Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Strip Aerial September 2013

Night aerial view, Las Vegas, Nevada, 04649u

Las Vegas strip panorama 1

Las Vegas Strip panorama

Gas station Last Frontier hotel

Las Vegas Strip is a stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada that is known for its concentration of resort hotels and casinos. The Strip, as it is often called, is approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) long and is situated immediately south of the Las Vegas city limits in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester.

History

The Las Vegas Strip was established in the early 1940s with the opening of the first casino, the El Rancho Vegas, in 1941. It was followed by the opening of the Hotel Last Frontier in 1942. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Strip saw a rapid expansion with the construction of many new hotels and casinos. This period was marked by the involvement of organized crime figures, although this influence has significantly diminished in subsequent decades. The introduction of mega-resorts in the 1980s and 1990s marked a new era for the Las Vegas Strip, with developments such as The Mirage, Bellagio, and MGM Grand.

Attractions

The Las Vegas Strip is renowned for its high concentration of luxury hotels, gambling casinos, and associated entertainment venues. Iconic properties include the Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and the Luxor, among others. The Strip is also home to various live entertainment options, ranging from circus performances at Circus Circus to high-end production shows like Cirque du Soleil. In addition to gaming and shows, the Strip offers a multitude of dining, shopping, and nightlife options.

Development

Over the years, the Las Vegas Strip has undergone continuous growth and transformation. The development of the Strip is characterized by the demolition of older structures and their replacement with larger and more modern facilities. This ongoing redevelopment is driven by the desire to attract more tourists and compete with emerging gaming destinations worldwide. The introduction of attractions not directly related to gaming, such as the High Roller observation wheel and the Park MGM, reflects the Strip's evolution into a comprehensive entertainment destination.

Transportation

Transportation on the Las Vegas Strip is facilitated by a range of options including pedestrian walkways, taxis, public transit buses, and the Las Vegas Monorail. The monorail provides a convenient means to travel along the Strip, with stations located at several major resorts. Additionally, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada operates the Deuce and SDX buses, which offer frequent service along the Strip and into downtown Las Vegas.

Impact

The Las Vegas Strip is a major contributor to the economy of Las Vegas and the broader Nevada state, through both direct employment and tourism-related revenues. It is also a significant cultural icon, representing the city's image of luxury, entertainment, and nightlife to the world.