With its glittering skyline, hedonistic pursuits and 24/7 action, Las Vegas may seem an unusual choice for a honeymoon destination. But, it’s not all bright lights and big nights; this desert resort city is surrounded by spectacular landscapes, plus offers exciting outdoor activities and fantastic food.
If you and your love are planning to honeymoon in the United States, a quick stop in Vegas could be the perfect contrast to the other cities on your itinerary.
So set aside 48 hours and set your watch to Vegas time – you’re going to the desert! Here are our top tips on how to spend your precious time in Nevada.
Wander the strip
As soon as you arrive it’s time to hit the strip! Part of the fun of Las Vegas is strolling along the sidewalk and seeing the wild and wacky street performers, marvelling at the elaborate (and often outrageous!) hotel décor, discovering the incredible shopping options and enjoying great meals.
Peruse the malls at Caesar’s Palace, devour a burger at Gordon Ramsay BurGR within Planet Hollywood, and make the obligatory stop at the Bellagio to watch the choreographed fountains erupt into life.
Come nightfall, see the city skyline light up like a neon aurora and drop in to The Chandelier – a celestial three-tiered lounge nestled within The Cosmopolitan Hotel – for a cheeky cocktail or two.
See a world wonder
A Vegas stopover is not complete without an expedition to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, just beyond the border in Arizona. This natural wonder is best seen from the air and Sundance Helicopters has a number of touring options departing from Las Vegas to suit your time and style. For the best in viewing, time your flight for sunset.
You and your love will enjoy a fully narrated flight from the strip, across the Mojave Desert, past the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and along the Colorado River before touching down inside the canyon, just when the canyon colours are at their richest. Upon landing you’ll enjoy a light picnic dinner and have plenty of photo taking time, before hopping back in the helicopter for the ride home as the sun sets – an unforgettable experience.
Hit the track
Rev up the romance, so to speak, with a lap or two in a seriously sexy supercar at Exotics Racing, located at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This is quintessential Vegas fun and even if you and your partner aren’t car enthusiasts, it’s difficult not to be seduced by Exotics Racing’s epic lineup of racing machines: think Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Corvette.
You can opt to drive yourself (under expert supervision) or be taken for a spin with a professional driver and enjoy a thrilling drifting experience – a real adrenaline buzz!
Take in a show
You simply cannot stay in Vegas without seeing a show! With multiple concerts, circus acts, stand up comedies, magic shows and musicals showing at most hotels on the strip, there is no shortage of options. Depending on what you want to see, it could be advisable to book in advance before you leave home, particularly if you are short on time. However, spontaneity is also part of the fun and you can often snare last minute tickets for fantastic prices a few hours before curtain call at one of the street ticket vendors.
A good tip is to allow plenty of time to arrive at the show venue, even if it’s at a hotel a few doors down from yours. You will quickly learn that walking in Vegas (and even crossing the road!) takes an inordinate amount of time (as does navigating through the hotel foyers) so set off extra early.
Fall in love with landscapes
Beyond the concrete metropolis is an arid wilderness well worth discovering. Pink Jeep Tours takes intrepid holidaymakers on once-in-a-lifetime off-road adventures. Book into the Valley of the Fire Tour and enjoy six hours exploring the oldest and largest state park in Nevada. During the journey, you’ll encounter ancient rock formations, petrified trees, unusual flora, petroglyphs and dreamy sandscapes and learn more about this intriguing part of the world along the way. A must-do for nature lovers, this tour includes stops to admire natural highlights like the Elephant Rock, White Dome and Rainbow Vista – so there are lots of incredible photo opportunities too!
Image via Pink Jeep Tours
Ms Chinoiserie Says: A honeymoon stopover in the Entertainment Capital of the World is not to be missed – open 24/7, there’s so much to see and do!
About Anika: I’m a freelance writer with a love of weddings and creatively styled events. I have a penchant for pretty stationery and perfectly put together cheese plates, and a never-ending sense of wanderlust!
Join the conversation