The Volcano at the Mirage Hotel and Casino

The Mirage Hotel and Casino is one of the first large theme hotels in Las Vegas. An integral part of a tropical theme, the volcano is located at a beautifully landscaped lagoon and garden in front of the Mirage Hotel. During the day you can enjoy the Mirage's plants, trees, and scenic waterfalls, but after the sun sets, the volcano takes over the show.

The Mirage volcano goes active every 15 minutes. The eruption display includes flames shooting up to 100 feet in the air, dense mists, and a pretty light show. It lasts for a several minutes. To get the best view and beat the crowd, arrive 10 minutes before the volcano erupts and stand by the main driveway.

The volcano eruption show is a short one, but you should certainly consider making it a part of your nighttime visit of the center Strip at least once. After viewing the volcano you could enter the Mirage Hotel and Casino for a walk though a stunningly decorated indoor "jungle". As long as you're in the neighborhood, the Venetian Hotel, which is right across the street from the Mirage, and the Paris Hotel, which is just south of the Venetian are also quite worth a visit.

Location: 3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South (in front of the Mirage Hotel and Casino at the Center Strip).