Where should you start on a first trip to Las Vegas?
Start with where it all began in 1905; Fremont Street. Once a dusty street, it turned into a paved street in 1925. The first legal gambling hall was built here in 1931, and the rest became history. It’s a must-see tourist attraction located in the very heart of downtown Las Vegas.
Today, the Fremont Street Experience offers everything you would want in a first-time trip to Las Vegas. This five-block area covers it all – from hotels to food and drink to free live entertainment nightly and special events exclusive on Fremont Street like the Downtown Rocks and the SlotZilla Zipline.
1. Viva Vision Entertainment
The Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas is the place with the world’s largest LED canopy screen, Viva Vision. Every night a spectacular light show takes place 90 feet over the pedestrian mall below. The screen is 1375 feet long and 90 feet wide with over 49 million lights and a 600,000-watt speaker sound system. The perfect way to start your first trip to Vegas is to see the sparkling lights.
2. Where to stay on Fremont Street
There are nine hotels on Fremont Street, each offering a variety of deals, from discounts on dining and entertainment to car rentals and room package specials, making it feel like you hit the jackpot already.
- The Four Queens Hotel & Casino
- The California Hotel & Casino
- Binion’s Gambling Hall
- Golden Nugget Las Vegas
- Circa Resort & Casino
- Main Street Station Casino, Brewery, & Hotel
- Golden Gate Hotel & Casino
- The Fremont Hotel & Casino,
- The D Hotel & Casino
3. Where to stay on Fremont Street
The Fremont Street Experience has at least eight fine dining restaurant options you can choose from, with entrees like juicy steak and seafood created by renowned chefs.
- Hugo’s Cellar at the Four Queens Hotel And Casino
- Project BBQ LV at the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino
- Redwood Steakhouse at The California Hotel And Casino
- Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas
- Barry’s Downtown Prime at the Circa Resort & Casino
- Andiamo Italian Steakhouse at The D Las Vegas
Options for casual dining ranges from hot dogs and hamburgers to Mexican or Asian specialties, as well as breweries and coffee shops at the following locations.
- Asian food at 8 East, Circa
- Coffee at the Chicago Brewing Co., Four Queens Hotel And Casino
- Hot Dogs at American Coney Island, The D Las Vegas
- Whiskey Licker Up at Binion’s
- Triple 7 Restaurant & Microbrewery, Main Street Station
- Tony Roma’s, Fremont Hotel & Casino
- Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews, Binion’s Gambling Hall
- Cadillac Mexican Grill, Golden Nugget
4. SlotZilla Zipline Adventure
Only Fremont Street Experience has the thrilling SlotZilla zipline adventure sailing you 7 to 10 stories high over Fremont Street. It is continuously rated as a best amusement ride and family attraction that tourists must see in Las Vegas.
The Zip-Zilla is the lower level and starts on a 77-foot high platform putting you in a seated position to fly 850 feet across the pedestrian mall in less than a minute. Prices start at $44 per person.
The upper Zoomline is for the truly adventurous thrill seeker at ten stories above the pedestrian mall. It launches you in Super-Hero position at speeds up to 35mph all the way across 1700 feet of Fremont Street. Prices start at $64 per person.
Both rides require a person to be 16 years of age or older. There are four people allowed at one time on each level. The rides are so popular that they sell out in advance. It is recommended to buy tickets ahead of time. For more information, see the FAQs.
5. The Circa Sportsbook
The Sportsbook at the Circa Hotel is the world’s largest sports betting entertainment venue, holding 1,000 people. The giant screen sitting three stories up displays several live sports events in clear color using advanced high-definition technology. Plan your best bet with in-depth analysis broadcasts by athletes and sportscaster pros, all from your own comfortable seat.
- The Champions Club level offers seats from $150-450
- The Circa Club offers seats from $300-600
- Recliner seats are $75-150.
6. Shark Tank at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Pool Complex
This $30 million pool complex spreads out over three floors. The Tank is on the bottom level, where you can swim and enjoy signature cocktails from the bar. The Tank pool is open to all ages. On the top floor is the Hideout, exclusive to guests 21+ years of age.
You can also book a private cabana poolside to see the 200,000-gallon tank holding several sharks swimming around in clear blue water. Guests can even opt for a private tour from a marine biologist to learn about the sharks.
7. Vegas Halloween Party Weekend on Fremont Street Experience
Every year in October since 2017, Fremont Street Experience holds a Halloween event from October 28-31st. Ghouls and Goblins abound, bewitching a night filled with exciting Halloween Haunts, Flash Mobs, and themed musical events sure to be delightfully spooky. Come dressed up to enjoy the festivities if you dare.
8. Downtown Rocks Free Concerts
Each night at 6 p.m., you can enjoy a free rock concert on one of the three stages from one of the local house bands covering everything from Elvis to 80’s rock. Grab a drink and party and dance through the night. From April through November, a stellar line-up of renowned musical guests can be found on the calendar. Past bands and artists include Rick Springfield, The Pretty Reckless, Parmalee, Molly Hatchett, and many more.
9. Find hidden gems in downtown Las Vegas
At Vegas’ most fun Casino, the D offers 42,000 square feet of gaming space. Look for the hidden gem, the Classic Sigma Derby. This unique vintage horse racing game will have you cheering on your favorite horse to win. Another hidden gem to discover is at the Golden Gate’s high-limit room. TopDollar slot machines can pay out a million dollars, as one lucky winner recently experienced. Secrets to Vegas’ past can be found behind a hidden door exposing a wall of the original hotel, a flapper girl, and a mysterious fountain from 100 years ago.
See the local hot spots around Las Vegas for free
Jump on the Downtown Loop free shuttle service for a quick, convenient way to see other local hot spots in Vegas. Stopping at 13 locations, you can get off and on to visit these places and do some shopping or stroll through a historic museum.
- The Arts District
- Fremont East District
- The Mob Museum
- Las Vegas North Premium Outlets
- Symphony Park
- Brewery Row
Have Your Best First Trip Experience in Las Vegas
The best part about a first trip to Las Vegas is knowing you can see and do a lot in one historic area alone, and that is the Fremont Street Experience. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no admission required for music events showcasing some of the best bands and musical artists in the world. Contained within a 5-block walking area are numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it a one-stop best destination for a first-time visit to Las Vegas.
