Situated in the arid basin of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada and one of the most visited destinations in the world. The city’s elaborate, vibrant casinos and booming entertainment industry bring people to town for shopping, shows, and fine dining, among other popular pastimes. While much of the city is identifiable by the millions of dazzling lights and iconic neon signs lighting up the night sky, Las Vegas is also known for its gorgeous natural wonders.

From parts of the city, you can take in the desert sand in varying shades of red, and the rocky mountainsides, which lend themselves to hiking, rock climbing, and biking. Lake Mead provides boating and fishing opportunities in the desert heat. And numerous golf courses, breweries, parks, and sporting arenas offer additional entertainment during a Vegas stay.

McCarran International Airport (LAS) is located in Paradise, Nevada, around ten minutes’ drive from the Las Vegas Strip and 20 minutes from downtown. With plenty of transportation options available, it is easy to navigate the city without a car, although car rentals are available at the airport and at several locations throughout the city. In addition to several shuttle services, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada provides public bus transportation for Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. The Centennial Express (CX) city bus is a cheap option for getting from the airport to downtown, with two stops along the way, one of which is the Strip. The Monorail is an elevated transportation system that provides public transportation for the Strip, running alongside its eastern side every few minutes. Taxis and ride-booking services are also popular modes of getting around town.

The hot desert subtropical climate of Las Vegas means scorching hot summers and pleasant autumn and spring temperatures. Winters here can get chilly, so you may want to bring a coat or jacket, but it’s uncommon to experience freezing temperatures. Las Vegas casinos and concert venues host events throughout the year. However, most of the happenings occur during the spring and autumn months, making it a pleasant time to stay in a Las Vegas villa. In September you’ll find a major music festival with carnival rides and food. In October, you can take in one of the area’s most popular food and wine festivals. And in April, a hard rock and metal music festival takes over downtown Vegas.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Approximately 30 kilometres west of Las Vegas lies the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area — Nevada’s first National Conservation Area. A one-way 21-kilometre scenic drive winds through the red-coloured mountain formations of Red Rock Canyon, and hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails allow you to experience the beauty of the desert up close. The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center features indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing native plants, such as banana yucca and beavertail cactus, and wildlife, including grey foxes, red-spotted toads, and other animal species in the area.

Las Vegas Boulevard

The Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as the Las Vegas Strip, is about 6.8 kilometres long and located just south of the actual Las Vegas city limits. This world-famous strip is where many iconic Las Vegas images stem from, with dancing fountains, bright neon signs, and lively casinos lining the road. Live entertainment can be found all year long here, with music, magic, and comedy shows among the most popular.

The Mob Museum

The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, commonly referred to as the Mob Museum, is located in downtown Las Vegas. The museum focuses on the history and impact that organized crime has had on American society through numerous informative and interactive exhibits, videos, and stories.