This Las Vegas All-American Road Is the Ultimate US Road Trip

Is there a more famous road on Earth than the Las Vegas Strip? Between its storied past and the immense number of world-class attractions that call it home today, this 4.5-mile byway not only ranks among America's most beloved tourist destinations but has also featured in a plethora of popular media. From the newly released season of Fallout to the comedy classic The Hangover, the severely underrated Scorsese crime drama Casino, and many other movies, TV shows, video games, and books, we have likely all seen or heard about The Strip's bright lights, whether you have visited in real life or not.

Its reputation, mixed with a number of other historic and cultural landmarks catering to travellers of all ages and interests, has deservedly made it a designated All-American Road. With that, let's take a deeper dive into the Strip's remarkable story, as well as what it has in store for modern-day roadtrippers journeying through Nevada.

The Story of America's Most Sinful Road

The Strip began taking shape in the 1930s, when early resorts were built just outside Las Vegas city limits to avoid the increasingly strict regulations and taxes across the rest of the United States. El Rancho Vegas, which opened in 1941, is widely recognized as the first true resort on the Strip, setting the template for large-scale hotels paired with entertainment and gambling. The 1940s and 1950s then saw rapid expansion, with hotel-casinos such as the Flamingo, Desert Inn, Sahara, and Sands setting up shop, many backed by wealthy investors and, in some cases, infamous organized crime figures like the Italian mafia.

During the 1960s and 1970s, corporate ownership gradually replaced mob influence, bringing greater legitimacy and large capital investments. This resulted in mixed reviews, with some still lamenting the loss of "old Vegas" and its gritty charm to this day. Nonetheless, resorts relentlessly grew bigger, more polished, and more entertainment-focused, helping transform the Strip into a certified international destination and drawing in millions of tourists and high rollers from around the world each year.

The opening of the Mirage in 1989 marked a distinct turning point, ushering in the era of the modern megaresort with themed design, luxury accommodations, and spectacle-driven attractions. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, properties such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Venetian, and Caesars Palace expanded the city's global appeal into what we have today, a sparkling gem of a profit generator sitting in the middle of the otherwise harsh Mojave Desert.

Must-See Attractions on The Strip

It goes without saying that the strip has perhaps the best selection of casinos anywhere (although we will still make some recommendations later on), but there are a number of other types of attractions for those not too keen on gambling. From fascinating museums to theme parks, engineering marvels, and more, here are some must-visit draws that the whole family can often enjoy.

The Mob Museum

For those interested in Sin City's Mafia roots, the Mob Museum offers a detailed look at the history of organized crime and law enforcement in the United States, with, of course, a strong focus on Las Vegas. Located in a former federal courthouse at the northern end of the Stip, this museum opened in 2012 and features dozens of well-curated exhibits spread across multiple floors.

You can lay your eyes on original artifacts, wiretap recordings, courtroom footage, and interactive displays covering famous mob figures, major crime cases, and the rise of federal agencies, as well as explore in depth how organized crime shaped early Las Vegas casinos and labor unions alike. Other highlights include the restored courtroom, crime lab exhibits, and an underground speakeasy-style bar that not only shines light on Prohibition-era history but serves some pretty great cocktails, too.

The Sphere

The Sphere is a giant... sphere. But what makes it one of the most striking new attractions on the Vegas Strip is the fact that it has truly redefined what large-scale entertainment spaces can be. Opened in 2023, this venue stands 366 feet tall and is wrapped in a massive LED exterior that displays dynamic visuals that can be seen from miles away. Even visitors who never step inside often consider seeing Sphere’s exterior displays an essential Las Vegas experience.

Inside is what makes it really special, though, as the Sphere features a fully immersive theater with a 160,000-square-foot interior LED screen, advanced spatial audio, and even motion-enhanced seating. It hosts original films in the most engaging way possible, major concert residencies, and various other special events designed specifically for the venue’s technology. It really is a must for film buffs and music fans.

The Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park

The Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park is a family-friendly attraction located at Circus Circus. Housed inside an impressive five-acre glass dome, the park sits centrally along the Strip and operates year-round in a climate-controlled environment, making it a reliable option regardless of the weather.

Boasting an exciting mix of roller coasters, thrill rides, and classic carnival-style attractions, notable draws include Canyon Blaster, a double-loop roller coaster, and El Loco, known for its steep drops and tight turns. The park is also home to a number of arcade games, midway attractions, and rides designed for younger children.

High Roller

For one of the best views of Las Vegas and the surrounding desertscapes, the High Roller is a prominent observation wheel that stands 550 feet tall. It was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel when it opened in 2014, but it has since been surpassed by the 820-foot-tall Ain Dubai in Dubai.

Located at The LINQ Promenade, High Roller features climate-controlled cabins that hold up to 40 passengers per rotation. Better yet, each ride lasts about 30 minutes, providing ample time to take in the skyline, especially at night when the Strip is fully illuminated. Some cabins even offer open-bar experiences, making the attraction especially popular for group outings.

Overnight Accommodations and Casinos

Hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip range massively, from historic resorts to modern luxury properties, offering options for nearly every budget. Many of the newer resorts emphasize upscale design, high-end shopping, and curated dining experiences, while older properties often provide more affordable rates without sacrificing location. While the Mirage is no more, iconic locales such as Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and MGM Grand still combine large casino floors with thousands of rooms, multiple restaurants, and major entertainment venues.

Casino floors vary widely as well and always accompany the above-mentioned hotels, featuring everything from low-limit table games to high-stakes rooms and expansive slot areas. Knowing this, many strip resorts can operate as self-contained destinations, allowing you to sleep, dine, gamble, and attend shows without leaving the property. However, don't get caught in this carefully designed trap, and make a point of going outside from time to time to see the area's other sights and sounds!

As far as main streets go, the Strip is about as iconic as it gets. With everything from world-famous resorts and casinos to family-friendly attractions and a new wave of highlights, like the Sphere and High Roller, it is perhaps the most dynamic 4.5 miles you will ever explore. This All-American Road is the road trip and culture trip of a lifetime.