This City Was Just Named the No. 1 Summer Destination in the U.S. by Tripadvisor

Travel + Leisure

19-05-2025

Summer has always been known as peak travel season for Las Vegas, and now we have the data to back it up. Tripadvisor's 2025 Annual Summer Travel Index puts Las Vegas at the top the list of domestic destinations for U.S. travelers between June and September.
The entertainment capital is an easy fit for summer travel: it's easy to get to, caters to all traveler types, and it's always changing. In recent years, Vegas gained a $3 billion luxury mega-resort, established itself as a new base for Formula 1, and opened one of America's most unique concert venues.
And somehow, Sin City still finds ways to surprise repeat visitors. Here's what to know about visiting this summer—from pool season to where to escape the heat.
Pool season is just starting in Vegas, and with summer temps often hitting the triple digits, outdoor swimming spots are in high demand. The scene varies quite a bit, so it's worth knowing what vibe you're going for before you book. For example, The Cosmopolitan's Boulevard Pool and the pool at Fontainebleau both host an after-dark outdoor movie series each summer. But for those looking for a private experience, you can't go wrong with the Waldorf-Astoria Las Vegas pool, which features a Turkish hammam in its adjoining spa.
In the mood to socialize? The soon-to-be-unveiled Go Pool at Flamingo is expected guests 21-and-up entertained with daylong DJ sets, waterfalls, and frozen cocktails served at a swim-up bar built in the middle of the pool. Best of all, it's free and open to non-guests. Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand is another fantastic option for pool party fans: the dayclub is run by Tao Group (the company behind Hakkasan and Marquee) and features a lineup of guest DJs like Kygo, Tiesto and Steve Aoki.
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For such a small city, the restaurant scene in Vegas is phenomenal. This summer, a good place to start would be Via Via, a brand new food hall opening inside the Venetian Resort this June. The hotly anticipated food hall will put acclaimed eateries—like New York City's Scarr Pizza, New Orleans' Turkey & The Wolf, and the first non-LA iteration of Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken—all under one roof.
Elsewhere on the Strip, you'll want to visit Wicked Spoon inside the Cosmopolitan for an all-day brunch spot with bottomless mimosas. For fusion fare, dine at Best Friend, spotlighting Roy Choi's inventive dishes like kimchi carbonara, Kogi short rib tacos, and out-of-this-world Medjool date cake.
Travelers who venture off-Strip will be rewarded by equally fantastic meals at places like Esther's Kitchen. The Arts District eatery is always packed, thanks to its unbelievably delicious sourdough pizza and housemade pasta dishes. Down the street, Main Street Provisions serves steaks and seafood classics like fresh oysters and sea scallops. And Soul Belly BBQ is a must for anyone interested in Texas-style bbq. On weekends, the restaurant also hosts live music acts.
With such brutal summer heat, it's entirely reasonable to want to spend the whole of your Vegas trip inside. However, if you're willing to get an early start, it's still possible to enjoy the natural beauty of a place like Red Rock Canyon, which is just 25 minutes from the Strip and easily accessible by Uber or Lyft. Show up around 6 am, just before sunrise, for a jaw-dropping hike through gorgeous red rock formations.
The Fountains of Bellaggio are another popular outdoor activity—and with good reason. Voted the top Las Vegas attraction on Tripadvisor, the fountains soar nearly 500 feet in the air, with accompanying orchestral music and lights. (Pro-tip: for smaller crowds, go on a weeknight.)
On those sizzling days when you're itching to explore, a good compromise would be Fremont Street Experience. The outdoor pedestrian mall is covered with a pavilion that doubles as a massive LED screen, so you can stay cool and enjoy state-of-the-art graphics. While strolling the promenade, you can dip in and out of some of Vegas' oldest landmark casinos, like Golden Nugget and Binion's.
If you want to get some shopping done closer to the Strip, the Grand Canal Shoppes are a good place to start. The indoor mall is modeled after the streets of Venice, Italy, complete with arched bridges, piazzas, and canals. When you're done shopping, book a gondola ride and be serenaded by an opera singer!