Exploring Las Vegas (LAS) Airport
There’s a good chance I’ll be going to Las Vegas next year, so I thought I’d check up on airport amenities, off airport parking facilities and things to do around the airport. The McCarran International Airport (LAS), to give the Las Vegas airport its full name, is about a mile from the southern Las Vegas Strip. It’s got two terminals, with a third due to open in 2011.
The airport is easy to get to and has a full range of public transport options, with buses, taxis and limos making regular airport runs. There are also about ten care hire firms on site and, if you have your own car, lots of options for airport parking and off airport parking.
Las Vegas Airport has a full range of amenities, including a bureau de change and post office, shops, slot machines (of course), secure luggage lockers, a first aid clinic and medical centers. There’s also a children’s play area, fitness centers, massage and lots and lots of restaurants. There are many nearby hotels on the strip which are suitable for conferences, and the airport is fully accessible.
If you’re looking for something to do while at the airport, then check out the Howard W Cannon Aviation Museum, which is on the Esplanade above the baggage claim area. This museum chronicles Las Vegas airline history and is always open. There are also related displays around the airport.
There’s also lots to do within a few miles of the airport. For example, you could check out the fabulous Four Seasons Hotel, which is less than three miles away. Around the same distance away is Shark Reef, a fabulous aquarium with more than a million gallons of salt water and the marine life that goes with it. Admission is $16.95, but it looks like it’s worth it.
Step back in time and visit the 1963 Strat-o-Fair, a neighbourhood style carnival with a Ferris wheel and other attractions. And don’t miss the Liberace museum.
Finally, there’s one thing that’s on my must-see list - the Grand Canyon. I have always wanted to see this in person, after seeing it on television hundreds of times. The only difficulty is how should I see it? There are helicopter, car and walking tours - if you’ve seen it, what’s your recommendation?
Tags: Airport parking locations, Attractions, Destinations, LAS airport, las vegas airport parking, off airport parking, offsite airport parking
December 29th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I have taken a helicopter tour of the grand canyon. It was with a customer at the time (the tour company) on a training run, but it was outstanding.
The canyon is not terribly close to Vegas if you are driving, so it would be a full day and not much time at the canyon if you drive from Vegas.
There are airplane tours out of the North Las Vegas air Terminal as well. I never took one of those flights, I just used to see them every day (I lived in Vegas for several years and took flight lessons out of North Las Vegas).
The helo tour went to the base of the canyon and landed next to the water. I don’t know if they normally allow you to get out and walk around there, but we didn’t on our trip.
If you’re pressed for time, any way you can see it is great, but you can spend days there if you enjoy hiking and seeing beautiful terrain.
The only other time I’ve seen the canyon was from the southern route through Williams, AZ. Waking up while camping there is a great way to experience it.
There is never any shortage of things to do in Vegas that don’t even involve drinking or gambling.
January 4th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
That’s good to know, James. Maybe I’ll have to make a special trip just to tour the area.