15 hours in Las Vegas!

Our trip to Las Vegas was full of surprises. Much like Los Angeles, I expected Vegas to feel “bigger” – with taller buildings and more of them lining The Strip. To my surprise, The Strip wasn’t as long or as towering as I had imagined, but it was still a sight to behold. With just 15 hours in Las Vegas, we wanted to share with you how we spent it just in case you find yourself in a similar situation as well!

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Driving The Strip by Day

We felt unexpectedly comfortable driving along The Strip during the day. It wasn’t as chaotic or overwhelming as we’d anticipated, perhaps because we had already adjusted to driving on the “wrong” (right-hand) side of the road after weeks of travel.

Cruising down The Strip was an experience in itself, with a fascinating mix of global landmarks and themes to take in. The kids were thrilled to spot the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, having visited the real one just a few years ago. Meanwhile, Geoff and I kept our eyes peeled for the iconic Bellagio Hotel, being fans of the Ocean’s movies.

Exploring Vegas by night

At night, The Strip came alive, buzzing with energy and dazzling lights. Driving was less appealing with the heavier traffic and scarce parking, so we opted for an Uber. Although convenient, rides weren’t as easy to find as we’d expected, and they were pricey – $20 USD for a mere 2-mile trip! It was worth it, though, as the kids were too tired to walk, and keeping the peace made for a smoother evening.

We headed to a shopping complex opposite the Bellagio Hotel and enjoyed a Mexican dinner. While it was easy to get a table, the noise level was overwhelming. Starting outside, we quickly moved indoors, which was slightly quieter but still a sensory overload, especially for one of our kids who has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

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The Bellagio: Fountains and Floral Displays

After dinner, we crossed the street to the Bellagio Hotel to watch the famous water fountain show. The synchronised display was captivating and a highlight for the entire family. From there, we wandered into the Bellagio’s lobby to see their current garden exhibit, themed around China. The intricate details and vibrant colours were truly impressive.

A High-Tech Ride to End the Night

To wrap up our evening, we called for an Uber from the Bellagio’s designated pick-up point- a seamless process compared to earlier in the night. We lucked out with a Tesla that featured self-driving capabilities. While the driver was present, watching the car navigate on its own was both fascinating and slightly unnerving.

Las Vegas offered us a unique mix of glitz, culture, and unexpected comfort, making it a memorable stop to conclude our two week road trip. Whether it’s day or night, The Strip is a destination that offers something for everyone – even if it’s not quite what you imagined.

Stay at Circus Circus, Las Vegas

During our time in Las Vegas, we stayed at Circus Circus, a budget-friendly hotel that we chose for its proximity to The Strip, its swimming pool (though the waterpark was closed for the season), and its affordable rates. While the hotel itself was quite dated and could definitely use an upgrade, it served its purpose perfectly for our short stay.

Circus Circus is a hub of family-friendly entertainment, offering a range of attractions right on-site. From live circus performances and an indoor theme park to arcade games, restaurants, and even a casino, it’s a one-stop shop for families exploring Vegas. For added novelty, it even features a wedding chapel! While not the most modern accommodation, Circus Circus provided a convenient and fun base for our Las Vegas adventure with kids.

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