated between the Park MGM and New York-New York Hotel & Casino resorts. Designed as a park-like boulevard, it's lined with retail shops and restaurants, culminating at the impressive T-Mobile Arena. [76]
- The Shoppes at Mandalay Place: A collection of shops and restaurants uniquely situated on a sky bridge connecting Mandalay Bay and Luxor. [77]
Live sports
The Las Vegas Strip has increasingly become a major hub for professional sports, a development that might have seemed improbable just a few decades ago. [78] Venues on or in close proximity to the Strip now host a variety of major league teams and events, solidifying its status as a sporting destination.
• The MGM Grand Garden Arena hosting the boxing match of Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman on July 20, 2019
Current professional sports affiliations include:
- National Football League: The Las Vegas Raiders proudly call Allegiant Stadium their home.
- National Hockey League: The Vegas Golden Knights electrify crowds at T-Mobile Arena.
- Mixed Martial Arts: The Ultimate Fighting Championship frequently stages its high-octane events at T-Mobile Arena.
- Boxing: The MGM Grand Garden Arena remains a storied venue for major boxing matches.
- Women's National Basketball Association: The Las Vegas Aces showcase their talent at the Michelob Ultra Arena.
Beyond team sports, the Strip also plays host to the high-octane spectacle of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which joined the esteemed Formula One World Championship calendar in 2023. [79] The future promises even more sporting grandeur with the impending New Las Vegas Stadium, set to become the home of the Oakland Athletics in 2028 when the team completes its relocation to the Las Vegas Valley. [80] The athletic ambitions don't stop there; in 2024, a proposal emerged for an NBA-ready arena on the Strip, integrated into the planned LVXP resort development. [81] [82] It seems the Strip is determined to conquer all forms of spectacle.
Golf
Once upon a time, even the Las Vegas Strip had golf courses. The Aladdin, for instance, boasted a nine-hole golf course in the 1960s, [83] a quaint notion now. However, as the value of land on the Strip has skyrocketed over the decades, these resort-affiliated golf courses have progressively been sacrificed to make way for more lucrative building projects. [84] The Tropicana Country Club closed its greens in 1990, [85] followed by the Dunes golf course in the mid-1990s.
A notable exception to this trend involved Steve Wynn, the visionary founder of the previously owned Mirage Resorts. He acquired the Desert Inn and its accompanying golf course for his new enterprise, Wynn Resorts, subsequently redeveloping the course into the acclaimed Wynn Golf Club. This course, too, briefly closed in 2017 with plans for a new development, but those plans were ultimately canceled, leading to the course's renovation and triumphant re-opening in late 2019. [86] Just south of Mandalay Bay and the main Strip, the Bali Hai Golf Club opened in 2000, offering a touch of tropical links. [87] In 2016, the popular TopGolf driving range and entertainment complex opened near the Strip, catering to a more casual golfing crowd. [88]
• Wynn Golf and Country Club
Amusement parks and rides
For those who crave thrills beyond the roll of the dice, the Strip offers a surprising array of amusement park attractions. The Adventuredome, an indoor amusement park nestled within Circus Circus on the Strip, stands as a major tourist draw. [89] Enclosed within a sprawling glass dome, it features a carousel, mini-golf, two roller coasters, bowling, various spinning rides, an arcade, virtual reality experiences, a carnival midway, and, of course, clown shows. [89]
The towering Stratosphere (now simply The Strat) offers a collection of extreme rides perched precariously atop its spire:
- Big Shot
- SkyJump Las Vegas
- X-Scream
- Insanity (currently inactive, perhaps wisely so)
Other notable rides scattered along the Strip include:
- Big Apple Coaster (which has undergone its own identity crisis, formerly known as Manhattan Express from 1997–2006 and The Roller Coaster from 2007–2015).
- Fly Linq
- High Roller
Sustainability
Even in a place synonymous with extravagant consumption, a surprising, albeit pragmatic, embrace of sustainability has taken root. Many hotel resort properties on the Strip have implemented significant sustainability initiatives, driven perhaps by enlightened self-interest or, more cynically, by public relations imperatives. [90] [91]
• The lower left of the photo shows a portion of the solar array on top of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
These efforts broadly encompass:
- Water conservation: Given its desert location, this is a critical concern. Approaches include reclaiming water and returning it to Lake Mead, minimizing outdoor landscaping (a wise choice for a desert), upgrading plumbing fixtures to low-flow models, and setting ambitious goals for overall water conservation.
- Recycling: While the general recycling rate in Clark County hovered around 20% in 2017, major hotels on the Strip impressively achieved a recycling rate of approximately 40%, demonstrating a concerted effort to manage waste more responsibly.
- Food handling: A significant focus is placed on reducing food waste. Leftover food is often composted or directed to agricultural farms, while untouched and undisturbed food is responsibly donated to local food banks, ensuring less goes to waste.
- Energy efficiency: Hotels have undertaken comprehensive upgrades, installing more energy-efficient appliances in guest rooms, converting to ubiquitous LED lighting, and implementing sophisticated wireless lighting control systems to optimize energy usage.
Beyond conservation, the Strip is also actively engaged in the generation and utilization of renewable energy. [90] MGM, for instance, constructed a substantial solar array atop the Mandalay Bay in 2014, further expanding it in 2016. [90] [92] This impressive installation, part of a larger 28-acre system, stands as one of the largest commercial rooftop solar arrays anywhere in the United States. [93] Its 26,000-plus solar panels are capable of generating a total of 8.3 megawatts DC (6.5 megawatts AC), an output sufficient to power approximately 1,300 homes or about one-quarter of the massive Mandalay Bay campus. [94]
Remarkably, the Strip boasts one of the highest concentrations of LEED-certified buildings globally. [90] [95] This includes prominent structures such as the Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace and The Linq Promenade, both of which have achieved LEED Silver certification, a testament to their commitment to environmentally responsible design and operation. [90] Even the temples of hedonism, it seems, can embrace a greener future.
Locations of major landmarks
Current landmarks
For those who crave a comprehensive overview, a full list of hotels on the Strip can be found at List of Las Vegas Strip hotels. The following provides a snapshot of current major landmarks, arranged geographically from north to south.
↑ North towards Fremont Street
South towards Interstate 215
Former hotel/casino locations
The Strip is also a graveyard of dreams and demolished grandeur, a testament to its relentless evolution. Here lie the ghosts of former establishments, their footprints now occupied by new monuments to excess.
↑ North towards Fremont Street
| West side casinos & attractions | East side casinos & attractions |
|---|---|
| Vegas World/Million Dollar Casino | |
| Las Vegas Boulevard | |
| Jackpot Casino/Money Tree Casino | Holy Cow/Foxy's Firehouse |
| Sahara Avenue | Sahara Avenue |
| El Rancho Vegas | Club Bingo/SLS |
| Wet 'n Wild | |
| Thunderbird/Silverbird/El Rancho, Algiers Hotel | |
| Riviera | |
| Westward Ho | La Concha Motel |
| Silver City/Riata | |
| Stardust/Royal Nevada | |
| Desert Inn Road | Desert Inn Road |
| Silver Slipper/Golden Slipper | |
| New Frontier/Last Frontier/Frontier | Desert Inn |
| Spring Mountain Road | Sands Avenue |
| Sands | |
| Mirage/Castaways | Nob Hill Casino |
| Holiday Casino, Holiday Inn | |
| Flamingo Capri/Imperial Palace/Quad | |
| O'Sheas Casino | |
| Barbary Coast/Bill's | |
| Flamingo Road | Flamingo Road |
| Dunes | MGM Grand/Bally's |
| Aladdin/Tallyho/King's Crown | |
| Boardwalk/Mandarin Oriental | |
| Monte Carlo | |
| Harmon Avenue | Harmon Avenue |
| Marina | |
| Tropicana Avenue | Tropicana Avenue |
| Tropicana | |
| Las Vegas Village | |
| Hacienda | |
| Russell Road | Glass Pool Inn |
| Klondike/Kona Kai | |
| ↓ |
South towards Interstate 215
Demolished or closed Strip casinos and hotels
The history of the Las Vegas Strip is as much about what has been torn down as what has been built. A truly remarkable number of casinos and hotels have, over the decades, ceased operations, only to be replaced by newer, grander, or simply different visions. A partial necrology of these fallen giants includes:
- Aladdin: This property had a rather convoluted identity, initially opening in 1962 as the Tallyho. It briefly became the King's Crown Tallyho in 1963 before settling on the name Aladdin in 1966. It was ultimately demolished in 1998, only for a new Aladdin resort to rise on the same site in 2000, which was then rebranded as Planet Hollywood in 2007. A phoenix, but with more glitter.
- Big Red's Casino: A fleeting presence, it opened in 1981 and closed just a year later in 1982. The property was later developed for CBS Sports World Casino in 1997, a name that swiftly changed to Sports World Casino after CBS rather predictably threatened legal action. [96] It too closed in 2001 and is now, rather mundanely, a shopping center.
- Barbary Coast: Opened in 1978, it closed in 2007 and was subsequently known as Bill's Gamblin' Hall until 2010. Today, it has been reborn as The Cromwell.
- Boardwalk Hotel and Casino: This property ceased operations on January 9, 2006, and was spectacularly demolished on May 9, 2006, clearing the way for the ambitious CityCenter development.
- Castaways: Originally known as the Sans Souci Hotel when it opened in 1955, it became the Castaways in 1963 and was demolished in 1987. Its former site is now occupied by The Mirage.
- Desert Inn: A grand dame of the Strip, it closed on August 28, 2000, and was demolished between 2001 and 2004. Its legacy lives on as the site of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Las Vegas, though its renowned golf course was not only retained but significantly improved.
- Dunes: This iconic resort closed on January 26, 1993, and was demolished in a series of spectacular implosions between 1993 and 1994. Its extensive footprint is now home to parts of Park MGM, CityCenter, and T-Mobile Arena.
- El Rancho (formerly Thunderbird/Silverbird): Closed in 1992 and demolished in 2000. Its former grounds are now occupied by the majestic Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
- El Rancho Vegas: The trailblazer, it tragically burned down in 1960. A portion of its southern edge is now home to the Hilton Grand Vacations Club timeshare, while the remainder of the site has been transformed into the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.
- Hacienda: Closed and demolished in December 1996, its site is now occupied by Mandalay Bay. (A separate Hacienda operated outside Boulder City until 2015, formerly known as the Gold Strike Inn, adding to the confusion.)
- Holy Cow Casino and Brewery: Notable as the first microbrewery in Las Vegas. It closed in 2002 and is now, rather disappointingly, a Walgreens store.
- Jackpot Casino: Closed in 1977, its property is now integrated into the sprawling Bonanza Gift Shop.
- Klondike Hotel and Casino: This property closed in 2006 and was demolished in 2008.
- Little Caesars Casino: Operated from 1970 to 1994. Paris Las Vegas now occupies the area where it once stood. [97]
- Money Tree Casino: Closed in 1979, its site is also now part of the Bonanza Gift Shop.
- Marina Hotel and Casino: Upon its closure, it was ingeniously adapted and integrated into the original MGM Grand, now forming the West Wing of the current MGM Grand Las Vegas.
- Mirage: This iconic resort officially closed on July 17, 2024, and is slated to reopen as a Hard Rock resort in 2027. [45]
- New Frontier: Closed on July 16, 2007, and was dramatically demolished on November 13, 2007.
- Nob Hill Casino: Opened in 1979 and closed in 1990. [98] Its former location is now occupied by Casino Royale.
- Riviera Hotel and Casino: Opened in 1955, it closed its doors in May 2015 to make way for the ambitious Las Vegas Global Business District.
- Royal Nevada: Opened in 1955, it was subsequently absorbed into the Stardust in 1959.
- Sands Hotel and Casino: This legendary establishment closed on June 30, 1996, and was demolished later that year. Its site is now home to The Venetian.
- Silver City Casino: Closed in 1999, its former location is now the Silver City Plaza Shopping Center.
- Silver Slipper Casino: Opened in 1950, it closed and was demolished in 1988. Its site then served as a parking lot for the New Frontier until that resort's closure and demolition in 2007.
- Stardust Resort and Casino: Closed on November 1, 2006, and was spectacularly demolished on March 13, 2007. Its hallowed ground is now occupied by Resorts World.
- Tropicana Las Vegas: This venerable icon closed on April 2, 2024, and was brought down by implosion on October 9, 2024. It is set to be replaced by the New Las Vegas Stadium, which will become the future home of the Las Vegas Athletics. [99]
- Vegas World: Opened in 1979 and closed in 1995. Its site is now home to The Strat.
- Westward Ho Hotel and Casino: Closed in 2005 and demolished in 2006. Its former location is now, ironically, a McDonald's. [100]
Gallery
• The iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign was built in 1959. • The Strip in 2009 • A view of the southern end of the Strip. Looking northward from Tropicana Avenue. • View of the Strip from the Eiffel Tower of the Paris Las Vegas • Reflection of Flamingo Las Vegas on a glass overpass in front of the Bellagio and Cosmopolitan • Photo taken May 21, 2010, a view of the Strip from the Renaissance Hotel • View of Monte Carlo Resort and Casino with CityCenter in the background • The Bellagio Fountains as seen from the hotel • The Cosmopolitan • The Las Vegas High Roller is the second tallest Ferris wheel in the world. • Wynn Las Vegas • Takeoff From Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas
See also
For those whose insatiable curiosity demands further exploration, a curated list of related topics awaits: