Las Vegas Packing List
The last thing you want to do when you’re in Las Vegas is spend your time hunting down a replacement for something you forgot at home. Finding what you need on the Strip can be difficult and expensive, and you’d rather spend your time around the poker tables or lounging by the pool, right?
If you’ve never visited Las Vegas before (or even if you have!), it can be difficult to predict what clothes, toiletries, and other supplies you’ll need while you’re in Sin City. We’ll leave your outfit choices up to you, but to help you decide what to bring and what to leave at home, we’ve created a supplementary packing list to help round out your wardrobe.
Here’s what you should bring:
1. Good walking shoes
The Las Vegas Strip is more than five miles long, and the massive casino resorts are a lot further apart than you think—in some cases, it can take half an hour to walk to the resort right next door.
If walking the Strip is part of your plan (and definitely it should be), you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll also be doing more walking inside the resorts than you might expect—the trek from the main entrance to your room can easily stretch longer than 15 minutes.
Megan and Mike from Mapping Megan and Waking Up Wild share why good walking shoes are an essential item in Las Vegas:
“Everyone travels to Vegas and expects to get dolled up, so most would have packed their high heels and nice dress shoes. But if you’re planning to walk the Strip during the day, catch a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon, or perhaps check out the national reserves nearby (which are fabulous), you need to pack comfortable walking shoes.”
James from Escaping Abroad seconds the suggestion:
“The only must have is a good pair of shoes for walking the strip and casinos. They’re huge and there’s a lot of walking to get from one place to another. If you don’t have comfortable shoes you’re in for a rough time.”
2. Bathing suit and bathing suit cover
Whether you simply want to lounge by the pool in the heat of the desert sun or turn it up at a dayclub, you’ll certainly need a bathing suit when you visit Las Vegas. If you don’t think you’ll have time to lounge by the pool, bring one anyway—better safe than sorry!
Pack a bathing suit cover or t-shirt as well for when you’re walking through the hotel (and for looking stylish poolside). It could be a long walk to the pool from your hotel room, and the resorts are often quite cool. While you’ll see all types of attire, you (and the other guests) may not be comfortable seeing people walk through the casino floor in a bathing suit.
TRAVEL TIP: Pack your suit into your carry-on bag in case your checked suitcase gets lost. Don’t bother bringing a towel—your hotel may offer complimentary towels, or you may be able to rent one and save the space in your suitcase.
3. Flip flops
Flip flops or slip-on sandals are essential pool attire. Not only do they give you a better grip on wet surfaces, but they also protect your feet from bacteria that hide out in the damp, warm crevices around pool decks.
4. One or two nice outfits
Most of Las Vegas is pretty casual, but if you plan on going to a club or out for some fine dining, you’ll need at least one nice outfit. And while there’s no official dress code for most shows, lots of people like to step up their wardrobe for the occasion.
For men, dress pants and a nice button-down shirt will do for clubs and restaurants. For women, a dress or good jeans (no tears) and a nice top will do. Get more dress code tips in our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Las Vegas. And don’t forget to pack a pair of dress shoes—running shoes or sneakers won’t get you into a club or a nice restaurant.
5. A light jacket or sweater
It may be sweltering outside, but it’s cool as a cucumber inside the casinos and restaurants. It can also get chilly after sundown, and it’s always useful to have an extra layer if you go on a guided tour—you’ll likely have to wake up early, and a light layer will also offer you some protection from the sun.
6. Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
Las Vegas gets more than 300 days of sun every year, so it’s important to protect your skin and eyes. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all essential if you plan on spending any amount of time outside, such as walking the Strip, exploring downtown Las Vegas, or taking a day trip beyond the city limits.
7. Earplugs and an eye mask
You may be settling in for an early night before you have to get up at 4:30 AM for your Grand Canyon tour, but your next-door neighbors might be busy gearing up for a night on the town instead. Don’t let noisy neighbors or roommates keep you from getting some much-needed shut-eye! And if you’re the neighbors getting ready to hit a club, ear plugs are also essential for that well-deserved mid-day nap.
8. Government-issued ID
You’ll need ID to get into clubs and bars, as well as to gain access to the casino floor. You may also need it just to cross the casino floor, so make sure you bring your ID with you wherever you go.
9. An adventurous spirit and an open mind
Las Vegas is full of interesting characters and offbeat experiences. While some people are born to embrace the Vegas lifestyle, for others, the hustle and bustle can be off-putting. Whether you’re in town to party, to gamble, or to explore the many cultural sites and nearby iconic landscapes, keep an open mind and go with the flow!
The Ultimate Las Vegas Visitor Guide
Find answers to all your questions about Las Vegas in our Ultimate Guide!
Written by Ria Borja
