A few weeks ago, I was checking in online for a series of flights. I checked all the seating arrangements, making sure I had my preferred aisle seat for every flight — except for one. On every flight I take into Las Vegas, especially if I’m flying in at night, I secure a window seat, preferably on the right side of the plane. Sitting at the window is not to my liking for the vast majority of the flight, but as the plane begins to descend into the city, I remember why I continue to choose this seat.
Las Vegas isn’t lacking in light. Some people may think the visual stimulation in Sin City is overkill, but those who are open to embracing the neon can certainly find some beauty in the bright lights, and grabbing that late-night view flying into McCarran Airport is one of the very best the city has to offer.
If you have to book a flight into Las Vegas anyway, you might as well grab a free light show with your complimentary soda, but if you’re already grounded, here are a few other fantastic places to admire Las Vegas’ light:
• The observation deck at the Stratosphere offers a 360-degree view down Las Vegas Boulevard and beyond. Visitors have to pay to get to the deck, but the sunset view can be worth the cash, and eating dinner at the Top of the World Restaurant is a way to prolong the experience.
• Booking a room on the south-facing side of Trump Las Vegas offers a view straight down the Strip. The higher the floor, the better.
• Ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas for a peek of the Las Vegas lights in both directions. Admission rates increase during the evening hours.
• The View Lounge & Rec Room at the Palms Las Vegas is one of the newest attractions in Las Vegas to offer a stellar view of the night lights. Open at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the View requires that guests wear stylish nightlife attire.
• If you didn’t snag the window seat on the airplane but still want to see the Strip from the air, consider booking a nighttime helicopter tour that travels the length of Las Vegas Boulevard. Maverick Tours and Sundance Helicopters both offer a commission for travel agents.