Las Vegas has become one of the leading destinations among gay and lesbian travelers. With all the bright flashing lights, spectacular shows, and stylish ambiance, who wouldn’t want to visit Las Vegas?

Surprisingly, most gay and lesbian Las Vegas visitors come to see and do everything the mainstream visitors do here; gamble, see shows, eat at celebrity operated restaurants, and explore the sight that is known only as the Strip.

However, Las Vegas differs from most cities with very defined and focused gay scenes. Even still, the “Fruit Loop,” the main gay nightlife area in town is where most of the action can be found. Because Las Vegas offers so many options, there are experiences all over.

Las Vegas is a city that has it all. Whether it’s dancing, drinking, gambling, relaxing, shopping, or anything else you can think of under the southwestern Nevada sun, Las Vegas caters to everyone. Check out a few different ways to experience Las Vegas.

If you decide to stay right on the Strip, you won't need a car to get around, and you'll be steps from all the major resort casinos and even the only gay club (Krave) on the Strip. Accommodations located on the Strip include THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons, Bellagio, and Venetian if money is no object, and New York-New York, The Mirage, and Luxor for more moderate budgets.

If you’re staying near but off the Strip, you might want to experience the city's only all-gay resort, the recently renovated Blue Moon Resort, in which case you'll want to rent a car. Another off Strip location is the Hard Rock Hotel, a hip property on Paradise Road that's near the Strip and within walking distance of the so-called "Fruit Loop", a small circuit of well-liked gay bars that includes Freezone, Gipsy, 8 ½ Ultra Lounge, among others.

If you’re looking to stay away from Las Vegas’ bright lights and luring casinos, rent a car and stay on the outskirts of Vegas. Enjoy a 10 to 15 mile drive to surrounding areas like Lake Las Vegas or Summerlin. In Lake Las Vegas, the gay-friendly Ritz-Carlton and Loews hotels offer cushy, refined accommodations, as does the nearby Green Valley Ranch Resort, in Henderson. Just a short drive from Lake Las Vegas visitors can head to the gay beach and recreational activities at Lake Mead. If in Summerlin, you can choose among the glamorous J.W. Marriott, the stylish Red Rock Casino Resort, or the more inexpensive Suncoast Hotel. There are tons of great restaurants and shops all within an easy drive. If you’re looking for some adventure, take a great hike at Red Rock Canyon or Mt. Charleston.

If gambling is not your thing, Las Vegas offers several “boutique” hotels which still provide the resort style amenities. Visitors can choose from Renaissance Las Vegas (a Rat Pack inspired hotel), the swank Platinum Las Vegas, or the brand new Trump. These “boutique” hotels are all located just right off the Strip.

Las Vegas is a wonderful destination because of all the amazing mainstream attractions, not because it’s gay scene. Even still, Las Vegas ranks as one of the top 10 gay-friendly destinations in the U.S. With all the spectacular shows, delectable restaurants, hip clubs, endless gaming, and attractions available, Las Vegas captures something for everyone. Las Vegas continues to develop into a more progressive and gay-friendly destination each year.