Distance:
5 miles, along the Las Vegas Strip
Highlights:
Where else in the world can you spin in a circle and see a pyramid with a sphinx, a fairy tale castle, and the Statue of Liberty all at once?
The official Las Vegas Strip is 4.2 miles long. To make it a fairly even five miles, we’ll go just beyond the limits and start at the Pinball Hall of Fame on the south side. Then, we’ll head north and end just a few blocks past the STRAT Tower to celebrate at Able Baker Brewing.
Starting Line:
Alongside Harry Reid International Airport, the Pinball Hall of Fame is also conveniently located next to the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign. While you wait in line for a photo, feel the rumble from the exhausts of all the private jets and helicopters.
The Pinball Hall of Fame is free to visit, and its 25,000 square foot space houses the world’s largest pinball collection.
Route:
Out of the Pinball Hall of Fame parking lot, make a right on South Las Vegas Boulevard. That’s it. You’re now on the Strip and will be staying straight for the next five miles.
In the next lot on your right is the Little Church of the West Wedding Chapel. Having opened in 1943, it’s thought to be the oldest structure standing on the Strip. It was also featured in the Elvis movie “Viva Las Vegas.”
The first major resort you’ll pass on your left is Mandalay Bay with its shark reef aquarium. Next, also on your left, will be the Egyptian-themed Luxor Hotel & Casino followed by the castle of Excalibur. All three share ownership and are connected via an aerial tram. The sheer scale of Vegas is mind-boggling; having really only passed three hotels, we’ve already gone a mile.
At Tropicana Avenue, cross the street. Say hi to MGM’s Leo the Lion and then cross over South Las Vegas Boulevard to the north west corner of the intersection. You’ll be next to the Statue of Liberty replica at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. It’s so realistic looking that it was even mistakingly used on a USPS stamp in 2010.
Continue up South Las Vegas Boulevard until you reach the pedestrian overpass at West Aria Place. Unexpectedly, there’s a giant typewriter eraser on the path. Part of the ARIA Fine Art Collection, it’s a piece by Claes Oldenburg. Officially titled “Scale X,” there’s another model of the sculpture at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.
Across the boulevard, at its intersection with East Harmon Avenue, make sure to check out the Taco Bell (of all things). One of the chain’s Cantina locations, it also offers weddings. Phrases no one ever thought they’d hear: “Custom Taco Bell wedding merchandise” or “Taco Bell Sauce Packet bouquet.” No judgment.
For infinitely better tacos, keep heading north on South Las Vegas Boulevard. You’ll pass Paris on your right and the Bellagio Fountain on your left. You’ll also pass the Trevi Fountain at Caesars Palace on your left and the gondolas of the Venetian on your right. Across the street from the Venetian are the ships of Treasure Island. Unfortunately, after 20 years, the daily pirate battles ended in 2013 and the ships now remain docked safely in the lagoon.
Continue up South Las Vegas Boulevard for about another mile. Just before the intersection with Convention Center Drive, Tacos El Gordo will be in the strip mall on your right. On theme for Vegas, Tacos El Gordo provides dinner with a show. It’s extremely confusing, with disparate lines weaving throughout the crowded space. This article explains the ordering process well and offers some helpful advice. Or, just wing it and pick a line. You can’t go wrong.
Now on the northern end of the Strip, the spectacle thins—there aren’t any more replica cities or themed attractions (ok, except for Circus Circus, but I can’t in good conscience recommend visiting such a depressing place). Instead, in the expanse before Fremont Street, there’s a sprinkling of “Old Vegas.” On your right will be the Peppermill and Fireside Lounge, and then you’ll cross over Elvis Presley Boulevard. Just past West Sahara Avenue, the Golden Steer Steakhouse will be on your left. In front of you, the STRAT is impossible to miss. It’s the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.
Finish Line:
Just past the STRAT, veer left onto South Main Street. Able Baker Brewing will be on your left in two blocks. Somehow, in addition to pirate ships and replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building, Las Vegas is also home to a world-class brewery. From hoppy IPAs to an Elvis-inspired bourbon barrel aged peanut butter banana imperial stout, there isn’t even a mediocre beer on the menu. They’re all excellent. Plus, they also serve delicious food from their Arts District Kitchen. Grab a seat outside, check out their happy hour menu, and definitely order the crispy cauliflower. You’ve earned it.
