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Overview
It would have been difficult to imagine this glowing spectacle when 19th-century Spanish traders on their way to Los Angeles deemed the trip through the Las Vegas Valley "the journey of death." Soon the railroad stop brought an influx of people, and Vegas became a city in 1905. When gambling was legalized in Nevada six years later, few realized the impact that this industry would have, but after World War II, Las Vegas tourism and entertainment became the cornerstone of this city's experience and economy.
Now, a century since its founding, the city has been completely transformed, and the skyline continues to change every year. Developers come up with ideas for resorts and attractions that are bigger, brighter, bolder and louder. More than 39 million people visit each year, and fifteen of the world's twenty largest hotels are located here. Although the Las Vegas tourism industry has attempted to reinvent itself as a family spot, the adult culture remains firmly ingrained. Family-oriented attractions have simply added another element to the Las Vegas vacation allure.
If you are traveling to Las Vegas, you probably aren't coming to explore diverse neighborhoods or see historical landmarks. You and millions of others arrive in Vegas with one key destination in mind the Strip. Here, hotels aren't just places to rest your weary head hotels and their numerous activities are some of the best things to do in Las Vegas. You can watch water dance at the Bellagio, see pirates battle gorgeous wenches at Treasure Island or have a quickie wedding overseen by an Elvis impersonator. It's a different world in Vegas, and no matter what you've seen in movies, the sensory overload it produces will go beyond your wildest imaginings.
To keep up with the city's diverse clientele, dining and shopping scenes have become increasingly sophisticated. Vegas was once derided by restaurant critics, but the city is now awash in fantastic restaurants featuring all types of cuisine. Naturally, the ubiquitous cheap buffet is still found in every hotel, but top chefs also offer signature dishes at upscale spots in Las Vegas. The best places for shopping boast a huge array of designer names as well as plenty of shops offering requisite hats, t-shirts and Elvis memorabilia.
And if you're itching for a respite from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas tourism, the best places for scenic natural beauty can be found at the gorgeous Red Rock Canyon and nearby Mount Charleston and Lake Mead.
Las Vegas, at just 100 years old, may not be known for its history, but visit once and you'll understand that this unique American place has created its own version of history. It was built for tourists, a whirl of entertainment that's an ode to capitalism, excess and the possibility of striking it rich or at the very least, having a blast while trying to break even.
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