Las Vegas Strip

The basics

Join a guide on a Las Vegas Strip tour for an up-close sensory overload of the entertainment capital of the world. Go on foot, zip through on a Segway, or catch a ride with an Elvis impersonator to see the action from a Pink Cadillac. If you come after dark, you can explore the Las Vegas Strip on a food and drink tour or a bar crawl.

But what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas—some private hop-on hop-off limo tours come with personal photographers to document your big night out. Scenic nighttime helicopter rides are also extremely popular, allowing you to enjoy the views the Strip in all its colorful, illuminated glory.

Things to know before you go

• Most official Las Vegas nightclubs do not allow baggy jeans, sports hats, tennis shoes, or shorts.

• Be aware that costumed characters on the strips expect payment if you’d like to snap a photo with them.

• The Las Vegas Strip is entirely wheelchair and stroller accessible, as are most of its attractions and hotels.

• Expect sold-out shows and performances on the Las Vegas Strip, so tickets should be purchased in advance.

How to get there

The Las Vegas Strip runs along Las Vegas Boulevard South, bounded by McCarran Airport to the south and downtown and Fremont Street to the north. Taxis are plentiful but you can also walk to and from many of the Strip’s destinations along the roadway. There are pedestrian walking bridges over the busiest intersections.

When to get there

Temperatures soar in Las Vegas in summer and get chilly in the winter. The off-season runs from June–August. Expect long wait times for taxis and tables around dinnertime. Vehicle traffic on the Strip is almost always busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Room rates are generally lower on weekdays.

The Vegas Strip for first-timers

If it's your first time in Vegas, be sure to see the Mirage volcano explosion, lounge poolside with a tropical beverage, and try your hand at slots or table games. If you’ve never gambled, lessons offering insights on popular games’ rules, strategy, jargon, and etiquette are available in most of the casinos, and are a good starting point for first-timers. Ask for a schedule at your preferred casino’s customer service desk.

What is the best way to tour the Las Vegas Strip?

You can stroll the Las Vegas Strip on a walking tour, zip around on a Segway, ride on a hop-on, hop-off bus, or take a scenic helicopter flight at night or during the day. If you’re walking along the Strip, remember that the distance between casinos can be deceptive, and they may appear much closer than they actually are.

How long does it take to walk the Las Vegas Strip?

The Las Vegas Strip is about 4.2 miles (7 kilometers) and can take 1 to 2 hours to walk from end to end, depending on your pace and how many stops you make along the way. Also, large crowds can slow down your progress. The Strip can get extremely hot, especially during the summer, making the walk more challenging.

Can you see the Las Vegas Strip by helicopter tour?

Yes. A helicopter tour of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding region is a popular option, particularly at night when you can see the neon lights. You’ll pass by the mega-resorts and landmarks, including the Bellagio, the Mirage, and the Fremont Street Experience. Helicopter tours are typically in the air for about 10-15 minutes.

What can you see on a bus tour of the Las Vegas Strip?

A bus tour of the Las Vegas Strip allows you to cover more ground in less time. Hop aboard an open-top double-decker bus to see Sin City during the day or at night, making stops along the way. Pass by iconic sights like the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, the Bellagio Fountains, the Strat, the High Roller Observation Wheel, and more.

Can you tour the Las Vegas Strip in a limousine?

Yes. You can book a limo tour of the Las Vegas Strip with pickup at your hotel. Typically, they make stops at popular sites like the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, the Bellagio fountains, and the Mirage volcano show, or you might have the option to customize your itinerary. Limousine tours also usually provide champagne.

Are there bathrooms on the Las Vegas Strip?

Yes. All of the casinos and hotels on the Las Vegas Strip have public bathrooms—you just need to know where to find them. Generally, you’ll find restrooms in the hotel lobby. In the casino area, head toward the sportsbook and high-limit poker room or near the buffet; you’ll usually find one around there.

Ways to explore

Many guided tours of the Strip are available, including walking tours, trips aboard a Hummer, or in a motorcycle sidecar. Foodies can explore the Strip on a culinary tour or bar crawl, or treat themselves to an all-you-can-eat buffet, with or without Champagne. Alternatively, book a scenic helicopter ride to enjoy views of the Strip in all its colorful, illuminated glory. Finally, what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas: photography packages are available to help you capture the magic of your vacation.

Accessibility

The Las Vegas Strip has wide sidewalks with sloped curves at crosswalks; many crossings go over the street and are accessible by elevator.

Age limits

You must be 21 years of age (with ID) to drink, visit bars, or spend time on gaming floors, but minors can walk through casinos if accompanied by guardians.

What to pack

Sunscreen, a parasol (in the summer), cash for gambling.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sweater (for indoor air conditioning)

Not allowed

Pets (except service dogs), glass bottles

Amenities

Free public restrooms in casinos

Address

The Las Vegas Strip runs along Las Vegas Boulevard South, bounded by McCarran Airport to the south and downtown and Fremont Street to the north. Much of it runs parallel with the Las Vegas Freeway (I-15).

Driving

Getting to the Strip by car is easy from other parts of Las Vegas and neighboring suburbs. If you drive, be aware that parking lots are massive and you may have to pay for parking.

Public transportation

The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip and has stations at many major casinos. The Deuce bus runs along the Strip around the clock.

Best times to visit

At night, when temperatures are cooler and the Strip is at its liveliest—and most illuminated.

Best days to visit

Plan a trip for a weekday to avoid big crowds and get better room rates, or come on a Friday or Saturday for the liveliest atmosphere.

Best months to visit

While summer is typically quieter, the trade-off is that temperatures can be brutally hot. Head in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for more pleasant weather conditions.

Special events

The Las Vegas Strip gets packed on New Year’s Eve and during the Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas 5k, 10k, and half-marathon run, held in February.