West-Coast Native's Guide
As a California local, you’ve likely heard or visited some of Las Vegas’s popular tourist destinations. However, many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered in this vibrant city.
In anticipation of the upcoming Las Vegas Market, we gathered top-tier experiences from some of the best travel resources, Condé Nast Traveler and Goop. Below is a curated guide of their top recommendations for experiencing the city like never before, along with exclusive opportunities for a memorable Market.
Travel in Style with JSX
If you’re over the hassle of commercial airlines or long car rides, JSX offers the perfect solution. The semi-private plane service offers non-stop flights to many destinations, including Las Vegas. The perks? No long lines, two checked bags and plenty of legroom. Arrive just 20 minutes before your flight, and the JSX crew takes care of the rest.
Whether you live in LA, Orange County, Burbank or Carlsbad, JSX is a great way to skip the road trip and enjoy traveling to the Neon City in style. Flights start as low as $199 round trip.
Outdoor Indulgences
In Goop’s Un-Vegas Las Vegas Guide, one of their standout recommendations is a Grand Canyon Flyover. As they put it, “it doesn’t take a travel agent to understand that seeing the Grand Canyon by helicopter is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing.” Given the hot temperatures of Vegas summers, this is a cooler, more memorable way to explore the Grand Canyon and the city that never sleeps is perfect. Indulge in a sunset tour for breathtaking views of the canyon and the neon city lights.
The Shops at Crystals
A shared favorite by Condé Nast Traveler and Goop, The Shops at Crystals redefines designer shopping. Described as ‘‘a classic, glitzy shopping experience,’ by Goop, this upscale mall is packed with luxury brands and designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, known for his angular and fragmented style. Several storefronts, including Louis Vuitton and Prada, boast their largest brick-and-mortar locations in America.
In Condé Nast Traveler’s 17 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, they note “it's often the first place where limited edition or exclusive release products will drop.” For anyone hunting for product straight off the runway, this is a prime destination for the hottest designs. Located within the Aria, it’s easily accessible for anyone staying along the Strip or downtown.
Rare Finds
While Las Vegas may not seem like a hub for reading, it is a treasure trove for rare books! Loved by Goop, Bauman Rare Books is “one of the biggest rare bookshops in the world, and this location is the only outpost that’s not on the East Coast."
Located in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Bauman is a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip and find a memorable keepsake.
Master Class at the Wynn
Who doesn’t love learning something new during their travels? Another recommendation on Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Things to do in Las Vegas is the Master Classes at the Wynn Las Vegas. The Connoisseur Series courses change quarterly, providing a truly unique experience for attendees interested in food.
“Each experience is different; for instance, you might meet with Mizumi executive chef Min Kim to learn how to make sushi or executive pastry chef Michael Outlaw to execute some of his incredible desserts. These chefs and sommeliers (for instance, Wynn's executive director of wine, Brian Weitzman, takes guests on an educational romp through champagne, cava, and prosecco) are the top experts in their fields,” shares reviewer and contributing Condé Nast writer Andrea Bennett. This experience truly offers something for everyone, featuring award-winning and network chefs, bakers, and TV hosts.
Specialty Eats
While Las Vegas’s mobster reputation might evoke visions of marinara and martinis, the cuisine has evolved significantly since the early days of the Strip. According to Condé Nast Traveler, the 27 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas is a mix of celebrity-owned establishments, classic favorites and up-and-coming eateries. Cipriani, Estiatorio Milos, Wakuda, Cathédrale and Mizumi are just a few names on their best-of list. Condé Nast Traveler’s recommendations prove the culinary scene alone is a noteworthy and delicious reason to visit this iconic city.
Hotel Scene
Part of the quintessential Vegas experience is the glitz and glamour of its iconic resorts. In Condé Nast Traveler’s 16 Best Hotels in Las Vegas, a robust list of lodgings has been curated by their meticulous team of journalists to guide every traveler. “Our picks for Las Vegas' best hotels—yes, including those themed ones—all have fabulous, over-the-top personalities of their own, and there's something here to please every type of traveler,” shares contributing writer Andrea Bennett.
While the detailed list reviews key highlights of each resort, a few memorable destinations include the newly opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas, The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio Resort & Casino, The Venetian, CIRCA Resort & Casino, Aria, and the Vdara. Mentioned for their extravagant architecture, exceptional service, and wide range of amenities, these resorts are sure to impress. You can explore these coveted resorts and other hotel accommodations here.