Las Vegas Travel Forum

My husband and I (both seniors) and our 5 young teen-age grandchildren will be staying at the South Point Hotel in July on a Tuesday night. We would like to see the lights on "the strip" but are hesitant to drive our van because of the traffic and we do not want walk the streets. Is the traffic really as bad as we've been told? If we were to attempt the drive, about how long would it take us from our hotel and back? Any suggestions as to our options would be appreciated.

Walking isn't dangerous in Las Vegas and the only problem I had the last time I was there (probably seven years ago) was that there were occasionally people on the street pushing information on escort services into your hands. I wouldn't appreciate that if I were with my children but walking is the best way.

If it is a physical limitation I would suggest getting a cab or better yet a limousine as you won't need the stress of driving in an unfamiliar town.

Our son lives there and we were just there last week and walked the strip for a few blocks. The traffic directly on the strip is awful, you can sit through several light changes and never move. If you want great night view go to the top of the Stratoshpere for a view or even better have dinner. Call early for reservations. The hawkers are everywhere handing you cards for escort services. However, just ignore them and you won't have a problem. They seldom try to hand cards to women unless they see you take them from somebody else.

You can get to the strip fairly easy by coming in from a few blocks off the strip and parking behind one of the big casinos. We like the MGM for access and parking, then walk through the casino and out onto the strip. MGM is in a pretty good location to walk for a few blocks then cross over and walk back to your car. If you get tired flag down a cab and have them take you back to the parking lot.

There is a also the "Double Duce" bus that makes several loops around the metro area and up and down the strip. Don't know much about it though and again it will be stuck in traffic but at least your not driving.

I forgot there is also a mono-rail that the grandkids might enjoy. It doesn't run along the better view of the strip but could be fun for a trip to the end and walk back. If you check the hotel magazines you will find discounts for a $9 all day ticket vs the normal $15.

Great hotel choice for kids. Bowling alley and movie theatres. I stayed there during the National Cutting Horse Championships held in there Indoor Rodeo ring