Just returned from a summer trip to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and I wanted to share a full recap of my experience both the good and the not-so-good.
First Stop: Las Vegas – A Love-Hate Experience
Our trip started in Las Vegas, where we stayed at a resort. The resort itself was actually really nice. The rooms were clean, spacious, and beautifully designed, definitely a pleasant surprise. But what I loved most were the swimming pools. They were refreshing, fun, and a lifesaver in the scorching Vegas heat. As someone who loves being in the water, I could’ve spent all day there.
We explored a few attractions along the Strip, including the M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World. These stores are super colorful and over-the-top in the best way. My family and I had so much fun browsing the massive candy selections, quirky souvenirs, and interactive displays. For a little while, it really felt like being a kid again.
We also tried one of the popular buffets in town. The food wasn’t mind-blowing, but it was good enough and offered lots of variety which is always great when you’re with picky eaters (aka my kid!).
But then came Area15.
We were excited to visit this immersive entertainment complex, but unfortunately, it ended up being a huge letdown. We paid for the “Level 2” access, expecting more interactive experiences, but what we got didn’t live up to the hype. The layout was confusing, and the staff made the experience even more frustrating.
I asked one of the staff members where the games were located, and she didn’t even bother looking up from her computer. She told me everything was on the second floor, but that turned out to be false, some games were on the first floor too. Another staff member stared at me blankly when I asked about booking the zombie VR experience and gave me no helpful response. The energy from the staff felt like they didn’t want to be there, and it made the whole visit feel cold and uncomfortable.
To make matters worse, the heat in Las Vegas was brutal. We went in July which, I know, is peak summer but wow, it was almost unbearable. Walking around outside during the day was nearly impossible. The sun was so strong that we were constantly dehydrated and exhausted. My entire family had headaches from the heat and lack of sleep. If you’re planning a trip there, I’d suggest only going out early in the morning or late at night. Midday? Stay inside.
Looking back, the only part of Vegas I truly enjoyed was relaxing by the pool. That was our little escape from the chaos, and I don’t think I would return to Vegas again anytime soon—especially not in the middle of summer.
Next Stop: Los Angeles – A Total Vibe Shift
After our rocky start in Vegas, we hit the road and drove to Los Angeles. And it was a total game-changer.
The weather was instantly better. It was still warm, but nothing like the oppressive heat in Vegas. There was a nice ocean breeze in the mornings and cooler evenings, which made walking around so much more enjoyable.
We started our LA adventure with a visit to Griffith Observatory. The views of the city were absolutely stunning, and we even got a glimpse of the Hollywood sign in the distance. The observatory itself was full of fascinating exhibits about space and science, and my kid was actually really into it (surprisingly!).
We also spent a good amount of time wandering around Little Tokyo, which was one of my favorite parts of the trip. There were cute little shops, delicious mochi and ramen, and so many charming spots to explore. I love discovering new neighborhoods, and Little Tokyo had this vibrant, welcoming energy that I just adored.
Another highlight was our morning at Santa Monica Beach. The beach was clean and beautiful, the waves were gentle, and it wasn’t overly crowded. We rented two bikes, went on a roller-coaster (multiple times!!), laid out on the sand, watched the kids play in the water, and just soaked up the peaceful vibe. It felt like the perfect summer moment.
And let’s not forget the food. LA is a dream when it comes to diverse and delicious food options. From Korean BBQ to vegan tacos to Japanese desserts, we ate so well.
Final Thoughts
This trip was definitely a rollercoaster. Las Vegas had some nice moments, but it also came with a lot of frustration and discomfort mainly from the heat and poor customer service. I’m glad we experienced it, but I don’t think I’d go back in the summer again.
Los Angeles, on the other hand, completely stole our hearts. It had everything we were looking for: good weather, exciting places to explore, delicious food, and great vibes.
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