University District - Las Vegas, NV Area Guide

The history of the area is well known to most people. Las Vegas began as a small 110-hectare city in 1905 and incorporated in 1911. In 1931 Las Vegas legalized gambling, and 10 years later, the Las Vegas Army Air Corps set up shop in the rapidly developing desert community. Post-WWII saw the commencement of the hotel and casino boom, which continued for decades.

In the late 1980s, small gambling establishments began to be replaced by mega-casino resorts such as the Mirage. Today, Las Vegas has world-renowned hotels, casinos, museums and annual events. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Discovery Children's Museum and Neon Museum draw tens of thousands of locals and tourists each year, while the Downtown Arts District packs in the masses once a month for art, music and food during the "First Friday" festival.

In Las Vegas, neighborhoods are built around multi-ethnic restaurants, bistros, clubs, and casinos. As everyone knows, the real action can be found on the strip. A three-minute drive in any direction will land you on a nocturnal hotspot.

For connoisseurs of eclectic American fusion-food, Addiction Restaurant in the Rumor Boutique Hotel will entrance you. You can dine either inside or out in this romantic eatery. Order a Cuban Reuben or Kurobutakarmal pork to tame your palette. Fish lovers might want to consider ordering the famous sea bass satay. If you have a penchant for throwing big bashes at your mansion, make reservations for its world-famous five-star catering team to cook up the perfect culinary storm for you and your crew.

If you have never sampled cuisine from the Hawaiian Islands and Pacific Rim, put Aloha Specialties at the very top of your list. Dine inside or out surrounded by an island motif that will take you to a faraway place as you indulge in new delicacies. Sample the exotic curry dishes, a savory plate of Chicken Tou Saimin or one of its heavenly teriyaki specialties. You can either eat in or take out in this enchanting Pacific Island bistro.

After dinner, why not take a stroll into one of Las Vegas' world-famous casinos, such as the Bellagio. Maybe you would like to try your hand at poker or go for a spin at one of its crowd-drawing roulette tables. Or if you want to put on the Ritz — pay the entry fee to gain access to Club Privé to gamble with the big boys. Bellagio's defines the nuances of gambling, extravagance and world-class service.

The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas' casinos are paralleled by the action at Encore Beach Club. Partake in a daytime splash-bash in the massive pool, or hit the scene in your finest threads after the sun sets. This club hosts DJs and live music, accompanied by lasers, LEDs and fog that put Alice's Wonderland to shame. Encore Beach Club attracts many of Vegas' most well-known socialites via its dazzling environment, cool tunes and beautiful people. If you haven't visited Encore, you don't know Las Vegas.

Many residents of the Outer Las Vegas Strip district utilize their own vehicles to commute and get about. Buses and taxis abound in the area, but Uber currently does not serve anywhere in Nevada. Public parking is available and often free, depending on the venue, as most casino and club hoppers spend lot of money at their destination point. The neighborhood's close proximity to Routes 15 and 215 facilitate thoroughfare access; however you can forget safe cycling on these busy streets, as they lack designated bicycling lanes. Pedestrians have a relatively easy time navigating the strip for short jaunts to side-by-side casinos and clubs, but most opt for cabs.

Park lovers, fitness buffs and dog owners need only to take a quick 10-minute drive to reach Sunset Park from Outer Las Vegas Strip. Fido has 3.5 acres to roam, sniff and take care of business. Sunset Park contains children's play areas, picnic structures, pedestrian bridges, disc golf course, tennis courts, softball fields, a lake for fishing, and trails for walking, jogging and exercising.

This 325-acre dune-dotted park is home to various forms of wildlife, which makes it appealing to naturalists of all ages. Sunset Park does not charge an entry fee, so taking the kids out to burn off that extra energy at this locale makes it a wise (and economic) choice. Lounge chairs, fishing poles, bicycles, balls and tennis rackets can be rented on arrival. Be sure to check out Sunset Park's annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival.

The cost of living in Outer Las Vegas Strip strikes most as extremely reasonable considering its proximity to the action. Short voyages to your favorite casino or club via bus will run you $6 for a two-hour pass, $8 for a 24-hour pass and $20 for a three-day pass. Renting a one-bedroom residence will set you back $594 per month, while the price of a beer on the strip can run you in excess of $8 — if you are lucky. Gas prices in the area run 3 percent below the national average, which should give you an extra bit of drinking or gambling money.

You will never run out of shopping options in the Outer Las Vegas Strip district. Since the world's elite flock to this locale, you will find high-end stores and elegant boutiques on every corner. In this part of town you will encounter some of the finest shoes, accessories, jewelry and threads in the world — with a commensurate price. You can hit it big in one of the casinos and then spend your winnings in the retail palace of your choice.

Those of moderate purse and wallet should check out XTC Boutique on 6551 South Las Vegas Boulevard. This boutique carries men's clothing, women's clothing and the latest lines of swimwear. The selection of name-brand jeans is awesome, and the staff goes out of its way to assist customers with one-on-one personalized service. XTC's clothing ranges from casual to VIP-in-the-club.

The Puppy Boutique specializes in cute and cuddly canines. All puppies are checked by two vets and come with a health certificate. A variety of breeds guard the fort at 4343 North Rancho Drive. Stop in to check out the canine crew. Lick-wary individuals enter at your own risk, as the merchandise has been known to lavish unsuspecting clients with unsolicited affection.

Residents of Outer Las Vegas Strip often frequent Von's for their weekly shopping needs. This Southern California supermarket carries fresh fish, produce, meat and baked goods, plus a wide assortment of personal care items. If you prefer organic, check out Fresh 52 Farmers and Artisan Market on 6605 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Buy your natural and organic goodies every Sunday at Fresh 52, as well as checking out the Etsy vendors.