Local Walks: 10,000 steps on the Las Vegas Strip

Discover Local Walks, a series featuring writers sharing their favorite strolls in their cities. Each journey highlights a glimpse of urban culture, leading you to hidden gems and beloved local hangouts. Here, Jesse Scott details the ideal path for walking the iconic Strip of Las Vegas.

While Las Vegas offers a wealth of experiences beyond its flashy mega-casinos, let's be honest: the Strip is the centerpiece of the city and a must-see for both newcomers and long-time visitors. It's a constantly changing landscape—whether it's the demolition of classic casinos to pave the way for a major league baseball stadium (farewell, Tropicana in 2024 for the Athletics) or exciting new restaurants and shops making their debut in the quieter corners of resorts.

Frequently congested with traffic and construction around the clock, driving it isn’t advisable... unless you're just passing through for a leisurely scenic drive or crawling at 5 mph to your dinner reservation. The Strip is designed for walking, featuring an expansive network of wide sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, and outdoor escalators to facilitate your stroll.

The joy of walking the Strip is that you can pause anytime for a break, whether it's trying your luck at a blackjack table right at the Flamingo’s entrance or grabbing a yard-long frozen drink at one of the many Fat Tuesdays (and yes, you can take it with you—it’s legal!). Just remember, Las Vegas is in the heart of a desert. Avoid the common pitfalls of dehydration and sunburn—bring water and sunscreen if you're out during the day.

We've sifted through the countless options for dining, drinking, entertainment, and routes along the Strip to create the perfect itinerary for your Vegas adventure.

Starting point: Mandalay Bay

The heart of the Strip stretches from the golden-windowed Mandalay Bay at the southern end to the Sydney Tower-like the STRAT in the north, covering about 4.3 miles one way. The area gets a bit more spacious north of the Wynn. If you're looking to cut down on walking distance, it's just 2.9 miles one way—about an hour—without any breaks from Mandalay Bay to the Wynn. Begin your journey by visiting Mandalay's Shark Reef Aquarium, home to over 2,000 fascinating creatures in its clear glass tunnel.

The walk: Starting at Mandalay Bay, you can take an indoor route that connects you to the neighboring pyramid-shaped Luxor and the castle-like Excalibur. After reaching Excalibur, cross the pedestrian bridge over Tropicana Ave, and you'll find yourself at New York-New York.

Experience the thrill of the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York

This is Vegas, so why not enjoy a roller coaster ride with a view? The Big Apple Coaster twists through a skyline reminiscent of NYC, offering stunning sights of the iconic green structure, the MGM Grand, just across the street. The contrast with the gray, often snow-capped mountains in the background is truly breathtaking.

The walk: Continuing past New York-New York, stay close to the west side of the Strip, where you’ll pass T-Mobile Arena (home of the Vegas Golden Knights), the upscale Shops at Crystals, and Aria, until you reach the Cosmopolitan.

Enjoy photo opportunities and pizza at the Cosmopolitan

One of the most unique photos you can capture on the Strip is inside a massive black high heel at the Cosmopolitan, located just off the Strip entrance on the casino floor. Equally stunning and perfect for Instagram is the Chandelier Lounge. If you're feeling hungry, make your way to the third level and hunt for the completely unmarked Secret Pizza for a classic New York-style slice.

The walk: Keep heading north and take a break between the magnificent fountains at the Bellagio and the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas across the street. At Flamingo Rd, use the escalators and crosswalks to navigate to the east side of the Strip until you reach Flamingo, directly opposite the expansive Caesars Palace and adjacent to the Forum Shops.

Watch flamingos play and soak up a bit of Vegas history

Las Vegas—especially the Strip—has a penchant for demolishing and rebuilding. Amid all the modern sparkle, the pink-windowed Flamingo stands as the oldest casino on the Strip, established in 1946. Beyond the bustling slot machines, make sure to visit the complimentary Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, where Chilean flamingos roam and giant koi fish glide through various ponds.

The walk: Just outside the Flamingo’s northern entrance lies the pedestrian-only LINQ Promenade. At its eastern end, you'll find the High Roller—the largest observation wheel in the US—and, before that, O’Shea’s, famous for its decadently creamy Frozen Baileys. Once you've refreshed, continue north, passing the Mardi Gras-themed Harrah’s until you reach the Venetian Resort.

Glide along in a gondola through the Venetian

At the Grand Canal Shoppes within the Venetian, you can book a gondola ride that will take you under beautifully painted ceilings, across quaint bridges, and past stunning Roman-inspired architecture. There’s also an outdoor gondola experience, offering views of the pirate-themed Treasure Island across the street. Whether indoors or outdoors, get ready to be serenaded by a gondolier’s song.

The walk: Inside, meander through the Venetian and its neighbor, Palazzo, until you reach a pedestrian overpass leading to the Wynn. For a quick side trip, don’t miss the largest LED screen in the world and entertainment venue, the Sphere, just waiting for your attention.

Experience the Lake of Dreams fountain show at the Wynn

While most shows on the Strip can cost a pretty penny, there’s a hidden gem at the Wynn that won’t cost you a dime. The Lake of Dreams is a spectacular water attraction spanning three acres, featuring a 90-foot waterfall, pine trees, and over 5,000 dazzling LED lights. The best spot to enjoy it is from Bar Parasol, which boasts an outdoor patio and an extensive cocktail selection.

The walk: If you’ve decided to wrap up your stroll at the Wynn, it’s time to either head back south on the Strip, walk to your hotel, or catch a taxi/Uber/Lyft. If you still have some energy to spare, the “North Strip” features two of Las Vegas’ latest casino-resorts, Resorts World Las Vegas and Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Bonus stop: indulge like a VIP at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the tallest building in Nevada, celebrated its grand opening in late 2023 with a star-studded event featuring a private performance by Justin Timberlake and appearances from celebrities like Cher, Tom Brady, Sylvester Stallone, and Kim Kardashian. The excitement continues with a culinary scene that includes vibrant, club-like restaurants from Groot Hospitality, such as Komodo and Papi Steak. For a true Vegas extravagance, try the Beef Case at Papi Steak—a 55-ounce Wagyu tomahawk steak served in a luxurious golden briefcase.