Make your way to the highest point in Las Vegas to see the city in a totally different way, and take in all the different experiences offered on your trip.
When you are wandering around Las Vegas, especially along Las Vegas Boulevard, it can sometimes get lost on you just how big these hotels and casinos truly are. While you may get a decent view from your hotel room of parts of the Strip, but if you want to get the full picture of what is all around you, then you need to check out the SkyPod at the top of the Stratosphere Tower. This is one of the top tourist destinations in the city that has so much to offer!
About Skypod
Skypod is the renamed top of the Stratosphere Tower, which is located at the north end of the Strip section of Las Vegas Boulevard. The tower was built in the early 1990s and was opened in 1996. Even though the full property includes a hotel and casino, the centerpiece was definitely the tower that, at that time, was the second-largest free-standing tower in all of North America. The tower stands 1,149 feet high, giving it a view of the sprawling Las Vegas below from all sides.
The hotel and casino have seen several renovations over the years, and the property between it and the rest of the megaresorts further south is still being developed, so the Strat doesn’t see as much foot traffic as some other attractions. This is good news for those of you who are thinking of coming to visit because it means fewer lines.
Three reasons you should visit Skypod
The View. Obviously, the view!
This is the number one reason to come check out the Skypod. The view is truly something to behold – not only can you see all the way down the Strip, which is a spectacular view, but you get a 360-degree view of the city, allowing you to see all the way into the valley and the downtown core as well. If you are coming for the view, then the best time to be there is late in the day, so you can see the valley side while it is light out and then still be there for when the iconic lights of the resorts are turned on. This is a memory you won’t soon forget, so make sure that you take a lot of photos!
You can eat and see it all
If you are looking to spend a little more time in the Skypod and want to take in the sights while also enjoying a fine meal, then you should book a reservation at Top of The World. This restaurant is situated in the Skypod, 800 feet above Las Vegas. The food at this place is great, but the real attraction is that the restaurant makes one full rotation of the tower every 80 minutes. This means that you can sit in your seat and watch Vegas turn all around you. Don’t worry, the turning won’t make you sick…it is moving so slowly you won’t even notice until you look up from your meal to see something new in the windows!
There is an amusement park up there!
If you are feeling daring, you can take advantage of the highest amusement park rides in the world! One of the most popular attractions in the city is the series of rides that are available on the top of the Stratosphere Tower. It starts with the Big Shot, which straps you into a seat and shoots you up hundreds of feet into the air at super-fast speeds. You will feel a rush on the Insanity ride, which is a swing that opens up away from the hotel, leaving you dangling 900 feet above the ground while you are spun around. There is also the X-Scream, which is a rollercoaster like none you have ever experienced. This small coaster shoots you over the edge of the tower, leaving you dangling over the edge for a few seconds before pulling you back and shooting you over all over again. This is not for the faint of heart, so make sure that you are comfortable and haven’t had a big lunch.
Finally, there is SkyJump, which is exactly what it sounds like – you have the opportunity to jump off the side of the town on a bungee cord. Tell your friends you will meet them at the bottom for a well-deserved drink.
One thing to remember about Skypod
While the Skypod can be a lot of fun for guests, it can also get very busy at certain times of the day. If you are planning to go and enjoy any of the attractions of a meal, you are best served to make a reservation in advance, so you don’t find yourself out of luck when you arrive. Also, if you are someone who is afraid of heights, this is clearly not the place for you. Stay down in the casino and wait for your group to return, and your time at Strat will be far more enjoyable.
Skypod FAQ
When is SkyPod open?
Each of the attractions at SkyPod has different hours, so the best thing to do is check the website for availability.
Can I book tickets online for attractions?
Yes, you can book reservations for dinner or for the rides online. You may have to wait in line when you get to the tower, but there is a separate line for those who booked in advance.