Looking for things to do in Las Vegas? The massive Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino complex has plenty of options to keep you entertained during your vacation in Sin City!
Whether you’re looking to spend a few nights there, planning to see a show at night, or opting for an adrenaline-pumping experience in a shark aquarium, Mandalay Bay’s got you covered.
Whether you’re a first-time Las Vegas visitor or a Vegas-loving jetsetter, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas that will help you make the most of your stay. There’s surprisingly a lot to do here — way more than meets the eye!
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Table of Contents
Mandalay Bay Beach
If you’re looking for a place to unwind and soak up the sun, Mandalay Bay Beach is the perfect spot for you. This 11-acre beach paradise offers everything you need for a relaxing day in the sun.
This is by far the best pool complex we’ve ever had the chance of enjoying of all Las Vegas hotels. Yes, even better than higher-end hotel pools such as Wynn, Encore, Caesars, Venetian, etc!
The beach features a wave pool, perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of the ocean without leaving the resort.
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, the lazy river is a great option. Grab a tube and float down the river, sipping on your drink and soaking in the sun as you go.
For those who want a little more privacy, cabanas are available for rent. These private areas come with comfortable seating, private loungers, a TV, and a mini-fridge, perfect for storing your drinks and snacks.
The entire pool area is surrounded by palm trees and cabanas, making it feel like a tropical paradise in the middle of the desert!
Pro Tip: The lazy river tubes used to be free to rent, but now they charge $30 each to buy and there is no option to rent–lame. Don’t buy them here, buy one online before your trip or go to the ABC Store instead — they’re ~$3.50 each! They should also have tubes at Walgreens, Walmart, or Target.
Because everyone who stays at this hotel is probably thinking the same thing — that they have to experience the beach at least once during their stay — there’s a ton of seating here. More than I’ve seen at any other hotel/resort in Las Vegas!
Expect tons of beach loungers to be up against one another in rows. The red chairs are reserved seating (where you can rent umbrellas for a fee), while the white chairs are free for all.
The pool complex also offers a variety of dining options, including three bars as well as the Beach Bar & Grill. This is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while soaking up the sun.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to save money on food, you can bring your own snacks into the pool area.
NOTE: Please note that you have to be a hotel guest to enter Mandalay Beach — there are attendants at the entrance who check for room keys.
Read More: Mandalay Bay Review: Is This Vegas Hotel Worth Staying At?
Shark Reef Aquarium
If you or your family members are a fan of sharks or aqariums, the Shark Reef Aquarium is a must-visit attraction. As you step into the aquarium, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a variety of sea creatures, including over 2,000 animals, including 12 types of sharks, rays, sea turtles, piranha, a Komodo dragon, and more.
One of the highlights of the Shark Reef Aquarium is the 1.3 million-gallon Shipwreck exhibit, which features a replica of a sunken ship. Here, you’ll get an up-close look at some of the most majestic creatures of the sea, including Sand Tiger Sharks, Green Sea Turtles, and Giant Groupers.
Another must-see exhibit is the Touch Pool, where you can touch and interact with various sea creatures, including stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
If you’re feeling romantic, they also offer surprise underwater proposal packages!
Cirque du Soleil “Michael Jackson ONE”
If you’re a fan of Michael Jackson’s music, you won’t want to miss the Cirque du Soleil “Michael Jackson ONE” show at Mandalay Bay. This show is an electrifying tribute to the King of Pop, featuring incredible acrobatics, dance, and music!
As you enter the theater, you’ll be transported to a world inspired by Michael Jackson’s music, with larger-than-life props and stunning visual effects. The show features some of Jackson’s most iconic hits, including “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Billie Jean,” performed by a talented cast of dancers and acrobats.
One of the highlights of the show is the use of technology to bring Michael Jackson ‘back to life’ on stage. You’ll see holographic images of the King of Pop performing some of his most famous dance moves, and it’s truly a sight to behold — especially for true MJ fans!
If you’re planning on seeing the show, be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. The show is very popular and often sells out, so don’t wait until the last minute to get your tickets!
Listen To Live Music At House Of Blues
If you’re looking for some live concert music and good food, then the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay is the place to be on concert night! With a capacity of around 2,000 people, this venue hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.
In addition to concerts, the House of Blues also offers a Gospel Brunch on Sundays! This lively event features an all-you-can-eat buffet-style brunch with southern-style dishes like fried chicken and waffles, and live gospel music to accompany your meal.
If you’re interested in attending a concert at the House of Blues, be sure to check their events calendar for upcoming events. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.
Try Your Luck At The Casino
When you’re at Mandalay Bay, the casino is definitely worth checking out. With over 135,000 square feet of gaming space, you can’t miss it — it’s smack dab in the middle of the hotel.
The casino offers a wide variety of table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, you can try your hand at Pai Gow Poker or Casino War. There are also plenty of slot machines to choose from, with denominations ranging from penny slots to high-limit machines.
Dine at Restaurant Row
When it comes to dining options at Mandalay Bay, you won’t be disappointed. There is a plethora of restaurant options ranging from upscale to casual, expensive to affordable!
I was totally shocked when I walked through the hotel and discovered just how many restaurants lied within the Mandalay Bay property!
Starting with the higher-end dining options — one of the most popular restaurants at Mandalay Bay is Fleur ($$$), which offers classic cuts of premium steaks, pasta and seafood.
Then there’s StripSteak ($$$$), where guests can experience the fire-born flavor and the signature flair of Chef Michael Mina. There’s also Lupo ($$$), Wolfgang Puck’s first Italian restaurant, and KUMI ($$$) serving up modern Japanese cuisine with a Korean American twist.
For those in the mood for something more casual, there are plenty of options to choose from! Libertine Social ($$) is a popular spot for burgers and other gastropub eats, while Noodle Shop ($) offers all types of Asian noodle dishes and Slice of Vegas ($) offers classic Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta.
If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, Mandalay Bay has you covered. Border Grill ($$) is another noteworthy option — it’s a vibrant, modern Mexican restaurant from award-winning Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. They have their Border Brunch, featuring unlimited small plates and bottomless mimosas, micheladas and Bloody Mary’s every Saturday & Sunday!
Retro by Voltaggio ($$) is the newest restaurant offering, featuring a funky remix of America’s favorite dishes with an electrifying throwback spirit.
But perhaps the most unique dining experience at Mandalay Bay is Rivea, which offers stunning views of the Las Vegas skyline from the 64th floor of the hotel. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as grilled octopus and roasted lamb loin.
There’s also the House of Blues Restaurant and Bar, Wahlburgers, Citizens Kitchen & Bar, a few breakfast/brunch restaurants, an Irish pub, and a handful of other eateries. Yep, like I said, tons of options!
And while there is no buffet on the Mandalay Bay property, you can easily head over to The Buffet at Luxor (the nearest buffet just one hotel away).
Skyfall Lounge
If you’re searching for a place to relax and unwind with a view after a long day of exploring, look no further than Skyfall Lounge. Perched on the 64th floor of the Delano Las Vegas tower, this chic and sophisticated lounge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline.
As you enter the lounge, you’ll be greeted by sleek and modern decor that creates an atmosphere of elegance and luxury. The lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide an unobstructed view of the city below, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail or two while taking in the stunning scenery.
Skyfall Lounge is known for its creative cocktails and extensive wine list, as well as a small selection of light bites and appetizers, including charcuterie and cheese boards, sushi rolls, and sliders. The Skyfall menu is a collaboration between Chef Alain Ducasse and the Skyfall bar team — so you know they put some thought into creating the menu!
In addition to its impressive drink and food menu, Skyfall Lounge also hosts live music performances and DJ sets throughout the week, adding to the lounge’s already vibrant and lively atmosphere!
Foundation Room
Another upscale nightlife experience at the MB is the Foundation Room. Foundation Room is a luxurious rooftop venue with stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding desert landscape.
Once you make your way up to the tippy-top of the hotel and you’re inside, you’ll be greeted by a luxurious and intimate atmosphere. The decor is inspired by Asian and Indian cultures, and the space is adorned with ornate chandeliers and plush seating. Guests can choose to relax in the indoor lounge area or step outside to the outdoor patio for a true Vegas experience.
You can choose to pair your epic Las Vegas Strip views with food or drink, or both!
The Foundation Room also features live music and entertainment, with a lineup of talented DJs and performers. If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, you can reserve a private room or table for your group.
To gain access to the Foundation Room, guests must be at least 21 years of age and must present a valid ID. Cover charges and dress codes may also apply. They recommend you make reservations in advance, as the venue can get quite busy on weekends and during special events.
The dress code is upscale casual, so make sure you dress accordingly!
Spa Mandalay
If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Spa Mandalay is just what you need. Located within Mandalay Bay, this world-class spa offers a wide range of services to help you unwind and feel your best.
As soon as you walk through the doors of Spa Mandalay, you’ll be greeted by a calming atmosphere that will help you leave your worries behind. The 30,000 square foot spa offers a variety of treatments designed to promote wellness, including facials, body wraps, hot stone massages and aromatherapy, to help you both unwind and rejuvenate.
After your treatment, take a dip in the spa’s pool or hot tub for the ultimate relaxation experience.
You can book individual spa treatments or purchase a day-pass and enjoy the spa for a full or half day at your leisure.
In addition to its treatment offerings, Spa Mandalay also has a salon where you can get your hair and nails done. Whether you’re looking for a quick trim or a full makeover, the salon has any type of service you need to look and feel your best.
Enjoy a medspa treatment at Kalologie
Named one of America’s “Top Ten Spa Destinations” by ELLE Magazine, Kalologie Medspa makes its debut adjacent to Spa Mandalay!
Kalologie Medspa is a popular chain of medical spas that offer a range of beauty and wellness services, including facials, massages, body treatments, injectables, and more. They are known for using high-quality products and advanced techniques to help clients achieve their desired results.
Offering advanced medical spa treatments and its proprietary line of Kalologie clinical products, you can opt for more advanced treatments here such as:
- IV Hydration Therapy
- B12 Injections
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Dermal Fillers
- Aquagold
- Neurotoxins
- Botox
- CoolSculpting
Minus 5 Ice Bar
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience at Mandalay Bay, the Minus 5 Ice Bar is definitely worth a visit. As the name suggests, everything in this bar is made of ice, including the walls, seats, and even the glasses that you drink out of!
When you arrive, you’ll be given a warm parka and gloves to wear, as the temperature inside the bar is a chilly -5 degrees Celsius. Sure the parka will keep you warm, but it’s also a great photo opportunity so take as many pictures as you want once you’re in your coats!
Once inside, you can order a variety of drinks, including cocktails served in glasses that are ALSO made of ice! And if you’re not sure what to order, the bartenders are happy to recommend a drink based on your preferences.
The ice sculptures throughout the bar are super impressive, and there are plenty of photo opportunities! The lighting inside of the bar changes frequently too, so you’ll never get bored of the scenery.
If you’re looking for a unique place to celebrate a special occasion, the Minus 5 Ice Bar is a great choice. Since it’s a popular spot for group outings, they offer packages for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and even weddings.
The Shoppes at Mandalay Place
If you’re looking for a convenient shopping experience, head over to The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. This casual shopping center is located on the sky bridge that connects Mandalay Bay with the Luxor hotel.
With over 40 boutique shops, you’ll find everything from high-end fashion to unique souvenirs. Some of the notable shops include:
- Michael Jackson ONE Boutique: This store is a must-visit for MJ fans. You’ll find exclusive merchandise from the Michael Jackson ONE show, including clothing, accessories, and collectibles.
- LICK: This candy store offers a wide variety of sweets, including imported chocolates, nostalgic candies, and unique flavors of popcorn.
- BEASTMODE: Beastmode Apparel is the official lifestyle and athleisure brand of Marshawn Lynch.
- The GUINNESS® Store: The largest selection of GUINNESS® merchandise in one place outside of Ireland.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop: a world-famous destination with locations in Florida, South Carolina, and now Vegas. This is a great place to go if you need to pick up beachwear or coverups to complete your summer Vegas outfits!
In addition to the shops, The Shoppes at Mandalay Place also has several restaurants and bars. Stop by Hussong’s Cantina for some delicious Mexican food, or grab a drink at the FAT TUESDAY stand, home of the famous 190-Octane Daiquiri!
1923 Prohibition Bar
If you’re looking for a fun, immersive experience at Mandalay Bay, do not miss the quaint 1923 Prohibition Bar. This speakeasy-style bar takes you back to the roaring twenties, complete with period-specific decor, live jazz music, and classic cocktails!
As you enter the bar (you’ll need to push against a ‘wall’ to open up the door), you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a secret hideout. Once inside, you’ll find a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting and plush seating.
The bar’s menu features a variety of classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, and Sazerac, as well as some signature drinks, such as the Gatsby’s Gin Fiz, Tajin Temptation, and the Speakesy Strange Rush.
If you’re an Old-Fasioned connoisseur, they offer specialty Old-Fashioned’s (when I went, there was a Maple Bacon Old-Fasioned, Butter Pecan Old Fasioned, and even a PB&J Old-Fasioned! Fancy a flight of bourbon instead? They’ve got tasting flights too.
In addition to the drinks, the 1923 Prohibition Bar also offers a small selection of appetizers and desserts, such as the charcuterie board and the chocolate mousse. The bar also hosts live jazz performances on select nights, adding to the old-timey ambiance and immersive experience.
DAYLIGHT Beach Club
If you’re looking to get your party on by the pools at Mandalay Bay, you won’t want to miss out on one of the pool party events held DAYLIGHT Beach Club. This beach club features a huge pool, plenty of lounge chairs, resident DJs / hip-hop performers, and a great selection of food and drinks.
At the day club, expect a live DJ, dancing, and lots of mingling! You can expect DJs playing Top 40 and EDM music on Fridays, and hip-hop performers and DJ’s performing on Saturdays and Sundays.
They even have a new experience this summer featuring the best reggaeton performers at NEON VIBRA, Las Vegas’ hottest Latin nightswim event!
Prices start at $30 for gentlemen and $20 for ladies, but if you get in contact with a Las Vegas promoter, chances are you can just get in for free (they usually throw in some drink tickets too).
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, check out the Moorea Beach Club, which is a topless pool located next to DAYLIGHT Beach Club. This area is reserved for guests 21 and over and offers a more secluded experience.
Explore Mandalay Bay’s Neighboring Hotels
If the offerings at Mandalay Bay don’t suit you (or you’ve done everything there is to do at MB), it’s super easy to get to other neighboring hotels so you can enjoy some of the other award-winning Las Vegas shows and attractions offered on The Strip! Here are just a few examples:
Luxor (one hotel over)
- Blue Man Group – the iconic show combining an entertaining mix of multimedia, comedy, music and stunning visuals
- America’s Got Talent presents Super Stars Live
- Carrot Top – award winning stand-up comedy
- FANTASY: The Strip’s Biggest Tease
- Discovering King Tut’s Tomb
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
- Bodies… The Exhibition
- HyperX Arena Las Vegas
Excalibur (one 5-min tram ride away)
- Tournament of Kings
- Ultimate 4D Experience
- Fun Dungeon – arcade games galore!
- Australia’s Thunder From Down Under
- The Mac King Comedy Magic Show – widely regarded as the #1 comedy magician working in the world today
MGM Grand (one tram ride and short walk away)
- KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
- David Copperfield – hailed as the “greatest illusionist of our time”
- Jabbawockeez
- Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club – best place in Las Vegas to catch the hottest names in stand-up!
- The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
- Topgolf
- Zero Latency – group VR games
Pro Tip: The free-to-use Mandalay Bay Tram runs between the Excalibur – Luxor – Mandalay Bay hotels. The southbound tram runs only from the Excalibur to Mandalay Bay, but the northbound tram starts at Mandalay Bay, stops at Luxor, and ends at the Excalibur. To get to MGM Grand, get off at the Excalibur stop and walk ~5 minutes the rest of the way. The FREE Mandalay Bay Tram runs every 3 – 7 minutes.
Mandalay Bay: Frequently Asked Questions
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