Vegas Private Tours

Fifteen Things to do with Kids in Las Vegas

Lots of people say “Don’t bring kids to Las Vegas” but actually there are loads of activities, attractions and Las Vegas area destinations that will enthrall kids. Here are 15 of my favorite kid-friendly things to do while in Las Vegas in no particular order:

Three young children enjoy Las Vegas at the famous Strip entrance sign.

Before we even begin with everything else – get your picture at Las vegas’ most popular salefie spot, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. The sign features the words “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” in bold, neon letters, with a stylized depiction of a cowboy and a showgirl at either side of the sign. The sign is illuminated at night, making it a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

Visit the Discovery Children’s Museum: This interactive museum is a great place for kids to learn and explore through hands-on exhibits that cover everything from science and art to music and engineering.
Visit the Valley of Fire: The park offers a unique desert landscape with stunning rock formations, petroglyphs, and hiking trails. The park also has several campsites and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family picnic or outdoor adventure.
Visit Grand Canyon West: The main attraction at Grand Canyon West is the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed platform that extends over the edge of the canyon. Other activities at Grand Canyon West include helicopter tours, zip lines, and horseback rides. There are also several lookout points along the rim of the canyon that offer stunning views of the canyon.
Go to the Adventuredome: Located at Circus Circus, this indoor amusement park offers rides and attractions for kids of all ages, including roller coasters, bumper cars, and laser tag.
See the Fountains of Bellagio: This iconic Las Vegas attraction features a choreographed water show set to music and lights that is sure to impress kids and adults alike.
Visit Red Rock Canyon: The park offers a unique desert landscape with stunning rock formations, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Kids can enjoy exploring the park’s red rock formations and learning about the history and geology of the area. There are several short hikes that are suitable for kids, such as the Calico Tanks Trail and the Lost Creek Trail. Additionally, the park has a visitor center with exhibits that teach visitors about the park’s history, ecology, and geology.
Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium: Located at Mandalay Bay, this aquarium is home to over 2,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, and rays. Kids will love the interactive touch tanks and the chance to see these incredible creatures up close.
Explore the Springs Preserve: This nature preserve offers hiking trails, gardens, and interactive exhibits that teach kids about the history and ecology of the desert.
Ride the High Roller: This giant observation wheel offers 30 minutes of stunning views of the Las Vegas skyline and is a great way to see the city from above.
Visit Hoover Dam: Hoover Dam can be a great visit for kids. Aside from awesome views. the dam offers exhibits that teach visitors about the history, engineering, and importance of the dam. The Visitor Center includes an interactive exhibit gallery that demonstrates the principles of electricity and the hydroelectric power generation process.
See a Cirque du Soleil show: There are several Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, and they all offer incredible acrobatics and stunning visuals that are sure to captivate kids and adults.
Visit the Mob Museum: This museum explores the history of organized crime in Las Vegas and offers interactive exhibits that teach kids about law enforcement and the justice system.
Take a walking tour of the Las Vegas Strip: There are several attractions on the Las Vegas Strip that are geared towards families, such as the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, the Mirage Volcano, and the Fountains of Bellagio. Additionally, some of the hotels have amusement park-like attractions, such as the roller coaster at New York-New York and the Adventuredome at Circus Circus.
Go to the Pinball Hall of Fame: This museum is home to over 250 classic pinball and arcade games, making it a great place for kids to experience the nostalgia of vintage gaming.
Spend a day at the pool: Las Vegas is known for its amazing pools, and many of them are family-friendly. Whether you choose a resort with a lazy river or a water park-style pool complex, kids will love splashing around in the sun.

Vegas Dining: Downtown Steakhouses

Las Vegas dining options are endless. Because of this people on my tours often ask “What’s your favorite restaurant?” My answer is always “It depends.” There are so many options, different values, different types of foods. For me it comes down to what I feel like at the time. So I decided to do a series of articles on great restaurants in Las Vegas, looking at what sets them apart from each other.

Kicking it off, a look at steak houses in the Las Vegas Downtown (Fremont Street) area:

One great steakhouse on Fremont Street in Las Vegas is Andiamo Steakhouse, located inside the D Las Vegas casino hotel. Andiamo Steakhouse is known for serving high-quality cuts of steak and Italian-American cuisine. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and cocktails to complement your meal. The atmosphere is upscale, with a classic Vegas vibe, and the service is excellent.

But it is not the only great steak house Downtown. Here are others that are very, very good, with different vibes and styles:

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse – Located inside the Golden Nugget casino, this upscale steakhouse serves high-quality steaks and seafood dishes. The atmosphere is elegant, with a cozy fireplace and romantic vibe.
Triple George Grill – Located just off Fremont Street near the Downtown Grand, this classic steakhouse features an extensive menu of steak, chops, and seafood dishes. The restaurant has a vintage Vegas feel, with dark wood furnishings and a stylish bar.
Hugo’s Cellar – Located inside the Four Queens casino, Hugo’s Cellar is known for its classic steakhouse dishes and old-school Vegas charm. The restaurant features a rose for every lady, and the menu includes classics like filet mignon, prime rib, and lobster tail.
Top of Binion’s Steakhouse – This upscale steakhouse is located on the 24th floor of Binion’s casino, offering stunning views of downtown Las Vegas. The menu features a variety of steak and seafood dishes, and the restaurant has an extensive wine list.
Barry’s Downtown Prime – This modern steakhouse is located inside Circa Resort & Casino and features an elevated menu of steak and seafood dishes. The atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated, with a mix of vintage and contemporary design elements.
Oscar’s Steakhouse – It’s located inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino and offers a classic Vegas atmosphere with a modern twist. The restaurant is named after former Las Vegas mayor and mob attorney, Oscar Goodman, who is often seen at the restaurant. The menu features high-quality steaks and seafood dishes, and there’s also a good selection of cocktails and wine to choose from.

All of these restaurants offer excellent food and service, and each has its own unique atmosphere and vibe. It really depends on what kind of dining experience you’re looking for.

Hiking Las Vegas: Great Trails at Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, each offering a unique perspective on the park’s stunning natural beauty. Here are a few popular hikes to consider:

Calico Tanks Trail: This 2.5-mile round trip hike takes you through a rocky canyon to a natural water tank, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Las Vegas skyline in the distance.
Ice Box Canyon Trail: This 2.6-mile round trip hike takes you through a shaded canyon with several small waterfalls and pools, offering a refreshing respite from the desert heat.
Pine Creek Canyon Trail: This 2.5-mile round trip hike takes you through a lush canyon with towering cliffs and a small waterfall, offering a peaceful and secluded hiking experience.
Lost Creek Trail: This 2.4-mile round trip hike takes you through a narrow canyon with several small waterfalls and pools, and leads to a hidden cave where a small stream disappears underground.
Turtlehead Peak Trail: This 5.4-mile round trip hike is a bit more challenging, but offers stunning panoramic views of the park and surrounding mountains from the summit.
White Rock-Willow Spring Loop Trail: This 6.3-mile loop trail takes you through diverse terrain, including rocky canyons, open desert, and a shady oasis at Willow Spring.
First Creek Canyon Trail: This 3.4-mile round trip hike takes you through a beautiful canyon with towering cliffs, a small waterfall, and a seasonal creek.

Regardless of which hike you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear, as the park can get quite hot and rocky. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to let someone know your hiking plans and estimated return time before setting out on the trail.

A Sample Walking Tour of the Central Las Vegas Strip

A sample walking tour of Las Vegas! Please note that this is just one possible route, and there are many other interesting places to see in the city. Also, be aware that walking in Las Vegas can be quite strenuous due to the heat and the large distances between some attractions, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.

Las Vegas, USA – July 18, 2008: Bellagio Hotel Casino, featured with its world famous fountain show, at night in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Here’s an sample route you could take:

Start at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, located at 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd. This iconic hotel features a stunning fountain show. Shows start at 3pm during normal weekdays, noon on weekends and holidays. They place every 30 minutes until 7pm then every 15 minutes until 2am, so be sure to catch a performance if you can. Also check out the Conservatory and the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain while there.
Walk north on Las Vegas Boulevard and you’ll come across the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options. Grab a drink at the Chandelier Bar!
Cross the street and turn left along Las Vegas Boulevard and you’ll soon reach the Eiffel Tower Experience at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. This is a half-scale replica of the real Eiffel Tower in Paris and offers amazing views of the city from its observation deck.
From there, head North towards the LINQ Promenade, an outdoor shopping and dining area that features the High Roller Observation Wheel, the tallest observation wheel in the world, as well as a zipline!
Walk North on the Strip and you’ll reach the Mirage Hotel and Casino, which features a tropical-themed atrium and a volcano that erupts nightly starting at 7pm. While there, give the two mermaid statues just inside the entrance a rub for good luck! But you must rub both! Rubbing one is bad luck.
Walk South and you’ll come to the iconic Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino, which has been a Las Vegas staple since it opened in 1966. Be sure to check out the Forum Shops, an upscale shopping mall located within the hotel. Inside, the Fountain of Atlantis offers hourly animatronic shows that tell the story of why the gods sank the City of Atlantis into the ocean.

Smiling female enjoys her summer Las Vegas trip with the Paris Resort’s Eiffel Tower in back

If you want a truly remarkable experience, I offer a private walking tour of the Central Strip – learn the history and the people that made the Strip what it is today , including:

Why a mobster punched Frank Sinatra and knocked out three of his teeth
Why Sammy Davis Jr lived in a trailer behind the Sands
The real reason Bugsy Siegel was killed – maybe?
The “Two Dumb Tony’s” that robbed the Flamingo

WHO AM I?

I am Richard Lloyd Evans, a travel writer, retired history teacher, and a private tour guide offering iconic experiences in the greater Las Vegas area. Recently named the Best Local Tour Guide by The Las Vegas Visitor Guide 2023!

Fun Facts About Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam, near Las Vegas, is a popular tourist attraction and draws millions of visitors each year. For good reason: it is considered one of the great engineering marvels of the 1900s, built in the hot, rugged and desolate Black Canyon.

The Colorado River downstream of Hoover Dam showing parts of the two Power Plants.

Here are just some of the amazing facts about Hoover Dam:

Hidden Passage: The Hoover Dam features a secret passage known as the “inspection tunnel,” which runs through the dam and allows workers to inspect and maintain the structure.
Time Capsule: A time capsule was placed in the dam in 1935, which is meant to be opened in the year 6935. It contains a wide variety of items, including coins, newspapers, and government reports.
Concrete: The dam is made up of more than 3 million cubic yards of concrete, which was enough to build a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York.
Art Deco Design: The Hoover Dam was designed in the Art Deco style, which was popular in the 1930s.
Electric Power: The Hoover Dam produces enough electricity to power more than 1.3 million homes.
Workers’ Safety: During the construction of the Hoover Dam, safety was a major concern, and workers were required to wear hard hats and safety harnesses, which were not common at the time.
Cost: The Hoover Dam was completed in 1935 and cost $49 million to build, which is the equivalent of over $700 million today.
Water Storage: The Hoover Dam can hold up to 9.2 trillion gallons of water.
Height: The Hoover Dam is over 725 feet tall and is one of the tallest dams in the world.

Who Am I?

I am Richard Lloyd Evans, a travel writer, a retired history teacher, and a private tour guide offering tours in the Las Vegas area. I am a member in good standing with the Las Vegas Tourist Guide Guild, and recently named Best Local Tour Guide by the Las Vegas Visitor Guide 2023.

National Eggs Benedict Day in Las Vegas

Yes it is true. Today, 16th April 2023 is National Eggs Benedict Day and Las Vegas is the perfect place to celebrate such an important day.

Close up shot of a plate of vegetable egg benedict,

Las Vegas has a plethora of great restaurants, and many of them offer Eggs Benedict on their menu. Here are some of the top picks for the best Eggs Benedict in Las Vegas:

Bouchon – This French bistro, located in The Venetian, is renowned for its brunch, and their Eggs Benedict is no exception. It features poached eggs, smoked ham, and Hollandaise sauce on a homemade English muffin.
Mon Ami Gabi – Located in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Mon Ami Gabi offers a classic version of Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and Hollandaise sauce.
Eggslut – This hip eatery in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers a unique twist on Eggs Benedict, with their signature dish “Slut,” which features a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato purée, poached in a glass jar and topped with gray salt and chives.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar – This Southern-style restaurant in The Venetian offers a Southern take on Eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes, pork belly, poached eggs, and Creole mustard Hollandaise sauce.
The Peppermill – This classic Vegas diner offers a retro vibe and a classic version of Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and Hollandaise sauce on an English muffin.

These are just a few options to consider when looking for the best Eggs Benedict in Las Vegas.

WHO AM I?

I am Richard Lloyd Evans, a travel writer, a retired history teacher, and a private tour guide offering iconic experiences in Las Vegas and beyond.

The reviews are in! Las Vegas Best Local Tour Guide!

There is a reason Richard Lloyd Evans was named Best Local Tour Guide by the Las Vegas Tourist Guide 2023! His 5-Star Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour is a good example why! Just check out his reviews:

First Timers–This tour is for you!!!

Viator review: Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour

This was our first trip to Las Vegas and we arrived on Wednesday, however our tour was on Thursday. Since we got in early, I reached out to Richard to see if he had any openings for Wednesday and he was able to accomodate us. With that said, we ended up being the only ones on that tour, so we felt extremely fortunate to get a private tour. We found Richard extremely knowledgeable about Las Vegas and its history. He was very interesting to listen to and tailored the tour to us. He also gave us dining recommendations as well as suggestions on other things to do while we were there. His recommendations were spot on for us. This was the best tour as it helped us become familiar to the city. We highly recommend.

Excellent Tour

Tripadvisor review: Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour

Three young children enjoy Las Vegas at famous city entrance sign.

For starters, Richard was incredibly accommodating when our flight was delayed which we so appreciated. He is a wealth of knowledge and this walking tour was a great intro to the strip. It hit some of the more famous casinos and gave a lot of good background info regarding Vegas’ past, present, and future.

Great!

Viator review: Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour

Learned more about the Strip and had fun throughout thanks to an engaged and personable tour guide. Recommended!

We had a great time. The…

Viator review: Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour

We had a great time. The tour guide Richard was very knowledgeable and friendly. We would recommend everyone to take the strip walking tour.

Must-do experience

Tripadvisor review: Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour

I loved that Richard was a historian and I found the tour so informative and fascinating. We certainly discovered things we would never have done on our own and learnt so much about this amazing city.

Hoover Dam Internal Tours Suspended Until Further Notice

The internal Hoover Dam Tours (the ones that go inside the dam and are led by government tour guides) are suspended until further notice. This is due to maintenance issues with elevators that service the interior of the dam.

My tours that include exterior and top-of-the-dam tours still are operating.

This is the message I am providing my customers:

“Just a heads up. The Hoover Dam in-house Power Plant tour, which I include as part of my Hoover Dam Tour Package, is currently unavailable until further notice because of maintenance issues with the dam internal elevators.

What that means is a 20-minute section of our tour which goes into the interior of Hoover Dam is probably not going to be available. There are some interior areas of the Dam you will still have as part of our tour. I also plan to expand into more detail our top-of-the-dam tour and take a little extra time going through Historic Boulder City.

Also if you have already paid for your tickets you will receive a refund. The access fees of $5/person in the Hoover Dam access fees will not apply until the Power Plant Tour becomes available. If you have already paid for the tour you will receive a refund for those parts of the tour access fees.

If anything changes I will let you know immediately. Please let me know if you have any questions.”

Richard

Best Locals Las Vegas Breakfast Stop?

The folks at Las Vegas Advisor (who I have been following closely for decades) just published the results of a poll with the question: What are the best Vegas locals spots for breakfast?

You can read the full results for yourself here, but hey, these are all Las Vegas standbys on the list here. I do want to add a short commentary on who the top five are.

First, my eye is running down the list and honestly you can make an argument for any of the places as being the best Vegas locals spots for breakfast. Opinions are opinions, but yeah Las Vegas does have lots of great breakfast spots. That said…

Second, from what I see, Las Vegas Trip Advisor’s polls aren’t dominated by locals. A large number of locals do follow the site for their smart and wide-ranging coverage of anything Vegas gaming, entertainment, activities and attractions (including me). However a large number of Advisor’s followers are people from anywhere else who either visit Vegas, have visited, or are just interested in our unique city.

This is not a criticism of Las Vegas Advisor in any way, shape or form. This is especially since I have no way to accurately to judge how many involved in their polls are actually locals. I do expect locals are a relatively small fraction of those voting in their polls. I also expect that if you did a poll about Las Vegas locals favorite breakfasts, using only local’s answers, the results would be somewhat different.

That all said – the top five from the Advisor’s poll on the Best Vegas Locals Spots for Breakfast:

Peppermill (north Strip)	16% (146)
Hash House a Go Go (three locations)	13% (124)
South Point buffet	9% (84)
Four Queens Magnolia’s	7% (70)
Blueberry Hill (three locations)	7% (69)

PEPPERMILL

The first reaction might be “But this is just a tourist joint!’ Well yes and no.The Peppermill Restaurant and its Fireside Lounge is an absolute institution on the Strip. It is known for its wild retro decor, an extensive menu and imaginative drinks. It has also been a favorite Hollywood location with scenes from movies and shows like Casino, The Cotton Club, and CSI: Vegas.

It also has long been a favorite for casino workers. Decades past it was a popular hangout for night shift folks to get some early morning sustenance (solid and liquid). Although from that perspective those days have receded as its touristy reputation has grown and prices have risen. My experiences at the Peppermill the last few years are long on groups of well-lubricated tourists and short on locals. I am skeptical, and believe that a poll of pure locals would put Peppermill atop the list of Best Las Vegas Locals Breakfast. Still it has great, great breakfasts and provides amazing dining experiences.

Hash House a Go Go

I love Hash House. It’s “Twisted Farm Food” and their massive portions make any meal an event you come away with feeling Thanksgiving Day-level stuffed, with loads of doggie-bag leftovers to chew on for days.

But like Peppermill, with its casino-based locations and high marketing budget , Hash House a Go Go has a high tourist exposure.

But wait, Besides the locations on the Strip (Linq) and Fremont Street (Plaza) there are also local locations in Summerlin, Henderson and on West Sahara. Hmmmmm…….

Again, I can see it happening, but I really don’t expect that a pure locals only poll would judge Hash House a Go Go to be that high on a list of the best Las Vegas locals spot for breakfast.

South Point buffet

Okay – I am fully on board with the South Point Buffet being at or near tho top of this list. It is the cheapest buffet in Las Vegas since the casinos reopened from the pandemic. Their breakfast is a screaming deal. The all you can eat is $16.95 full price, $13.95 with a player’s card. Food is great for the value and it includes BOTTOMLESS BLOODY MARYS! Yeah, screaming deal.

I previously did a review of the South Point Garden Buffet on my YouTube channel. The prices have risen a bit since I did that review, but everything else I observed is still valid. It also normally shows up on the Las Vegas Advisor’s Top 10 Las Vegas Value list. It is off this month because of a price increase (Advisor has a rule that any price increase automatically disqualifies an offering for one month from their top ten value list).

And yes, even though the South Point Garden Buffet is at a casino on Las Vegas Boulevard, it isn’t a Strip property. South Point sits no less then 6.4 miles South of Mandalay Bay which is considered the South end of the Las Vegas Strip. It does get tourist traffic and has its own special events but it also is a locals bastion.

So yeah, I am all in with the South Point Garden Buffet being near the top of the list of best Vegas locals spots for breakfast.

Four Queens Magnolia’s

Magnolia’s at the Four Queens on Fremont Street is as traditional and iconic as you can Las Vegas get. Even though this gets a lot of touristy love I am also on board as this being a local’s fave for Las Vegas Breakfasts.

Its full name is Magnolia’s Veranda but everyone just calls it Magnolia’s. This is another place that has some great deals, especially if you have a player’s card. The breakfast menu is basic American staples from sausage and biscuits all the way up to ribeye steak and eggs. Good value and reliable quality make this a popular place.

And full disclosure, this is the one I voted for in the poll. With my tour business I often find myself downtown needing a meal. Magnolia’s should name a table for me.

Despite its popularity with tourists, locals love Magnolias Veranda and it is a go to spot for many, tourists and locals, for breakfast in Las Vegas.

Blueberry Hill (three locations)

Blueberry Hill Family Restaurants is a regional chain of restaurants. There are four locations currently in the Las Vegas Valley, three at different locations along Flamingo, and one on Decatur. They all very much have a 50’s/60’s diner feel.

This is another restaurant that I am all in for Best Las Vegas Locals Spot for Breakfast. An extensive and hearty menu, good portions, fast refill on coffee and other drinks, and cool retro music that keeps that 50’s diner feel going.

This is also the one restaurant on this list that is about as truly local in opinion as you can get. The other four restaurants on this list are all tied to casinos or the tourist areas. They are naturally going to earn a fair number of visitor votes that make the “locals spot” part of the question somewhat shaky. Not so Blueberry Hill. All locals here.

And not breakfast related: I am purely addicted to their cream pies. I have to ration Blueberry Hill pies for myself or I’d weigh 600 pounds. Just sayin’.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Along with my own take on the Las Vegas Advisor’s poll, I’d like to just highlight a few honorable mentions that I believe would score high on a purely locals voting poll, with their ranking in the Advisor’s poll. Again, everybody has an opinion and you are reading mine:

I’d love to hear your opinions. Agree with the Las Vegas Advisor’s poll? Agree with my take? And by the way – what is your favorite breakfast spot in Vegas, local or not? I would love to read your opinions.

Hiring a Private Tour Guide in Las Vegas Might be Your Best Bet

From the Las Vegas Strip to the Fremont Street Experience, from the Grand Canyon to Valley of Fire to Red Rock Canyon and beyond, there are lots of places to explore and even more ways to explore them. You can grab books or online guides to lead you. You can just walk around on your own or rent a car to see where the road might lead. You can also book on a myriad of tours and experiences large and small. But for many, hiring a private tour guide might be your best bet.

Here are four reasons you might want to consider taking the plunge and hiring a private guide on your next Las Vegas adventure.

mature couple sightseeing in downtown las vegas streets

They Can Design A Trip That’s Perfect For You

Let’s face it. Las Vegas can be overwhelming with its massive resorts and hundreds of different things to do. A good private guide can craft an activity, a walking tour, or an entire day’s adventure keyed to what interests you. Here locally I often take families on walking tours of the Downtown. Sometimes they are general, but I also do tours in the same areas with the focus on Mob Las Vegas History, or the Reality TV shows like Pawn Stars, Counting Customs, Big Brother and others. Or how about a Paranormal/Haunted Vegas? Other local private guides do foodie tours and other specialized tours.

Your Local Expert

Not only that, but when you hire a tour guide you have a local expert that you can mine their local expert knowledge. Great place to eat? They can tell you about locals favorites that don’t break the bank, or the little off-Strip bistro opened by an up-and-coming chef who cut their teeth on Michelin Star restaurants at one of the grand resorts.

Plus, in my experience private guides tend to be more experienced and knowledgeable. Many bus tour guides have a good amount of training, but they tend to follow a script to satisfy many different people. If you have questions you’ll have their limited attention as the group guide provides the tour, and tries to fulfill the needs and answer the questions of many people.

The people who become private guides normally are people who worked in tour bus companies and began to chafe at the corporate limitations that bound them. They are looking for something more creative, intimate and satisfying. With a good private guide their sole reason is you. So, ask away! You’ll get an insider’s view and more knowledge than you thought possible.

They Might be Your Best Option if You Have Children or Group Members with Mobility Issues

Lots of groups are worried when vacationing, especially when accompanied by smaller children or members that have mobility needs. Larger tours can end up being frustrating. For the guides it can also be stressful. They are already taxed with leading a group of 15-30 diverse people. Add in a wheelchair or the need to keep an eye on some flighty children and their stress levels multiply.

As a private guide with generally a smaller group, children or those with mobility issues are more of a challenge of how to keep everyone involved and entertained. Plus for me, I have a wife in a wheelchair, and experience with how difficult the world can be when you have physical limitations. That said it is just easier making a tour that is enjoyable for everyone when it is a small group. Personally, long ago I heard the saying “Happy wife, happy life.” I also learned the two follow ups to that – “Happy kids, happy parents ,” and “No one in the family is happy unless granny is happy.”

And again, it is just easier to make everybody in the group happier if it is just one group/family.

Private Guides Might Cost You Less

Private guides generally cost you more, but sometimes they are a bargain. If you are going solo or a couple they almost certainly will be more expensive. But if you are in a group suddenly a private guide can be the cheapest thing out there.

The reason is that most private guides charge the same no matter how many there are in the group. It is the same amount of time and for the most part it is no difference taking a walking tour of one versus 10. The only kicker is if there are incremental costs – like tickets to a museum or access fees to a national park.

So you can pay $45/person for a walking tour, or hire a private guide to do that tour for your group of 10 for $249. My experience is that for most groups of between 5-10, private guides tend to be cheaper than group tours.

There are so many ways to enjoy Las Vegas. Involved as I am in so many social platforms about travel and Las Vegas I often get the question – “Why pay to walk with someone?”

For a lot of visitors to Las Vegas, there is no need. Just strolling the Strip and taking in what they see and experience is amazing. That is more than enough for them.

But for others they love hearing the stories others never hear. They love being led to the nooks and crannies others never see. They adore the stories of the people who built the dam in the middle of a totally inaccessible canyon, built a city of gambling and entertainment from an unremarkable railroad stop. The lights and the glitz, pale for them, beside the stories of the ranchers, mobsters, politicos, singers, widows, gamblers, crooks and cops that made the City of Las Vegas a one-of-a-kind world destination. If that is the case, a private guide might be just what you are looking for in Las Vegas, or any place you visit.