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City Cast Las Vegas

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Rob Kachelriess

Las Vegas is full of neighborhoods that aren’t always easy to define. We’ve got our share of townships — Paradise, Enterprise, Winchester — that nobody references in everyday life, and sometimes it’s hard to know when Henderson is really Henderson. (The guessing game on Eastern between the 215 and St. Rose is a good example.)

The Gateway District occupies its own land of confusion. I tend to think of it as “Arts District South,” containing the 

 and a few other random things. Upon consulting 

, the boundaries become more clear. The neighborhood stretches down to tourist destinations like 

, while brushing up to Las Vegas Boulevard on the east side and the Industrial Corridor to the west, drawing in small businesses like the historic 

The border between the Gateway District and the Arts District is officially on Imperial or at times, a fuzzy area in the block between Imperial and Colorado. But while the “18b Arts District” is technically 

 that inspired its proper-ish name, the neighborhood’s spirit carries over elsewhere, effectively pushing the Gateway District further south. Do you really feel like you’re leaving the Arts District when bar crawling to 

? To add to the confusion, some just refer to the area near the Strat as Naked City

“The Gateway District does kind of overlap with other places, more physically with Naked City and culturally with the Arts District,” says UNLV history professor Michael Green. “Naked City supposedly got its name from the showgirls, employed on the Strip, who sunned themselves at the apartments there, but it more likely had to do with the area's decline in the early 1980s.”

As the area evolves, efforts are underway to 

. Sometimes, Naked City feels more like gritty backstreets servicing The Strat than anything else, but small homes and apartments still have a presence, especially near Stupak Park, which shares a name with a community center that includes Meadows Library.

But the influence of the Arts District is changing everything in the area — just look at all the murals, painted by local artists, inside 

 driving range and other unexpected spots. “The artwork suggests you’re entering an area where the arts matter, and that neatly sets us up for the Arts District,” Green adds.

 sticks to referencing the “gateway” of 

 (illuminating the way to Fremont Street) and 

who might as well be pointing to the Arts District.

 in the middle of what is now the Arts District? It’s long gone, replaced by a Siegel Suites, which couldn't be a better metaphor for what we gain and lose in Las Vegas.

Can you tell the difference between the Gateway District, Arts District, and Naked City? It's getting harder to do. 

Where Is the Gateway District in Las Vegas?

The Art of Sharing Space in the Gateway District

Everything to know about Las Vegas neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Las Vegas Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

As the second largest city in Nevada, Henderson covers a lot of ground. But it all began in what is now known as the historic 

. After a downturn, the neighborhood is once again thriving as a hub of repurposed buildings, walkable sidewalks, and timeless elements that look to the future while acknowledging the past.

Henderson developed in 1942, due to the presence of the

 plant, which helped supply the war effort. Water Street was the main drag for workers to eat, drink, and do business. Many of their homes — ordered from a Sears catalog in nine floor plans — are still around today.

Much of the recent growth is driven by Windom Kimsey, the founder of the 

 architecture firm, which has an office on the south end of Water Street. He opened 

 — the closest thing to fine dining on Water Street — and 

Create your own on-the-spot food crawl with visits to 

, which serves authentic Scandinavian pastries. The 

 is a touch more formal with an open dining room that faces the sidewalk. Save room for ice cream and other frozen treats at 

You don’t have to walk far to find a drink on Water Street. Enjoy local craft beer at the 

, which was built inside an old bank, with food (and whiskey) next door at 

 is a historic dive bar that dates back to 1965. Ask for a boozy pudding shot while checking out the live music.

 is a gathering spot for festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events. You can’t miss the 

. The imposing practice arena for the Vegas Silver Knights welcomes the general public for ice skating and pizza at the 

 — have a locals-friendly mentality that’s becoming increasingly rare in other corners of the Las Vegas Valley.

 opened in late 2024 as part of The Pass, giving Water Street its first hotel — and one with a contemporary boutique image, matched by a wine bar in the lobby. After 

, the $50 million mixed-use apartment complex known as 

 team took a food and drink crawl of Water Street and has thoughts to share on

Henderson is Nevada's second-largest city, and it all began in what we now call the historic Water Street district.

Things to Do on Water Street in Henderson

Get to Know Henderson’s Historic Water Street District

 in the summer. I tried it once and it was like walking through an oven. (My tan was spectacular though 😎) So now that fall is officially here and the temperatures are dropping, it’s time to give this vast, fascinating destination a shot — especially with a new 

If you don’t count anything in Alaska, Death Valley is the largest national park in the United States, covering more than three million acres in California and Nevada. Don’t let that overwhelm you. The most popular tourist attractions are in or around Furnace Creek, just a two-hour drive from Vegas — and you get the bonus of 

Explore the desert terrain and you’ll see 

 (a vista overlook that’s easy to reach via a short hike off the main road), the 

 (the lowest point in North America, covered in salt 🧂), 

 (a colorful nine-mile scenic loop), and 

 (a mountain peak you can reach by car for sweeping, spectacular views).

 dates back to 1927, when it was a remote getaway for Hollywood stars. Surrounded by palm trees, the property has expanded over the years to include villas, a spa, a rooftop stargazing deck, and a fine dining restaurant. Artesian springs fill the swimming pool (and provide some clean-tasting drinking water to stay hydrated).

 in the world. Order a steak at the cowboy-themed 

, where you can snap a photo of the famous outdoor thermometer in the same general spot where a 

It may not be that hot now, but always check the weather in advance and be prepared.

Death Valley has vistas, canyons, sand dunes, a historic hotel, and a brand-new wine festival.

Things to Do in Death Valley

A New Wine Festival Comes to Death Valley

, Huntridge is a community in transition. Could it be the next hot neighborhood? Or a working class enclave poised to falter in an uncertain economy? The forecast is anything but predictable.

The neighborhood is five blocks east of Las Vegas Boulevard with Charleston as its north border. The 

 of homes (“West Huntridge") are just west of Maryland Parkway and the 

 (“Huntridge Park”) is just east of it with Franklin as the south border.

Nellis Air Force Base was a pivotal operation during World War II, increasing local demand for family homes. Stimulated by Federal Housing Administration incentives, Huntridge emerged in the 1940s as one of the first tract subdivisions in Las Vegas with the land and house packaged into one price. The neighborhood was 

, whose estate sold off the land for development.

The single-story ranch homes offered buyers 

 with front porches on large-for-the-time lots and tree-lined streets. Following FHA guidelines, the homes were within walking distance of shops, a park, theater, and 

, which opened around the same time the first homes were built.

, although it’s been closed since 2004. Over 60 years, the first desegregated theater in Vegas went from a movie house to a live concert venue with the likes of No Doubt and the Red Hot Chili Peppers performing on stage. (An 

 moved a punk rock show to the parking lot.) Dapper Companies is actively trying to revive the theater, although renovations were delayed, due in part to a 

legal battle over the placement of a cellphone tower

Dapper already invested in the community by giving the 

 shopping plaza a fresh new look, replacing the Huntridge Pharmacy with popular fast-casual chains (Wing Stop, Roberto’s, and Capriotti’s) and ambitious upstarts like 

 (where wood-fired pies are made with an heirloom starter) and 

 (a reimagined version of a classic American diner).

, a historic dive bar with a fondness for karaoke and canned Hamm’s beer. Across the street, 

 mixes cocktails with casual comfort food, while 

 serves drive-thru smash burgers 24/7 with the option to replace the bun with a grilled onion 🤯

The neighborhood’s centerpiece, the oval-shaped 

, which interrupts lanes of Maryland Parkway, remains 

 due to reports of violence and drug use among the homeless population.

It’s a stark contrast to the ambitious development plans and progressive art community, reflected in street murals, the 

, a nearby resource for the LGBTQ+ community.

One of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Las Vegas is laying the groundwork for a comeback. Can Huntridge pull it off?

Get to Known the Huntridge Neighborhood in Las Vegas

Get to Know Huntridge

Pittman is one of the oldest and most mature neighborhoods in the Las Vegas Valley, but it’s also in danger of 

Pittman was never incorporated on its own and the boundaries were never clearly defined — although Google Maps 

 overlooks the Las Vegas Wash and connects to a longer loop. The nearby Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is the community's most charming secret with nine ponds and five miles of trails over 90 acres.

Henderson’s downtown Water Street District is south of Pittman, offering bars, restaurants, and casinos with easy access. The neighborhood is also close to Sam’s Town, Skyline, and other casinos on Boulder Highway.

⛏️ Before There was Henderson, There was Pittman

The history of Pittman dates back to the 

, an open manganese pit that was discovered in 1917 and helped supply material for weapons in World War I. One of the founders, B.R. Jefferson, developed land eight miles west of the mine, teaming up with lawyer T. Alonzo Wells to dig a well and plant crops.

The area was known as Jericho Heights, St. Ann, and Midway City before it became Pittman in 1942, named for Senator Key Pittman of Nevada, whose 

Bootleggers and bar owners were active in the area during Prohibition, especially when the road alongside Pittman’s southwest border was paved in 1931 and became Boulder Highway. At the time, it was the main route between Boulder City and Las Vegas, attracting Hoover Dam workers for drinks when off the clock, leading to an unfortunate reputation for drunk driving and deadly collisions.

The Basic Magnesium factory opened in 1941 south of Pittman, taking advantage of the 

water and electricity from the Hoover Dam

 to ramp up materials for World War II. At its height, the factory employed 13,000 people, but the boom went bust when the war ended.

 in 1942, but continued to struggle. It needed more land owners to become a full-fledged city. So Pittman agreed to be absorbed by Henderson, allowing the new city to incorporate in 1953. Pittman residents later questioned the decision as the community gradually lost its sense of identity and influence with a limited role in the Henderson City Council.

Today, Pittman is a gritty, working class neighborhood with industrial business parks and worn-down ranch homes surrounded by new developments — most notably, the 

 masterplanned community, which is absorbing land once associated with Pittman. Even the 

 offer a glimpse into the past, even as new home projects and parks take Pittman into a different direction, promising to reshape the community once again.

As Cadence continues to expand, the Henderson neighborhood known as Pittman is getting smaller. 

Where is Pittman in Henderson, Nevada?

Get to Know Pittman (While You Still Can)

There’s a place where the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau meet. It’s called 

 — and Southwest Utah’s largest city is an engaging combination of landscapes and activities. Get ready to hit the road. It’s less than a two-hour drive from Las Vegas.

 remains open today as a free museum. The city is named after Young’s cousin, George A. Smith, considered a “saint” after encouraging the consumption of potatoes to cure scurvy. St. George is also known as “Utah’s Dixie” due to its warm climate and cotton production. As you might expect, that nickname didn’t age well, prompting Dixie State University to change its name to 

Downtown St. George is a unique mix of art, history, and culture. The area’s best hotel, the 

shops and restaurants among historic structures. You’re also a short walk from the immaculate grounds of the 

 candy store (the oldest operating business), and a series of 

St. George markets itself as the gateway to

, although it’s another hour’s drive to reach the nearest gates. Totally worth it, but four state parks are much closer. 

 is a scenic drive between red sandstone hills and petrified sand dunes. 

 is a reservoir surrounded by red sand for a beautifully weird experience. 

 is a quiet, secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water. 

 is a more remote reservoir with waterfalls during the first half of the year.

, built where a farm once uncovered dino tracks, is a museum and research center dedicated to the giant reptiles who once called Utah home. 

 is a quirky art community on the outskirts of town and the 

 hosts stage plays with red rock landscapes in the background. “The Wizard of Oz” is on the schedule this year — at a better price than the 

 at Ancestor Square is a long-running favorite with a Southwest theme to match its art and cuisine. 

 in the Advenire lobby is more contemporary with house-baked biscuits, fresh seafood, and one of the better craft cocktail bars in Mormon country. The new Black Desert Resort is a golf club resort that’s open to the general public and features local Utah beef in its restaurants, which include 

 on your next beef-filled road trip 🐮 [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

Southwest Utah's largest city is full of natural beauty, art, and quirky charm. It's also less than two hours from Las Vegas. 

How Far is St. George From Las Vegas?

The Beauty and Quirky Charm of St. George is Worth a Road Trip

Looking to get away from the chaos of Las Vegas? The 

 is roughly 100 miles away, offering the right mix of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

“Amargosa Valley” is a little tricky to define. It’s an unincorporated Nye County, Nevada town with a population of less than 1,500 people. Then again, it’s also a geographic region that straddles the California state line, stretching down to Tecopa between Pahrump and Death Valley.

The valley was a stop on the Old Spanish Trail between Santa Fe and San Diego in the 1800s, drawing travelers and Native tribes to its vast water supply. The Amargosa River is partially trapped underground, but also connects to a system of springs and vibrant wetlands. “Amargosa” is Spanish for “bitter,” and the name was inspired by the water’s exposure to rocks and sediment.

The Amargosa Valley is a biodiversity hotspot, believed to have the highest concentration of endemic species exclusive to one area in North America. The federally protected 

 is the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert, featuring boardwalk viewing platforms that extend out to spring pools throughout the lush 24,000-acre habitat.

, one of the most endangered animals in the world. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

The region is popular for bare-bones camping, but visitors can also spend the night at the 

, a two-story resort which seems to pop up in the middle of nowhere with a scenic backyard lagoon, chapel, petting zoo, restaurant, and RV services. Farther south, book a room at the 

 (which has mastodon and wooly mammoth bones inside and old mining equipment outside).

, founded by a New York dancer in 1967 at Death Valley Junction, remains open for tours and special events, allowing people to see its famous mural of audience members that gives the illusion of a packed house. The area has its share of sand dunes, especially the 

 for hiking and ATV racing. No trip is complete without a stop at the 200-acre 

, a true oasis where you can roam the tree-lined grounds and sip on a delicious date shake. It’s next to the Amargosa River Trail, a 17-mile hiking route with a waterfall and slot canyon.

, a historic saloon and diner in Shoshone, or 

, a quaint, but cozy restaurant in Tecopa with hunks of beef that rival those served in Vegas fine-dining restaurants. 

 has a few experimental brews on tap and if you just want something quick and easy on U.S. Route 95, the 

 is a glorified convenience store and gift shop with a UFO theme.

 is this Saturday, March 29, celebrating the biodiversity of the region. The day includes a tour of the Shoshone Wetlands, activities at the Tecopa Community Center, and trivia at Death Valley Brewing.

 April 25-26 at the Amargosa Valley Park. The event dates back to 1969, featuring live music, a car show, games, food, and the world’s “shortest parade” 🥳

The Amargosa Valley is roughly 100 miles away from Las Vegas, offering the right mix of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

Get to Know the Amargosa Valley

Making sense of the Las Vegas Valley can be a daunting task. Most of us have “Las Vegas” on our mailing address, but not everyone lives within the official city limits — and the names of smaller towns and neighborhoods are barely referenced unless you’re scrolling through Google Maps. With that in mind, let’s see if we can figure out Sunrise Manor and what it’s all about.

Sunrise Manor is east of the Las Vegas Strip, defined by boundaries that brush up against the Boulder Strip, Nellis Air Force Base, and Frenchman’s Mountain.

 was fueled by the construction of Boulder Highway, connecting Railroad Pass (near the Hoover Dam) to Downtown Las Vegas and the presence of the Las Vegas Army Airfield, which later became Nellis.

North Las Vegas planned to claim the territory as its own, but the move was blocked by Clark County and Sunrise Manor was 

, although it remains technically unincorporated to this day.

 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s also home to 

, the oldest continuously operating high school in Southern Nevada. The current campus opened in 1993, although the 

 dates back to 1930 and is now the Las Vegas Academy of the Performing Arts.

Sunrise Manor is a diverse mix of residential and business areas with older, well-worn parks and golf courses sprinkled in. The southwest border includes locals-friendly casinos 

, even though all three are on the Boulder Highway.

, but the camel-like double summit is a unique point that offers views of both the Strip and Lake Mead. It’s beauty worth preserving and a movement is underway to designate the mountainous terrain as the 

 is one of the newer additions to Boulder Station. The sports bar has a clean, wide-open layout and a few surprises on the menu like Shepherd’s Pie and sliders with horseradish mayo. 

 is an underrated, approachable steakhouse in Sam’s Town, just steps from Mystic Falls — a free attraction so cool, even 

Craving Filipino food? You’ll enjoy the BBQ bites of 

 and the combination of sweet and savory dishes at PhilHouse inside the 

 and was one of the hardest hit areas in Vegas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 

 still hasn’t reopened after the 2020 lockdown. A few years earlier, Sunrise Manor 

 with Whitney to form the incorporated City of East Las Vegas, but the idea never gained traction.

 the approval of the East Las Vegas National Monument 

Explore the history of this Las Vegas community and things to do inside its borders.

Is Sunrise Manor a Good Place to Live

Get to Know Sunrise Manor

The Eagles and Adele aren’t the only hot tickets in Las Vegas. 

 is so busy during its Fall Harvest season, online passes are being offered to get inside — with sellouts common on weekends and walk-ups often turned away at the door. City Cast Las Vegas co-host Sarah Lohman shares some ideas on what to do in the Northwest Valley if Gilcrease Orchard is full.

 is just outside Gilcrease Orchard on the corner of North Rainbow Drive and Jo Marcy Drive. There is plenty of free street parking! It’s mainly home to burrowing owls, which unlike other owls, are active during the day, especially at sunrise and sunset. The preserve is a simple fenced-in lot — to protect the owls from people — and you can get surprisingly close, but a pair of binoculars will come in handy. During every visit, I’ve seen tons of these leggy guys and other wildlife like hawks and bats 🦇

 is a sanctuary for rescued farm animals that welcomes visitors on weekends. Meet pigs, cows, bunnies, and other new friends. Feed alpacas hay and shop at the farm stand for fresh produce, eggs, local honey, and a wide variety of treats.

Visiting Gilcrease Orchard is a fall tradition, although it's so busy, visitors can get turned away. We've got your backup plans covered.

Neighborhood Guides

The Art of Sharing Space in the Gateway District

Get to Know Henderson’s Historic Water Street District

A New Wine Festival Comes to Death Valley

Latest articles

Get to Know Huntridge

Get to Know Pittman (While You Still Can)

The Beauty and Quirky Charm of St. George is Worth a Road Trip

Get to Know the Amargosa Valley

Get to Know Sunrise Manor

What To Do if You Get Turned Away From Gilcrease Orchard?

The Strange Beauty of the Goldman Open Air Museum and Rhyolite Ghost Town