Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

ORGANIZED TOURS 197
tokens); Unlimited Wristband Package $17 (includes unlimited bumper-boat and car rides, unlimited miniature
golf, and 10 tokens for batting cages or arcade games). Mar–Oct daily 24 hr.; Nov–Feb Sun–Thurs
10am–11pm, Fri–Sat 24 hr.
Wet ’n Wild Before we begin, a warning: At press time, it seemed that
Wet ’n Wild was facing imminent doom—it was due to be torn down to make
way for a (appropriately) water-themed resort called Voyagers. We hope they get
through at least one more summer. When temperatures soar, head for this 26-acre
water park right in the heart of the Strip and cool off while jumping waves, careening
down steep flumes, and running rapids. There are a variety of slides and rides,
plus a lazy river and a beach for those looking for more sedentary activities. The
noise level can be extraordinarily high (people have to shout to be heard over the
rushing water) so don’t think of this as relaxing—but when it’s 108°F (42°C) in
the shade, who cares? Also, be on the lookout for discount coupons. Many Las
Vegas packages include a free admission (sometimes partial-day).
2601 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (just south of Sahara Ave.).& 702/871-7811. www.wetnwildlv.com. Admission $27
adults, $16 seniors over 55, $21 children under 48 in., free for children under 3. Early May to Sept 30 daily
10am–6 or 8pm (sometimes later). Season and hours vary somewhat from year to year, so call ahead.
5 Organized Tours
Just about every hotel in town has a sightseeing desk offering a seemingly infinite
number of tours in and around Las Vegas. You’re sure to find a tour company
that will take you where you want to go.
Coach USA (& 888/COACHUSA; www.coachusa.com) offers a rather comprehensive
roster, including:
• Several 3 1 ⁄2-hour city tours, with various itineraries including visits to
Ethel M Chocolates, the Liberace Museum, Tropicana Legends Museum,
and the Fremont Street Experience.
• Half-day excursions to Hoover Dam, Mount Charleston, and Red Rock
Canyon (see chapter 11 for details).
• A full-day excursion to Valley of Fire and Lake Mead.
• A 13-hour Grand Canyon excursion.
Call for details or inquire at your hotel’s sightseeing desk, where you’ll also
find free magazines with coupons for discounts on these tours.
GRAND CANYON TOURS
Generally, tourists visiting Las Vegas don’t drive 300 miles to Arizona to see the
Grand Canyon, but there are dozens of sightseeing tours departing from the city
daily. In addition to the Coach USA tours described above, the major operator,
Scenic Airlines (& 800/634-6801 or 702/638-3300; www.scenic.com), runs
deluxe, full-day guided air-ground tours starting at $219 per person ($189 for
children 2–11); the price includes a bus excursion through the national park, a
flight over the canyon, and lunch. All scenic tours include flightseeing. The
company also offers both full-day and overnight tours with hiking.
Scenic also offers tours to other points of interest and national parks, including
Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley. Ask for details when you call.
UNIQUE DESERT TOURS
A totally different type of tour is offered by Char Cruze of Creative Adventures
(& 702/361-5565). Char, a charming fourth-generation Las Vegan
(she was at the opening of The Flamingo), spent her childhood riding horseback
through the mesquite and cottonwoods of the Mojave Desert, discovering