Vegas is one of the world’s most exciting cities, and it is just a short ride away.

As a Santa Clarita native, you will be aware of Las Vegas’s proximity to our city’s limits. Accessible in under five hours by car, and in a little over an hour by air, Sin City is the perfect short hop destination for California residents in search of bright lights, great entertainment, and even some culture – as well as more tourist attractions than we’d be able to mention in a single article.

Las Vegas has plenty to offer group visits of all sizes, from thrilling performances, sporting events, and conventions, to music, food, casinos, and the biggest names in entertainment. Sure, deciding to head to Vegas is the easy part; there is so much choice of entertainment it is difficult to decide what to see and do.

As if you needed any convincing, we’ve compiled the top five reasons why you might want to visit Vegas in the near future. After all, when the entertainment capital of the U.S. is this close, it would be a shame not to take advantage of what the unique city has to offer.

Las Vegas is a city that rarely sleeps

Founded in 1905 Las Vegas is the most populated city in the state of Nevada. Renowned for its neon lights and an array of entertainment the city began to take shape in 1931 when the authorities legalized gambling. In the years following the end of World War II, development took off, and hotels, malls, and casinos sprang up in the desert location. The rest, as they say, is history.

With the opening of The Mirage hotel and casino in 1989, the Strip began to take shape and Las Vegas blossomed into the vibrant city that we know and love today. It’s safe to say that Vegas rarely sleeps; its bustling sidewalks, themed eateries, and lively nightlife are testament to that.

With entertainment available 24/7, Vegas is a city that never sleeps

It’s an ideally placed cultural capital

Sure, Las Vegas is renowned for its big-budget attractions and activities, including the High Roller, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, exotic race car experiences, Madame Tussauds, and its helicopter tours across the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. However, the city also has more than its fair share of museums and galleries. The Neon Museum and Mob Museum are particularly interesting for anyone looking to explore Sin City’s varied past, while the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, The Titanic Artifact Exhibit at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio, and the Burlesque Hall of Fame provide some culture for everyone.

It’s a haven for big stars and show-stopping performances

There’s one thing that Las Vegas does exceptionally well – live entertainment. There can be no denying that Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, attracting the biggest names and most dazzling shows. In fact, there’s a good chance that your favorite act will have played on one of its many stages in the past, and may well be scheduled to appear in Vegas in 2018.

Since the city’s entertainment boom began in the late 1940’s, Las Vegas has become synonymous with glitz, glamor, and big-budget productions; where else in the world would the biggest names prefer to appear, than on a stage before the Las Vegas crowd? It helps, of course, that there are so many musical and theatrical venues big enough to cope with the large audiences that want to see the best in the business.

As you’ll see from this 888casino blog post, very few of the top performers have failed to play their show-stopping music in Vegas. The long list includes: Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Diana Ross, and Elton John, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Prince, Cher, and Michael Jackson. The biggest names in pop, rock, blues, and soul have played in Vegas, and there’s still a Cirque de Soleil show dedicated to the King of Pop. The short hop to Vegas is worth it for the musical entertainment, electric atmosphere, and sing-a-long opportunities alone.

There are plenty of places to stay and play

Host to some of the worlds most renowned hotels, Vegas offers a variety of accommodation options

Once you’ve managed to get the hottest tickets in town, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay, which is not a problem in Las Vegas. There are numerous hotels along the Strip and beyond, offering some unique styles of accommodations. There’s The Venetian, which offers its take on Italy’s most romantic city; The Luxor, which transports guests back to ancient Egypt; the visually striking Bellagio; the action-packed Circus Circus, with its very own theme park, or the pirate-themed Treasure Island Hotel, and many more besides. Or perhaps you’ll stay at a venue for its casino, which is bound to be as elaborate as the accommodation. The casino and gambling scene is a major attraction in Vegas, and it would be almost impossible to leave without at least rolling a dice, or playing the slots.

Las Vegas has an action-packed calendar for 2018

2018 is set to be another exciting year for entertainment in Las Vegas

As if you needed any more inspiration to visit Las Vegas for your 2018 short hop trip, there are some rather large carrots dangled in the form of the shows, festivals, and performers that will be taking to Vegas’s many stages over the next twelve months.

Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a stag party, or family getaway, you’re sure to find something to tempt you to head for Vegas. For example, the Life is Beautiful Festival will be hitting Downtown Vegas in September of next year, offering musical performances, art installations, and culinary treats in support of local charities. There are musical performances scheduled from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Cher, Celine Dion, and Rod Stewart to look forward to, as well as comedy from Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, and the Blue Man Group.

The myriad of stage shows, such as Cirque de Soleil, Vegas! The Show, David Copperfield, Masters of Illusion, and Tournament of Kings will keep guests, young and old entertained for hours, so do consider Vegas as your destination of choice next year.

So that you don’t miss anything or anyone special you will find a detailed entertainment guide and calendar here.

Whether you’ve visited Las Vegas four or forty times before there’s always something new to see and experience in this most vibrant, and entertaining of cities. In fact, no two trips to Vegas are ever the same. Located as conveniently close to Santa Clarita as it is, Las Vegas is a destination that begs to be explored on your next short hop getaway. Head out there for the glitz and glamor, and stay for the home comforts and big names; we’re confident you’ll have an incredible time.