Las Vegas is a bit like Marmite – you either love or hate it. Either way it could never be accused of being boring. Jacob White embraces everything it has to offer
“And I wanna’ sleep with you in the desert tonight with a billion stars all aroundâ€, so sung legendary American rock band The Eagles back in 1972 but in the Nevada desert you will find little time to sleep and the billion twinkling stars are most likely to be the brightly coloured lights which shimmer and shine over the city of Las Vegas like a Christmas tree.
The internationally renowned major resort city in the desert primarily known for gambling, shopping, fine dining and nightlife is one of the top tourist destinations not only in the United States but the world. The self-proclaimed ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, which has long embraced and made a living out of adult entertainment and hedonism.
Las Vegas’ climate is a subtropical, hot desert, typical of the Mojave Desert in which it lies, enjoying abundant year-round sunshine and an average 310 sunny days each year. The summer months between June and September are very hot and mostly dry with the average temperature in July being 33.6°C (92.5°F), while nighttime temperatures often remain above 27°C (80°F).
Winters are short and the season is generally mild. December is the coolest moth, averaging 8.7°C (47.7°F). The surrounding mountains can accumulate snow but snow in the Las Vegas Valley is extremely rare. Annual precipitation in Las Vegas is about 110mm (4.2in), which on average falls 26-27 days a year with February being the wettest month with around four days of rain.
With all that lovely weather you’d be forgiven for thinking that you will be spending your time outside, but some of the hottest action in town is inside. The leading resort hotels and casinos are concentrated on the Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is approximately 4.2 miles (6.8km) long and is characterised by dramatic architecture showcasing a different themed hotel and casino.
It is possible to visit the sights (well, the imitations) of Paris, New York, Ancient Egypt and Venice to name but a few as you make your way along the Strip – the geography is puzzling but enthralling. One of the most iconic sights on the Strip is the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign first constructed in 1959. The Strip now has two of them and as a result two top photo opportunities.
The gambling capital of the world starts as soon as you arrive at McCarran International Airport with slot machines ready and waiting for you at arrivals. Once in Las Vegas you can take your pick of zany attractions – dazzling shopping outlets with luxury brands, one hotel resort – New York, New York with its own rollercoaster and, of course, weddings complete with Elvis impersonators
Las Vegas pushes you to your limits and quite often beyond. Las Vegas may not offer the most peaceful of vibes; pure unadulterated indulgence is more Las Vegas’ style – is it any wonder that they call it ‘Sin City’? Enjoy it while it lasts and before you have to return to real life.
