In the 2009 movie “The Hangover,” three groomsmen and their soon-to-be-wed friend proved that even unexpected adventure can lead to great times and wonderful memories in Las Vegas. In fact, with its elaborately-themed hotels, casino games and nightclubs, the Las Vegas Strip, in particular, is a popular choice for bachelor and bachelorette parties alike.
However, the area is becoming an increasingly popular “Guys’ Getaway” destination for other reasons too as more travelers discover that a “mancation” in Las Vegas can provide something for just about every taste, style and budget.
If you’re a golf enthusiast, Las Vegas may be paradise for you. In fact, there are more than 60 challenging yet beautifully-sculptured nearby courses available year round; some of which were developed by world-renowned designers like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Weiskopf.
While The Badlands Golf Club has the distinction of being named one of Nevada’s Top 10 golf courses by Golf Digest Magazine, the Bali Hai Golf Club provides a tropical feel, thanks to towering palm trees and fairways that are accented by white crushed granite.
On the other hand, the Las Vegas National Golf Club has history on its side, having played host to the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions, the Sahara Invitational, the Las Vegas Invitational and the LPGA Tour’s LPGA Championship.
For those seeking nothing more than relaxation, the best alternative may be a relaxing sports massage followed by a Eucalyptus scalp treatment and an energizing man’s facial.
Las Vegas boasts more than 45 luxury spas within its famed resorts, including The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, which specializes in skin hydration and anti-aging practices.
Relatively new to the area is ARIA’s 80,000-square-foot-spa and salon, which offers 62 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, a fitness center and an outdoor infinity-edge pool.
The more adventurous “mancationer” may want to drive a stock car at the nearby Richard Petty Driving Experience where qualified instructors prepare visitors for a solo run in a 600-horse power car that can reach speeds of up to 160 miles per hour. A ride-along option in a two-seat stock car is also available.
For a truly out-of-the-ordinary experience, visit Air Combat USA where guest pilots can fly real military fighter planes with licensed fighter pilots sitting alongside them in the cockpit. The program provides civilians with an opportunity to be involved in a realistic airborne dog fight.
Helicopter rides and 4×4 adventure desert tours are also available and let’s not forget about food. All-you-can-eat buffets are easy to find–Southern Nevada is home to more than 250 buffets–and with 1,450 general restaurants that feature virtually every type of cuisine and price range imaginable, chances are pretty good that no visitor will go hungry.
Las Vegas is predominantly known for its extraordinary nightlife offerings, and rightfully so, but step away from the blackjack table and enjoy some of the daytime adventures that can be equally enjoyable. There’s perhaps no other place on Earth that caters to a man’s getaway quite like Las Vegas; the quintessential guys-weekend destination.
Photo credit:Â Courtesy of Mary Jo Manzanares
NOTE:Â Consideration for this post was provided by Matt Becker
Indianapolis-based Greg Seiter is a 22-year freelance veteran who specializes in family travel. While embracing a background in athletics, the travel enthusiast has written for the Associated Press and various NCAA Championships publications in addition to AAA and Resort Condominiums International. Greg’s top three travel destinations are Orlando, Fla., Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
