Summer weekend in Las Vegas
How locals do summer in Las Vegas — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Las Vegas
Hoover Dam Day Trip
FamilyBoulder City
Engineering marvel and Lake Mead 45 minutes east.
Red Rock Canyon
OutdoorsWest Vegas
Sandstone cliffs and a 13-mile scenic drive 20 minutes from the Strip.
The Strip Walk
OutdoorsLas Vegas Boulevard
Free fountain shows at the Bellagio, volcanoes at the Mirage, sphere at night.
Fremont Street Experience
NightlifeDowntown
Old-Vegas pedestrian canopy with free concerts and zip-lines.
Where to eat
Carbone
$$$$Italian-American · ARIA
Spicy rigatoni vodka and table-side Caesar — book three weeks out.
Esther's Kitchen
$$$Italian · Arts District
Pasta and natural wine in the downtown Arts District — Vegas's hottest neighborhood.
Lotus of Siam
$$Thai · East Vegas
Strip-mall Thai with a James Beard award — get the Issan menu.
In-N-Out (off-Strip)
$Burgers · Multiple
Order animal-style at 2am after the show.
Joël Robuchon
$$$$French tasting · MGM Grand
Three Michelin stars — the city's most decorated restaurant.
Live & on stage
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
Las Vegas Motor Speedway · May 15–17 · Electronic
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Las Vegas Strip Circuit · Nov 19–21 · Racing
Las Vegas Strip Residencies
Caesars, MGM, Sphere · Year-round · Pop / Rock / Mixed
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: The Strip Walk, Red Rock Canyon, Fremont Street Experience. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Las Vegas and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.