The Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck | For Stunning Views of Las Vegas

by Denise Marie

The observation deck at the Eiffel Tower offers some of the best aerial views of Las Vegas, Nevada. Located on top of a Parisian-inspired landmark with stunning architectural details, the observation deck allows visitors to admire panoramic views of the urban Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding mountains.

Click to book your Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck admission

Click to book your Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck admission

History and Experience

Standing 540 feet tall, the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas hotel is one of the most recognizable structures on the Las Vegas Strip. This installation is approximately a half-size replica of the world-famous tower that dominates the skyline of Paris, France.

In the early 1990’s, there were plans to construct a replica structure in full size. However, such a project would interfere with traffic operations at the neighboring McCarran International Airport. Since opening in 1999, the Eiffel Tower Experience has been one of the most visited attractions in Sin City.

The elevator ride to the viewing deck is an exciting experience that’s similar to the one in Paris, France. Once you get to the main deck, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Las Vegas skyline through grates and other mesh-type metal barriers. You’ll also see the beautiful Spring Mountains that surround the entire city and the suburbs. At night, the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck offers great views of the spectacular fountain shows at the neighboring Bellagio Hotel, which has an Italian theme. Of course, you’ll also see the dazzling Strip light up after dark from more than 500 feet above ground.

Additionally, the tower has its own light show daily from sunset until midnight. People at street level will admire the optical show that’s carried out by more than 800 strobes and 300 wash-type fixtures. Family specials, military and student discounts are available for the observation deck at this landmark in the heart of Vegas.

Location and Getting There

The main entrance to the Eiffel Tower Experience is accessible from Las Vegas Boulevard South. This iconic replica of a Parisian landmark is visible from nearly all points on the Strip. The northbound SDX and DEUCE buses of the Regional Transportation Commission stop near this famous attraction. You may also take the Las Vegas Monorail to the Bally’s & Paris Station on Audrie Street.

Taxis and vehicles for hire can conveniently drop off and pick up passengers at the traffic circle around the Arc de Triomphe, which is situated near the hotel’s main lobby.

Click to visit the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck official website or to book your Viewing Deck admission.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question.

Fabulous Las Vegas Sign | Welcoming Visitors Since 1959

by Denise Marie

The Fabulous Las Vegas Sign welcomes visitors into the Las Vegas Strip. This iconic neon sign is a popular stopping point for anyone who’d like to take some memorable photos in Sin City.

History, Fun Facts and Experience

Architect Betty Willis designed the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in the late 1950’s. She was commissioned by businessman Ted Rogich to create a unique installation to welcome visitors to the rapidly growing city. Rogich was fascinated by the array of neon signs that were installed on the city’s signature casinos, nightclubs and other venues that thrived at night. The generous Willis donated the sign to the city, so she never filed for any copyright claims. Rogich paid Willis approximately $4,000 for the project that would eventually become a local landmark.

Today, the Young Electric Sign Company claims official ownership of this signature neon sign. However, Clark County leases the sign from the YESC. In 2008, local municipal leaders approved the opening of a parking lot near this attraction, which was fairly inaccessible off the busy Las Vegas Boulevard. Since then, the paved walkways and parking lot have allowed visitors to spend lots of time near the sign without significant queues or crowding.

The Fabulous Las Vegas Sign has a vertical height of approximately 25 feet, and it measures about 40 feet in width. Traditional incandescent light bulbs illuminate the edges of the sign at night. Facing southbound traffic, the back end of the sign reads “Drive Carefully Come Back Soon” in red and blue. Tall palm trees, resorts on The Strip and airplanes at McCarran International Airport create great backgrounds for photos that are taken near the sign.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign

Click for more details on the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Location and How to Get There

The Fabulous Las Vegas Sign stands on a median that divides the northbound and southbound lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard South. This famous landmark unofficially marks the southern tip of the Strip. Connecting The Strip with the Downtown district, the SDX and DUECE bus routes stop near this signature sign. You may also take the 104 bus line to this iconic installation.

Notable resorts that are within walking distance from the sign include the Four Seasons and Mandalay Bay. If you’re driving by car, follow Interstate 15 to exit 36, which leads to Russell Road. The attraction is located near the corner of this road and South Las Vegas Boulevard South. Free parking is accessible from the southbound lanes of the busy boulevard.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the attraction in question.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory | The Best Chocolate Experience in Las Vegas

by Denise Marie

Located just outside of Las Vegas, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory produces gourmet chocolate for the local marketplace. This facility offers self-guided tours for visitors who’d like to see how the candy is made. The Ethel M company manufactures a variety of dark and milk chocolates with premium fillings, such as peanut butter, pecan and lemon. An on-site botanical garden, cafe and gift shop are some other highlights of the chocolate factory.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory tasting room

Factory Highlights

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory owns and manages the Cactus Garden, a 3-acre botanical oasis that’s one of the largest of its kind in the American Southwest region. Visitors can stroll meandering trails that are surrounded by more than 300 species of succulents and cacti. Most of the plants at this desert-type garden are native to Nevada and Arizona. Some of the species at the Cactus Garden are imported from Australia and South America.

After admiring the botanical attraction, you can enjoy light treats at the Cactus Garden Cafe. This modern eatery serves the pecan brittle Mojave milkshake, espressos and other refreshing beverages. You can also taste some of the cafe’s signature fresh-made bites, like the chocolate-covered oranges and strawberries. Handmade brownies and cupcakes with seasonal flavors are also sold at the signature cafe.

If you’re interested in exploring the behind-the-scenes action at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, take the self-guided Viewing Aisle tour. As you navigate the facility, you’ll see experienced chocolatiers at work. You’ll also view the automated procedures that yield large batches of chocolate candies that eventually end up at regional stores. After the tour, you’ll probably develop some cravings for the company’s famous treats. Fortunately, the on-site Chocolate Shoppe is stocked with the latest selections of chocolate candies with delicious fillings, such as butter pecan and creme.

Do you want to learn more about the company? Take the Chocolate Tasting Class. Some of the sessions focus on the subtle details relating to the taste, texture and other characteristics of the candy. Wine tasting is also integrated into some of the classes at this chocolate factory.

Location and How To Get There

Situated in the northern end of Henderson, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory is just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Free on-site parking is accessible just off Sunset Way. You can also take the Regional Transportation Commission 212 bus and get off on East Sunset Road. Interstate 515 links downtown Las Vegas with this commercialized area of Henderson.

Click to visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory official website.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question.