Top 3 Places to Take a First Date in Las Vegas

With the plethora of activities to do in Las Vegas, it can sometimes be hard to choose the right location for a first date. First date locations should be public enough for safety reasons but still allow enough privacy for conversation. They shouldn't be too touristy, but they should be unique enough to make an impression. And above all, they should allow for time flexibility in case you want to extend the date or cut it short. Based on these criteria and personal experience, here are my picks for the Top 3 places to take a first date in Las Vegas.

Top 3 Places to Take a First Date in Las Vegas: CBS Television City

This place has special meaning for me because it's where I went on my first date with my significant other two years ago. Located at Studio Walk inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, CBS Television City offers both entertainment and retail merchandise featuring the most popular CBS TV shows.

For a unique twist to the dinner and movie concept, watch an upcoming TV pilot at the CBS Television City Research Center and give your honest opinion about the show. The Research Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day and does not require reservations. However, if you are on a time schedule, call ahead to get specific screening times. Otherwise, just pick up your tickets at the entrance.

The best part about this experience is that it's free, which is great for those wanting budget dates. It is also only an hour long, without previews and commercials. Screening takes place in a viewing room with individual computer terminals to record your feedback. Questions ask your opinion on everything from the show's premise to the actors to the plot. And while you don't get to choose the pilot you screen (we reviewed the now-cancelled Worst Week), it's a really interesting experience, and you get to learn a little bit about how our favorite TV shows come to life.

CBS Television City also lets you test drive the latest in electronics and technology. Past test products include the Nintendo Wii and the iPhone. Of course, memorabilia from the top CBS shows are also available for sale.

If the date is going well, head to one of MGM's many bars and restaurants. The CBS Television experience should give you some things to talk about as well as help you determine how much you have in common in regards to entertainment choices.

Top 3 Places to Take a First Date in Las Vegas: Springs Preserve

Located on Valley View Drive just south of US 95, the Springs Preserve is part museum, part recreational activity, and part ecological park. Built on what used to be a natural spring, the Springs Preserve offers 180 acres of cultural exhibits, nature trails, classes, café, and a gift shop.

There is no charge to visit the nature trails and gardens, but tickets must be picked up at the entrance. If you like to hike but prefer a public place for safety reasons, the trails at the Springs Preserve make an ideal place for outdoor, active, or afternoon dates.

If culture is what you're after, take the time to visit the Springs Preserver's museums and exhibits, where admission is $9.95 for Nevada residents. Walk through the ORIGEN Experience to explore the history of the Las Vegas valley, including information on how the mountain ranges and springs were formed over millions of years. Visit the live animal exhibit to see various forms of desert wildlife, including a desert fox and a glow-in-the-dark scorpion.

Afterwards, eat at the Wolfgang Puck Café, located on the 2nd floor above the gift shop. Relax on the patio with excellent views of the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, eat scrumptious food, and get to know each other better. This relaxing, no-pressure atmosphere also makes this an ideal date location for those with unusual or nontraditional work schedules.

Top 3 Places to Take a First Date in Las Vegas: Wine Walk

Walk side by side through picturesque shops, sample 20 different wines, and contribute to a worthy cause. Need I say more? Show your philanthropic and sophisticated side by taking your date to the monthly wine walk benefiting New Vista Community, an organization with assists individuals with disabilities.

Different than just meeting at a bar or restaurant, the Las Vegas Wine Walk takes place several times a year throughout the summer and fall. Events have been held at Town Square, the District, Boca Park, and Lake Las Vegas. For $25, you receive a wine glass and a punch card. Walk around and stop at 20 stations to sample different wines from around the world. You receive an ounce with each sample, so my recommendation is to eat dinner before driving home.

Not only does this activity give you something to do while finding out about each other, this is a good way for you to find out how your date handles his/her liquor (just remember that the same goes for you!). Telling each other your opinion about each wine gives you something to discuss, and you'll quickly learn what you have in common. And walking side-by-side throughout the event instead of sitting across a table can make first meetings less awkward and not so intimidating.

Top 3 Places to Take a First Date in Las Vegas: Final Thoughts

Whether you're new to the dating scene or just looking for new places to go, I'll hope you'll check out my picks for first date location. And remember, the point is to meet new people and have fun. Be yourself, the rest will follow.

Happy dating, everyone!

Additional resources:

Need more date ideas for Las Vegas? Check out these articles, which were specifically written for Valentine's Day but also contain tips for the rest of the year:

Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas

Top 5 Unique Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas

For ideas on what to where on a date, read these articles:

First Date Fashion Tips for Men: Real Advice from Real Women

Top 5 Fashion Tips for Plus Size Petite Women

Sources:

Shopping, MGMGrand.com

CBS Television City Research Center, Vegas.com

Worst Week: CBS Pulls Low-rated Sitcom for One Week, Good News for Gary Unmarried, TV Series Finale

Attractions, Springs Preserve

Welcome to the Wine Walk Official Website, Wine Walk - New Vista Community

Supporting the Independence of the Disabled Community, New Vista Community

Gwen Navarrete, Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas, Associated Content

Gwen Navarrete, Top 5 Unique Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas, Associated Content

Gwen Navarrete, First Date Fashion Tips for Men: Real Advice from Real Women, Associated Content

Gwen Navarrete, Top 5 Fashion Tips for Plus-Size Petite Women, Associated Content