Mandalay Bay is an iconic Vegas casino and resort complex that is synonymous with luxury, quality and indulgence. Even those who are barely familiar with Vegas and its attractions will have heard of it, and it remains one of the top places to stay in town.
However, once you’ve booked your room and packed your bags, what kind of attractions await you in this world-famous resort?
To help prepare you for what lies in store, in this post, we have all the info you need about things to do in Mandalay Bay.
Top 9 Things to Do at Mandalay Bay
1. Hit the Casino
For many people, the main reason for visiting Vegas is to gamble, and if that’s your plan, at Mandalay Bay, you won’t be disappointed.
The casino covers nearly 150,000 square feet and boasts over 1,200 slot machines and video poker games along with all your favorite table games like blackjack, craps and roulette.
If live poker is more your thing, you can pull up a chair at one of the poker tables, and the casino at Mandalay Bay also includes one of the largest sports books in town for those who prefer to place a bet on a big game.
So in short, if gambling is your scene, and you’re hoping to try your luck and perhaps win big, Mandalay Bay’s casino has everything you need.
2. Take in A Show or A Live Sports Match
Mandalay Bay is home to the Michelob Ultra Arena, a 12,000-seat venue that plays host to sports events including boxing and MMA along with music concerts and other entertainment events.
However, Mandalay Bay has more than one entertainment venue, with the Michael Jackson: One Theatre playing host to the eponymous acclaimed tribute show to the King of Pop, produced by Cirque du Soleil.
In addition, the outdoor pool complex also transforms into a music venue to host the likes of The Beach Boys and Weezer, so whatever kind of entertainment you enjoy, make sure you check out the calendar of upcoming events before you arrive.
3. Visit Shark Reef
One attraction not to miss at Mandalay Bay is the Shark Reef aquarium – and this applies to those not staying at the resort too since it’s open to everyone.
As the name suggests, it’s home to numerous species of sharks – but it also contains rays, assorted fish, marine invertebrates and even reptiles, including a Komodo dragon.
Among the most famous elements is the renowned Shark Tunnel that allows you to walk below the water as the elegant sharks cruise and glide above your head.
The whole thing is designed to resemble a mysterious sunken temple, and a visit will make for a memorable day out for kids and adults alike.
4. Enjoy a Delicious Meal
For anyone who enjoys a good meal, Mandalay Bay is the perfect destination too – because when it comes to dining options, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Meat lovers will be in for a treat when they book a table at StripSteak, one of the top steakhouses in town.
Run by award-winning chef Michael Mina, the menu offers prime cuts of premium beef, including Japanese A5 wagyu – as well as other options like seafood and more.
Another high-end option is Aureole, a restaurant that pairs American fine dining with an exceptional range of wine, while Rivea serves a selection of irresistible French and Italian dishes under the supervision of acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse.
The creative KUMI serves Japanese food fused with Korean and American influences, or for something less fancy – but no less delicious – you can opt for pizza at Slice of Vegas or a premium burger at Burger bar.
These are just a few of the restaurants on offer at Mandalay Bay, and part of the fun for dedicated foodies will be sampling them all and deciding which one they love most.
5. Get Down on The Dance Floor
If your idea of a good time is busting some moves on the dancefloor, you’ll feel right at home in Mandalay Bay since there’s no lack of places to head when you feel the need to dance.
For a glitzy and sophisticated night out, you’ll want to make your way straight to Foundation Room, a club that plays host to both live music and club nights with top DJs.
Alternatively, you can opt for an evening in Eyecandy Bar & Lounge, located right in the center of the resort’s casino.
There, you’ll be able to sip on expertly-mixed cocktails and soak up the casual, laidback vibe – or step out onto the dancefloor and let yourself go.
6. Indulge in A Spot of Retail Therapy
Sometimes, the gambling, the drinking, the dancing and the general partying can all just become a bit too much in Vegas, and for many people, the perfect antidote is to hit the shops for a bit of retail therapy.
If that sounds like the kind of thing that appeals to you, The Shoppes at Mandalay Place is where you’ll inevitably find yourself at some point during your stay.
Expect to find exciting clothing stores such as Flip Flop Shops, Beastmode and Chapel Hats – alongside the likes of exclusive jewelry boutique Karma and Luck and electronics specialist Cross Connections Electronics.
There’s also a Guinness Store, offering the largest selection of Guinness merchandise outside of Ireland, and there’s also no shortage of places to grab a bite after all that shopping has helped you work up an appetite – or bars for when you develop a thirst.
7. Chill by The Pool and Catch a Few Rays
No self-respecting Vegas resort would be complete without a sumptuous pool complex, and you won’t be surprised to hear that Mandalay Bay more than delivers on this front too.
The pool area covers a vast 11 acres and includes a thrilling wave pool as well as the more sedate Lazy River.
To make the most of your time at the pool, you can also choose to rent a luxurious cabana or gazebo for your group – ideal for when you need some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Food and drinks are served at the Beach Bar and Grill, but if you only want a cocktail to sip on as you bask in the sun, there are also three bars waiting to mix up whatever you desire.
8. Party all day at Daylight Beach Club
For a poolside experience with a much more vibrant atmosphere, it’s hard to beat Mandalay Bay’s Daylight Beach Club.
Vegas is famous, among other things, for its pool parties, and this is one of the best.
Featuring world-class DJs and live music performances, you’ll get to dance all day surrounded by the beautiful party people of Vegas. Music usually tends more towards the hip-hop or top-40 side of things, but big-name EDM DJs also sometimes feature.
Of course, the full complement of bars will be open to serve you your favorite beverages – and to make the experience even more unforgettable, you can opt to reserve a VIP table and enjoy the special VIP host service.
NB at the time of writing, Daylight Beach Club is closed for the season – but it is due to reopen in the spring. Check the official Mandalay Bay website for the most up-to-date details.
9. Pamper Yourself at Mandalay Bay Spa & Salon
An expansive spa complex in a luxurious setting, this is the place to head when you want to unwind and recover from all the excesses of your stay in Sin City.
The world-class facilities cover an impressive 30,000 square feet, and services provided include a range of massages, body scrubs, facials and facial enhancements – along with beauty treatments such as manicures, waxing, makeup application and more.
The complex also features a fitness center and soaking pools, so after every visit, you’ll leave feeling energized, rejuvenated and recharged, ready to face the Las Vegas craziness once again.
Also Read:
No Shortage of Things to Keep You Entertained at Mandalay Bay
Since its opening in March of 1999, Mandalay Bay has established itself as one of Las Vegas’ premium resorts, and as such, it offers the full range of entertainment, attractions and luxury that you would expect of such a renowned Vegas landmark.
Whether you are interested in gambling, shows, sports matches, partying, drinking or simply chilling by the pool, Mandalay Bay has everything you could want and more. And now, with our guide, you should have a better idea of what to expect when you arrive for the first time.