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Vegas for One: A Solo Gay Adventure in Sin City

Alone and Queer in Las Vegas

This wasn’t supposed to be a solo trip. Originally, I planned to meet a friend in Vegas over the third anniversary of my husband’s passing. But life had other plans—just a week before our trip, my friend took a bad fall and ended up with a broken knee. No Vegas for him, just surgery and rehab.

I had already done Vegas solo once before, and honestly, I would have canceled altogether if it weren’t for the nonrefundable Cirque du Soleil tickets my friend had already bought. So, Vegas for one, please.

After confirming that those pricey tickets were truly nonrefundable, I decided to make the most of it and embrace my role as The Solo Gay Traveler. I adjusted my plans—shortening the trip by a day and switching my flights to avoid early mornings and unnecessary layovers. My original stay was booked at The Strat, but traveling alone, I wanted to be closer to the action. I snagged a great deal on a room at the Sahara, located at the far end of the Strip. It was near the Bellagio, where Cirque was playing, and conveniently connected to the Las Vegas Monorail.

With that settled, I decided to turn this into a work trip—an opportunity to write about my solo gay adventure in Sin City.

I started my travel day early, taking my time packing and preparing for the trip. Despite the bright, sunny morning, the temperature outside was a bitter -8°F. My timing couldn’t have been better. After grabbing my usual Starbucks latte and withdrawing some cash, I caught the bus to the airport, transferring seamlessly to the light rail.

Even though it was a short two-night trip, I opted to check my bag—I didn’t want to juggle both a suitcase and my briefcase. Plus, I had plenty of time before my 10:45 AM direct flight. Naturally, I stopped at the airport bar for a screwdriver—because even though this had technically become a work trip, it was still Vegas.

The flight was smooth and on time. Despite boarding late in Group A, I lucked out with a third-row aisle seat. I even managed a quick nap, thanks to the early wake-up and time zone change.

Touching down in Vegas, I braced myself for the notoriously slow baggage claim. True to form, it took a while, but I eventually grabbed my bag, made a quick pit stop at the restroom, and headed for the bus. Unfortunately, I had just missed one, which meant a 30-minute wait. While figuring out the ticket machine, I ended up helping another traveler navigate it—public transit camaraderie at its finest.

Now, let’s talk about public transportation. I’m a huge proponent of it. I use it at home (having ditched my car years ago), and I’ve relied on it in cities like Chicago, New York, and DC. Vegas is surprisingly well set up for public transit, especially around the Strip and to and from the airport. My ride to the Sahara took only about 20 minutes, and I hopped off right at the monorail station—something I was eager to try since I hadn’t used it on past trips. I encourage anyone that is going to use public transportation to get the appropriate app for your phone. It makes it so easy to purchase passes and you don’t have to keep track of a little piece of paper. You can purchase single passes from 2 hours to 3 days from $6 to $20. The Las Vegas bus system is RTC and the other app you will want is the My Bus which will show you the closest transit options and tell you what time the next bus arrives.

I arrived at the hotel just after 2 PM and paid the dreaded $25 early check-in fee. Normally, I hate these nickel-and-dime charges, but being able to settle in before heading out was worth it. The room itself was spacious, with a mini fridge, free Wi-Fi, complimentary bottled water, and a sleek walk-in shower that I’d appreciate after a long day out.

After changing into something more Vegas-appropriate, it was time to explore.

My first stop was the iconic Circus Circus Casino—because, honestly, could anything be gayer than a pink-and-white striped big top filled with flashing lights and clowns? Well, maybe, but my visit was motivated by something more personal. When I was a kid, my parents used to come to Vegas, and I remember my mother talking about Circus Circus. I wanted to see it for myself.

Opened in 1968, Circus Circus is one of the oldest hotel-casinos on the Strip and is famous for its carnival-like atmosphere. Back in the day, it was one of the few family-friendly options in a city known for its vices. While it’s definitely seen better days, walking inside felt like stepping back in time. The decor is outdated, and the air carries that distinct Vegas blend of cigarette smoke and nostalgia. But for all its quirks, Circus Circus has a charm that newer, glossier resorts just don’t have.

Recreational marijuana wasn’t yet legal the first time I visited Vegas, and I didn’t give it a thought except for the ever-present scent on the streets,. This time around, I made it a point to check out a couple of dispensaries within walking distance of my hotel: 420 Sahara and Trulieve.

Having visited dispensaries in California, New York, Chicago, and even Spain, I was curious to see how Nevada’s compared. Both locations had tight security—similar to what I’d encountered in California—with ID checks and a security door before entering. Once inside, the experience was pretty familiar: sleek displays of edibles, pre-rolls, and vapes, with knowledgeable staff ready to answer any questions. Trulieve was undergoing some renovations, so I didn’t get a full experience there, but overall, both were solid stops for any cannabis enthusiast.

One of my favorite stops on this trip was Get Booked, a small but well-stocked LGBTQ+ store on Paradise Road. This little gem has been serving the queer community since 1993 and carries everything from books and adult toys to fun apparel and accessories. It was easy to get to via the 108 bus, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique souvenir (or something a little naughty). The store may be small, but it has a little bit of everything—definitely worth a visit.

Vegas doesn’t have the centuries-old landmarks of Madrid or Rome, but it does have neon-lit history that’s best explored on an open-top double-decker bus. The Big Bus Tour is perfect for solo travelers—it lets you hop on and off at key locations, making it an easy way to see a lot in a short time.

I caught the bus at Stop 5, in front of The STRAT, just a few blocks from my hotel. The full tour lasts about two hours, depending on traffic, with nine stops covering both the Strip and downtown. Midway through, there was a 30-minute break where I grabbed a bite to eat. Having taken similar tours in Chicago, Madrid, and Barcelona, I can confidently say they’re one of the best ways to get a feel for a city without having to navigate public transit or long walks in the desert heat.

As I mentioned, one of the reasons I didn’t cancel this trip altogether was that my travel companion had already purchased non-refundable tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio.

I had seen one of Cirque’s early shows back when they had a residency at Downtown Disney in Florida, and while that was amazing, it couldn’t hold a candle to the spectacle of “O.” From the moment the show started, with clowns weaving through the audience, there was so much happening at once it was almost overwhelming.

For those unfamiliar, Cirque du Soleil’s “O” is a water-based production featuring acrobats, artistic swimmers, and divers performing in, on, and above a massive pool. The entire show is an artistic fever dream, blending surrealism, romance, and breathtaking stunts in a venue that looks like an old-world European opera house. It was the perfect way to wrap up my solo adventure—proof that even alone, Vegas can still feel magical.

To get from the Sahara to The Bellagio, I decided to take the Las Vegas Monorail. The first time I visited Vegas, the monorail existed but wasn’t operational. The second time, I stayed at the opposite end of the Strip, far from a station. This time, however, staying at the Sahara had its perks—both a monorail station and a bus stop were just steps from the hotel, making it incredibly easy to get around.

The Las Vegas Monorail officially opened in 2004 and runs along the east side of the Strip, making seven stops at key locations:

MGM Grand
Bally’s / Paris Las Vegas
Flamingo / Caesars Palace
Harrah’s / The LINQ
Las Vegas Convention Center
Westgate
Sahara

While the monorail doesn’t extend to the airport or downtown, it’s still a convenient, traffic-free way to travel between major resorts. Trains run every 4-8 minutes, and with a day pass available, it’s a great option for visitors who plan to explore multiple stops.

Speaking of the Sahara Hotel and Casino, I have to say—it was a fantastic place to stay. What I loved most was how the new Sahara pays tribute to the original with photos of legendary performers who once graced its stages.

Originally opened in 1952, the Sahara was one of the most famous resorts of old-school Vegas. It hosted icons like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., making it a staple of the Rat Pack era. Over the decades, it saw multiple renovations and even a brief rebranding as SLS Las Vegas before returning to its classic Sahara name in 2019.

Today, the Sahara blends modern luxury with a vintage Vegas vibe. Unlike some of the massive, over-the-top casino resorts, the Sahara feels sleek and stylish without being overwhelming. The casino floor is a comfortable size, and there are plenty of great dining options. I started both mornings with Starbucks, conveniently located inside the hotel, and later enjoyed happy hour at the Casbar Lounge. I also grabbed a bite to eat at Uno Más Street Tacos + Spirits and took advantage of their happy hour and five-dollar margaritas. With 11 dining options, including room service, there’s something for everyone.

One thing I didn’t do on this trip (or any of my past trips to Vegas) was visit the LGBTQ+ bars. Not because there aren’t good options—Vegas actually has a solid selection of gay bars and clubs—but because I was traveling solo. I generally prefer to visit local queer spots with a travel companion, and since most of Vegas’ LGBTQ+ bars are scattered beyond the Strip, I didn’t feel comfortable venturing too far alone at night.

That said, if you’re looking for LGBTQ+ nightlife in Vegas, some popular spots include:

Piranha Nightclub – A high-energy dance club with go-go dancers and DJs.
The Garage – A laid-back, neighborhood-style gay bar.
Charlie's Las Vegas – A country-themed gay bar with line dancing and drag shows.
Quadz Video Bar – Known for its drag performances and video jukebox.

While I skipped the nightlife scene this time, it’s definitely on my list for a future trip—hopefully with some good company.

Vegas has a reputation for being a city of nonstop entertainment, luxury, and indulgence, but experiencing it solo was a different kind of adventure. From revisiting historic casinos to effortlessly getting around on the monorail, this trip was a mix of nostalgia, exploration, and personal indulgence. And while I may have skipped the bars, Vegas isn’t going anywhere—there’s always next time.

Whether you’re here for the casinos, the cannabis, the queer culture, or just the spectacle of it all, Vegas truly has something for everyone—especially if you’re willing to embrace the experience on your own terms.