The Strip - Las Vegas, NV

Once known as the Arrowhead Highway, the Las Vegas Strip has seen its fair share of growth in the last century. In 1931, the Pair-O-Dice club was constructed and is known as the very first casino to ever grace The Strip, paving the way for an abundance of future installments. It was the construction of the 1,512-room International Hotel in 1969 that truly gave birth to the phase of luxurious high-end resorts. Throughout the years, the iconic Vegas Strip lights became more and more plentiful as various resorts, restaurants and casinos were built. In order to broaden crowd appeal, a number of family friendly destinations were added to the Strip in the mid '90s. Conclusively, it was the opening of the Bellagio and Venetian resorts, as well as the expansion of the MGM brand, that established The Strip as a hub for luxurious, high-end entertainment.

To say that The Las Vegas Strip offers a wide variety of dining options is an understatement. The city provides a heaping abundance of international cuisines, with more than enough options available to satisfy nearly any diet.

The high-end Spanish restaurant, 'e' by Jose Andres, specializes in providing its customers with an intimate and unforgettable dining experience. From the eye-catching decor to the palatable entrees, elite chefs prepare your meal before your very eyes as they describe its qualities with precise expertise. The restaurant uses only the highest quality ingredients to craft its famous dishes and serves its customers in the form of multiple courses ranging from edible sangria to exquisite Oyster and Oyster, an intense combination of smoked oyster and crispy chicken oyster. Of course, this level of luxury comes at a price. Those looking to partake in the e by Jose Andres experience are advised to make reservations online beforehand and can expect to receive confirmation in the form of a golden ticket, presentable upon arrival.

If you're in the mood for a more casual meal after an afternoon of gambling, seek out Project Pie. Located in the basement of the MGM Grand, this casual pizza restaurant offers fast and friendly service to hordes of hungry tourists. Choose your crust and sauce, and complete your custom pie with gourmet toppings such as ricotta cheese and caramelized onions. The restaurant also has a set menu of specialty pizzas and a gluten-free crust option. For a lighter meal, opt for the kale salad, or embrace the indulgent Las Vegas spirit and splurge on a Nutella and banana dessert pizza.

When most consider the idea of the Las Vegas Strip, nightlife is usually one of the words that comes to mind. With nightclubs and casinos aplenty varying in style and atmosphere, people from all walks of life seeking a memorable night out have no issue finding a destination. XS Nightclub, one of The Strip's most highly rated nightclubs, features regular acts ranging from local talent to internationally famous DJs and performers. Stocked with a full bar, extravagant decor and a lively dance floor, XS Nightclub is sure to please even the most adventurous of club-goers.

Although The Strip was designed to be easily navigable by foot with some of the widest sidewalks ever encountered, there is still an abundance of options for transportation throughout the area. With stops at nearly every casino along the length of the strip, one of the most convenient methods of transportation is The Deuce, a double-decker bus service provided by the RTC Transit.

Additionally, city-goers can also take advantage of the many free shuttle and tram services provided throughout The Strip, which typically only require a room key from an affiliated hotel. Taxi services are available throughout the city, but drivers are only permitted to stop at specific destinations, such as hotels and taxi stands; however, Uber is readily available to take you wherever you may need to go.

Being that The Strip is essentially the 4.2-mile entertainment capital of the state, finding the typical outdoor park may prove difficult. However, that's not say that the city doesn't contain its fair share of amusement parks.

The Adventuredome is a 5-acre family friendly indoor amusement park filled to the brim with numerous rides, attractions and even roller coasters. True thrill seekers marvel over everything this theme park has to offer. An all-day ride pass costs about $30, while passes for premium rides and attractions, such as Lazer Blast and the Special FX Theatre, run about $8. If you're looking for an interactive and fun way to break free from the commotion of The Strip, this is the place to be.

If gracefully floating in a 120-mph wind tunnel suspended above the very ground beneath you sounds like your idea of fun, be sure to head over to Vegas Indoor Skydiving. As a more than suitable precursor to the real thing, the wind tunnels come fiercely close to replicating the authentic sensation of free falling. With affordable group and single rider rates, Vegas Indoor Skydiving provides a cost-friendly dosage of adrenaline.

It should come as no surprise that establishing residence anywhere along the Las Vegas Strip process to be a costly investment, but it may certainly surprise you to know that the overall cost of living is only slightly higher than the national average. The typical cost for a one-bedroom apartment sits at around $1,600 but varies based on proximity to The Strip and location. Gas prices in The Strip are 17 percent higher than the national average.

While walking The Strip, you find an array of nationally trusted chain stores as well as a variety of lush and unique independently owned shops. Whether you're looking to go home with a simple and festive trinket or a sumptuous fur coat, the Strip suits every need.

The Forum Shops, located in Caesar's Palace, house a grand assortment of all the high-end retail clothing stores you know and love. But what truly makes this location unique is its distinctly elaborate and refined decor. Immense granite statues, fluorescent staircases and enormous fish tanks are just among a few of the many elements that make your eyes widen with marvel. Containing over 160 shops and 11 restaurants, this commercial paradise is sure to please.

Of course, without debate, it is absolutely necessary that you plan a visit to what is known as the "World's Largest Gift Shop." The Bonanza Gift Shop is a 40,000-square foot shopping space with a massive selection of inventory ranging from snow globes to T-shirts and just about everything in between. The store provides plenty of parking, a courteous staff and highly affordable merchandise, making it a must-see destination along The Strip.

As far as grocery needs are concerned, residents of The Strip typically travel to neighboring towns to do their shopping. Due to the lack of grocery stores along The Strip, residents frequent the Trader Joe's and the Cardenas Market in Westside for a selection of high-quality produce, meats, baked goods and other grocery needs.

The Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, CSI: The Experience, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, Cirque de Soleil, Adventuredome Theme Park, Clark County Wetlands Park, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area