From highly ‘grammable restaurants, to swanky suites and awe-inspiring shows, these Vegas experiences will all be a hit no matter what you’re in town to celebrate.
Las Vegas will always be an “it” spot in the U.S., well-known for its nightlife and casinos, but there is so much more the city has to offer that goes underlooked. Believe it or not, Vegas has some of the best restaurants in the country, some of the most memorable shows, and unique only-in-Vegas experiences that make for the perfect celebratory adventure, be it a birthday, bachelorette party, or dare we say…a quickie wedding!
We’ve compiled a list full of places to sleep, to dine – everything you need to have an amazing celebratory weekend in Sin City during these (still) unprecedented times.
A few things to keep in mind: Las Vegas has an indoor mask mandate, reservations are required for just about everything, and be sure to book as far in advance as possible. All hotels listed have a daily resort fee that is added to the base price of the room, and it pays to stay in a resort that has restaurants or shows you plan on attending. Weekdays are less expensive and less crowded, and pool parties and nightclubs are still packed with long wait times and up-close mingling.
Go Glam at Encore Resort
Luxury, sophistication, and elegance are three words to describe the Encore Resort at Wynn Las Vegas. Connected to sister resort, Wynn Las Vegas, Encore is home to Encore Theater (where celebrities such as Beyonce have performed), Encore Beach Club, and XS Nightclub. Go for the amazing retail options like Chanel and Golden Goose and stay for the lavish dining experiences. The guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, separate living, and sleeping areas (making them incredibly spacious), and include a plush sofa, work desk, and Amazon Alexa. A bonus is the bedside console, which gives guests control over lightning, cleaning, and privacy settings, as well as blackout shades. Included in your booking, guests will receive in-room Wi-Fi for up to four devices, access to the fitness center for up to two people, access to resort pools and sundecks, and complimentary parking.
Enjoy Dinner and a Show at The Mayfair Supper Club
Located inside of the Bellagio, the phenomenal experience at The Mayfair Supper Club is inspired by supper clubs around the world. The Mayfair is more than just a restaurant, it’s a treat for every sense. With spectacular vocal, instrumental, and dancing performances, quirky food presentations, and flavors for every palate, guests will find this to be a high-energy, fully immersive dinner and show experience. Save room for “The Cigar” dessert which is a sweet, unique surprise. Reserve your experience in advance and book a stage-front table or a waterfront table overlooking the world-renowned Bellagio fountain show. Mayfair is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and the performance varies depending on times and days of the week.
Rejuvenate at Venetian Canyon Ranch
At Canyon Ranch Spa, inside The Venetian Resort, guests can choose from over 150 services in one of the world’s largest day spas. From ritual baths, body scrubs, facials, massages, body wraps, and treatments from the East, a relaxing experience can be had by any type of spa-goer. We recommend the 50-minute cocoon body wrap, an experience that begins with a gentle exfoliation followed by a soothing body treatment while closing your eyes in a cocoon envelopment bed. Spa guests also have access to nine experiential rooms: the crystal steam room, experiential rain room, Finnish sauna, herbal laconium room (a kind of dry sauna), hydro spa, igloo room, salt grotto (co-ed), the conservatory (co-ed), and the wave room (co-ed). Follow the spa’s recommended room sequence to maximize relaxation, energy, and stress relief. Access to the rooms is complimentary with certain services and day passes can be purchased without a booked service for hotel and non-hotel guests.
Travel to Taiwan (Sans Passport!) at Din Tai Fung
The extensive menu at Din Tai Fung can be intimidating, but the good news is that you really can’t go wrong with any dish. The offerings include a wide variety of dumplings, noodle, soup, fried rice, and bun options. And unlike many Taiwanese restaurants, Din Tai Fung offers plenty of choices for vegans and vegetarians. One of the interesting features of the restaurant is the glassed-in kitchen at the entrance which offers an insightful look at how dumplings are made. Din Tai Fung is located inside of ARIA and is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday. The dress code is casual, and reservations are highly recommended.
Enjoy Nature (Sort of) at Park MGM
Step into what truly feels like a park at Park MGM. Green décor, plants galore, wall murals depicting park scenes, and large tree branches attached to the ceiling of the lobby make guests feel as though they just stepped into a nature-filled oasis. Park MGM prides itself in being the first smoke-free casino resort on the Strip, mimicking the fresh air at parks. Not only does the hotel have seven restaurants, a spa, three pools, and a sportsbook, guests also have access to one of the most exclusive golf courses in Vegas, Shadow Creek. The Park’s Dolby Live hosts concerts and shows by the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Dog owners rejoice because Park MGM has specific dog-friendly rooms (for a fee) complete with a special Fido menu and a pet relief area. The best part about the hotel is that it’s more modest in size compared to other hotels on the Strip, making for easy in-and-out access to taxis and rideshares.
Splurge at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Michael Mina’s splendor is tucked away in an unassuming corner of the Bellagio. Nothing short of outstanding, the seafood-centric menu offers items sourced from France, the Mediterranean, and Japan. The tasting menus do not disappoint, with favorite dishes being the caviar parfait, lobster pot pie, and the potato gnocchi with glazed king crab. Vegetarians can let out a sigh of relief because the restaurant also offers a vegetarian tasting menu. Savory dishes aside, the plated presentations are impressive on their own. The attire is elegant and dressy for women and collared shirts or polos for men. Michael Mina is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
Drive Bulldozers on a Supersized Playground
Call us crazy, but this is exactly what it sounds like! At Dig This Vegas, choose between a variety of climate-controlled machines such as a Caterpillar bulldozer, skid steer, and excavator. Examples of exercises include building huge mounds, stacking 2,000-pound tires, digging trenches, and more. Each session begins with an overview of safety procedures, followed by a breathalyzer test and a hardhat and yellow vest fitting. After brief training, while in the machine, daredevils will begin a set of warm-up exercises followed by a series of games and then free time. Participants are always connected via a headset to instructors.
Have a Fabulous Meal at Zuma
At Zuma, everything is about the experience. The décor integrates natural materials, the sushi counter is made of tree trunks from Thailand, the presentation of dishes is pleasing to the eye, and the food is mouth-watering. A wide selection of stylish dishes are served throughout the entire meal and are meant to be shared. Although the restaurant is influenced by Japanese izakaya, some savories encountered at Zuma are more flavor-forward than traditional Japanese cuisine. For an unforgettable experience, order the chef’s tasting menu. Zuma is located inside of the Cosmopolitan and is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. The dress code is smart casual.
Be Mesmerized at “O” by Cirque du Soleil
“O” by Cirque du Soleil blends surrealism, romance, and aquatics to birth a mesmerizing performance. Phonetically speaking, “O” is the French word for water, which is fitting as the cast of acrobats, trapeze artists, contortionists, synchronized swimmers, and high divers perform in, on, and above (we’re talking 60 feet above) a 1.5-million-gallon pool. It’s unbelievable to think all of this takes place in a 14th-century European-style opera house that was custom designed to meet the rare demands of the show. Tickets are available for purchase online 120 days in advance of the performance date.
Snap an Instagram at CATCH Restaurant
At CATCH, it’s not just about the food, it’s also about the entire design. Between the neon lights that welcome you inside, the arched trellis walkway entrance, and the olive tree in the center of the restaurant, diners are awed before even taking a seat. Popular dishes include the truffle sashimi with tuna hamachi, chili oil, ponzu, caviar, and black truffle and the A5 Japanese Miyazaki wagyu with yuzu soy, garlic oil, Maldon sea salt, sesame cooked table-side on a hot stone. Order one of their whimsical desserts, and for once, foodies will be able to play with their food and eat it too. CATCH is located inside of ARIA and is open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and dinner Monday through Sunday. The dress code is smart casual (think of all the photos ops here) and online reservations can be made online.
Learn About the History of the Mob
The Mob Museum, also known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, offers a look at America’s history of organized crime through artifacts and immersive exhibits. Interactive experiences include the crime lab where visitors explore the work of those who determine how a crime was committed (i.e., forensic scientists, fingerprint analysts, DNA profilers, and medical examiners) and firearm training simulator where a trainer will lead guests through the video training and live role-playing scenarios. The museum is open daily and tickets can be purchased online for all exhibits and interactive experiences.
Feel Swanky at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmo is one of the chicest hotels in Las Vegas. With its super sexy lobby, scene-y aura, and provocative artwork, guests enter wondering what mischief can be had during their stay. Enter the hotel from the valet entrance and visitors will be greeted by columns with video art installations. Continue through the lobby and casino and guests will find themselves staring at The Cosmo’s infamous, massive chandelier that has three levels of bars inside.
Note: There are a variety of types of rooms from ones with open-air terraces (a rarity on the Strip) to rooms with deep soaking tubs. If one thing is consistent though, it’s that all the rooms have a clean-edged design. Be sure to check out all the room options on their website when booking. The Cosmo is also dog friendly with daycare facilities, dog runs, and gift boxes for pooches. Bookings can be made on The Cosmopolitan’s website.
Have a Garden Party at Primrose
Head to Primrose’s enchanting outdoor patio call for a garden party. This French-style restaurant is perfect for breakfast and brunch. Musts from the menu include the avocado toast with a soft-poached egg, sunflower seeds, and radishes and the brioche French toast with cinnamon crust, whipped cream (with an option to add chocolate sauce, blueberry compote, or apple butter). Primrose is located inside of Park MGM and is open for breakfast and brunch Monday through Sunday. The lounge offers cocktails and small bites Friday through Sunday from 2 until 8 pm. The dress code is casual and reservations can be made online.
Drive off-the-Beaten Path
With Unchartered Society, adventurers can literally travel off-the-beaten path on an off-road escapade. Thrill-seekers will follow highly trained guides through 15,000 acres of Nevada desert…only minutes from the Strip. From sand dunes to rock climbs, this two-hour experience for novices gives a glimpse at all that Nevada terrain has to offer. Riders may even encounter desert creatures such as jackrabbits and roadrunners. It is recommended to wear long pants and no open-toed shoes are allowed. Adventures can be booked online.
Go on a Wild West Adventure
Travelers can go on a true western adventure through rugged, scenic landscape just 45 minutes outside Las Vegas with Wild West Horseback Adventures. Horseback ride into the sunset across desert trails carved out by wild mustangs, river washes, and Indigenous peoples to catch a glimpse of what was once enjoyed by cowboys and pioneers. Riders may even hear a coyote while riding. Dinner is included on this sunset horseback excursion. The company offers hotel pickups and drop-offs and the experience lasts approximately five hours. Guests are required to wear close-toed shoes and long pants; sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. Tours can be booked online.
Have a Date at Mizumi
Mizumi, the ultimate date night spot in Las Vegas, exudes romance. The food is delicate, and the sake list is impressive. The restaurant offers a Teppanyaki Omakase menu, in addition to à la carte options. But let’s discuss what’s truly breathtaking about this place: the scene. Mizumi has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a Japanese garden, a koi pond, and a 90-foot waterfall. Couples looking to take their relationship to the next level should reserve a seat on the outdoor floating pagoda with a front-row view of the waterfall. Vegan options are available as well. Mizumi, located inside of the Wynn, has a business casual dress code and is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Reserve your table online.
