Activities to Do Outside of McCarran International Airport During a Layover

Las Vegas, Nevada is home to the sixth busiest airport in the United States. Millions of people fly into McCarran International Airport every year so that they can spend some time in Las Vegas. McCarran borders the eastern part of the Las Vegas strip, so if there is a long layover of three hours or more, there are many things a person can do to pass the time. If you prefer to not be along the strip, there are many things to do just 10 or 15 minutes away.

1. Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas strip is just a hop, skip, and jump from McCarran International Airport. A number of hotels show off their beauty and will surely amaze you. There is a great place for families to go and have a good time. It is called the Circus Circus Hotel/Casino. I have been there many times in the past as I was growing up and had a great time. There is a theme park known as the Adventure Dome. It has all kinds of neat rides including a really fast and exciting roller coaster ride. They even put on acrobatic shows. It is a really neat place. An all day pass costs around $25 for people that are 48 inches or taller and $15 for people under 48 inches. There are several great rides. Many of the rides are $4 each while the premium rides are $7. For more information, visit circuscircus.com.

2. Restaurants

There a number of great restaurants just ten to fifteen minutes from the airport. I recommend Olive Garden, Apple Bees, and Buffalo Wild Wings. They are some of my favorite restaurants around. Each place has great service and a great atmosphere. I've been going to the same Olive Garden location for over 10 years now. Applebee's is located at 699 N. Stephanie Street in Henderson, NV. It is just fifteen minutes or so from the airport. Buffalo Wild Wings and Olive Garden are located on Sunset Road just a couple of miles east of the airport.

3. Sunset Park

I have been going to Sunset Park since I was just nine years old. It is a wonderful park that offers all kinds of activities including barbecuing, walking around a beautiful lake in the center of the park, feeding the ducks, and more. While waiting for your flight time to get closer, take in the sights of this wonderful park. It is just across the street from McCarran International Airport and is located at 2601 E. Sunset Road in the southern part of the Las Vegas Valley.

4. Red Rock Canyon

If you have a layover that is at least a few hours long, you may want to take some time to tour one of Southern Nevada's premier hiking destinations. One of these is Red Rock Canyon. It is just twenty minutes west of Las Vegas and offers all kinds of hiking. Take in the sites of the beautiful plant life that surrounds you. Take a trip on the scenic loop that looks to the west towards the Spring Mountain Range. Also, you may see some wild burrow and horses.

Sources:

Circus Circus Adventuredome, http://www.circuscircus.com/las_vegas_entertainment/adventuredome.aspx