What happens in Vegas generally stays in Vegas, but I’m dishing on my recent adventure so that all of you know what’s up if you ever make it to Sin City. There are more wheelchair accessible things to do in Las Vegas than you may think!
During my trip to Nevada’s gambling gem, I discovered that Vegas is an excellent place for wheelchair users to have fun – and lots of it. So, without further ado, I present to you my list of amazing things to do in wheelchair accessible Las Vegas… And don’t worry – getting married isn’t one of them!
Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do In Las Vegas
The most important part of visiting Vegas is all the wonderfully weird and wacky activities on offer. Thankfully, there is an abundance of things to do in Las Vegas for disabled people.
#1: See a Show — or a Few
Las Vegas is all about bright lights and glamour, so it’s not surprising that shows are one of the main attractions here. In fact, Vegas boasts one of the best selections of shows in the world. From cabaret to a Zombie-themed show, there really is no limit, so it seems.
My absolute favorite was Absinthe, a show that premiered in 2006 and is still going strong with its unique and entertaining combination of acrobatics and cabaret. It played at Caesar’s Palace, and it’s probably the greatest show I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a LOT!)!
It is an adults-only show, as there is a lot of cursing. If you’re easily offended, skip Absinthe and maybe go see one of Vegas’ more tame shows as this is one of those things to do in Las Vegas for adults only.
Another show I saw while there was Zumanity, a cabaret-style show put on by Cirque du Soleil. In fact, Cirque du Soleil has a number of shows that are playing in Vegas, and they’re all worth a watch! Many cities will only have one show from this amazing company if they’re lucky – but Vegas offers eight different Cirque shows to choose from.
#2: Go Hot Air Ballooning
While all the neon lights on the famous Vegas Strip are really cool, there’s no doubt in my mind that the best view of the city comes from above.
And if you didn’t think hot air balloons could be wheelchair accessible, think again! Thanks to the friendly folks at Love is in the Air Ballooning, I enjoyed a marvelous ride of the Las Vegas Valley, staring down at the beautiful desert landscape while flying in the sky.
I felt safe and secure with my wheelchair held in place by a locking system, and I had no trouble seeing out with the balloon’s convenient panoramic windows. According to the company, they’re the only accessible hot air balloon business in the state, so be sure to take advantage of this neat opportunity!
To read more about my hot air ballooning experience, click here for the full post.
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#3: Gamble Your Money Away
Nearly every movie set in Las Vegas revolves around this iconic activity. Blackjack, slot machines, you name it – even if you’re not a big gambler, it’s something everyone has to try at least once while in this city.
Dress in fancy clothes and hit up the famous Monte Carlo, Treasure Island, MGM Grand, Bellagio, and more, for some fun with cards, dice, and pure chance. Let’s hope Lady Luck is on your side, but even if she’s not, don’t worry – gambling, especially the card games, is still fun to watch from the sidelines.
Even just being inside such grand and luxurious buildings is a thrill!
There are so many casinos in Vegas, you really can take your pick. Thankfully, they’re all really easy to get to as well. So if you feel your luck running out at one place, you can simply hop onto a bus/tram/monorail and make your way to the next.
Be sure to gamble responsibly, though, and try and get out for a couple of hours too, the city is more than slot machines and thrilling card games.
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#4: Walk and Roll on the Vegas Strip
Close your eyes and picture everything that is iconic about Las Vegas, and that’s basically what the Strip is. Bright lights, flashy buildings, elegantly dressed gamblers and more can be found on this stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South.
It’s like traveling the world without really moving, as you can see replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Venetian Grand Canal, and the Sphinx at some of the internationally-themed resorts. Featuring 15 of the world’s 25 largest hotels, it’s quite a sight and one that surely can’t be missed by anyone heading to Sin City.
The Vegas Strip is one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations, which is both a good and a bad thing. Parts of the Strip can get somewhat crowded, but the world-class shops and iconic sights make it all worthwhile. While the view from above was great, there was nothing quite like being in the midst of Vegas’ ultramodern skyline.
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#5: Shop ‘til You Drop
If you won some money gambling – or even if you didn’t – you must check out the amazing stores that Las Vegas has. The Strip boasts some of the best shopping in the city, and one of my favorites is The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
Aside from having a great selection, they have an interesting history – evolving from the first destination mall in Vegas to the highest-grossing mall in the entire United States.
Of course, competition among the classic giants on the Vegas scene is ever-present, so a number of other resorts have great shopping opportunities as well. Check out the Via Bellagio Promenade for a high concentration of high-end stores, and the excellent Grand Canal Shops.
If you’re looking to escape the bustling Strip for a while, head to the outskirts of the city for the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Premium Outlets – North and South.
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#6: Experience Fremont Street
Fremont Street is the place to go for entertainment in downtown Vegas. It features hotels, casinos, light shows, live music, museums, and more. Even a zip line, aptly dubbed the “Slotzilla,” can be found here.
Though it depends on your particular circumstances, in many cases, wheelchair users can fly on the Slotzilla zip line. Starting at the world’s largest slot machine, you can find yourself soaring through the Fremont Street sites and taking an elevator to each platform.
It may seem like one of those crazy things to do in Las Vegas, but I couldn’t miss out on a chance to go ziplining again. And what’s a trip to Vegas without experiencing a few action-packed adventures?!
If ziplining isn’t your style, don’t worry. There’s plenty more to do on these five blocks of fun – and plenty to eat, as well! While here, I visited the famous Heart Attack Grill (and came away heart attack-free).
One of the only restaurants in the world to brag about how deliciously unhealthy their food is, it’s a unique experience, to say the least. You can order a burger with up to 8 patties and 40 slices of bacon, and it doesn’t cost as much as you might think. In fact, you can even eat for free if you weigh over 350 pounds. Good luck with trying to finish your meal!
#7: Marvel at Old Neon Signs – Neon Museum
Past or present, Vegas just wouldn’t be Vegas without its iconic neon signs. These are one of the coolest attractions in town, and there’s a must-see collection of them at the Neon Museum, which is conveniently close to Fremont Street.
Be sure to get a guided tour of the Boneyard – it’s where most of their collection resides. It’s meant to inspire, but you can only go with a guide so you’ll need to make reservations in advance. Colors, culture, and more make for one of the most wonderfully eclectic museum experiences I’ve ever had!
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#8: Savor Delicious Food
We all know that Vegas is crawling with casinos, but dare I suggest something else that might come in a close second as Sin City’s best feature. The food!
From gourmet to great street stands, from Heart Attack Grill to the picture of health, Las Vegas has an excellent variety of cuisine.
One of my favorite places to eat was BurGR, a restaurant run by Gordon Ramsay which specializes in high-end burgers. For dessert, I was excited to indulge in the treats and sweets offered by The Sugar Factory. Absolutely tantalizing.
Whatever your taste and preferences, you’ll find excellent options in this food-savvy city!
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#9: Ride the World’s Tallest Observation Wheel
The High Roller has only been in Las Vegas since 2014, but it’s quickly becoming a must-do for any visitors. It’s basically a huge Ferris wheel, similar to the London Eye but larger.
At 520 feet in diameter, it is the world’s tallest observation wheel and up to 40 people can fit into one pod. It’s quite remarkable and the views during the 30-minute ride are spectacular. The High Roller is completely wheelchair accessible as well.
There was plenty of space inside the pod for me to move around and take in the views from every angle, and getting into the pod was a breeze with the ramp.
Food, fun, shows, bright neon lights and lots of places to spend money and love it – Las Vegas truly does offer the ultimate vacation. Despite the crowds, there’s nothing getting in the way of wheelchair users having the full-on Vegas experience.
Whether I was wheeling down the Strip from store to store, playing the slot machines or flying high above the city in a relaxing, accessible hot air balloon, I was having the time of my life in Nevada’s very own city that never sleeps.
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#10: The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam
Possibly two of the biggest attractions in Las Vegas, both the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon can seem a bit overwhelming for those of us with mobility issues.
Thankfully, the attractions are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobile aids.
You’ll find that accessing and enjoying the canyon, as well as the dam, is effortless and quite fun. The views here are something to be remembered forever, and no one has to miss out on that.
Finding Accommodation in Las Vegas for Disabled Travelers
Hotels in Las Vegas are no strangers to accommodating handicapped guests, and many of them are well-prepared! Of course, you want to make sure that you have checked the hotel’s level of accessibility before you book with them.
Know what you’re looking for by reading my tips on booking a wheelchair accessible hotel.
In Vegas, there are many hotels that offer comfort and accessibility for disabled travelers. If I had to pick my absolute favorite, it would probably be The Venetian. This luxury hotel is the ultimate stay for any traveler, but especially those who are disabled.
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Most Wheelchair Accessible Hotel – The Venetian
The Venetian tops most wheelchair accessible Las Vegas hotels lists due to the hotel staff’s commitment to keeping their disabled guests happy and comfortable. Guests can also look forward to luxury rooms with ample space, including roll-in showers – great!
For those who are wanting a real ‘Venice, Paris’ experience, you’ll be glad to hear that the hotel’s 2nd-floor shopping and fine-dining options are just as convenient as their rooms. Wheelchair users can even enjoy a gondola ride through the indoor canal! It’s quite an experience.
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Las Vegas Accessibility Transport Options
Las Vegas is one city where handicapped travelers can feel comfortable venturing out on their own. The city has adequate options available for disabled visitors to get around and the transport options are extraordinary.
Here are the top options for getting around Las Vegas in a wheelchair.
Handicapped Accessible Public Transport
The city of Las Vegas has a fully-functioning wheelchair-friendly public transport system, run by RTC. The buses all have wheelchair ramps to get on and off, lowered floors, and wheelchair securement areas. They also go all the way to and from the airport.
Take a Wheelchair-Friendly Taxi
You can take your pick of wheelchair accessible Las Vegas taxis, there are many different companies that run throughout the city. Booking a taxi can take its time, though. So be prepared for a wait, or forego the privacy of a taxi ride for a faster public transport option.
Go on a Bus Tour
What could be more fun than a sightseeing bus tour through the city? Not much!
There are several bus tour companies in LAs Vegas that run full capable buses, equipped with lifts an ample space for handicapped tourists to enjoy the ride and the sightseeing seamlessly.
Booking a tour like this will take away the added stress of trying to find transportation to get you around the city. It’ll also force you to get out into the sun and see more of Vegas than simply the exciting casinos and divine shopping malls.
Explore the Open Sidewalks
An ideal journey to take in your wheelchair while in Vegas is down The Strip. This is a long stretch of the South Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s lined with bustling casinos, busy restaurants and an abundance of brightly lit establishments to keep you busy.
The Strip’s sidewalk is wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs comfortable, so it’s perfect for some leisurely sightseeing.
Take the Tram
Probably the fastest- and definitely the cheapest – way to get around Vegas, the tram is perfect for both handicapped and able-bodied travelers. The trams are completely free, so you can effortlessly move from one casino to the next without losing any of your spending money.
There are lifts to access the tram stations, and a ride in the tram is designed to be comfortable and easy for handicapped travelers. There are different tram lines, which each stop at various casinos and hotels.
Ride the Monorail
The monorails throughout Las Vegas are completely wheelchair accessible and quite pleasant to ride. However, they are considerably more costly than the tram, and other forms of transport. If you are willing to pay a bit more for a certain ease of transportation, then this is the way to go.
If you’re hoping to save the big bucks for shopping and gambling expeditions, then only use the monorail when absolutely necessary. The trams work just as well.
Book your monorail ticket here.
Last Word
If you had any doubts on whether Las Vegas was wheelchair-friendly, this list has hopefully put your mind at ease. Las Vegas is a fun destination, full of unique and crazy things to do, and absolutely anyone can enjoy it!
I’m surprised, actually, that Vegas isn’t a more popular destination for accessible travel. Perhaps the more handicapped travelers that make their way to this sinful city, the more prominent Las Vegas will become on the wheelchair accessible travel map.
Are you a wheelchair user who has been to Vegas? I’d love to hear about your favorite attractions!
*A Note from Curb Free with Cory Lee: This post includes affiliate links. When you click on a link, I may receive a small compensation, which will help this blog grow into a better resource for disabled travelers.
The Neon Museum was definitely worth the trip! If you’re interested in the history of Las Vegas, then you must visit this museum. I love this museum so much!
Amanda Muscarella recently posted…Exploring the Incredible Depths of the Grand Canyon
Wow, congrats! Beautiful blog post that help me decide which attractions to recommend to my clients on wheelchairs! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your experiences with the world!