My Vegas weekend beyond the slot machines: neon signs at the Boneyard, a late-night slice at Secret Pizza, Northern Thai at Lotus of Siam, and a sunrise drive to Red Rock. These are the spots I send every friend heading to Las Vegas.
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I snap the classic photo at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign early in the morning before the line builds.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
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I time my evening walk so I catch a Bellagio fountain show from the lakefront railing.
Fountains of Bellagio
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I duck into the Bellagio Conservatory to see whatever giant seasonal flower display they've built this time.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
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I hunt down the unmarked hallway at the Cosmopolitan for a late-night slice at Secret Pizza.
Secret Pizza
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I book brunch at Thomas Keller's Bouchon at the Venetian for chicken and waffles by the pool garden.
Bouchon at The Venetian
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I grab a patio table at Mon Ami Gabi for steak frites with a front-row view of the Bellagio fountains.
Mon Ami Gabi
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I ride the High Roller observation wheel at sunset for the best view of the whole Strip lighting up.
High Roller
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I go hungry to the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars for crab legs, dim sum and way too many tiny desserts.
Bacchanal Buffet
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I end late nights in a neon-lit booth at the Peppermill, a 1972 diner with a fire pit lounge and huge portions.
Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge
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I line up at Tacos El Gordo for adobada tacos shaved right off the spit.
Tacos El Gordo
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I catch a show at the Sphere for the wraparound screen, and I still stop to watch the outside light up at night.
Sphere
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I lose a couple of hours exploring the secret doors behind the fake grocery store at Meow Wolf's Omega Mart.
Meow Wolf Las Vegas' Omega Mart
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I order the crispy rice salad and khao soi at Lotus of Siam, my favorite Northern Thai food in town.
Lotus of Siam
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I sit at the counter at Raku for charcoal-grilled skewers and housemade agedashi tofu after a long day on the Strip.
Raku
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I order a rum drink in a skull mug at the Golden Tiki, a dark, kitschy tiki bar open around the clock.
The Golden Tiki
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I reserve a red-leather booth at the Golden Steer, the 1958 steakhouse where the Rat Pack used to eat.
Golden Steer Steakhouse Las Vegas
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I hit Herbs & Rye for classic cocktails and their half-price steak happy hour.
Herbs and Rye
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I order the sourdough and a big bowl of pasta at Esther's Kitchen, my go-to dinner in the Arts District.
Esther's Kitchen
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I grab a creative cocktail on the patio at Velveteen Rabbit before wandering the Arts District murals.
Velveteen Rabbit
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I take the evening tour at the Neon Museum's Boneyard to see the old casino signs lit back up.
The Neon Museum Las Vegas
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I spend an afternoon at the Mob Museum, set in the old federal courthouse, and finish with a drink at the speakeasy downstairs.
The Mob Museum
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I walk under the Viva Vision canopy on Fremont Street for the light show, street performers and old-school casinos.
Fremont Street Experience
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I have a beer at Atomic Liquors, Las Vegas's oldest freestanding bar, where people once watched atomic tests from the roof.
Atomic Liquors
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I browse the little shops at Container Park and stop to watch the giant fire-breathing praying mantis out front.
Downtown Container Park
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I bring a pocket of quarters to the Pinball Hall of Fame and play machines going back decades.
Pinball Hall of Fame
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I walk the desert gardens and trails at the Springs Preserve, where Las Vegas got its start.
Springs Preserve
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I drive the scenic loop at Red Rock Canyon and hike Calico Tanks for red sandstone views just 30 minutes from the Strip.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
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I stop at Seven Magic Mountains on the way out of town for photos with the giant neon-painted boulder towers.
Seven Magic Mountains
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I walk across the top of Hoover Dam and up onto the bypass bridge for the dramatic view down Black Canyon.
Hoover Dam Visitor Center & Tours
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I make the day trip to Valley of Fire State Park for Fire Wave, petroglyphs and glowing red rock at sunset.
