Things to Do, See in Las Vegas

(Image courtesy of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)

By Laura Lang

As thousands of mortgage bankers, vendors and special guests head to Las Vegas for MBA Annual25–the largest national gathering of residential real estate finance professionals–we’ll experience firsthand a housing market that embodies resurgence and opportunity, in a city we haven’t visited for Annual since 2014.

The Las Vegas housing market has seen its share of ups and downs during the past decade. In 2014, home values were climbing steadily, with investors and first-time buyers eager to enter a market where prices were still relatively low compared to prerecession highs. Inventory was tight, demand sharp and new construction was hot, hot, hot. But just a year or two later, things slowed down. A plateau began to emerge as potential buyers hesitated, concerned that the equity gains might not be sustainable. Investor activity began to slow, and affordability became a growing concern, particularly for entry-level buyers.

Today, the housing market continues to grow modestly. The median listing price reached $470,000 in June, a 2.2% year-over-year increase, and the median sales price was $443,500. On average, homes in Las Vegas stay on the market for 51 days.

With its supply of homes greater than demand, Redfin defines Las Vegas as a “buyer’s market,” with elevated interest rates reshaping borrower behavior and opening avenues for creative lending, refinancing and client retention

Catching the Local Vibe

As such, Vegas isn’t just a backdrop–it’s a case study in growth, resilience and future income potential. “We’re always excited to hold Annual in Las Vegas,” says Elaine Howard, CMP, Vice President of Conferences and Meetings/External Relations at MBA. “It’s a city that helps attract more interest because there’s so much to see and do outside the conference hotel.”

Speaking of which, if you haven’t stayed at Fontainebleau Las Vegas before, you’re in for a treat. It’s barely two years old and sets a new benchmark for conference venues. “The meeting space is large and airy with high ceilings and tons of space,” says Howard. “Plus, everything’s in one place so no need for shuttles to get around. Attendees can flow from meetings to meals to downtime without missing a beat.”

The Fontainebleau is tucked away from the commotion of The Strip but close enough to walk to great attractions like The Sphere. It’s home to the famous LIV nightclub and 36 restaurants. “It just feels elevated,” says Howard. “It’s a modern and elegant atmosphere that will leave a strong and positive impression on our members. And the service? It’s top-notch; they know how to make events memorable.”

Getting Around Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Strip is about four miles long, lined with casinos, restaurants, shopping and attractions. Most major resorts are connected by pedestrian bridges or walkways, making it easy (and often entertaining) to get from place to place on foot–though you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes.

If you’re staying at Fontainebleau, walking is the simplest and most scenic option to reach many attractions. If you’d rather save time and cover more ground, the Las Vegas Monorail is a convenient option.

The Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip, from Sahara Las Vegas at the north end to MGM Grand at the south, with seven total stops including popular hotels like Bally’s/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, and Harrah’s/The LINQ. Trains arrive every 4 to 8 minutes and operate until midnight or later, depending on the day. You can purchase tickets online or at any station (look for kiosks at participating resorts), and passes are available for single rides or unlimited travel by the day. More info and updated hours are available at lvmonorail.com.

For destinations off the Strip–like Downtown Las Vegas, the Arts District or Red Rock Canyon–you may want to use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft. They’re readily available in the city and are often faster than taxis. Most Strip hotels have designated rideshare pick-up areas clearly marked with signs.

Uber and Lyft are reliable for airport transfers, with pick-ups located on the parking garage level of Terminal 1 and Level 2M at Terminal 3 of Harry Reid International Airport.

If your plans include exploring outside the city–like Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park or a day trip to the Grand Canyon–a rental car may be your best bet. Most major car rental companies operate out of the airport’s rental car center, and some also have desks at major Strip resorts. Just keep in mind that traffic on the Strip can be heavy, and parking at hotels may come with a fee.

How you plan your downtime probably depends on your convention schedule, the weather, the temperament of your traveling companions and other factors, but here are a few ideas on what to do in Las Vegas around the convention dates to get you started.

World-Class Entertainment Is Everywhere

In mid-October, visitors can experience a dazzling array of concerts, shows and special events featuring global superstars and cutting-edge productions. Here are a few to take in as time permits:

• For the musically nostalgic, the “When We Were Young” festival will be held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Winchester, Oct. 18–19. Grab your eyeliner and prepare for a pop punk and emo throwback event, featuring acts such as Panic! At the Disco, blink-182 and Avril Lavigne. Tickets can be found at whenwewereyoungfestival.com.
• Running at the MGM Grand, The Friends Experience: The One in Vegas is a must-see for fans of the iconic show. The experience brings the beloved sitcom to life through immersive, life-sized set recreations and hands-on photo opportunities. Visitors can re-live Ross and Rachel’s hilarious wedding moment by bursting into the Vegas chapel lobby, hang out in Monica’s apartment or twirl by the iconic fountain from the opening credits. The exhibit also includes behind-the-scenes content and memorabilia. You can also find more information and book tickets through MGM Grand’s entertainment page.
• Shin Lim is a crowd-pleasing magician who stunned viewers on “America’s Got Talent.” His Las Vegas residency goes through Oct. 26 at The Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Showtimes are 7:30 PM (plus select 4:30 PM matinees on weekends). You can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster (search Shin Lim – Palazzo Theatre), by calling (702) 414‑9000 or (866) 641‑7469, or at The Venetian Las Vegas.
• Las Vegas’ new 10,000-square-foot social gaming destination, Electric Playhouse, is inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Brilliantly merging the digital and physical worlds into one through dozens of motion-activated games and experiences, Electric Playhouse fosters human connection and gets visitors of all ages and interests moving. General admission tickets are $30 for one hour of unlimited play and can be extended for $5/hour. Open daily. Tickets can be purchased at www.electricplayhouse.com.

Fine Dining Experiences, Vegas Style

If you want to venture outside the Fontainebleau, there are plenty of dining options from Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen (Caesars Palace) to Cut by Wolfgang Puck (The Palazzo). Here are a few newer ones to sample: • The Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated Korean steakhouse COTE has just opened in Las Vegas at the Venetian, and you’ll want to act fast to reserve a table during MBA Annual25. The restaurant emulates its flagship New York City-based locale, synonymous with marrying the fun and fire of Korean barbecue with the hallmarks of a classic, regal American steakhouse. The result is a unique, convivial and interactive atmosphere, accompanied by the highest quality USDA Prime beef, an impeccable 1,200-plus label wine list and a show-stopping beverage program.
• Luckley Tavern & Grill is a fresh culinary addition to the Rio Hotel & Casino, replacing the former All-American Bar & Grill at the Rio last year as part of its ongoing $350 million renovation project. Situated in the heart of the casino floor, Luckley Tavern & Grill is a tribute to everything American. Inside, guests will discover a warm, inviting space, perfect for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and mouth-watering bites. Open daily from 3 PM to 10 PM. For reservations, visit their website.
• Wynn Las Vegas offers the Connoisseur Series, a behind-thescenes experience with world-class chefs and winemakers from around the globe. This series features events like the Cocktail Connoisseur at Sinatra and Restaurant Style Desserts at Home at SW Steakhouse. Guests can expect to enjoy exceptional culinary demonstrations, tastings and the chance to engage directly with renowned culinary talents. Contact Wynn’s concierge at (702) 770-7070 or email conciergeservices@wynnlasvegas.com to make reservations or inquire about upcoming events.

Pucks, Bucks and Everything In Between

Las Vegas has become a major hub for professional sports, including the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces–all of which draw enthusiastic crowds to state-of-the art venues.

• Ice hockey fans can catch the Vegas Golden Knights in action at T-Mobile Arena, located just off the Strip behind New York-New York and Park MGM. The Knights, 2023 Stanley Cup champions, will host two exciting home games: the Calgary Flames on Saturday, Oct. 18, and the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday, Oct. 20. Both games start at 7 PM. T-Mobile Arena is easily accessible by walking from most Strip hotels or via rideshare drop-offs at the dedicated arena entrance. Tickets are available through t-mobilearena.com and major resale platforms such as Ticketmaster and SeatGeek. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the energetic pregame atmosphere and fan zone outside the arena.
• The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Challenger Series Finals return to South Point Arena for two nights of high-octane action on Wednesday, Oct. 22, and Thursday, Oct. 23, both starting at 7 PM. This event brings together top bull riders and some of the toughest bulls in the sport. Just 10 minutes south of the Strip, South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa is easily accessible by car, taxi or rideshare, with free parking on-site. Tickets are available at southpointarena.com and pbr.com.
• NBA fans who get to town early enough can check out the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks in preseason play at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 PM. Tickets are available through t-mobilearena.com or major ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster and AXS.
• While the Las Vegas Raiders are on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 19, fans can still dive into the silver and black spirit with lively viewing parties held throughout the city. Popular sportsbooks, lounges and bars–especially those at Allegiant Stadium, Circa Resort’s Stadium Swim, and Caesars Palace’s sportsbook–offer electric atmospheres to watch the game with fellow fans. Since the team has a bye week following the matchup, it’s also a great time to tour Allegiant Stadium. Tickets for stadium tours can be booked in advance through allegiantstadium.com.

Taking Your Adventure Outside of the City

For those exploring beyond The Strip, Las Vegas offers several outdoor attractions that are open year-round (weather permitting).

• Just 25 minutes west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers breathtaking desert landscapes, vibrant rock formations and over 25 marked hiking trails for every skill level. Ideal for a half-day escape from the city, visitors can drive the 13-mile scenic loop or venture out on foot or bike to explore canyons, cliffs and desert wildlife. The area is easily accessible by rental car or guided tour, with rideshare drop-offs also permitted at the visitor center. A day pass is $15 per vehicle, or $5 for pedestrians and cyclists, and can be reserved in advance at www.recreation.gov.
• For those craving adrenaline and natural beauty, the Valley of Fire Buggy Tour delivers both. Located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, this guided off-road adventure takes you through Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, known for its fiery red sandstone formations and petroglyphs. Tour providers typically offer hotel pick-up and drop-off from the Strip, making it convenient for visitors without a car. Prices generally start around $250 per person, which includes safety gear, a professional guide and water. Tours can be booked through providers like SunBuggy or Viator.
• A scenic 45-minute drive from Las Vegas takes you to the iconic Hoover Dam, one of the most remarkable engineering feats in U.S. history. Visitors can tour the dam’s observation deck and inner workings before heading to nearby Lake Mead for a relaxing cruise with panoramic desert views. Combo tours often include transportation from your hotel with full experiences ranging from $80 to $150 per person. Tickets are available through tour operators like Hoover Dam
Tours or Viator, or you can drive yourself and pay $10 for parking at the dam.
• Just 20 minutes south of the Strip is Seven Magic Mountains, a colorful public art installation featuring seven towering stacks of painted boulders. Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this Instagram-worthy desert sculpture offers a quick but rewarding visual experience. There’s no admission fee, and free parking is available onsite, making it a budgetfriendly outing. The easiest way to visit is by rental car or rideshare. There are also local tour companies offering guided photo tours.
• Lovers of the great outdoors will want to head to Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains, less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas. This high-elevation retreat offers hiking, picnicking and stunning views, especially at Cathedral Rock Trail or Mary Jane Falls. During October, temperatures are refreshingly mild — perfect for outdoor exploration. Visitors can drive themselves or join small-group excursions. Access
to the area is free, though parking near popular trails can fill up early. Check Go Mt. Charleston for maps, weather updates, and trail info.

“However you decide to spend your downtime — taking in the great cuisine, seeing a show or two, or visiting the nearby nature preserves — we think we’ve landed on the perfect place for MBA Annual25. It’s going to be iconic,” Howard says.