7 minute read
NEIGHBORHOODS
Explore Las Vegas
NEIGHBORHOODS
When people think of Las Vegas, they immediately conjure up images of the glittering Strip, with its towering casinos and eye-catching landmarks such as the Pyramid at Luxor and the Fountains of Bellagio. But beyond the neon lights and over-the-top glitz, you’ll find a broad spectrum of distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own draw: hip restaurants, laid-back bars, locally owned boutiques and yes, even outdoor adventures. Go ahead—venture off Las Vegas Boulevard, and start exploring these locals’ hangouts.
Fremont Street Experience
DOWNTOWN
An energetic mix of rich history, cuttingedge culinary trends and lively nightlife venues, Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) artfully blends past and present just minutes from The Strip.
Fremont Street Experience More than 22 million visitors a year are mesmerized by the Viva Vision light shows on the gigantic LED-equipped video screen that makes up the domed ceiling of the Fremont Street Experience’s famed pedestrian walkway. Recently undergoing a $32 million upgrade, the world’s largest video screen boasts 16.4 million pixels, making this upgraded canopy like nothing you’ve seen.
Fremont East The Fremont East District hosts a bounty of intriguing places to eat and drink. Go to trendy Park on Fremont for gastropub fare such as gourmet burgers, mac and cheese balls and bourbon sticky ribs. Sip classy cocktails at The Laundry Room speakeasy, and sit on the patio at Oak & Ivy while sipping a barrel-aged cocktail. Eat & Drink Foodies will delight in Downtown Las Vegas’ vast selection of restaurants and cuisines. For casino-hotel hotspots, snag a table at Golden Nugget’s Chart House for fresh seafood of all kinds or indulge in the bone-in ribeye at Redwood Steakhouse at California Hotel & Casino. Oscar’s Steakhouse inside The Plaza Hotel & Casino is known for its vintage Vegas vibe and meat-centric menu. If off-the-beaten-path is more your scene, Le Thai churns out colorful curries and authentic noodle dishes, while eat. is a must for sweet and savory brunch dishes. For cocktails, toast the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino’s long history at the 1920s-themed Bar Prohibition! or grab a casual cocktail at Longbar at the D Las Vegas. At Backyard Playground at Gold Spike, adults can pair libations with oversized versions of classic games like chess and Jenga.
Downtown Container Park Repurposed shipping containers house boutiques, art galleries and eateries at this stroll-worthy locale. Feeling hungry? Grab some grub at one of the handful of eateries at the Downtown Container Park. From avocado toast to chicken wings to the grilled chicken BLT, Downtown Terrace will satisfy any appetite. Dig into tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare at Pinches Tacos. Then, try a variety of gelato flavors piled high in Hong Kong-style egg waffles at Waffelato. Shop local fashions at Sassy the Boutique and catch an immersive flick at The Dome, a 360-degree entertainment experience.
Museums A guided tour of The Neon Museum’s Neon Boneyard takes visitors through an iconic collection of Las Vegas signs from the 1930s to the present day. Meanwhile, experience what it’s like to be in a police lineup and find out why Las Vegas was once an enticing home for mobsters at The Mob Museum, featuring an interactive look at how organized crime has impacted American and world history. While you’re here, take a guided tour of The Underground speakeasy and distillery to learn more about the Prohibition era, as well as how the distillation process works. (And yes, the tour ends with a tasting of the house-made spirits, including moonshine.)
Pub Crawl Prefer to imbibe in an organized fashion? Vegas Pub Crawler offers customized party bike drinking tours for groups, with stops at favorite downtown bars.
Explore Las Vegas Neighborhoods
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
CHINATOWN
Just a few minutes west of The Strip, discover an assemblage of Asian cultures as you explore authentic eateries and mom-and-pop businesses concentrated around Spring Mountain Road.
Take in the Tang Dynasty architecture at the entryway of Chinatown Plaza, a strip mall where you can shop high-end Korean beauty products, browse Asian arts and crafts and indulge in Chinese cakes and baked goods.
Ready to taste your way through Asia? Although this neighborhood is known as Chinatown, you’ll find all manner of culinary specialties from across the continent: super-spicy Sichuan dishes at Chengdu Taste, simmering Chinese hot pot at Chubby Cattle, Korean barbecue at Hwaro, Japanese noodle dishes at Monta Ramen and Japanese small plates and sushi at Raku. At night, gather some friends and rent a private karaoke room at J Karaoke Bar, or kick back and sip on a craft cocktail at Sparrow + Wolf.
ARTS DISTRICT
A colorful mash-up of art galleries, vintage stores, low-key bars and indie eateries, the Arts District is clustered around Main Street and Charleston Boulevard, offering a quirky, off-the-beaten-path experience between The Strip and Downtown.
Start your day with a Cuban espresso and braised chipotle chicken Benedict at the Latin American-inspired Makers & Finders Coffee, or grab an avocado-loaded tartine and pour-over coffee at Vesta Coffee Roasters. At The Arts Factory, peruse the artist studios and galleries on First Fridays, when the space buzzes with music, special events and festival-goers. When hunger strikes, handmade pastas and sourdoughcrust pizzas are sure to satisfy at Esther’s Kitchen, while Casa Don Juan is a favorite for authentic Mexican food paired with margaritas. Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss the innovative brews (everything from IPAs to fruit sours) at Hop Nuts Brewing.
NORTH LAS VEGAS
Head 30 minutes north of The Strip, home to low-key casinos, speedway thrills and the Nellis Air Force Base.
Hear racecars roar past at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, home to NASCAR and NHRA races. Or, drive around the track yourself in an exotic supercar with Dream Racing. Afterward, enjoy authentic tacos, tortas and seafood dishes at Viva Zapata’s! Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, or go for a prime New York steak and lobster tail at The Charcoal Room inside Santa Fe Station Hotel Casino. At night, make your way to the Cannery Casino Hotel for plenty of nighttime entertainment, from tribute bands and bigname performers at The Club to movies at Galaxy Luxury + Theater. Then, fin d luxurious lodging with plush amenities at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa.
Henderson
GREEN VALLEY/ HENDERSON
About 20 minutes southeast of The Strip, the city of Henderson is a sprawling suburb of Las Vegas, with upscale restaurants and nightlife— without the pretension.
For entertainment, drop by low-key “locals” casinos such as M Resort Spa Casino and Sunset Station Hotel & Casino, or spend some time at the Mediterranean-inspired
Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa & Casino:
a 24/7 hub of entertainment, dining and nightlife. Watch a concert or show at the Grand Events Center or catch a 3D movie at Regal Cinemas. The resort’s Borracha Mexican Cantina serves up specialty tequilas and gourmet street tacos, while Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca pairs rustic Italian fare with a solid wine list. Outside, palms sway at The District at Green Valley Ranch, where you’ll find an open-air promenade of boutiques and national retailers, including Athleta and Anthropologie. For more local hidden gems, venture off-the-beaten-path for the succulent miso pork belly burger at Asian-fusion spot Served or the indulgent brunch dishes (like the Nutella French toast or chorizo omelet) at Kitchen Table.
SUMMERLIN
Mingle with locals and take advantage of year-round golfing, spas and shopping at this upscale neighborhood just 30 minutes west of The Strip.
At Tivoli Village, shop local boutiques such as Jeff White Custom Jewelry and Hub Modern Home + Gift. For big-name brands from Lululemon to Banana Republic, stroll the palm tree-lined walkways at Downtown Summerlin. For dining with a nightlife vibe, eat dinner at Downtown Summerlin’s Asian fusion hotspot, Jing, where the menu touts upscale options such as wagyu beef seared tableside on a hot rock, king crab tempura, sashimi and wok-fried dishes. If relaxation is on your list, book a stay at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa. Nearby, hike through brilliant red rock formations at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, then kick back and relax at one of the many restaurants and lounges at Red Rock
