A city like none other, Las Vegas offers travelers a unique part of Americana. Though Las Vegas has little history in the traditional sense, it provides a fascinating lens for examination of the past half century. Las Vegas has echoed the trends of American life, and continues to shape and reshape itself. The city has been under constant construction; at last count, no less than twelve cranes dotted the Strip skyline and the growth showed no signs of abating. As a reflection on American life, as a vacation destination, in its growth and adeptness at constant redefinition, Las Vegas has no equal. It cannot be quantified, only experienced.
Casinos have been the lifeblood of Las Vegas. Gambling put Vegas on the map after World War II, and it continues to drive the area economy.
Las Vegas at Night
The major gaming areas are the Strip and the downtown Fremont Street Experience. These area have grown into mammoth tourist attractions, combining theme parks, hotels, restaurants, live entertainment, and, of course, casinos.
On the Strip, the casino hotels have grown ever larger and more glitzy. Attractions now range from the Star Trek experience at the Las Vegas Hilton to the Luxor with its recreation of King Tut's tomb. Downtown, the Fremont Street Experience draws visitors to witness a spectacular light show displayed from a frame suspended 100 feet above.
As the city has grown, so too have the breadth and scope of Las Vegas's tourist attractions. In addition to the casinos and showgirls, Las Vegas offers theme parks, circus acts, diverse restaurants, family activities, and numerous recreational activities. Today, Las Vegas is a city for all seasons.
A city like none other, Las Vegas offers travelers a unique part of Americana. Though Las Vegas has little history in the traditional sense, it provides a fascinating lens for examination of the past half century. Las Vegas has echoed the trends of American life, and continues to shape and reshape itself. The city has been under constant construction; at last count, no less than twelve cranes dotted the Strip skyline and the growth showed no signs of abating. As a reflection on American life, as a vacation destination, in its growth and adeptness at constant redefinition, Las Vegas has no equal. It cannot be quantified, only experienced. 
