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25 Best U.S. Vacation Cities On the Cheap
Kayla Baxter, Alice Handley and Jill Hare
June 02, 2009
#2: Las Vegas, Nevada
Ah, Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Although best known for housing over 90 casinos, the sheer number of hotels and stages mean there is always an attraction to see no matter what day of the week it is. The competitiveness of the casinos means room rates can be reasonable, and a little research before the trip will reveal there are often more things to see than time to see them.
While gambling in the casinos or sports books is the obvious attraction, that is far from all Las Vegas has to offer. There are over 14 major malls within the metropolitan area, many of which are adjacent to the hotels on “The Strip” (pictured). Even just wandering through the hotels is amazing – the Venetian is modeled after the Italian canal city of Venice, the Luxor is a giant glowing pyramid inside and out, and you can’t leave without seeing Bellagio’s dancing fountains and blown glass bubble ceiling. You don’t even have to be a guest to reap the visual benefits of being in this vibrant city.
Las Vegas also puts together its now customary art exhibit on the first Friday of every month. Local artists and musicians gather each month for the event to display or perform their art, and a $2 fee gives you access to both the official venues and outdoor block party.
Don’t Miss: The Pinball Hall of Fame on Tropicana is off the beaten path (i.e. “The Strip”) so your cabbie may not know where you’re trying to go, but this museum is well worth the effort, and a nice break from losing all your money on the slots.
beckettispissah
4 months ago
2 comments
I found the best hotel deal in Orlando! Use this link www.orlandohotels4less.com/35. You can get a room for $9.99 the first night and $35.00 all the rest of your stay. The Quality Inn Plaza is awesome. I always stay there! But you have to make your reservation by July 15th.
Account Removed
4 months ago
You forgot New Orleans, dahling
DawnOfTheUndead
5 months ago
4 comments
OK seriously, the cities on here that I have visited are not cheap. But I gotta say I did grow up just outside Boston and they forgot to mention a few things that are worth seeing there. You have the Museum of Science which has some pretty cool lightning shows an Omni Theater and the Hayden Planetarium, or you can visit the USS Constitution. And if you get too tired from walking the Freedom Trail and are still feeling touristy you can always hop on the trolley or go ride on the swan boats. And don't forget fireworks on the 4th.
sbempowerment
5 months ago
4 comments
Hey I love Austin. It is awesome. Visit.
ashupimp
5 months ago
2 comments
not bad...but vegas is the best...
gallerr
5 months ago
2 comments
This list, at least for the Dallas entry, is very dated...While Deep Ellum still provides local music, it has not been a hot spot in Dallas for years....Trees is now defunct, as I believe Club Clearview is as well.
pdnellis
5 months ago
2 comments
I like the list and have visited several of the cities and would agree. However, Nashville no longer has an amusement park and hasn't had one for at least a decade. This makes me wonder what other inaccuracies are in the list.
djt198889
5 months ago
2 comments
defintely denver is one of the best i lived there and if you go to the 16th dtreet mall dont always stay on the mall venture over a few blocks either way or even on broadway or lincoln you will find alot of great food and inexpensive stores or go up colfax headed in the direction of colorado boulevard theres alot of great stores and unique shops that way also
TaniaK
5 months ago
10 comments
Love the extra tips! Thanks for this. :)
TallAnna
5 months ago
44 comments
Wow. Great list! So thoroughly researched (even tips from locals ... can't get much better than that!), and I love how you list places all over the country and that you provide unbiased, honest details about what to do in each spot ... even for various traveling budgets. Thanks for this!
becky_regan
5 months ago
12 comments
rdearie40, what are you talking about? The article recommends places like free museums and hot dog stands. How much more accessible can you get? I think a lot of these places sound fun!
rdearie40
5 months ago
2 comments
absolutely ridiculous ... these destinations are not for the regular "Joe Six Pack." This journalist is too caught up in traveling to report honestly.