Discover Las Vegas
History
A desert miracle of reinvention and risk. Las Vegas began as a humble stopover for Spanish traders and Mormon missionaries along the Old Spanish Trail before becoming a railroad town in 1905. Its transformation into an entertainment mecca started in 1931 when Nevada legalized gambling and construction began on the nearby Hoover Dam, bringing an influx of workers and tourists. The post-WWII era saw mobsters like Bugsy Siegel open lavish casinos (the Flamingo in 1946), establishing the Strip’s glamorous reputation. By the 1980s, corporate investors replaced organized crime and built mega-resorts like the Mirage in 1989 that redefined luxury. Today, Vegas balances its Sin City past with family-friendly attractions and a growing identity as a sports and convention hub.
Geography
Las Vegas sits in the Mojave Desert’s basin, ringed by arid mountains like the Spring Range. The valley’s elevation (2,000 ft) and lack of natural water, relying on Lake Mead and the Colorado River, make it one of America’s driest cities. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, while winters are mild. The Strip itself lies just south of downtown in unincorporated Paradise, Nevada, a zoning quirk that enabled its explosive growth. Beyond neon-lit boulevards, Red Rock Canyon’s cliffs and the Mojave’s Joshua trees offer stark natural contrasts.
Why Visit Las Vegas?
🎰 World-Class Entertainment
See spectacular shows, concerts, and nightlife on the Strip.
🏨 Luxury Resorts
Stay in iconic themed hotels with pools, spas, and fine dining.
🏜 Desert Adventures
Explore Red Rock Canyon and take day trips to the Hoover Dam.