Where Is Las Vegas? See Its Map Location and State

Viva Las Vegas! That’s how people feel when they emerge from the highway onto the Strip and see the casinos lined up, shimmering and calling your name. It is one of the most famous cities in the world and people flock from all over just to experience Vegas and its over-the-top fun.

Of course, many people know about Las Vegas and what the city is known for. It’s one of the most famous cities in the world, after all. But can people point to the city on the map? Do people know how far it is away from other major cities? If you are wondering where Las Vegas is, let’s take a look at where it is on the Nevada map. We’ll also explore Sin City’s geography, what the city is known for, its climate, and other facts about the Gambling Capital of the World.

Where is Las Vegas Located on the Map?

Las Vegas is a city in the state of Nevada, which is a state in the Southwestern United States. The city is located roughly in the southern part of the state. Nevada is a landlocked country and Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert.

But where is Las Vegas on the map? Let’s take a look below.

How Far Is Las Vegas From Other Major Cities?

Las Vegas is in the southern part of Nevada, but several highways and state routes pass through the city, making it very accessible to cities in the state and the region. Let’s take a look at how far Las Vegas is from other cities in the area.

Is Las Vegas a Good Place to Live?

Let’s start with the pros of living in Las Vegas. You may think that the Gambling Capital of the World is expensive, but in actuality, it’s not. It’s quite affordable. There are a ton of things to do and perfect for all ages, too. The weather is quite nice, however, summers can get intense and dry. Because Las Vegas is located in a desert, you can always explore the Mojave and the desert landscapes. Lastly, Vegas is an international city and that’s why it has an airport that is easily accessible from the Strip and a great foodie scene for all taste buds.

Now, let’s explore the cons. As we stated above, the summer heat can get unbearable. It’s best to find an air-conditioned place where you can cool off. There isn’t much public transportation in Sin City, so you’ll have to rely on a car everywhere you go. If you were hoping to find an abundance of plants, flowers, and greenery, look elsewhere. Las Vegas is a desert and there are laws in place to ensure there are no lawns and hardly any greenery anywhere (except for your desert plants, of course).

What Is the Climate in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a subtropical desert type of climate, where it experiences very hot summers and mild winters. There isn’t a lot of rainfall and the city is quite sunny and dry. However, sometimes there will be thunderstorms and the risk of flash flooding during the summer months. It is important to note that Las Vegas is a bit cooler than the rest of the Mojave Desert.

When it comes to records, the highest temperature ever recorded in Vegas was a whopping 118 degrees Fahrenheit on July 26, 1931. The lowest temperature recorded was 8 degrees Fahrenheit and it happened on two occasions, January 25, 1937, and January 13, 1963.

The Geography of Las Vegas

Let’s face it, Sin City is located in a desert, more specifically the Mojave Desert. It’s surrounded by mountains and much of what you see out in nature is dry, including the plants (like cacti). Interestingly enough, the city can be vulnerable to flash flooding, and its government has completely perfected the drainage systems for those occasions. Elevation-wise, Vegas is at about 2,000 feet above sea level.

What Is Las Vegas Most Known For?

Las Vegas is one of the most well-known cities in the world, which is why the city caters to tourists. As a local, you may want to take days of relaxation, but the reality is you will never run out of things to do in this desert oasis. First off, Las Vegas is known for being a gambling mecca. There are many shining hotels and casinos where you can walk in and gamble some money away. Many of the casinos have been constructed as themes, for example, The Venetian is decorated like Venice, and Paris Las Vegas is decorated like Paris, France.

Vegas isn’t restricted to just gambling, you can go to shows of all kinds — magic shows, concerts, and comedy shows. You can also try out the amazing restaurant scene, as well as the many stores you can shop at.

If you are more of an outdoors type of person, you can always go camping in the desert and experience something different than other places in the country. You can even check out the nearby Hoover Dam. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is also nearby and you can explore the unique desert rocks in the Mojave.

Facts About Las Vegas

• Population: 641,903
• Area: 141.91 square miles
• Mayor: Carolyn Goodman (I)
• Named For: Spanish term for “the meadows”
• Incorporated: March 16, 1911

Conclusion

Las Vegas is a city like no other. Many people think that anything goes in Vegas because of how it’s been branded, but the reality is that there are two sides to Vegas. There is the one side that tourists go and enjoy themselves and ensure there is complete debauchery. On the other side people that live there make an honest living and create neighborly lives.

The bottom line is Las Vegas is a decent city to live in. California transplants made their way to Phoenix or Vegas to live there because it’s much more affordable than the Golden State. Other than that, there are entertainment options that you will never run out of. Go to a magic show, go see a celebrity do stand-up, or maybe even witness Adele sing — all of that is at your fingertips in Sin City. 

With Vegas, you get the best of both worlds, too. You can experience vibrant nightlife, but at the same time explore nature that is just a few miles away from the city in the desert. Sure, it’s extremely hot (especially in summer), but that’s what air conditioning is for. At the end of the day, Las Vegas is amazing. It is one of the most well-known and most visited cities in the world and you will never run out of exciting things to do. You may even find true love, after all, Las Vegas is the Marriage Capital of the World.