Las Vegas: A Weekend of The Eagles at The Sphere, Red Rock Adventures, and Non-Stop Fun!
Las Vegas is always an adventure, and this trip was no exception! We're not the gambling type, so we hit the trails and rocked out at the concert instead! From watching The Eagles at the Sphere to breathtaking desert hikes, and craft beer here’s a recap of our exciting getaway.
Smooth Travels and Easy Parking. We dropped off the car in San Diego at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina for $65 for two nights, which included a shuttle to the airport. Super convenient! Southwest was on time, Yay!!
After a minor delay at the Vegas airport, we hit our first speed bump—rental car logistics. The rental car line was long, and after a 30-minute wait (plus a shuttle ride), we realized Uber would have been a better option!
Next time, we’ll rent from Enterprise at the hotel we stayed at to save time. A word of advice: if you book through Expedia or other third-party sites, your insurance may not transfer to the rental company. The agent also told us that credit card insurance works as long as you are willing to pay any damage you sustain and then fight with your insurance to cover it. Hmm, I would rather pay the extra $15 per day (Yikes!)
Settling In & First Night in Vegas
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel and Spa was exactly what we wanted! No Casino! Relaxing atmosphere, near the strip, walking distance to the Sphere and a Starbucks in the lobby! It even has an Enterprise Rental car office (next time!).
Feeling refreshed, we kicked off the evening with a stop at the Maxim bar with our free drink coupon, compliments of Marriott Bonaventure, We enjoyed a Penny O’Reilly’s Irish Red locally brewed beer from Las Vegas Brewing Company . It was smooth, malty, and the perfect pre-dinner drink.
Dinner took us to Nine Fine Irishmen at the New York-New York Hotel, but not before a quick stop to admire the always-stunning Bellagio fountain show—a must-see every time.
The pub buzzed with energy, featuring live Irish music and even a spirited dancer, making the atmosphere just as rich as the pints. We kicked back with a Black & Tan (a mix of Smithwick’s and Guinness, also known as a Blacksmith) and dug into some classic pub fare—chicken pot pie for me, grilled chicken with coleslaw and fries for Iona. While the food was adequate, the real standout of the night was the music, the vibe, and the unmistakable Irish charm.
Free dessert at Hershey’s? Yes, please! They offered samples, but little did they know—we take our chocolate very seriously!
Red Rock Canyon: A Hiker’s Paradise
The next morning we tackled the Calico Tanks Trail at Red Rock Canyon—over six miles of stunning desert scenery, colorful sandstone formations, and breathtaking views. Definitely moderate to hard in our own scale, a must-do if you love the outdoors and can do some light bouldering. A reservation was required for access between October 1st and May 31st. https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177
The angles in the photos make the challenge look tougher than it actually was—but that’s all part of the fun!
Post-hike, we grabbed sushi at Jjanga, walking distance from the hotel, with budget-friendly rolls and great service. Nothing fancy, but it hit the spot after all that hiking. Then off to the concert.
The Eagles Rock the Sphere The highlight of the weekend!
They were phenomenal—flawless harmonies, classic hits, and an electrifying atmosphere. There's something magical about hearing Hotel California live in Vegas.
The Eagles’ Sphere show was an unforgettable experience. The massive 360-degree visuals and incredible sound made it feel like we were inside the music. Iconic imagery, perfectly synced with every song, brought their legendary hits to life in a whole new way. It was more than just a concert—it was a one-of-a-kind way to experience the Eagles.
Some of the many immersive moments at the Sphere—where the visuals pull you right into the experience!
The Westin is a convenient option near the venue, but for those who prefer to stay even closer or have mobility concerns, the Desert Club Resort may offer a more economical and accessible choice.
Westin's well-equipped gym
The next morning began with oatmeal, a good book, and a quick stretch-and-core workout—then it was time to hit the road for some fun outside the city!
Day Trip Adventures: Hoover Dam & Spooky Slot Canyon
First stop: Hoover Dam for a scenic walk along this engineering marvel.
Next, we ventured to Spooky Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon with narrow, winding passageways—eerie and mesmerizing all at once.
We had to go under a fence, and honestly, we still have no idea what it was for—it just seemed a bit random!
Amazing slot! You couldn't see around the next bend, and every turn had a spooky, "what’s around the corner?" vibe.
At Hemenway Park, in Boulder City Nevada, we got up close with some Big Horn Sheep, which casually roam the area. Seeing them so close was a cool experience!
A Perfect End to the Trip
For our final dinner, we stopped at Boulder Dam Brewing Company, where we indulged in an ice-cold beer and wings—a simple yet satisfying meal to wrap up the adventure.
Before we knew it, it was time to head home. Another smooth Southwest flight, and just like that, our Vegas getaway was over.
This three-day, two-night getaway had it all—amazing music, epic outdoor adventures, cold beer, and a taste of the city’s legendary energy. But most importantly, we had each other.
Vegas isn’t just for gambling; it’s a playground for food lovers, hikers, and music fans alike.
Can’t wait for the next adventure!
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So cool! Loved this!
Such a great guide for a fun Vegas trip without the gambling and clubs!
wow looks so much fun