Find the Best Things to Do in West Of The Strip
By Terrisa Meeks
Las Vegas Local Expert
About West Of The Strip
Photo courtesy of Kara Brugman
A few blocks west of the Las Vegas Strip, the city starts to change. You’ll find businesses and homes, local restaurants, and neighborhood hotel casinos. One of the advantages of being in this area is that the overall prices are generally lower than what you’ll find on the Strip. It's also an area known for its family-friendliness.
See & Do
The most well-known attractions west of the Strip are the casinos, like The Orleans Palms, Gold Coast, and Rio. These neighborhood hotel casinos bring in plenty of locals, so you can enjoy a more casual atmosphere than at Strip casinos. You'll also find movie theaters and bowling alleys at many of the area's hotel casinos. One notable attraction west of the Strip isn't a casino: at Dig This you can "play" on heavy equipment.
Eat
You can certainly find plenty of restaurants and generously stocked buffets at the hotel casinos west of the Strip, but you can also stop in at some of the local eateries. Pasta Mia, Metro Pizza, and Ricardo’s are all locally-owned, long-time favorites of Las Vegas residents. Look for large portions and a relaxed atmosphere at any of these restaurants. To try a renown local chef, make reservations at Alize at the Palms.
Party
For a birds-eye view of Las Vegas, have a drink at ghostbar at the Palms or the VooDoo Lounge at the Rio. If you’re after something a little more down to earth, try the authentic Irish pub McMullan's, adjacent to the Orleans. Any of the hotel casinos are also fully equipped with a host of bars, clubs, and shows.
Stay
West of the Strip, look for budget-friendly and family-friendly hotels. Rooms are generally less expensive than the hotel casinos on the Strip, and many offer plenty of amenities for all ages. At The Orleans or Gold Coast, you can spend time in the bowling alley or movie theater. The Orleans offers a child care option, as does the trendy Palms, where you’ll also find a state-of-the-art movie theater.
Shop
Las Vegas' Chinatown is on Spring Mountain Road, just west of the Treasure Island and Fashion Show Mall. Chinatown Plaza is the heart of the area and is full of unique shops and restaurants. Chinatown extends several blocks west of the Strip, but many visitors make their only stop at the central plaza.