Las Vegas Vacation Planning

Las Vegas is serviced by McCarran International Airport. If you fly to Vegas, remember that you must check your golf clubs; current regulations forbid them as carry-on baggage. Make sure you have a good, protective bag (see Resources) to protect your clubs from luggage handlers.

If you are driving, the trip takes about five hours from Los Angeles, the closest international airport other than McCarran. Expect heavy traffic on weekends that can make the journey up to three hours longer. You'll still need to protect your clubs from the other luggage and equipment in your trunk, so make sure your travel bag fits in the trunk before deciding to travel by car.

While securing a reservation in advance makes for a more definite place to stay, last-minute golf travelers can feel secure there's almost always a place in Vegas. The only exception is during very large trade shows (see Resources), when hotels are filled to capacity and restaurant reservations can be hard to get. Most important, tee times are almost always fully booked at this time, too.

The most expensive hotels are located along Las Vegas Boulevard, known as "the Strip." These include the large, internationally renowned hotels and casinos such as Bellagio, the Venetian and Caesars. Less expensive accommodations are off the Strip and can be half to one quarter of the price of the more expensive hotels.

If you've worked up an appetite on the course, there's plenty of options. Buffets abound in Las Vegas and vary significantly in quality. The good news is that you typically don't need a reservation to enjoy one. The buffet at the Bellagio is considered one of the best. It is typically open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. for lunch and 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. for dinner.

Fine dining options are also readily available. Each hotel and casino typically offers at least one upscale restaurant that features a world-renowned chef. Reservations are typically required, though you can often reserve the same day. The dress code is typically casual to dressy; shorts are not allowed. Your best bet is to wear a collared shirt and slacks or khakis for men and designer jeans or a skirt and a top for women.

Bellagio Buffet
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(888) 987-6667
bellagio.com/restaurants/the-buffet.aspx

Besides your clubs and golf gear, make sure to pack plenty of sun screen and a hat. Las Vegas sun is desert sun; it can be fierce, especially when you're out on the course without shade. Pack casual attire for when you're off the course and one dressy outfit if you plan to hit any of the clubs or experience any fine dining.

Las Vegas offers plenty of shopping opportunities. So if you forget your golf spikes, don't despair--there are dozens of golf shops on and off the Strip, and most courses include a pro shop where you can pick up any forgotten equipment.