LAS VEGAS TRAVEL GUIDE: 13 Things to Know Before You Go

Summary

This video guide offers essential tips for navigating Las Vegas, from the high-quality buffet experiences at places like Bacchanal to drinking and smoking regulations across the city. It highlights the growing family-friendly attractions and advises on family-friendly hotels and activities, while warning about areas better suited for adults. The video also covers popular day trips such as the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Zion, and Death Valley, helping viewers plan well-rounded visits. Whether exploring buffets, managing budgets, or choosing the best activities for different age groups, the content ensures viewers make the most of their Vegas experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Buffets in Vegas, like the Bacchanal Buffet, offer high-quality food, with unique items like Portuguese egg tarts and roast pork.
• 🍽️ Pro tip: Limit yourself to one buffet per day to avoid overindulgence and discomfort.
• ⏳ Some buffets, such as Bacchanal, enforce a 90-minute time limit for reservations due to long wait times.
• 🍻 Drinks on the Strip are expensive, so buying from stores like CVS or ABC is a cheaper option.
• 🥤 Carry a plastic cup to avoid paying high prices for drinks at bars on the Strip.
• 🚬 Smoking is allowed in most areas of Vegas, but some places, like Park MGM, are entirely smoke-free.
• 🌿 Marijuana is legal in Vegas, but smoking it in public is not allowed and enforcement is minimal.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Vegas is becoming more family-friendly, with attractions like arcades, bowling alleys, and family-friendly pools at hotels.
• 🏊‍♂️ The Mandalay Bay pool, with its wave pool, is a great spot for kids.
• 🌆 Kids are allowed on casino floors but should avoid lingering there and should stay off the Strip after 9 PM due to rowdiness.
• 🚗 Popular day trips from Vegas include Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, and nearby national parks like Zion and Death Valley.

Q & A

What makes the food at Bacchanal buffet in Las Vegas stand out?

The food at Bacchanal is notably high quality, with items like roast pork from the Chinese section being described as better than most found in Los Angeles. The buffet is praised for not offering mass-produced food, but rather dishes that are tasty and well-prepared.

What is the recommended number of buffets to visit per day in Las Vegas?

It’s recommended to visit only one buffet per day. Eating more than that can lead to overeating, making it difficult to move around, and even causing discomfort, such as needing to adjust your pants.

What time limit is set for buffet reservations at Bacchanal?

When making reservations at Bacchanal, guests are given a time limit of 90 minutes to dine.

What is a recommended strategy for finding affordable drinks on the Las Vegas Strip?

To find more affordable drinks, it’s suggested to purchase them at stores like CVS, Walgreens, or ABC stores, which can be found throughout the Strip. These stores offer drinks at much lower prices compared to bars and restaurants.

What are some important considerations for non-smokers visiting Las Vegas?

Non-smokers should be aware that smoking is common in Las Vegas, especially in casinos, though many places are introducing non-smoking sections. There are also entirely non-smoking hotels like Park MGM, and marijuana is legal but not always enforced in public spaces.

Are children allowed in Las Vegas casinos?

Yes, children are allowed to pass through casinos, but they are not permitted to linger on the casino floor or engage in any gambling activities. Casinos do not allow minors to wander around unsupervised.

What are the best family-friendly pools in Las Vegas?

For families with children, the Mandalay Bay pool is highly recommended due to its large wave pool, which is particularly enjoyable for kids. Many resorts offer family-oriented pools in addition to more adult-focused pool areas.

Which Las Vegas hotels have policies excluding children?

Two hotels that are entirely adults-only are the Circa Hotel and the El Cortez. These establishments restrict entry to guests aged 21 and above, providing a child-free environment.

What are some of the most popular day trips to take from Las Vegas?

Popular day trips from Las Vegas include the Hoover Dam (45-minute drive), the Grand Canyon (up to 4 hours away), Zion National Park, and Death Valley National Park (both 2-3 hours away). These locations offer stunning natural scenery and are accessible for day trips.

Is Las Vegas a good family vacation destination?

Las Vegas is increasingly becoming family-friendly, with many resorts offering amenities for kids like arcades, bowling alleys, and wave pools. However, certain areas like Fremont Street can be rowdy, and it's advised to avoid these places if visiting with young children, especially after 9:00 PM.