May 2026
Where We Stayed: The Cosmopolitan
We had two reasons for this trip: (1) No Doubt at the Sphere and (2) Wizard of Oz at the Sphere.
My favorite Vegas hotel is still the Cosmopolitan — the location and balcony views of the Strip cannot be beat. We went out to see Seven Magic Mountains and just bummed around before heading over to the Sphere to see No Doubt. The Sphere was AMAZING. Such a unique venue and much to my pleasant surprise, I didn’t get motion sickness from the show at all. No Doubt put on a great show and it was like the warmest hug from the 90s/00s. The nostalgia compartment of my heart was alive and well.
The next day, we saw the morning showing of the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. It’s an AI-enhanced show and it was really fun. The seats vibrate and wind blows during the tornado scene, foam apples fall from the sky during the creepy forest scene, and it was a delightfully immersive experience. We opted to buy the VIP tickets, so we got into the Sphere early and had an hour to enjoy food, drinks, and etc. I would highly recommend, if your budget allows.
After the show, we packed up the car — in the ONE HUNDRED AND TEN DEGREE HEAT — and drove out to the Valley of Fire. Last time I was there I thought it was like being transported to Mars, and this time was no different. Spectacular scenery and I would highly recommend (though maybe not on a 100+ degree day).
Vegas, as always, as great and I can’t wait to return!
Dinner at Secret Pizza
Our first Jack n the Box experience on our way to the airport.