by Gary Bennett
“Bright lights city gonna set my soul on fire,” Elvis Presley sang.
He was on to something when he recorded that hit and turned it into a memorable movie. Many think the ’60s and ’70s were the best days for this desert oasis — think the Rat Pack holding court in a smoky casino bar, laughing, drinking and singing — but in the 2020s, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you love the glitz and glamour (with a hint of kitsch) or see it as more of a curiosity, a trip to Vegas will burn itself into your memory and leave a lasting impression.
Ever since gambling went mainstream, the days of Las Vegas being called “Sin City” and marketed with “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” have mostly faded into memory. You can gamble almost anywhere, so why climb on a plane for five and a half hours, fly cross-country and spend your hard-earned money in Vegas? Simply put, it is a one-of-a-kind spectacle. There’s nothing else like it in the world.
Las Vegas is now billed as the “entertainment capital of the world.” Gambling is still pervasive and always will be, but today it takes no time at all to find any type of entertainment, experience or food your heart desires. And isn’t that the point? Here are a few must-do experiences sure to please.
THE SPHERE
If you love movies, shows and concerts, you simply must visit the Sphere — a $2.3 billion, 366-foot-tall, 360-degree immersive entertainment venue just off the Strip. It looks like a giant globe beamed down from the heavens to dominate the skyline. It opened in 2023 and features 160,000 square feet of high-resolution LED screens and 167,000 speakers to surround you in unparalleled sight and sound.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Eagles there in 2025 and am forever spoiled — no other concert venue will do. The graphics were so perfect and mesmerizing that I thought I was inside “Hotel California” when they sang that song. In 2026, you can enjoy an immersive experience based on “The Wizard of Oz,” playing throughout the year, or catch residencies from Metallica, No Doubt, Kenny Chesney, the Backstreet Boys and Phish.
FOUNTAINS AT BELLAGIO
Take a break from the whirring, clattering and chatter of the endless casinos and step outside to watch the iconic water show at the Bellagio Resort. It’s not only calming — it’s absolutely free. The pulsing water arrangements are set to all types of music and run every 30 minutes around the clock.
THE STRAT
For incredible views and frightening thrill rides, head to the STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower just north of the Strip. At 1,150 feet, it is the tallest observation deck in the U.S., with floor-to-ceiling windows and a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. The Big Shot hurtles you straight up more than 160 feet at 45 miles per hour, while the X-Scream teeters you over the edge of the tower before pulling you back. Neither is for the faint of heart.
THE STRIP
No trip to Vegas would be complete without wandering the Strip — technically located outside the city limits in an unincorporated area called Paradise, about four miles long and visible from outer space. Many of the largest and most iconic casino resort properties in the world line its sidewalks. Grab a window table, nurse your drink and watch the never-ending sea of humanity go by. It is a neon, people-watching circus that even Times Square can’t match.
RIDE THE RAIL
The nearly 4-mile elevated Las Vegas Monorail runs along the Strip, stopping at seven stations — the Sahara Resort, Westgate Hotel, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Horseshoe and MGM Grand. You’ll pass so close to the Sphere you can almost touch it. The 30-minute round trip is the perfect escape from the craziness below.
GAMBLE
Go ahead. Don’t be shy. You know you want to. Slots and table games — blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat — are around every corner. Go in with a firm budget for how much you can afford to lose and how much time you can afford to spend. Casinos are masters at keeping you chasing that next big win.
FREMONT STREET
In old Las Vegas, the downtown Fremont Street Experience features the Viva Vision canopy — an overhead light and video show — along with street performers, bars, restaurants, zip lines and world-class people watching. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign.
TAKE IN A SHOW OR CONCERT
It’s not just the Sphere. Nearly every large casino resort has a multi-thousand-seat theater, and these days artists stay for weeks or months at “residencies.” In 2026, you can choose from Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Rod Stewart, Donny Osmond, Barry Manilow, Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, among others.
RENEW YOUR VOWS — OR BOOK A WEDDING
Nothing says Las Vegas like an Elvis wedding, but the King can also help you renew your vows. If you’d prefer your favorite superhero, celebrity or even a zombie to officiate, that can be arranged too. Venue options include a pink Cadillac rolling through a drive-through chapel, a helicopter ride over the Strip or a ceremony at the iconic Neon Museum. If you can dream it, a Las Vegas event planner can make it happen.
GET OUT OF THE CITY
If the Strip’s neon glitter gets to be too much, book a day trip. Many tour packages include the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, but consider stepping outside your comfort zone and heading out to Area 51 — a highly classified U.S. Air Force facility roughly 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, near Rachel, Nevada. Many believe the site holds alien technology and, perhaps, life forms. It’s heavily guarded and off-limits to visitors, but the right tour guide will offer plenty of inside scoop about what has been gleaned over the years. The drive through the desert is breathtakingly beautiful. Be sure to stop for lunch at the Little A’Le’Inn on the Extraterrestrial Highway in Rachel — the kitschy atmosphere, alien-themed menu, friendly locals and walls covered with UFO photos are worth the trip alone.
Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.