Las Vegas information - Dancing Las Vegas - Directory

Dance Magazine, March, 2003 by Daniel Ari

LAS VEGAS CONVENTION AND VISITOR'S
AUTHORITY
702/892-071; www.lasvegas24hours.com
Call for maps, coupons, discounts, and travel information.

CLARK COUNTY CULTURAL DIVISION
3130 S. McLeod Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89121; 702/455-4701
www.co.clark.nv.us

CLARK COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
2601 E. Sunset Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89120; 702/455-8200;
www.co.clark.nv.us

REED WHIPPLE CULTURAL CENTER
821 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, NV 89101
702/229-6211; www.ci.las-vegas.nv.us

Walking in Las Vegas is best done indoors. You can traverse adjoining casinos and malls without ever stepping outside, and since winter temperatures get below freezing and summer temperatures can go above 100 degrees, you're less likely to miss the fresh air--but do dress for the weather. The famous Las Vegas Strip is about three miles from end to end, so walking is not impossible. On the other hand, transportation options are plentiful.

Rental cars in Las Vegas are cheap and easy to find. Remember your car's license because it won't be the only white Pontiac in the parking garage. Parking at all casinos is free, including valet service. (A tip for valets is advised.) Avoid driving the Strip at night and on weekends because it gridlocks. Industrial Boulevard and Paradise Road run parallel to it and are good alternatives.

If you aren't renting a ear, you can grab a taxi. These will cost around $2.20 to start plus $1.50 per mile, though prices vary. The major hotels usually have taxis waiting. Smaller establishments will happily call a cab for you. Just give them ten minutes' notice.

If you are travelling between McCarran Airport and your hotel, you can catch a shuttle. These cost $4 to $6 per person, and they're slower than cabs because you share the ride with folks staying at other hotels.

On the Strip, Citizens Area Transit provides buses for $2 per ride. Buses arrive every ten minutes and stop in front of every Strip hotel. Northbound, they continue to the Downtown Transit Center, where you can catch buses on routes all over the Valley or walk to the casinos on Fremont Street.

Daniel Ari, managing editor of DANCE MAGAZINE, writes about Las Vegas for CheapoVegas.com and BigEmpire.com. Matt Weatherford and Mark Sinclair helped with this article.