Welcome to summer in Vegas, when temperatures regularly top 100 degrees and the wise seek shelter poolside or indoors with the AC blasting. Even with the weather set to sweltering, it’s easy to stay calm, cool and collected—if you know where to go. Follow our lead, and you’ll leave Las Vegas feeling downright chill.
1. FlowRider surf experience Despite the lack of coastline, there are waves breaking on the Strip. Or, rather, one perpetual wave, constantly frothing at Planet Hollywood Resort’s rooftop pool. Book a time slot and get ready to ride a swell that’s a blast for beginners and experienced surfers alike. (Planet Hollywood Resort, 702.785.9106)
2. Minus5 Ice Bar Outside it feels like an oven set to low. Inside it’s a refreshing -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). Pull on a loaner parka and throw back some cocktails in this frigid wonderland where everything from the bar to the booths are carved from ice. (The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, 702.632.7714)
3. Ice Cream Social at Tom Colicchio's Heritage Steak Create your own ice cream pops at this Mirage steakhouse, where vanilla bars are customized tableside with chocolate dipping sauces and toppings like sprinkles, cookie crumbles and peanuts. (The Mirage, 866.339.4566)
4. Tropical Tornado at Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar Combine rum, pineapple, coconut, mint, lime and blue curaçao. Imbibe. Repeat. Guy Fieri’s Tropical Tornado is a vacation in a glass that transports you to the beach with every sip. Equal parts sweet and refreshing, it’s the perfect antidote to summer’s stifling heat. (The Linq, 702.794.3139)
5. Arctic Ice Room at Qua Baths & Spa Snow is a rarity in Vegas, but inside Qua there are flurries daily. That’s thanks to the “ice room,” an enclave cooled to 55 degrees where guests relax on heated benches while snowflakes fall from the ceiling. And when that chill gets too chilly, warm up in one of the spa’s hot pools on a heated bench. (Caesars Palace, 866.782.0655)
6. Caramel Sugar Daddy Cheesecake milkshake at Sugar Factory This $19 milkshake is a carnival of indulgence in a chocolate-dipped mug. Topped with a Sugar Daddy candy, a rainbow lollipop and an entire slice of cheesecake, it’s not just decadent, it’s over the top. But isn’t that why you’re here in the first place? (Fashion Show, 702.685.0483)
7. Polar Journey at Shark Reef Aquarium It’s a long flight to the poles, but inside Mandalay Bay you can explore the environment and its wildlife without the jet lag. Through a series of interactive exhibits and rides, visitors experience fracturing ice sheets, learn how penguins swarm and feed animals virtual krill. (Mandalay Bay, 702.632.4555)
8. Gondola Rides When it’s too hot to step outside, you can still hit the water. At The Venetian, gondolas navigate air-conditioned canals beneath painted skies, while singing boatmen provide a soundtrack. (The Venetian, 702.414.4300)
9. Las Vegas Monorail Walking the Strip is usually a technicolor delight. In summer? Not so much. Skip the 100-degree hike and zip to your destination inside an air-conditioned Monorail car. Tickets to ride? $5. Not arriving drenched in sweat? Priceless. (702.699.8200)
