It seems extremely counterintuitive, but it’s true: There’s a lot of water in the desert. Water-based attractions, that is. You’ll quickly discover that the dry desert heat can be quickly overcome by visiting any number of aquatic-themed venues around the Strip. In fact, at times you’ll swear you were in a humid, tropical area. It’s a bit disorienting, but then again you are in Las Vegas. It kind of comes with the territory!
Fountains
Of the free attractions on the Las Vegas Strip, the Fall of Atlantis Fountain and Aquarium at The Forum Shops at Caesars (702.893.4800) and the Fountains of Bellagio (702.693.7111) are arguably two of the most visited. They’re certainly two of the most longstanding. Millions have watched the animatronic show about a son and daughter fighting for their father’s throne, and even more have lined up to see the fountains perform their exquisite dance to music like Cher’s “Believe” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.”
Animals
Yes, there are plenty of water-dwelling creatures in the desert, thanks to Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium (702.632.4555), Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage (702.791.7188), the Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo (702.733.3349) and the Silverton Aquarium (702.263.7777).
For those with money to spend, Shark Reef and the Secret Garden are wonderful places to spend an afternoon with the family. At Shark Reef, check out everything from, yes, sharks to large octopi, Komodo dragons, golden crocodiles, piranhas and so much more. At the Secret Garden, the dolphins are a true highlight, showing off their acrobatic skills with their trainers.
For those on a budget, the Wildlife Habitat and Silverton Aquarium are free. You could definitely spend a considerable amount of time relaxing in the Wildlife Habitat’s 4-acre area while catching glimpses of flamingos as well as swans, ducks, turtles, pelicans and sacred ibis. And even the best home aquariums can’t hold a candle to Silverton’s 117,000-gallon beast, which contains a wide array of sea life, including stingrays, sharks and tropical fish.
Rides
When most think of Las Vegas, second to the Bellagio fountains are the gondola rides at The Venetian (702.414.4300), a truly only-in-Vegas experience that’s created fond memories for millions of romantics. You’d have good memories too if you were serenaded by a gondolier while floating down man-made canals within the Grand Canal Shoppes (there’s also an outdoor option). Did we mention there’s a Gondolier March, in which performers serenade the crowd in unison twice a day?
Bars
Hey, water doesn’t have to be in liquid form to be a candidate for this list! In fact, at Minus5 Ice Experience at both The Grand Canal Shoppes (702.862.7800) and Mandalay Bay (702.740.5800), as well as Icebar at The Linq Promenade (702.586.8925), everything is made of ice! The glasses. The chairs. The walls. You’ll be given coats and gloves to keep warm as you enjoy a signature cocktail.
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