Over the past few years, thousands of new residents have relocated to Southern Nevada, drawn by its relatively affordable housing and lower taxes. While we don’t have the time or resources to give you an exact number, we suspect that many of them (perhaps most of them!) don’t know that longtime locals never pay for casino parking, walk past a meal deal or drive more than one block on the Las Vegas Strip, if we can help it at all.
If you’re among those uninitiated, allow us to share what the Weekly has learned about navigating the Strip from decades of working on it and living alongside it, from free attractions to its locals’ discounts to simply getting there. Ready to become a true Las Vegan, and a top-notch tour guide for your tourist friends and relatives?
HOW TO GET THERE AND GET AROUND
Aria Express
Don’t drive on traffic-choked Las Vegas Boulevard if you can help it. To travel north or south on the Strip, go west to the Rat Pack streets: Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Frank Sinatra Drive and Dean Martin Drive. Like those icons, these streets get you in through the back way, avoiding crowds and hassle. Even if the property you’re visiting is on the other side of the Strip, take the Rat Pack route; Paradise Road and Koval Lane, which run parallel to the Strip on its east side, have several major pinch-points that will only worsen before the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. (Note: the Rat Pack route has one traffic snag, where Frank Sinatra meets Sammy Davis Jr. It’s just behind Caesars.)
Don’t have a Nevada driver’s license? Get one. Most major resorts offer limited free parking to locals with a Nevada DL. Caesars Entertainment properties (Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Horseshoe, Linq and Paris) offer three hours of free parking with local ID, as do MGM Resorts properties (Aria, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, New York-New York and Park MGM), the Venetian and Wynn/Encore. Not to be outdone, Fontainebleau offers four hours. Check the relevant property website for details before you go and note that the offer is voided on big holidays and during high-traffic events like game days and big concerts. And Brooklyn Bowl at the Linq Promenade will validate your parking if you eat, bowl or attend a concert there.
Don’t want a local ID? No sweat, carpetbagger: Circus Circus, Palms, Rio, Sahara, South Point, Treasure Island and Westgate provide all-day free parking regardless of where you live. The Fashion Show offers free parking, but only during mall hours.
If you’re running late, just park valet. You’ll pay for it—through tips, a service fee, or both—but the convenience of parking at the front door can’t be denied. Tip heavier on busy nights.
Once you’re on the Strip, you don’t necessarily have to walk or take a rideshare from one property to another. There are free trams connecting Bellagio, Aria, the Shops at Crystals and Park MGM; and Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay. (Note the hours before you hop on; they don’t run all night long.) And the Las Vegas Monorail—only $1 per ride for locals, but you must purchase your ticket from a service office employee who can verify your ID—stops at Sahara, Westgate, the Convention Center, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Paris and MGM Grand. We use it for events at MGM Grand Garden Arena, avoiding the MGM’s packed parking structure. –Geoff Carter
HOW TO DO AIRPORT PICKUPS
Harry Reid International Airport is centrally located in the south Valley, with a dedicated I-215 exit. It’s almost criminally easy to drop off and pick up visiting guests from Reid. Just follow these tips:
• Tell your visitors to text or call you at wheels down, while they’re taxiing to the terminal. If they’re brisk walkers and they didn’t check bags, you’ll have roughly 20 minutes before they get to passenger pickup. Allow an extra 10 if they’ve checked bags.
• When they arrive at passenger pickup, instruct them to text you the number of the pillar they’re standing underneath. Higher-numbered pillars are easier.
• If you arrive too early, wait in the cell phone lot. (You can’t idle at passenger pickup, even for a minute; airport security will order you to move on.) –Geoff Carter
HOW TO DO SPORTS ON THE STRIP
First-timers might assume the casinos and structure of the Strip make major league sports events more accessible and convenient in Las Vegas than in other cities, and that’s true to some extent. Parking is always the main issue, as it is everywhere, which is why plenty of locals who steadfastly refuse to pay for it have sought out creative alternatives.
The only Strip sports event where it makes sense to drive and pay and park is catching a Las Vegas Aces game at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay. It’s a cozy venue, the garage is huge, and you should go early to grab some grub and drinks at Border Grill, Flanker Kitchen or House of Blues. But make your plans now as there are only four home games left this season, and the September 3 game against Chicago is at T-Mobile Arena.
Going to a Raiders game? It’s a whole thing, of course, and if you don’t want to shell out to park in a casino garage and walk over the Hacienda Bridge to Allegiant Stadium, consider the RTC Game Day Express ($2 one way or $4 round-trip, rtcsnv.com/gamedayexpress), which shuttles fans to the game from six different neighborhood casinos across the Valley. And the first departure is three hours before kickoff for those who want to enjoy a tailgate experience; the shuttles run every 30 minutes after that. If you are parking for football, consider using an app like SpotHero, which will find you the best-priced and closest options well in advance.
Most of us Vegas Golden Knights devotees have our pregame transportation rituals down pat, but there’s always room for improvement (and Game Day Express runs for hockey, too). If driving, we like to park at Aria’s garage, because it’s far enough from T-Mobile Arena to not get as congested as other casino parking facilities, but it’s still a close and simple walk that can be done almost entirely indoors (through the Aria-Park MGM corridor). We still get plenty of time to pregame at Beerhaus, Best Friend, Nine Fine Irishmen, Tom’s or the Crack Shack, and then after the Knights get the W and we sip a victory cocktail at NoMad Bar, getting back to the car is a breeze. –Brock Radke
HOW TO FIND COOL FREE STUFF
The Strip can be expensive, but not everything you do on the Boulevard needs to break the bank. Within many casino-hotels is a world-class fine art collection hidden in plain sight, perfect for a free, self-guided art walk.
For instance, at Resorts World, you’ll find Red Hong Yi’s “Kopitiam Uncle,” a portrait made from thousands of tea bags, near Harajuku Ramen at Famous Foods Street Eats; and Marlies Plank’s “Dare to Dream,” a gorgeous nine-panel installation of floating elephants, near Liberace’s 1913 Nickelodeon piano in the Conrad lobby. Kasey McMahon’s “Connected,” a stunning wire sculpture crafted out of CAT5 ethernet cables and USB cords, sits on the third floor of the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Tower. Near the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (another great free attraction!), you’ll spot Tomás Esson’s oil-on-linen painting, “Quimera.” And a smaller, cast-bronze version of Sanford Biggers’ “Oracle” sculpture is found on the Aria casino floor, just off the parking garage escalators. (Aria also boasts works by Jenny Holzer, Maya Lin, James Turrell and more; it’s almost a museum in itself. Download a guide to Aria’s art collection at tinyurl.com/p9n8zxht).
When the weather cools, take a trek through the serene four-acre garden of the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, home to rare birds, exotic fish and hot pink flamingos. The Palazzo’s atrium and floral gardens also calm and soothe.
Finally, the free luxury of people watching is always fun. Mon Ami Gabi’s Strip-side patio at Paris is a great place to start. And up top, Brew Dog, Ole Red, Skyfall at Delano and the outdoor terrace at Ocean Prime offer sweeping rooftop views of the entire Strip—not completely free if you’re getting a drink or a meal, but always worth it. –Amber Sampson
HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR LOCAL STATUS
You could make a day or two out of all the perks that Las Vegas hotels offer to locals. We advise starting with a trip to the Forbes Travel Guide five-star rated Aria Spa & Salon, where those with a Nevada ID receive 20% off spa services Monday through Thursday. There’s also the Roman-inspired Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace, where locals can receive 15% off.
Head west and take a dip at the Palms Pool, where locals can get a free cabana Monday through Friday. Or try Azilo Ultra Pool at the classic Sahara, where locals get in free no matter what day of the week it is.
After all that relaxation, it’s time to check into your hotel room and take a nap. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas offers 35% off room rates for locals, plus no valet or self-parking fees. Palms offers 15% off room rates for locals.
When you’re ready for something active, both Topgolf and Atomic Golf offer 25% off for locals. Or maybe you’d rather take in views from the largest observation wheel in North America, the High Roller, at 20% off for locals.
A proper Vegas staycation must include a show, and luckily, there’s a handful of discounts to pick from. Catch some comedy at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club with 35% off select dates for locals, or at Stars of Comedy at Harrah’s, currently featuring resident comedian Carlos Mencia. Hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez performs at MGM Grand with 30% off tickets for locals. And if you’re into magic and mind games, tickets are 25% off for locals to see mentalist Colin Cloud (see page 42).
For the cherry on top, hit the clubs. Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World offers free admission for locals on Thursdays, and adjacent Ayu Dayclub offers free locals admission on Fridays. –Shannon Miller
HOW TO ENTERTAIN ALL AGES
After you’ve taken your tourist fam or friends to the obligatory Bellagio fountain show and killed some time strolling through one of those fancy malls, what’s next? There are more options than meet the eye. We love Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay because, yeah, sharks, but there are more than 2,000 animals to see and a lot of sneaky-fun learning to absorb.
Hiding on the Strip near the Hard Rock Cafe, FlyOver Las Vegas is a real ride, much more immersive than many of the attractions making that claim. You’ll feel like you really are flying over the America’s most scenic landscapes, and the experience won’t tie up a lot of your time on the Boulevard. For those who need bigger thrills, the Adventuredome theme park at Circus Circus and the Big Apple roller coaster at New York-New York are obvious classics.
We’ve always enjoyed The Mac King Comedy Magic Show, the very definition of friendly, all-ages entertainment in Las Vegas. And when you take your multigenerational posse to this 3 p.m. show at Excalibur, you can grab some tickets for your aunties to see Thunder From Down Under later that night in the very same Thunderland Showroom. Convenience! –Brock Radke
HOW TO FIND AFFORDABLE AND CONVENIENT FOOD AND DRINKS
Patatas Bravas at Jaleo
If you’re prowling for affordable yet satisfying options, the first stop is Stage Door Casino, behind the Cromwell. A $3 beer and hot dog combo awaits—a classic pregame ritual before hitting a show at Brooklyn Bowl.
Need quick and tasty? Head to the Cosmopolitan’s Block 16 Urban Food Hall where Bāng Bar offers a chickpea dip with three pieces of flatbread for just $7. If you’re gambling on the casino floor, ask for an Illy coffee with cream—it’s the same quality brew served at Va Bene Caffè near the lobby.
Don’t miss Jaleo boasts delightful small plates like pan de cristal con tomate for $6, patatas bravas for $7, and traditional red wine sangria for $8 or frozen red wine sangria for $7. China Poblano’s happy hour from 4:30-6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, offers an array of tasty snacks like fried wontons with shrimp and pork for $10, quesabirria for $9, and drinks including Tsingtao, Corona Premium and Modelo Negra for $7 each—or try the iconic Salt Air Margarita for $13.the Cosmo’s happy hours. From 5-7 p.m.,
Craving Italian? Eataly is your ideal destination. This marketplace at Park MGM is a haven for the freshest Italian fare—breads, wines, cheeses, meats and cocktails that’ll transport you. And with a variety of stands and options, the prices are on a sliding scale.
At the other end of the Strip at the Sahara, Tuesdays are for steak. Balla Italian Soul offers locals 50% off premium cuts with Nevada ID, and Wednesdays, the same discount applies to all bottles of wine.
Just east of the Strip at Silver Sevens, you can enjoy a $5 burger and beer combo daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Another nearby budget-friendly option is Ellis Island Casino, where you can savor a classic steak and eggs deal for just $9.99. –Gabriela Rodriguez
HOW TO CHOOSE A FANCY RESTAURANT
Mott 32
Special-occasion dining might be the one thing that gets locals to the Strip most frequently—because when it’s time to splurge on a memorable culinary experience, this is one of the best places to do it in the whole world.
Steakhouses might be the most popular category and every Las Vegan should have a favorite. Ours include the Steak House at Circus Circus, Joe’s Prime Steak & Stone Crab at the Forum Shops at Caesars, Edge Steakhouse at Westgate, Delmonico at Venetian and Bavette’s at Park MGM. Further exploration should be dictated by your preferences: if you love Italian food, check out Cipriani at Wynn or Carbone at Aria; for Chinese, maybe Genting Palace at Resorts World, Wing Lei at Wynn or Hakkasan at MGM Grand (where you hit the club upstairs after dinner).
Locals have a reputation for knowing where the hottest new restaurants in the tourist corridor can be found, and that pipeline has been telling us to try out Mother Wolf and Ito at Fontainebleau, Bazaar Mar at the Shops at Crystals, the reopened Wine Cellar at the Rio and the refreshed Chéri Rooftop at Paris.
Another useful tip: Go brunching. Many of the Strip’s fine dining jewels offer incredible daytime weekend fare, like the steak frites and short rib hash at Bardot Brasserie at Aria, or the Peking duck and dim sum at Palazzo’s gorgeous Mott 32. You might save a few bucks and keep your evening open for another experience, but you’ll never forget these meals. –Brock Radke
HOW TO DO DINNER AND A SHOW
Playing concierge for family members or high school buddies who happen to be visiting Las Vegas? It’s a rite of passage. You’re not a true local until you’ve shown those folks a good time. And for some reason, they always want help navigating the stressful world of Strip nightclubs—one of the most intimidating aspects of Vegas entertainment.
Circumvent this request by making a reservation at Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio (themayfairlv.com) or Delilah at Wynn (wynnlasvegas.com). You won’t have to hop venues from restaurant to lounge to club—and you’ll spend less—but you’ll still show off with amazing food, over-the-top atmosphere and thrilling live musical entertainment. No shade to the amazing nightclubs on the Las Vegas Strip these days, but this is how we love to party right now. –Brock Radke
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