Tropicana has been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip since first opening in 1957. The iconic resort has been featured in a number of legendary movies set in Las Vegas like Elvis’s “Viva Las Vegas”, “The Godfather”, and “Diamonds are Forever” among others.
Since the early days, the resort’s footprint has changed significantly, now offering nearly 1,500 guestrooms and 50,000 square feet of gaming.
Although Tropicana has struggled with fading popularity over the years, there are still worthwhile things to do at the resort and nearby.
It’s also important to note that Tropicana as we know it today may cease to exist in the not-too-distant future. The Oakland A’s have an interest in building a stadium on the land in which Tropicana currently sits, however, that deal is far from done.
Even if that deal falls through, it’s clear that ownership is very much open to future redevelopment of the property.
Things To Do at Tropicana Las Vegas
Make time for the pool: Although Tropicana the resort/hotel is a tad rundown, the pool is a tropical oasis. In addition to plenty of sun and a picturesque pool, Tropicana is one of the few remaining complexes to offer swim-up blackjack during the summer months.
For easy pool access, I’d recommend checking out their poolside hotel rooms with a walk-out patio to the pool complex.
Laugh Factory Comedy Club: Looking for a relatively inexpensive comedy club on the Strip? If so, Laugh Factory features a rotating assortment of both well-known, and up and coming talent at a price point that hovers in the $50 range. Check with the box office or Vegas.com, below, to see who is performing the night you would like to attend. You can see if the acts jive with your sense of humor by plugging their names into YouTube.
More Laughs with Rich LIttle: The “Man of 1,000 Voices” will have your gut in agony as he impersonates celebrities and politicians alike. Nobody is safe. Slinging a timeless brand of comedy, tickets to Rich Little start at around $39.99.
Murray the Magician: You’ve likely seen Murray the Magician before, whether it be on Pawn Stars, Top Gear, or America’s Got Talent, and now you can see him Live at Tropicana. Leveraging audience participation to pull off his tricks and illusions, the show is also family-friendly. Don’t be afraid to shop around.
Things To Do Near Tropicana
If traveling with kids, you’ll want to be sure to stop by New York New York to ride the Big Apple Coaster and play in the Arcade.
Excalibur, located across the street also offers an arcade in addition to a 4D video experience that kids are sure to enjoy.
Looking to play the cheapest blackjack in Las Vegas? OYO, a short walk behind Tropicana deals a $1 game. Stop in at Hooters afterward for wings.
Across the street to the north, I’d encourage you to stop in at Topgolf at MGM Grand, especially if traveling with a group as the golf games offered are social and engaging. If you don’t golf, Topgolf also has a 2-level swimming pool open to the public and 5 unique bars, some with bartop gaming.
Of course, given the resort’s position, there are plenty of things to do at Tropicana and nearby on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. Need more inspiration? Check here for a complete resort-by-resort rundown of things to do on the Strip.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.