Note: The Mirage Hotel & Resort has permanently closed on July 17th, 2024, and will reopen as Hard Rock Seminole in spring 2027.
Before the year 1989, Las Vegas’ tourism industry was ailing and was no longer considered a fashionable destination. Then came the Mirage Hotel and Casino which brought back the city’s lost glory. The Mirage opened its doors to the public in November 1989.
At the time of its opening, it was the largest hotel in the world, with 3044 rooms sitting on 29 stories. Though the hotel is no longer the largest in the world, it has managed to maintain its glory over the years. It is considered to be the father of today’s Las Vegas.
This Polynesian-themed casino resort is located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States. It is considered to be the epicenter of any Las Vegas getaway and has a lot to offer that you could take home in a single day’s visit. The Mirage is renowned as one of the best places to wager along the Las Vegas Strip for high stake rollers, as well as small-time gamblers.
However, if you are not into gambling, or visiting with kids the Mirage will still do you justice. It boasts several family-friendly attractions. A massive artificial volcano that erupts nightly is just but one of the many reasons to visit.
Things to Do at Mirage
You can never run out of activities to do while at the Mirage resort. This facility is often buzzing with activities throughout. It is packed with a large and ever-growing pool of attractions right on site. You won’t have to beat yourself up over things to do to see and do while in Vegas. Let’s take a look at some of the things the Mirage has to offer.
Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Created by Siegfried and Roy, a duo of magicians and entertainers, this secret garden sits right in the heart of the Mirage. It is a perfect location to escape from all the madness that is Las Vegas. It offers you a serene environment for unwinding and relaxing surrounded by interesting big cats, and cute dolphins. This garden was created to focus on scientific research, education, and conservation outreach.
The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat are often open every day from 10 AM to 7 PM. The last admission is usually at 6 PM every day. You can secure an all-day adventure pass from the secret garden ticket booth, Mirage Concierge, or Love Box Office which will allow entry and re-entry into the garden throughout the day.
Be sure to visit this garden and get a chance to work with the Dolphin Care Specialist in training the dolphins, Paint together with the dolphins if art is your specialty, and also learn more about the incredible big cats in the garden.
The Mirage Volcano
Whether you are staying at the Mirage or nearby, don’t miss out on the Mirage Volcano. It is an artificial volcano show that takes place at the front of the hotel daily at 7.00p, 8.00 pm, 9.00 pm, and 10.00 pm lasting about 4 minutes.
It illuminates light fire smoke, and water effects causing eruptions that light up the strip at Boulevard. The show starts with mild glowing, and tribal music coming out from the volcano. It then builds to cause the first major eruption before reaching its peak which features a gigantic fireball.
The Mirage Volcano is a breathtaking display that you cannot afford to miss out on. It is considered among the best free shows in Las Vegas and is open to all, children and adults alike.
The Mirage Hotel’s Atrium
Be careful not to miss out on the spectacular display that is in the atrium. Located right at the entrance of the hotel, it features a large number of tropical elements like tall palm trees, lagoons, and cascading waterfalls. It also features lively tropical blooms highly resembling a tropical rainforest. As you walk past the large bridge over the lagoon, be sure to take a photo for the gram or better yet make memories.
The atrium is easily accessible via the main entrance at the hotel. Turn right just after leaving the registration desk at the lobby, and you will end up at the Mirage’s spectacular indoor atrium. Located under a 100ft dome between the hotel’s casino floor and the hotel’s reception area, the Atrium is a site worth your time.
The Mirage Hotel’s Aquarium
Right behind the registration desk sits a 53ft long, 8ft tall, and 20000-gallon saltwater aquarium. This aquarium is home to about 1000 different fish varieties. It has an eye-catching coral reef housing nearly 450 exotic fish species. The aquarium is not only scenic but also a family-friendly site where kids would especially have a time of their life.
Bare Pool Lounge
Your vacation to Las Vegas would be incomplete without spending quality time at this adult-only playground. Bare Pool Lounge features a full-service bar, poolside menu, your favorite live DJs, and irresistible staff.
It is a Polynesian-themed secluded spot, right at the center of the strip. There is no better place to relax and replenish your lost energy than this paradise. While here, staying topless for females is not prohibited it is encouraged. However, you will have to be 21 years and over to gain access to this haven and unlock these privileges.
Note: The topless Bare Pool was closed in mid-2023
Mirage Casino
Your vacation will not be complete without some little gambling in Vegas. The mirage casino floor is the best place to try out your luck. If you like slots, poker, or table games, this casino has got something for you.
Walk the Las Vegas Strip
The 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard between Russell and Sahara featured in many movies is commonly known as the Strip. It entails more than four miles of casinos, overpriced gift shops and hotels, and much more that you expect in Las Vegas. Light up your Instagram with selfie ops from the half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the giant sphinx in front of the Luxor.
Las Vegas never stands still-a photo taken today may soon look dated after a few months. The strip also includes six of the ten largest hotels in the world, which will draw you to the forecourt attraction. Elevated walkways link performance venues, shops, and resorts, helping you avoid the busy road.
Entertainment
The Mirage Hotel and Casino is unbeaten when it comes to matters entertainment in the Strip. It hosts performances by some of the biggest comedians like Goerge Lopez, Daniel Tosh, and Tim Allen, among others. Spare some time to enjoy award-winning entertainment like The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil or the Aces of Comedy and Boyz II Men.
Check the Mirage resort price on Booking.com.
Restaurants in the Mirage
The Mirage has excellent restaurants that are very diverse, offering cuisines from across the world. All tastes and budgets are also catered for. In total, the Mirage Hotel and Casino has 16 different dining options. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants:
The Cravings Buffet
Located within the Mirage Hotel and Casino, the Cravings buffet is worth your try. It has 11 cooking stations with diverse selection of international cuisine; it offers one of the best buffet experiences. This buffet offers a dining experience that is family friendly as it caters for all ages at an affordable price, with an amazing customer service to back it up.
The Cravings Buffet is open throughout; you can walk in whenever to indulge your taste buds. Monday through Friday, breakfast is served from 7.00 am to 11.00 am. Brunch is served from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Dinner starts at 3.00 pm until 10.00 pm. They also offer a weekend champagne starting 8.00 am until 3.00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Note: Due to Covid-19, the cravings buffet is currently closed.
Japonais
Recently made it to the top 66 Restaurants globally, Japonais is an Asian cuisine restaurant within the Mirage. Its menu features a broad selection of Asian varieties such as Salmon Japanois, Le Quack Japanois, and 7 Spice Kobe Ribeye. Be sure to visit it to indulge your taste buds as it is best experienced. Japonais is opened nightly for dinner only.
Samba Brazilian Steakhouse
Offering unlimited varieties of marinates, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse is a popular Brazilian-style barbecue right in the heart of the Mirage. If you are into meats, poultry, and seafood varieties, this restaurant is a must-visit. Each course is carefully skewered and slowly roasted to bring the best out of every meal.
Things to Do Near Mirage
The Mirage Resort is strategically located on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip which has held dominance over the strip for years. This part of the strip is dominated by tons of attractions, which means you won’t have to travel far and wide to have fun.
Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum at The Venetian
If you are touring with kids, please make time to visit this museum. This amusement museum features fictional figures of your favorite celebrities, athletes, musicians, and film stars alike. This place is often fun-packed with kid-friendly activities, which you’ll all enjoy.
Make arrangements to experience Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum on any day, starting at 10.00 am.
Fountains of Bellagio
The massive Bellagio fountains are a popular site in most movies set in Las Vegas, but that is nothing compared to seeing them in person. Before you wrap up your vacation in Las Vegas, get a chance to visit Bellagio which is only 900 meters away from the Mirage to enjoy the scenic view of the Fountains of Bellagio. More than a thousand fountains sway, enhanced with music and light. The display extends more than 1000 feet with water rising as high as 460 feet into the air.
The Fountains of Bellagio is a daily experience, usually lasting between 15 minutes and 30 minutes. The show times vary, from Monday through Friday it takes place starting 3.00 pm to midnight. On weekends and holidays, it starts as early as noon to midnight. This unique aquatic presentation comes at no cost on your end.
Related Read: 6 Best Las Vegas Water Shows
High Roller Observation Wheel at LINQ
This is the tallest observation wheel in the world. This incredible Las Vegas attraction offers an outstanding view of the city. The wheel holds about 40 people in one climate-controlled glass pod. It stands at 550 feet tall and it takes the High Roller 30 minutes to complete a revolution. Besides, beverages are available on purchase.
Even if heights are not your thing, the High Roller is situated on the LINQ Promenade that offers plenty to do.
Also Read: Best Things to Do in Mandalay Bay
Conclusion
Las Vegas offers every form of entertainment under the sun; it’s all about throwing caution to the wind and cutting loose from dolphins, gardens, aquariums, and golf, boredom is non-existence here. Enjoy walking around the strip, watching dolphins, swimming, playing golf, and eating the best meals in Nevada.
There is so much you can enjoy and have fun at the mirage and around it. The slot machines are legal but be cautious about how much you can spend.