Every adventure starts with a flight — and in this case, from beautiful San Diego to glittering Las Vegas.
Let’s talk food finds:
Better Buzz Coffee — a San Diego legend founded in Pacific Beach back in 2002, these coffee wizards are all about making life “Better Buzzed.” They roast their own beans, craft their syrups from scratch, and even have a “Best Drink Ever” (yes, that’s the actual name and it is delicious). Paired with a freshly baked treat, you’ll get your caffeine and your happy dance in one location.
Ambrogio15 — Born from three Milanese friends with a passion for la dolce vita and ultra-thin gourmet pizza, this local fave also founded in Pacific Beach brings a slice of Italy to the airport. Their mission? Make you fall in love with real Italian pizza made from fresh, sustainable ingredients — even if you’re eating it before security. Buon viaggio indeed!
Cut Water Spirits — For those who like to start vacation the moment TSA clears your bag, Cut Water’s craft cocktails in a can (or on tap) are a local SD invention that went global. They’re all about easy adventure and premium spirits without the fuss.
So yes — before I even boarded, I’d gotten plenty of fun steps, a solid buzz (coffee, that is), and a taste of hometown pride.
Just a short 90-minute hop from San Diego to Las Vegas via Southwest Airlines — smooth, cheerful, and budget-friendly. Those attendants? Pure entertainment. I swear the pre-flight announcements could’ve been stand-up comedy.
Carry-on only for this trip (pro tip: rolling bag + backpack + packingcubes + comfy travel outfit = travel freedom). I’ll share my full packing hacks in another post soon!
Arrival & First Bites
Once we landed, we hustled over to the rideshare area (second floor of the parking garage — keep walking, you’ll get those steps in!) and hopped a Lyft to our home base, the Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations.
Hungry again (obviously), we stashed our bags at the bell desk and dashed into the Miracle Mile Shops next door.
Our target: Lobster ME! — and oh, what a find. Founded by Jeffrey Fine of the LEV Restaurant Group, this fast-casual gem takes lobster out of the white-tablecloth world and gives it Vegas attitude. Think sustainably-sourced Maine lobster creatively presented. I devoured the lobster tacos so fresh and yummy.
Elara First Impressions
The Elara is drop-dead gorgeous. The pool at lobby level glitters in the sun, the check-in was smooth, and our room — oh honey — 16th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows, a sleek modern kitchen, and the view.
As the giant projector screen rolled up, there it was — the glowing Sphere and the Paris Eiffel Tower twinkling in the distance. Pure Vegas magic.
Dinner Plans
Next up: Caesars Palace and a leisurely walk through the Forum Shops (you could do 5K here alone, trust me).
There is a very strange and interesting eye glass shop on the way called Gentle Monster — definitely worth a 👀.Dinner destination: True Food Kitchen (3500 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Suite R15A). Founded by wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil and hospitality innovator Sam Fox, this isn’t your “health food” spot — it’s “real food for real life.” Their mission is to make nutritious eating bold, colorful, and ridiculously craveable. Every dish is crafted to energize you, not weigh you down — and it totally delivers.
Our server Johnny was so upbeat, fun, and full of Vegas sparkle. I had the poke bowl (flavor on point), my friends got the lasagna and Asian shrimp — fabulous.
Dessert: Ciao Ciao Café & Bar
Because Vegas nights require dessert, we wandered back into the Forum Shops to Ciao Ciao Café & Bar (3500 S. Las Vegas Blvd). It’s a chic little gelateria-coffee-cocktail mash-up makes a delightful affogato (espresso poured over gelato with whipped cream and caramel, cause delicious). was dreamy — a sweet buzz to fuel the rest of the night.
The Main Event: Alanis Morissette
Next up — the icon herself. Alanis took the stage at The Colosseum at Caesars for a show that was part concert, part documentary, part therapy session, and part play, creating a unique and wonderful Rockumentary not to be missed. Her voice is powerful, and the storytelling between songs gave it a personal, raw vibe. Plus, the Colosseum’s tiered layout means every seat feels like the front row. The dancers came into the audience, Alanis ran down the stairs, it was the best of spectacles!
Late-Night Wander at Bellagio
Buzzing from good vibes, we strolled over to the Bellagio, because no Vegas night is complete without a little fountain glow.
Craving something cozy? Noodles (3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd) is your stop. They serve comforting pan-Asian bowls in a warm, relaxed setting — a perfect “ahhh” after a long day of glam.
Need a sit-down with style? Pop into the Petrossian Bar near the lobby for live piano, a pot of tea (or bubbles), and a front-row seat to the world-famous Chihuly glass ceiling — those blown-glass blooms never disappoint.
From there, it’s just a short wander into the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which change themes every season. This time: an autumn wonderland — glowing pumpkins, cascading leaves, golden trees, and a harvest-themed floral fantasy. It’s immersive, magical, and smells faintly of cinnamon and joy.
Just around the corner is the Bellagio Patisserie, where a Willy Wonka-level chocolate fountain flows through three cascading tiers. Add croissants, macarons, and a pastry case that sparkles like the Strip, and you’ve found heaven.
Wrap-Up
And that, my wander-loving friends, was just Day 1 in Fabulous Las Vegas. Flights, feasts, 10K+ steps, and an unforgettable night of music and magic.
Stay tuned for Day 2, when we dive into Area 15, explore Bob Marley’s Hope Road, and keep those steps (and spirits) high.
Until next time —
Move well, eat well, wander well.
Lyn, WanderLynTravel
Catch us on socials @WanderLynTravel
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