The Strip is an internationally recognized stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard famous for hosting some of the largest resort hotels in the world. Originally developed in the 1940s with historic properties like the El Rancho Vegas and the Flamingo, the corridor evolved dramatically through the 1990s and 2000s into an opulent urban boulevard dominated by themed mega-resorts. Today, it combines high-stakes gaming, theatrical productions by companies like Cirque du Soleil, world-class nightlife, and retail centers.
Beyond the casino floors, the boulevard acts as an open-air spectacle featuring free outdoor performances, including the choreographed water dances of the Fountains of Bellagio, the Mirage volcano fire show legacy, and immersive LED canopies. Air-conditioned elevated walkways, pedestrian bridges, and transit networks help navigate the massive human traffic flow, connecting travelers directly from street level into multi-story shopping arcades and culinary corridors.
Reasons to Visit
- Experience the highest concentration of Michelin-starred chef restaurants in the United States.
- Witness world-famous free spectacles including the Bellagio Fountains and the Fall of Atlantis.
- Attend world-class residency concerts and theatrical stage productions.
- Shop luxury fashion flagship boutiques within climate-controlled shopping promenades.
- Enjoy year-round luxury pool clubs and multi-tier dayclub parties.
Things to Avoid
- Avoid walking across multi-lane boulevard traffic at street level; always use designated pedestrian overhead bridges.
- Do not accept costumed character photo offers without agreeing on a tip amount beforehand to avoid confrontations.
- Avoid taking unmetered or independent private cars outside hotel taxi stands without verified digital rideshare apps.
- Do not underestimate walking distances; adjacent hotel towers can be up to a twenty-minute walk apart through large gaming floors.
Local Transportation Tips
Navigating The Strip efficiently combines walking with public transit and resort tram networks. The RTC Deuce double-decker bus operates 24 hours daily along Las Vegas Boulevard, stopping outside major resorts. On the east side of the boulevard, the Las Vegas Monorail connects MGM Grand north to the SAHARA Las Vegas. On the west side, complimentary electric trams connect Mandalay Bay to Excalibur, Park MGM to Bellagio, and The Mirage to Treasure Island. Taxis queue at every resort porte-cochère, while rideshare pickups operate out of dedicated parking garage stations.
Travel Etiquette
- Tip standard hospitality rates: $1-$2 per drink to casino cocktail servers, $2-$5 per bag for bellhops, and 18-20% at restaurants.
- Refrain from taking photographs or recording video directly over active gaming tables.
- Adhere to resort pool and nightclub dress codes, which generally disallow athletic jerseys and baggy workwear.
- Step aside onto casino promenade walkways rather than halting abruptly in pedestrian traffic channels.
Recommended Age Group
The Strip caters primarily to mature travelers seeking dining, entertainment, and nightlife, while selective family offerings exist.
- Babies (0-2 years): Not Recommended. Heavy pedestrian crowds, high sensory stimulation, cigarette smoke in gaming areas, and high summer heat create significant logistical barriers.
- Kids (3-12 years): Neutral. Select attractions like the Shark Reef Aquarium, Adventuredome, and Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. appeal to kids, though navigating through adult-centric casino spaces is necessary.
- Teens (13-19 years): Neutral. Thrill rides atop The STRAT, expansive retail malls, and immersive digital exhibits provide entertainment, though evening options are strictly age-restricted.
- Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. The corridor is custom-built for adults with endless dining, premier nightlife, casino gaming, luxury spas, and world-class live entertainment.
- Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Abundant accessibility options, fine dining, resident nostalgia shows, and comfortable resort environments make it attractive, provided walking stamina is accommodated.
Accessibility Level: Accessible Accommodations
- Pedestrian street crossings feature heavy-duty public elevators and escalators to elevated walkways.
- Most resort properties feature flat, step-free casino floor layouts and zero-threshold entrance doors.
- Electric mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs are widely available for daily rental throughout The Strip.
- The RTC Deuce bus fleet offers roll-on wheelchair ramps and automated stop announcements.
Did You Know?
The Strip is technically not located within the actual city limits of Las Vegas; the majority of the corridor sits in the unincorporated township of Paradise, Nevada.
Cool Statistics
- More than 30 of the world's 50 largest hotels by room count are located along The Strip.
- The corridor hosts over 40 million visitors annually from across the globe.
- The Bellagio Fountains feature more than 1,200 individual water nozzles shooting water up to 460 feet high.
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