Sin City, America's Playground, the Entertainment Capital of the World ... all worthy names for this Nevada hotspot. Think of Vegas as a theme park rather than a city — it can awe as much as it can overwhelm, and that's part of the appeal. This is a city where inhibitions are not welcome: Every night, Las Vegas draws pleasuremongers to the brightly lit Strip like moths to a flame. While you may not want to go as far as to re-enact "The Hangover," you certainly don't want to leave without experiencing a bit of "Viva Las Vegas." Just remember: What happens here, stays here.
But gone are the days when Sin City appealed only to bachelors and brutes. Today, Las Vegas as a destination is just as malleable as it is ostentatious in that you can mold it into any type of vacation you like. You can opt for the traditional high-roller getaway complete with all-nighters at the blackjack table or PURE Nightclub. Or you can take a different approach to Sin City and indulge in its luxury spas, high-end shopping and gourmet restaurants. Las Vegas also makes a great jumping-off point for outdoor activities, such as hiking in Red Rock Canyon or visiting the Hoover Dam. And though you may not believe it, this city even has attractions for kids: Underage travelers will get a kick out of a Cirque du Soleil performance, the Bellagio Fountain show and the Neon Museum.