Mandalay Bay anchors the south end of the Las Vegas Strip and offers relative calm when compared to resorts in the middle of the action.
Partially due to Mandalay’s position on the far reaches of the Strip, unique amenities, attractions, and experiences are used to draw people to the resort.
I thought it would be fun to detail the plethora of itinerary-worthy adventures available both at Mandalay Bay and nearby.
Itinerary Ideas at Mandalay Bay
Enjoy the Stunning Pool Complex: Mandalay’s 11-acre pool complex easily qualifies as one of the resort’s most popular amenities in addition to being one of the best pools in Vegas.
Comprised of a lazy river, wave pool, sandy beaches, a lagoon, and 3 poolside bars, Mandalay Bay’s Beach has something to do for everyone.
As a bonus, non-hotel guests can use the pool for a $25 cover charge – Well worth it in my opinion.
See a Headliner: Mandalay Bay’s Michelob ULTRA Arena hosts a wide assortment of big-name talent and headliners.
Artists who have recently performed at the venue include Subline, Macklemore, Kid Rock, and The New Kids On The Block among others. Check the Michelob ULTRA Arena events calendar to gauge if anyone of interest will be performing during your stay!
Gospel Brunch: As the name would indicate, Gospel Brunch at Mandalay’s House of Blues pairs gospel music with an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet comprised of southern favorites every Sunday morning.
In Vegas, you can always use a little religion.
Cool Off in a Bar Made of Ice: A perfect contrast to the desert heat, guests can find refuge at the Minus5 Ice Bar at Mandalay Bay. Guests will be outfitted with winter gear before entering the bar constructed entirely of ice. Even drinks are served in glasses made of ice.
I recently visited the Icebar at LINQ and thought it was a fun way to beat the heat.
Grab a Drink with a Great View of the Strip: After you cool off at Minus5, head up to Mandalay Bay’s Foundation Room which can be found on the 63rd floor. Just look at that view…
Shark Reef Aquarium: Walk through a glass tunnel below a sea habitat stocked with over 2,000 creatures ranging from stingrays to sharks at Mandalay’s Shark Reef Aquarium.
On a recent visit, I was impressed with the visuals, although the experience felt a little short for the price.
Additional experiences such as shark, turtle, and stingray feeding are also offered for an additional fee.
Check out Michael Jackson ONE: Cirque du Soleil combines Michael Jackson’s hits with their signature acrobatic performance elements to create an impressive show.
Tickets to Michael Jackson ONE start at $76 plus fees.
Hit the Shoppes at Mandalay Place: If you prefer shopping to gambling, the resort’s Shoppes at Mandalay Place offers a variety of shops and dining establishments. Peruse candy, shaving products, jewelry, and more. The shopping complex even boasts a Guinness memorabilia store among its tenants.
Enjoy a Speakeasy Experience: Compared to other Vegas speakeasies, the 1923 Prohibition Bar is both easy to find and get into.
Once inside, however, you’re transported to the prohibition era. I found the lounge to have a historic feel with artwork reminiscent of the roaring ’20s.
Belly up at an Irish Pub: Among the few Irish Pubs in Vegas, Ri Ra can be found in the Shoppes at Mandalay Bay. A unique dining option, Ri Ra serves a collection of Irish cuisine including bangers & mash, corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, and more.
*Coming in 2024* – Swingers Mini Golf: Sure to be a destination attraction, Swingers Mini Golf will occupy 40,000 square feet of space and offer 5 (yep, you heard that right. FIVE) distinct mini golf courses, each with their own unique flair.
Golfers who need refreshments during their round will be relieved to hear that “Caddies” will be milling about to take drink orders.
This will easily be the best mini golf course in Las Vegas.
Things To Do Near Mandalay Bay
The Pinball Hall of Fame is located just south of Mandalay Bay and is easily walkable if the weather is cooperative.
Inside, are countless machines dating back to the 1950’s – today. In addition to pinball, there are also classic arcade games and vending machines that kick out $1 canned soda.
Admission is free, but the games all cost 25 cents or more.
Designed by Betty Willis and constructed in 1959, the “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has greeted visitors to the Las Vegas Strip for decades and is a short 15-minute walk south from Mandalay Bay.
As one of the most popular photo ops in Vegas, making the short walk should find it’s way into your agenda.
Although somewhat isolated on the South end of the Strip, Mandalay is connected via free tram to both Luxor and Excalibur to the north. Both of those properties are worth checking out if only to see the unique theming elements that both possess.
At Luxor, I’d encourage those who don’t mind learning on vacation to check out 2 of my favorite museum attractions.
The first, Titanic Artifact Exhibition, displays artifacts recovered from the seafloor and shares personal stories of the passengers aboard the ship.
Bodies… The Exhibition provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the human body with the aid of real human cadaver specimens.
Once you make it to Excalibur, you’re steps away from both New York New York and MGM Grand.
Potential itinerary items to consider include the rollercoaster at NYNY, and Topgolf behind MGM Grand which offers a 2-level pool, and bartop gaming in addition to the traditional golf games.
At New York New York, the dueling piano show at the Bar at Times Square is an absolute blast, playing nightly.
Whether looking to hit the slots, find a cocktail, or explore non-gaming attractions, you’ll likely find something to do at Mandalay Bay.
Given the fact Mandalay resides in a neighborhood with other mega-resorts like Excalibur, New York New York, MGM Grand, Luxor, and Tropicana, the surrounding area has much to offer as well.
For more inspiration, check out my rundown of things to do at each property 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.