Years ago, if you were to ask me to go to Sin City to unwind, I would have thought you were crazy!
Seriously!
As a matter of fact, I hated Vegas. With a passion.
As someone who isn’t a heavy drinker, gambler, or party until the sun comes up type of person, I felt as though that city had no place for me.
That’s until my last visit.
While on the brink of a serious burn out, I took a much needed road trip to Vegas a few weeks ago to catch up with my managing editor Kiah, and I ended up having one of the best times ever. I’ve been on a serious self-care kick lately and I had to first open my mind to the idea that Vegas could be relaxing….which was challenging. But it ended up being just what I needed to regroup, and re-energize so that I could increase productivity at work.
The trip was good to me, and on my last day I was thankful to snag a $95 Airbnb at the MGM Signature which put me away from the crowds, the gamblers and insanity on the strip (although I could see and hear how jumping the Wet Republic pool party was at the MGM grand.)
The highlight of the weekend was a 2-hour ATV Tour through the desert and it was absolutely exhilarating. Nothing else mattered during that 120 minutes as I jetted across the sand with the group, and I even challenged myself to hit the heels and slopes.
I’ve ridden ATV’s in Cabo and Dubai (it’s my favorite thing to do when traveling), but Vegas by far was the best experience. I plan to return again this year and try the scenic tour which is about 3 hours, and includes lunch as well as views of the Colorado River and Hoover Dam.
I’d like to mention that it was 77-80 degrees the entire weekend which is perfect Vegas weather. Most people flock to Vegas during the Summer months and the weather is normally over 100 degrees and stuffy. The best months to go for great weather are between March & May, and late early October -November.
Other awesome activities to experience in Vegas (other than turning up)
Helicopter tour of the Vegas Skyline (check groupon for deals — we used Skyline Helicopter Tours)
ATV Tours ( This is the one we did and I LOVED it. I’d check groupons for 2 for 1 deals. My only gripe with this company is the website says that they take cards, but I saw them pressuring people to pay in cash once they arrived — when companies do this I sometimes think the people on staff are pocketing the money or running scams )
A Discovery Tour Of The Hoover Dam (will pick up from your hotel)
Another option is Las Vegas Off Road Adventures ($99 a person, no hidden fees & They pick you up from your hotel — I haven’t tried this one but I’m sure it’s amazing)
Fountain of Bellagio Light Show (FREE)
Stratosphere Las Vegas
This is something I want to muster up the courage to do when I go back. The tower is the tallest free standing tower in the U.S and at the top, there is an observation deck, and rides that include bungy jumping off of the building (um…I love my life way too much) and an attraction called Insanity that dangles riders off of the side of the building. I saw this ride from afar and was literally gagging. It didn’t help that I found out the ride had a malfunction years ago which left riders hanging off of the building for over an hour.
Woot! Maybe one day.
The moral of this story is every travel experience is different and what you make it. Sometimes winging a trip is great, but when you have a list of things you want to do and accomplish, plan ahead of time, and budget…the experience will end up so much better.
What’s your favorite things to do, places to eat, etc in Vegas?
I might give Vegas a try in September when it’s cool so I can go atving! Thanks for the article
Try October. It’s still hot in September. I was born and raised here so I know.
Nice article!!
When you live here, you know about the oasis’ in this desert. It’s not all about the strip, drugs, and crime. There’s real people, community, art, and love
this is what I really wanna do for my bday….atv, zipline or parasailing… but it’s so hot in july
They just did this on real world go big or go home Nevada. It was the best real world ever
I really did like the heat when I was there. But that looks really cool and fun
I live here and I always have to tell visitors that’s not all we have. I don’t live on the strip or work in a casino.
So true I loved VEGAS can’t wait to go back
My turn up is when I’m having fun doing my thing. I guess everyone is different.
Yea I live in Vegas and people think I stay (and live) on the strip lol. So much more to do & see!
How is the job market?
Depends what your profession is.
I’m in healthcare and it is
Overall it’s not too hard finding a decent job out here.
I love Vegas. Didn’t really party but we walked up and down the strip and went to some shows. The High Roller observation Ferris wheel at The Linq was really nice.
I swear I’m taking the hubby ATV’ing next time I’m there. I haven’t strayed off the strip much, but even there you can choose from so many cool shows and experiences if clubbing isn’t your thing. A few year’s ago I saw Cirque du Soleil’s Ka show and went to Eli Roth’s Goritoreum and had a great time.
During one of my visits to Vegas I actually went to the Hoover Dam which was cool. There is definitely stuff to do off the strip.
This looks like a lot of fun!
Vegas is definitely a place to kick back, relax and unwind without all the fuss. It was one of the best trips that I have taken.. Seeing the mountains and the caps from a high rise in your own bedroom relaxing is an amazing experience… Great blog
For get the ATV. I want to ride HER
Same think with being from Miami. Tourist think Miami is only south beach but there’s sooooo much more to do and experience. I can’t wait to visit Vegas
Hmm my best friend has never been to Vegas. I’ve been too many times but have not done a helicopter ride, atv tour or hoover dam. It might be worth going next year.
vacay goals
Fav: getting lost in Paris. I use the amazing thrift store (I’m talking DIOR pant suits for like 50 Us kind of amazing) free’p’star as a starting point and just roam from there getting lunch at sidewalk cafes and eventually heading back to the subway to find my way back to my hotel.
Ugh….
That’s literally my kind of vacation! Gotta make Paris happen.
Sign me up for the ATVs!
I’m down for it all but that ride over the building and helicopters lol I’ll be down on the bottom waving to you guys lol
AAACE Adventures is THE BEST atv touring company in Vegas!!! I had the most amazing experience with them! You can check out their Facebook page and their website aaaceadventures.com or call them! (702) 600-1475
Now this, I’m about! The scenery & adventure – great way to spend coins instead of wasting them at the slot machine, lol!
The ATV tour is interesting but do they ever let you do your own thing or is it just driving behind the guide for 3 hours in a Straight line at 2mph?
There are soooo many great things to do in Vegas!! I love it!
Taking notes for when I go to Vegas lol
Oooh!! This is my type of trip!
Thank you for posting this I have always felt the same way about Vegas and now new discoveries have opened my mind to the idea of chillin in Vegas…What happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas…xoxo
Of course. I’m from there. So much to do besides the trip!!! A little bit of everything. You have to ask the locals
See there’s more to Vegas then drinking and gambling
I have yet to visit Las Vegas and you have definitely given me a completely different view and plan. Thanks so much for sharing all of your travel experiences! This looks like so much fun!