Vegas - DPChallenge Forums

02/10/2014 09:13:54 AM · #1

I'm heading to Vegas next month. The nightlife is easy. i'm looking for things to do during the day. I plan to rent a car and head to hoover Dam, any other local excursions worthwhile checking out?

i'll be there for three full days.

also how is the weather in March?

edit to add, im not a gambler, at all. its a sightseeing trip.

Message edited by author 2014-02-10 09:14:36.

KarenNfld

02/10/2014 09:33:01 AM · #2

Valley of Fire state park - 1 hour north of Vegas. It's amazing.

Red Rock Canyon, just a few minutes outside Vegas. Another nice area to explore.

My Vegas photos from 2010:
//bitstop.ca/travel/las-vegas/

My Red Rock, Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon photos:
//bitstop.ca/travel/nevada-arizona/

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

02/10/2014 09:48:19 AM · #3

Those pics are amazing, thanks for sharing.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

02/10/2014 10:44:00 AM · #4

There are air tours of the Grand Canyon that fly out of Las Vegas for about $150.00 a head. They are pretty spectacular. They go for about 4 hours I think. Papillon.com is one of them. I don't know who's the best now, I did mine many, many years ago.

KarenNfld

02/10/2014 10:54:26 AM · #5

Thanks. Just thought I'd add that the aerial shots were taken from the plane trip to Vegas, I didn't go on a helicopter ride. I did drive 5 hours to the Grand Canyon National Park though. You won't have time for that in 3 days.

02/10/2014 11:00:20 AM · #6

i was looking at the map and it seems like you could drive to the very edge of the grand canyon maybe not as far as the national park.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

02/19/2014 01:51:26 PM · #7

anyone have any thoughts on if i should rent a car or use public transportation?

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

02/19/2014 01:53:29 PM · #8

Rent a car for sure.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

02/19/2014 01:58:55 PM · #9

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Rent a car for sure.

that's the way im leaning but i wasn't sure how tough or inconvenient or traffic would be driving around. the strip is only 4 miles or so long but i want the car to go to the dam one day.

Message edited by author 2014-02-19 13:59:07.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

02/19/2014 02:11:18 PM · #10

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Rent a car for sure.

Parking is the bigger headache, but it's mostly just fine on both issues. Listen to the Bear though, renting a car is pretty much a requisite.

Also, if you're going out drinking and need a ride - often a limo there can be had as cheaply as a cab, or at least very nearly so. The trick is to negotiate a bit - basically tell the driver that you were thinking of taking a cab, but 'what's the best you can do for a ride to xxxxx?'..

Message edited by author 2014-02-19 14:14:23.

KarenNfld

02/19/2014 02:38:12 PM · #11

Most hotels/casinos have free parking. Once you're outside Vegas driving is simple - hardly any traffic. Even Vegas wasn't that bad compared to some places I've driven in (Toronto).

ciaeagle

Nikon D500

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

02/19/2014 03:35:11 PM · #12

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Rent a car for sure.

A car is a must but only for the day trips. I leave my car parked at the hotel for evening excursions. With cabs and the monorail (depending on where you are staying or off to) it's just easier. After about 3 or 4 the traffic on the strip is bumper to bumper. (Especially Fri and Sat nights)

I second the options suggested. I want to get out to valley of fire state park and L. Mead on my next trip.

see

Canon PowerShot S95

02/19/2014 05:02:39 PM · #13

Las Vegas Speedway has a lot of stuff going on in March, including NASCAR, and NHRA Nationals. link

Edit to add, I have been to Vegas several times ( I live about 2 1/2 hours north east) give me a idea of some of your interests, I can probably come up with some ideas..

Message edited by author 2014-02-19 17:31:27.

bohemka

Nikon D700

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG HSM for Nikon

02/19/2014 05:35:55 PM · #14

If you really want to put the pedal to the metal you could bomb up to Zion, which to me is a mini-Yosemite. I've done day trips up there from Vegas.

Most other things have been mentioned, but Mt. Charleston is a close option as well.

If you don't get out west much: In-N-Out Burger

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

02/19/2014 06:15:17 PM · #15

Parking is free at the casinos, but for getting up and down the strip, it's easier and cheaper to just take cabs everywhere. All the big hotels have car rental desks, so if you need to rent a car to get out of town, you can just rent one for a single day at your hotel.

Lots of very good restaurants. Other than that, Las Vegas is a love it or hate it kind of place, and Vegas' charms are completely lost on me, I'm afraid. Probably because I always have to go there in August when it's 110 degrees.

see

Canon PowerShot S95

02/19/2014 06:26:50 PM · #16

As for temps, this year the area is running about a month ahead, plan on 80+ and by then maybe 90+. Night 50's and 60's.
On a side note, you have probably picked the busiest month to go to Vegas LOL

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

02/19/2014 06:45:52 PM · #17

Originally posted by Cory:

Also, if you're going out drinking and need a ride - often a limo there can be had as cheaply as a cab, or at least very nearly so. The trick is to negotiate a bit - basically tell the driver that you were thinking of taking a cab, but 'what's the best you can do for a ride to xxxxx?'..

Your advice might not work so well with this guy (interview with a Las Vegas "limo driver" on "This American Life") ... ;-)

Message edited by author 2014-02-19 18:51:06.