Of course, The Strip in Las Vegas, NV, is the most well-known street worldwide. The 4.2-mile area is filled with resorts, casinos, and entertainment spots, growing brighter as you go and fading at either end. Millions of visitors flock to The Strip each year with the promise of excitement, luxury, and entertainment. From the neon lights to world-class shows, it embodies the spirit of Las Vegas.
History
The history of the Strip started in the 1940s. Before that, downtown Las Vegas was central to the city’s entertainment. The story of The Strip we know today began with the opening of El Rancho Vegas in 1941. At the time, it was outside the city limits; once this Resort opened its doors, scores of new construction projects would follow. As decades passed, The Strip shifted focus from a group of small hotels to a lively focal amusement locale.
It had famous resorts like the Flamingo, established by Mobster Bugsy Siegel, during the 1950s. It was the heyday of Las Vegas, and moneyed folks with high rollers and celebrities came to town. In the 1990s, mega-resorts like The Bellagio and The Venetian emerged, offering luxury amenities such as shopping and dining alongside casino and lodging services. These were destination places, not mere gambling houses.
Nowadays, The Strip is the very definition of luxury and entertainment. It tells the story of Las Vegas’ transformation from a gambling town into a worldwide entertainment city.
Structure
The Strip is more than a casino-lined street. This entertainment zone features mega-resorts, high-end shopping, top-notch dining, and premier theaters. Each Resort is a spectacle in its own right, many with their unique theme. The Venetian, for instance, recreates Venice with canals and gondola rides; The Paris Las Vegas is complete with a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
The Strip is well connected with pedestrian walkways, overpasses, and escalators, so you can quickly end up walking the whole length of The Strip on foot. Enormous LCDs shine across to create beautiful compositions, especially by night. It is a confusing array of architecture, from charming classic casinos and fantastic modern towers. The skyline is constantly evolving as more hotels and attractions crop up.
Collection of Attractions
The Strip has a taste for every appetite. The possibilities are just endless here, from betting your way high in the clouds of famous casinos to simply meeting a lot more family-fun activities. Some of the best-known casinos in the world like Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, and Wynn. Poker tournaments, slot machines, and blackjack tables are typically found at these establishments. The non-gambler can find a dose of luxury retail therapy just as easily at The Forum Shops at Caesars and The Grand Canal Shoppes.
Another facet of The Strip is entertainment. In venues such as The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and The Park Theater, find concerts by global stars or sellout Cirque du Soleil shows. Many hotels also have established nightclubs, whether it’s a famous DJ or otherwise. There is a high level of fine dining, with celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, and Joël Robuchon running restaurants on the Strip.
Here, you will find the famous Bellagio Fountains, as well as the Mirage Volcano. Other displays are technical and light up the landscape to music. More adventurous guests can ride the zip line at the LINQ Promenade or the Big Apple Coasters at New York-New York.
Opening and Closing Times
It is called the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” and it is evident when even The Strip never completely closes. Casinos, restaurants, and entertainment spots stay open 24/7. Availability… es may vary, so be sure to check the hours. The Bellagio Fountains, for example, start at 3 PM and go until midnight on weekdays; Fridays and Saturdays exclusive hours apply.
Generally, shopping malls and retail stores are open 10 AM -11 PM (depending on the day). Operating hours: most nightclubs do not open until late in the evening, usually from 10 PM to around 4 AM. The Strip: You can visit The Strip any time of the day, but after dark is when the lights turn on and it’s most lively.
Breaking News
Over the past few months, there have been several developments on The Strip in Las Vegas. The massive new luxury resort Fontainebleau Las Vegas is under construction and slated to open in 2024. The north end of The Strip will welcome this new mega-resort with more than 3,500 rooms and a cutting-edge casino.
The $1.8 billion MSG Sphere, meanwhile, is expected to produce buzz. Opening sometime in 2024, the spherical venue will offer an immersive experience through state-of-the-art visual and sound technology. The space will feature live concerts, performances, and sporting events, taking on a new life of entertainment to The Strip.
Sin City also has debated putting safety measures on The Strip. LVMPD is working to crack down on pedestrians crossing the street. This means more patrols and security around popular spots, especially on weekends and significant events.
