Vegas in the winter

We always go to Vegas in late spring, summer or early fall when the temps are in the 90's or 100's. Going to the pool for 3-4 hrs/day has always been part of our routine and something we enjoy that is a good break from gambling.

So, this Feb we're going to visit my brother and SIL in Phoenix and play some golf for a week and Ifigured it wouldn't make sense to fly all the way across the country and be so close to Vegas and not stop over.

I'm sure late Feb is still chilly in the desert as far as pool lounging so does anybody have any thoughts about something to do for a break from playing? We're already cutting our stay to 4 nights versus the usual 6 and planning the same bankroll as I know we'll play more.

We're not big on "running around" all of Vegas which would require using a cab or getting a rental car but I might be enticed to rent a car I guess if there was something really worth while doing. We're not big on the Grand Canyon or the Dam....been there done that and don't need to see it again. We don't really like to site see....more looking for an activity.

I have thought about a day trip to Lake Las Vegas but have no idea if that place has bounced back enough that it would even be worth the trip.

Golf is out as we will probably play almost every day in PHX and so we don't have to lug clubs around on the plane, we ship our clubs to his house and them ship them back the day we leave.

Or....maybe we'll just gamble hard...:evillaugh

 

"We're not big on "running around" all of Vegas which would require using a cab or getting a rental car but I might be enticed to rent a car I guess if there was something really worth while doing. We're not big on the Grand Canyon or the Dam....been there done that and don't need to see it again. We don't really like to site see....more looking for an activity."


Seems as though you've already X'd out the things to do, but if you were considering a day at Lake Las Vegas, what about heading downtown to the Mob Museum or checking out the newly opened (by then) Lady Luck? Possibly the Neon Boneyard, the Gun Range, that Pin Ball Museum, or the old standby, Bellagio's Conservatory.

If none of those appeal to you, I agree, just gamble hard.

 

Thanks Jack

I totally forgot about the Mob Museum. Our driver when we used Presidential to go out to Red Rock (we did that versus renting a car because the 4 of us were drinking) highly recommended it. She has lived in LV for 15 yrs and she said she recently went when her parents were in town visiting and that they all loved it. She also said to allow about 4-5 hours.

I haven't been downtown in a few yrs because my wife really doesn't like it but what's going on w/ the Lady Luck?....that could be interesting too.

Added: just googled Lady Luck and that definitley looks like a great day trip....sounds like a fun day.

Thanks again! Dino

 

I have gone to LV in Feb the last three years. I usually use that time to see things I dont get around to in the summer. It doesnt sound like you are interested in walking around, but me and the GF walked 12 miles just sightseeing on a Friday, just for the fun of it. We used our pedometer on our phone to map and measure the route, couldnt believe we went so far. We averaged 7 or 8 miles a day that trip.

In Feb. the first year I went the weather was high 60's to low 70's, it was gorgeous. The last two years it hasnt been as nice, so take a wide range of clothing, there is to telling until you get there what you may encounter.

 

You're welcome. No sense in blowing good money in a rental or paying about $40 RT (not including tip) for a cab from mid Strip either. Just hop on the bus.

 

If you haven't been there, the Atomic Testing Museum is pretty cool. I spent a whole afternoon there, and didn't really even scratch the surface. I would not pay the extra for the area 51 exhibit though. It was pretty hokey.

 

You could Just go see a movie no need for a cab/bus its right next to the MGM Grand

 

I know what you said about golf, but I would think February was a perfect time to play in Vegas- not too hot etc etc. Do you have to fly Phoenix-Vegas? Why not rent a car, drive (with clubs etc) from Phoenix to Vegas - Its quite a nice drive, play some golf, then ship clubs home and then fly home from Vegas?

 

Look on Travelzoo you can get some good discounts to afternoon shows that you might not otherwise see.

 

We come in from VA so flying is pretty much the mode of travel. As for driving to Vegas from PHX, it's a matter of about 4 hrs+ I'd guess versus a 1 hr flight and when we've done this before, we've found flights for about $65.

Re; the golf...I'm appraoching 60 and after a week of playing, I'm sure my back is going to need a break.

I really don't mind the extra gamblingbut did want somethnig to do to kind of break up the middle of the trip. I'm thinking that seeing the Lady Luck renovation and the Mob Museum will be a fun trip....plus, I'm sure we'll do some more gambling while at the new Lady Luck....or whatever they're going to now call it.

Thanks again gang

 

bring your hat and gloves - you never know:

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?p=854210#post854210

 

Brrr.....I hope not! I'm thinking we'll be camped out by the campfire.....ummm, I mean the progressive at Wynncore

 

About 15 of my 19 trips have been the last week of Feb. and the temps are 65-70 during the day. I find that to be perfect weather for me, bring all short sleeve shirts but one and a windbreaker. I notice that a lot of people are swimming. They are from states like NH, and Vt where they start in April. That's not for me but I know the Trop always had a heated pool, half inside and half outside with a bar. So if you like to swim perhaps that is an option for you?

If you are downtown, besides the Mob Museum and Lady Luck (Downtown Grand), there has been a lot of changes on Fremont St. East, with bars, Tai Restaurant etc. North of downtown is a Children's Museum, LV Museum of Natural History, and a NV State Park.....Morman settlement, LV's first settlement with exhibits and partially rebuilt fort. If you haven't been downtown recently a lot of things have changed.....some for the better and some for the worse.

Jimbo338

 

Take the missus ice skating at Venetian or Cosmo. Then warm up with some Hot Toddies by the [STRIKE]fire[/STRIKE] progressives.

 

There are two free tickets to Riviera comedy in the ACG book. There are also free passes to Flamingo spa in this book. Circus Circus is packed with kids but the circus acts every few minutes are very well done. The Sinatra show at Clarion is enjoyable and $7 bucks on goldstar usually. All of these are within walking distance of Encore. I am sure you have already enjoyed Parasol Up/Down and Lake of Dreams. Bourbon Room plays 80s music in Venetian from 11a-2am. The V bar at Venetian or Laguna Champagne bar at palazzo is nice I hear for relaxing and drinking. There's always the fashion show mall next door, which has mini-fashion shows every half hour. Jersey Boys at Paris is pricey but very much worth it. Some time at the spa is nice.

You would be shocked how lovely the hot tub was during the winter, going in and out. Definitely try it!

 

Indeed, Dino, make sure you're going in and out quite often.

 

Excellent Advice

Thanks Sco and Ken:evillaugh

Seriously though, I did forget about the nice hot tub they have out at the Encore Euro pool....it's always so hot when we're there that I don't give the hot tub a second thought. Might be a nice place to chill after gambling in the morning and then head up so some R&R (or in and out) and a good shower and then back to the progressive campfire.

 

Hi Dino,

If you enjoyed Red Rock as in the park instead of the Red Rock Casino, you might consider renting a car at least for the day, and hitting Valley of Fire State park. Lots of hiking trails, truly fascinating scenery, and about an hour drive out of Las Vegas. You could do a "car tour", but getting out and on the trails allows you to see things I just couldn't imagine! Plus temps in the 50-70 range is great for hiking, cool enough to wear jeans without sweating too much, etc.

To add a bit to what you mentioned earlier, we did a boat rental on Lake Mead in March and froze our butts off, but was still a blast. If the wind is calm, you shouldn't get too much water spray. Obviously we didn't go water skiing, but it was fun to see the dam and other parts of Lake Mead while on it.

I know you said you have already seen the dam, have you walked over the Pat Tillman bridge? Not for those with a fear of heights, but truly amazing views of the dam, and you get to get out and walk...

Would you consider an ATV rental? For my birthday, my dad rented a pair of ATVs and the tour company drove us about 45 minutes out of town to a site where we could 'free ride', meaning not just follow the leader and eat everyone else's dust. This can be as easy or physically challenging as you want it to be. Could be kind of cold on your hands if the weather is really chilly and you don't have gloves.

One last thing on my list is the indoor skydiving thing. Never done it, and it should be weather independent...

Hope these help!

Good Luck!

 

You could always try a trip to the Pinball Hall of Fame.

1610 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89119

A huge warehouse full of vintage pinball machines maintained by enthusiasts with proceeds to local charities.

Lots of retro fun with quarters! Remember them from the "old days" in Vegas?

Nice change of pace.

Or maybe give that gambling hard a try. Always works for me.

 

Yeah if anyone likes pinball, the pinball hall of fame is a great spot. Prices are ridiculously good. There are a few other standard video games there too. I was hoping for "Cyberball", but fortunately for my g/f, no dice. She was savvy enough to find a game with credits on it though. :evillaugh

Also mentioned in this thread, I really enjoyed the atomic history museum, and probably would have stayed a bit longer w/o the g/f in tow; I took an hour as is. But I am a big science dork, fwiw. There are often 2 for 1 tickets on Groupon for that.