Welcome to the fabulous Las Vegas! Whether visiting with a convention, conference, or you’ve been tempted by the bright lights and hopes of hitting a big jackpot, Las Vegas is truly a gem in the middle of the desert.
Named “Las Vegas” (meaning “the meadows”) in the 1800s by Spanish explorers who discovered the Valley and its spring-watered grasses, Las Vegas is the only major city in the American West to have been founded in the 20th century.
Construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, followed by the booming entertainment and gaming industries accelerated the urbanization of Las Vegas. The Valley was transitioning from an Old West railroad town to a bustling celebrity-packed Glitter Gulch.
Through the years, casinos and hotel development transformed “the Strip” with mega-resorts and massive architectural complexes, many taking on themed aesthetics to draw in tourists.
Considered the most expensive four-mile stretch in the world, today’s Las Vegas Strip is home to some of the world’s top resorts and attractions that are uniquely Vegas. From the golden glow of Mandalay Bay on the south end to the beacon landmark seen across the valley at The Strat, Las Vegas has something to offer every visitor.
And not to be outdone by its shiny neighbor, what some call “old Vegas” surrounding the downtown business corridor and the lights and action of Fremont Street are getting lots of buzz for new development and entertainment options of its own. Classic gaming and hotel landmarks like the Golden Gate, Binion’s, and Golden Nugget are now neighbors to the newest kid on the block, Circa – a massive 777 hotel room casino resort and Las Vegas’ first ground-up development since the 1980s.
The Las Vegas Arts District, Downtown Container Park, and numerous restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops surround the immediate downtown area and offer something for just about anyone looking for activities outside of “the Strip.”
Beyond all the lights and hustle lie solid master-planned communities and suburban life that has much to offer local residents. Clusters of parks, trails, and popular gathering spots stretch across the Valley, which is surrounded by nature’s best conservation areas and desert mountain ranges. And did we mention the 300 days of sunshine each year?
With a current metro population of nearly two million, Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada and the 26th largest city in the United States.
Want to experience a different side of Las Vegas? Why not take in some fresh desert air for a run through the Entertainment Capital of the World while everyone else is still recovering from the night before? Whether it’s a jog down the world-famous Strip, a funky detour through downtown Vegas, or a desert trail run you have your sights on, save the sequins for the nightlife and grab your running shoes to venture out for an up-close and personal tour guided by a local!
