Las Vegas - Where to take a 1st timer?

My cuñado (brother-in-law) is visiting us from Mexico City this week. One of his dreams has been to visit Las Vegas, so I'm surprising him this weekend with a quick run (leave SMF Saturday afternoon, return Monday evening).

I've got us booked into the Boardwalk Hotel (seems like a good location and the price was right), got a car lined up, and tickets to the Blue Man Group show.

Now I've been to Vegas several times but haven't really approached my business & personal trips as a "tour guide" for a first-timer. So I'm really interested in reading what you would recommend as an itinerary for 2-1/2 days in Las Vegas for a first-timer.

Just walk the strip during the evening, one of my fave LV experiences.

I totally agree. The Treasure Island pirate show starts at 4 pm and is shown every 90 minutes. The fountains at Bellagio start every 15 minutes. Fremont Street Experience, I believe runs every half hour.

All the above are free. You will need to drive to Fremont Street, but the others are right on the strip.

Check out some of the older casinos as well as the new ones. They have the feeling of old Las Vegas. The new ones are also alot of fun.

New York, New York has a great roller coaster if you like that kinda stuff. The Stratosphere has a ride called the Big Shot that shoots you up to 1149 feet. On a clear day, you can see Lake Mead from there. The Sahara has a roller coaster ride that does half the ride forward and then goes in reverse.

Circus Circus has big top type circus shows and they are also free. They have rides, but I have never tried them. They seem tamer than the others.

I hope you enjoy Vegas!

You might also drive the strip once and have him pick out one or two places to tour more thoroughly. Blue Man will definitely be a kick!

You might also consider driving down to Hoover Dam, one of our modern wonders.

I took a guest from Estonia to Vegas a couple of years ago. He was taking pictures of the Budget Suites sign before we even got near the strip. You'll have a lot of fun!

JP

Personally I hate having a car in Vegas. To me, it's easier to walk or cab it. $15 or so to/from the airport.

Definitely walk the strip. I think there is more to see if you make a left out of your hotel.

Harrah's has an outdoor bar with live music. It's a lot of fun. I think it has a $5 cover.

The Stratosphere does have a great view and a couple of exciting rides as has been mentioned. But it's a car ride to get there.

The inside of the Venetian is real nice. Mural on the ceiling; gondalas on the canals.

"O" is one of my favorite shows there is. Expensive but worth the money, IMHO.

The Rio has Masquerade Village which has a free show as well, with floats that come out of the ceiling and go around. For a small fee, I think $9. you can get in costume and be out on the floats with the pros. Fun.