Our May 2023 desert adventure began amidst the vibrant lights and electrifying energy of Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World. It might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a family vacation but flights are pretty affordable for an extended weekend when school is cancelled for a day or two. However, beneath the glittering surface, this city has a softer side that caters wonderfully to families, providing a whirlwind of excitement, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Normally, I don’t think a car in Vegas is needed but we planned on making national park trips out of our Vegas stay so a rental car was essential.
Note: When traveling by car in the desert, I highly recommend keeping close to a full tank of gas whenever possible and extra water. There is a lot of dead space around Vegas without cell service and you don’t want to be stuck in the heat with kids.
“If a flower can flourish in the desert, you can flourish anywhere.”
— Matshona Dhliwayo
Choosing Family-Friendly Accommodations
Finding a family-friendly accommodation near Caesar’s Palace where we’d later planned to see Garth Brooks was the first planning item of this desert trip. We chose the Paris Hotel for its replica of the Eiffel Tower, fantastic swimming pool and themed rooms, ensuring that my daughters would be as dazzled by the hotel as they were exploring the city. The Paris has a great crepe place for breakfast and a beautiful restaurant by Martha Stewart called The Bedford. Make reservations early!
Note: In hindsight, it’s a good idea to check what major events are happening in Vegas during the time you want to visit. As our luck would have it, the biggest electronic music festival in the world was also happening this weekend and we were bumped from our hotel the first night because they ran out of rooms, even after we paid and booked it months ago. The Paris Hotel offered us a room at the Rio which is not comparable, but they tried making up for it with additional food and parking credits at the Paris once we were finally checked in the following day. Lessons learned – don’t check in after midnight – you are not guaranteed a room.
Las Vegas – The City of Lights
Las Vegas, a city that never sleeps, offers world-class cuisine and endless entertainment options. My kids were fascinated by the vibrant energy of it all and the grandeur of the resorts. We strolled down the famous Las Vegas Boulevard, marveling at the architectural wonders and indulging in delightful treats from the myriad of shops, and stopped at the M&M Store and Flyover Vegas for a kid-approved experiences. The Bellagio Fountains and Bellagio Gardens never disappoint – a must stop for any Vegas itinerary.
I splurged on the night of the Garth Brooks concert at Caesar’s Palace by treating the girls to a dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill restaurant. It wasn’t anything memorable, and very expensive of course, so I’d recommend one of the other many, many great restaurant choices.
Zion National Park – Nature’s Masterpiece
Leaving behind the glitz of Las Vegas, we set forth eastward on our second day on a scenic drive to Zion National Park in Utah, a true testament to the beauty of nature. Utah marked state #45 for me!
Towering red cliffs greeted us as we ventured into the heart of the park. We rented ebikes from Zion Peddler, a must do, and rode through the quietude of the park where the feeling of being surrounded by ancient rock formations created an atmosphere of tranquility that was a stark contrast to the lively city we left behind.
We had lunch inside Zion National Park’s Lodge at the Red Rock Grill where a rustic feel and a decent menu made for great stop.
Note: There are no cars allowed in Zion from March through late November so you must take the shuttle, bike, or ebike, which is my recommendation with kids!
Joshua Tree National Park – A Desert Oasis
Our day 3 journey continued through the barren Mojave Desert, and then through Route 66, and finally to Joshua Tree National Park, California, where the rugged beauty of the desert landscape was captivating. It is not a short drive, 3-1/2 hours from Vegas, and there’s not much to see between Vegas… but we are so glad we did it.
I was not expecting to see massive boulders like Skull Rock which seemed to defy gravity, creating a playground for climbers and explorers alike. We marveled at the unique Joshua Trees, their twisted branches reaching for the endless blue sky, and made our way out at the Cholla Cactus Garden (it’s a bit of a drive through the park but worth it) and found that if you walk by too closely, the cactuses will leave an imprint on your clothes!
We finally made our way out of the park to find the visitor’s center which is normally something we like to do first, but it’s not located within the park. The new center is in the middle of town. We stopped by the old visitor’s center to see the Oasis of Mara. I am not sure why the visitor’s center was moved and it certainly didn’t make a lot of sense from a navigational standpoint.
Finding Harmony in Diversity
As we journeyed back from the serene landscapes of the national parks to the vibrant streets of Las Vegas, we reflected on the incredible experiences we shared. From the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to the tranquil beauty of Zion and Joshua Tree National Parks, each moment was etched into our memories, reminding us of the joy of exploration and the importance of adventure.
Lucky Ladybug Travel Blog 