The Las Vegas Strip Layout

also see Las Vegas Strip Hotel Map

Buckle your seat belts, we’re cruisin’ the Strip! Here’s a rundown of this famous street starting on its northern end:

South of Main Street

The northernmost hotel we’ll be covering on the Strip is the Stratosphere. Don’t worry about that address, just look up. This mega-building is the Stratosphere Tower, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. For the best view of the city, you’ll want to buzz up to the Pepsi Cola Observation Decks. Daredevils in the group will want to try the Big Shot and the High Roller, two of the wildest rides in the nation. Looking for something a little less thrilling? Head to the Strat-O-Fair, decorated in true Jetsons style with a 1960s view of the future. You’ll find a 1958 Ferris Wheel as well as the Little Shot, perfect for kids. The area also has midway games and two food outlets.

South of Sahara Avenue

This block is the capital of the Strip as far as families are concerned. In one block, you’ll find the non-stop (and free!) circus at Circus Circus, the top hotel for families in the city thanks to its circus, Adventuredome theme park, and general kids’ theme. With it’s big top exterior, there’s no missing this kids’ mega-plex.

Across the street from Circus Circus stands the Sahara. This hotel is home to Sahara Speedworld, a dream come true for arcade lovers and those in search of 3-D action, as well as Speed – The Ride, a real screamer of a rollercoaster.

South of Desert Inn Road

Keep on cruising south on Las Vegas Boulevard, cross Desert Inn Road, and you’ll reach a fairly short (by Vegas standards) block that’s the home of the Fashion Show Mall. Many trolleys depart from this central point; you’ll also find plenty of typical mall shopping here .

Just across from the mall, you'll find the Wynn, the spare-no-expense hotel that's known for its in-town golf course.

South of Spring Mountain Road

This is a major block, the home of several “must see” theme casinos. Just south of Spring Mountain Road is Treasure Island or TI. From its revised (now lingerie-clad) pirate battle waged outside to its high-tech video arcade indoors, this resort continues to draw many families.

Just across the street from Treasure Island stands the Venetian. With its elegant, romantic theme, the Venetian’s not a property aimed at children but it is home to the gondola rides, a fun way to take a quick trip to Italy for even a few minutes, recreations of several of Venice's landmarks, and Madame Tussaud Las Vegas, where you can have your photo taken with your favorite (albeit wax) stars.

Just south of Treasure Island (and connected by free monorail) lies The Mirage. With its South Sea tropical theme, The Mirage is another favorite with families and one of our personal favorites. Outside, you can’t miss the volcano, one of the highlights of the Strip. You’ll ride to the Mirage on a moving sidewalk to a cacophony of jungle sounds. From the minute you enter the front doors, you’re greeted by the feel and sound of the rainforest, from tropical plants to a mega-aquarium at check-in. Inside, Royal Siberian white tigers lounge around their habitat, waiting for their nightly performance in the Siegfried and Roy show. In the hotel, you’ll wind your way past an indoor jungle, through a casino of ringing slot machines, and out to the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. This $14 million pool is home to Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins who delight visitors of all ages with their aquatic antics.

Across the street from The Mirage lies Harrah’s. This casino hotel is aimed at adults but families will enjoy the Carnaval Court, an outdoor area with the feel of a street fair, complete with hot dog vendors and, during the spring and summer months, live entertainment.

South of Harrah’s lies the Imperial Palace. This Asian-themed hotel is home to an extensive auto collection, as well as the Legends in Concert impersonator’s show and Hawaiian Hot Luau from April through October.

South of the Imperial Palace lies the Flamingo Las Vegas. This hotel is where Las Vegas as we know it all began in 1946. The original hotel built by Bugsy Siegel, the Flamingo is home to, appropriately enough, the Flamingo Habitat, filled with the colorful birds.

Crossing back across Las Vegas Boulevard, you’ll find the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Yes, this exclusive shopping center is home to many shops, but, of special interest to families, it’s also home to two free Fountain Shows, and a 50,000-gallon aquarium free for viewing.

Just south of the Forum Shops is Caesars Palace. This luxurious hotel is aimed at adults, but families – until recently – would have found several fun features. Now families will still enjoy a look at the Roman theme (hey, is that Cleopatra over there?) and, in the Forum Shops, free fountain shows with moving statues as well as a 50,000-gallon aquarium.

South of Flamingo Road

Head on across Flamingo Road and you’ll reach the Bellagio. This really is an adults’ casino hotel – so much so that children are not permitted in the property unless they’re guests. You don’t need to enter the hotel, though, to enjoy the Bellagio Fountains, a beautiful display of choreographed fountains that shoot over 240 feet in the air.

Across from Bellagio is Bally’s. This hotel also has an adult atmosphere, although children are welcome. There’s a monorail here to take you to the MGM.

South of Bally’s is Paris Las Vegas. Can’t find it, you say? Just look for the Eiffel Tower. Yep, this hotel sports a half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower, where a ride offers a speactacular view of the city.

South of Paris is Planet Hollywood (formerly Aladdin). This hotel carries out the theme seen in the popular Planet Hollywood restaurants.

Continue on down Las Vegas Boulevard (this is a huge block). Next you’ll reach the MGM Grand. Although no longer home to a theme park, the mega-hotel does still have a free Lion Habitat that's fun for families.

Across from the MGM Grand stands New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Yes, it’s the skyline of New York atop this building...complete with the Manhattan Express roller coaster as well.

South of Tropicana Avenue

Continue south on the Strip across Tropicana Avenue and you’ll reach Excalibur. With its King Arthur theme, this grand hotel is easy to spot with its white turrets and drawbridge. The hotel is also home to Magic Motion Rides, simulated motion rides that give film viewers the sensation of moving along with the action.

South of Excalibur lies Luxor, a tribute to ancient Egypt as only Las Vegas could do it. This pyramid-shaped hotel is home to a full-size replica of King Tut’s tomb, a real winner with kids. The hotel also has motion simulator rides and an extensive arcade.

Across from Luxor is Tropicana. A long-time favorite on the Strip, this hotel sports, you guessed it, a tropical theme. They’ve got a five-acre swimming area/water park for guests.

Finally, back across the street and just south of Luxor is Mandalay Bay, an adult favorite that has some favorite kids' attractions as well including the public Shark Reef aquarium and the for-guests-only pool complex that includes body surfing. Mandalay Bay is also home to two other hotels within the hotel: THEhotel, an exclusive property seriously aimed at adult travelers, and the Four Seasons Las Vegas, a very family friendly hotel with no gaming that welcomes young travelers with special amenities.

Photo courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau