Your Las Vegas Helicopter Tour: Where to Fly and What to See
Welcome to Las Vegas—a kaleidoscope of bright lights, entertainment, and excitement. Here, the energy is electric, the night is magic, and the wonders are endless. Known for its lavish suites and luxury casinos, the city’s neon vibrancy is unparalleled. To see as much as you can, take a helicopter ride! In a single swoop, you’ll experience all the unbridled extravagance Vegas has to offer. Day and night tours are dramatically different; both offer their own mesmerizing sights. With day tours, the city’s expansive vistas provide panoramic views of the valleys, lush meadows, and desert mountains. Night tours bring with them a visual banquet where flashing lights collide with atmospheric action—this is when Sin City truly comes to life. You’ll fly over the Vegas strip and gaze upon the famous city landmarks such as the Bellagio Fountains, the lit-up Eiffel Tower, the Luxor Pyramid, and much more. High above the world, you’ll see a brand-new side of this majestic city.
How Long are Las Vegas Helicopter Tours?
Flights over the strip usually last from 12-15 minutes. Tours that take you over the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon can range from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Longer helicopter rides even include stops at different vantage points where you’ll be stretch your legs and explore the sites on foot.
Where Do Flights Depart From?
For tours of The Las Vegas strip, flights generally depart from the McCarran Atlantic Terminal. Other tours begin at the heliport in North Las Vegas, Boulder City, or sometimes a secondary terminal near the Strip. Most tours do include hotel pickup unless otherwise specified—often, you’ll ride in style in a limousine!
What Sights Do You See on a Helicopter Flight Over the Las Vegas Strip?
Decked with some of the most extravagant hotels and largest casinos, the 4.2-mile Strip is the city’s magical epicenter as well as the biggest adult playground in the United States. Above the strip, you’ll be treated to a cityscape brimming with neon lights and over-the-top architecture.
The Bellagio and its Famous Fountains
This destination of decadence is famed for its stunning design and lavish interior. At the time of its opening, it was the most expensive hotel ever built. One of its most notable features is, of course, the famous Fountains of Bellagio, a highly choreographed fountain that dazzles with a spectacular display of synchronized lights, water, and music. This site is even more impressive when seen from the skies.
Luxor Pyramids
Perched 30 stories high on the southern end of the strip, the Luxor Pyramid is one of Las Vegas’ most recognizable resorts. The hotel is owned by MGM Resorts International and boasts a 120,000-square-foot casino. A 110-foot tall replica of The Sphinx of Giza sits at the entrance along with a sky-high obelisk honoring the antiquities of Ancient Egypt.
The Luxor Space Beam
At the apex of the Luxor Pyramid, an intense beam of light is projected into the night sky. At 42.3 billion candela, the light beam is the most powerful in the world. It’s visible from several hundred miles away.
Stratosphere
Just north of the Strip, you’ll soar above The Stratosphere Las Vegas. The hotel and casino’s signature attraction is the Stratosphere Tower. Standing at 1,149 feet, it’s the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. At the top are two observation decks: the revolving Top of the World restaurant and four thrill rides!
Caesar’s Palace
One of Las Vegas’s largest and best-known attractions is Caesar’s Palace, situated on the west side of the strip between the Bellagio and the Mirage. Larger than life, the Palace has served as the musical residence of numerous superstars including Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Elton John, and Diana Ross. With iconography that harkens back to the Roman Empire, it contains many statues, columns, and a 20-foot statue of Augustus Caesar.
The Mirage
A spectacular Polynesian-themed resort and casino. Fly after dark to get overhead views of its erupting volcano. Other highlights include a huge atrium overflowing with palm trees and the biggest freestanding marquee sign in the world!
The Venetian
You don’t have to travel to Italy to experience the allure of a romantic gondola ride. The Venetian resort and casino features architectural replicas of famed landmarks including Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, the Palazzo Ducale, and even the Grand Canal—gondolas and all!
The MGM
With 6,852 rooms, The MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the United States. At the time of its opening in 1993, it was the largest hotel complex in the world. From high above, you’ll recognize the monumental lion statue that majestically stands guard above the entrance.
Fly over Downtown Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas, also known as Old Las Vegas, is the city’s historic cultural and entertainment thoroughfare. It’s got a style all its own. Among Downtown’s biggest attractions is Freemont Street, a 24-hour pedestrian mall where colorful light shows illuminate a 90-foot high canopy.
Take a Helicopter Flight Over the Hoover Dam
Fly above the Black Canyon and Colorado River where panoramic views of the Hoover Dam await. The landmark is rated as one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Built during the Depression Era, this national historic landmark was considered the largest dam construction project in the world. Today, it’s the source of hydroelectric power to Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and parts of Mexico. Only from high above can you see the full, breathtaking scope of this architectural feat—as well as the stunning river-ways, canyons, lakes, and valleys that surround it.
Lake Mead
This manmade lake lies on the Colorado River. The largest reservoir in the United States, it spans many coves, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. Depending on its water levels, several small to medium islands are also visible from the sky.
Bypass Bridge
Nineteen hundred feet long with a roadway 840 feet above Colorado River, Bypass Bridge boasts the widest concrete arch in the Western Hemisphere. It’s the second highest bridge in the United States.
Fortification Hill
Adjacent to Lake Mead and located at the northwest region of the Black Mountains, this 3,719-foot plateau-like prominence was formed by lava more than 13 million years ago. It’s a sight to behold from the clouds.
Explore Vegas From Different Vantage Points
Sometimes, when flying over a landmark so enthralling, you might want to touch down to experience up-close views. Luckily, there are flights that let you hop off and explore the historical sites by foot. On discovery tours, you can encounter the grand scale of the Hoover Dam from terra firma. Take photos and learn all about the landmark’s construction on a guided tour.
The Ultimate Las Vegas Adventure: Learn How to Fly a Helicopter
If the thrill of merely being in a helicopter isn’t enough, learn how to fly one! Experience an introductory flight lesson aboard a Robinson R44. Take the reigns as an instructor assists with take-off, flying and landing. Afterward, you’ll receive a signed logbook that can be used toward further training!
From the dazzling wonders of the desert to the hypnotic shimmer of the Strip, Vegas’ enchantment is legendary. Whether you choose the beaming night lights, or the scenic natural beauty (or both!), a helicopter tour is a spectacular way to soak in the unique thrill of Las Vegas at its glittering best.
Adrenaline 
Adrenaline 