Park MGM is a true entertainment destination in Las Vegas. Situated smack dab in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, Park MGM is so much more than just a hotel you just sleep at—it’s a hotel that you go to for experiences.
With the Dolby Live concert venue and the T-Mobile Arena just steps away, you’ll be in the middle of all the action when it comes to concerts, live performances, and special events.
You can also indulge your senses at Eataly Las Vegas, or in other words, adult Disneyland for Italian food! You can unwind and mingle at one of the chic cocktail lounges, treat your taste buds to cubanos at The Chef Truck, or kick back in style and enjoy the Vegas sunshine by the trendy pool.
Needless to say, we love Park MGM. This is our go-to hotel whenever we take quick trips out to Vegas. It’s affordable, so centrally located, and jam-packed with fun things to do — what’s not to love?
Here are all the top things to do at Park MGM for a great time in Vegas.
What’s Around Park MGM?
To the east: Showcase Mall — To the south: New York-New York Hotel & Casino — To the north: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas and CityCenter — Diagonally to the southeast: MGM Grand — Diagonally to the southwest: T-Mobile Arena
Maroon 5: The Las Vegas Residency
If you’re a fan of Maroon 5 and all the pop magic they’ve put out over the last decade, you’ll be able to catch them at Dolby Live on select dates in May, June, September & October 2024.
After a wildly successful Las Vegas residency run, Maroon 5 is doing it all over again, as they’ll begin another 16-show run at Park MGM starting in May. If you missed it the first time around, now is your chance to snag tickets.
Dine in a convenience store at Best Friend
Best Friend is such a fun and cool concept by renowned Los Angeles chef Roy Choi. From the looks of it, you’d think it was a misplaced mini-mart inside of the Park MGM. But you’d be mistaken because what you think is a convenience store is actually a front for a whole restaurant!
This eclectic eatery combines Roy Choi’s Korean heritage with American classics, resulting in a menu that delights the tastebuds in an in-yo-face way. You’ll especially like this spot if you love strong flavors! Must-try dishes include the Korean BBQ Short Rib Tacos, Kimchi Fried Rice, and the flavorful Kogi Beef Sliders.
Try cubanos at The Chef Truck
Only at Park MGM would you be able to step into the world of the movie Chef and try delectable dishes straight from the movie! Created by renowned chef Roy Choi and filmmaker Jon Favreau, this real-life version of the film’s iconic food truck brings to life the culinary magic seen on screen.
From Cubano sandwiches to melty grilled cheese, medianoche sandwiches to breakfast burritos, and decadent chocolate lava cake, the menu offers a real-life taste of the movie’s flavorful creations.
If you’re a fan of the movie, the truck is still worth visiting even if you don’t plan to order anything! The entire concept is so cool, from the quaint seating area that takes after New Orlean’s Cafe du Monde to the two original art pieces that Jon Favreau designed. Check it out while you can!
Live out your Italian foodie adventures at Eataly
And then there’s Eataly. Eataly is easily my favorite attraction, eatery, setting, etc. about Park MGM.
This Italian marketplace and restaurant is a foodie’s paradise. It’s even been called a gastronomic theme park for foodies! The massive space that makes up Eataly features several different restaurants, including a pizza and pasta bar, a seafood-focused restaurant, and a wine bar.
You can also grab coffee and pastries, get a scoop of gelato, or shop for high-quality Italian ingredients and products to take home. And surprisingly, the groceries here are not as overpriced as you’d think!
Having been to the LA location, the Bay Area location, and the Vegas location, I’ve gotta say that the Vegas Eataly is my favorite when it comes to layout. I don’t love the elevated Vegas prices, but I sure do love everything else about it. It’s so bright and airy — it’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
PRO TIP: If the wine-by-the-glass prices are a bit too high for you at the wine bar, you can buy a (much more affordable) bottle of wine from the grocery area and bring it up to your room to enjoy! You can also head to Eataly’s wine-tasting area during their happy hour for discounts on wine flights!
Party and karaoke at On The Record
If you’re looking for some nighttime partying at Park MGM, you’ll find it at On The Record. Part club, part karaoke bar, part record store, On The Record is an extremely fun speakeasy lounge that has everything you need to spend an exciting night in Vegas.
The speakeasy club features a nostalgic, retro-inspired design, with a functioning record store at the entrance! The club features a range of DJs and live music acts, as well as a dance floor and a range of drinks and bottle service options.
While it’s not as high-end as some of the other clubs you’ll find in Vegas (like XS, Zouk, or Marquee), it’s a great spot to check out if you’re open to a more casual night out with your crew.
You can check out their events calendar and buy tickets or tables on their site.
Have a steak dinner at Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar
Experience the timeless charm of Bavette Steakhouse and Bar as this Chicago classic makes its mark in Las Vegas. Embracing French flair without the formality, Bavette’s is where people go to indulge in traditional steakhouse fare crafted with the finest ingredients, complemented by classic cocktails and the smooth melodies of lively jazz.
This restaurant is perfect for a romantic date night or a memorable evening out if a refined dining experience with premium steaks, seafood, and classic sides is what you’re after.
Eat a fried chicken sandwich at Crack Shack
I’ve loved Crack Shack since the moment I took my first bite out of their fried chicken sandwich in their original San Diego location. If you’re craving something casual and crispy, make it a point to go here!
I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of chicken sandwich spots that make their fried chicken sandwiches out of chicken breast. The reason why I love Crack Shack is because they use chicken thighs as the meat of the sandwiches (though they do have breast options).
This equates to the most tender, juicy, and irresistible fried chicken sandwich you’ll ever have! Hands down, Crack Shack has consistently maintained its spot in my top five fried chicken sandwich spots across the USA, and I don’t care what you think — I stand by that!
I also love it for its fast-casual vibes. Compared to many other restaurants on the Strip, I love this one because it’s easy, quick, affordable, and doesn’t require a reservation. Perfect for lazy lunches and dinners when you need a break from all the fine dining and swanky restaurants!
See Gaga’s crazy costumes at HAUS OF GAGA
Academy and Grammy award-winning cultural icon Lady Gaga has joined forces with her home-away-from-home in Las Vegas to create HAUS OF GAGA/LAS VEGAS at Park MGM.
HAUS OF GAGA is an ever-changing experience featuring Lady Gaga’s most iconic fashion pieces from her personal vault spanning more than 10 years of cultural, musical and fashion reinvention.
Expect displays such as her 2010 MTV Video Music Awards meat dress, custom bodysuit worn during her breakout performance of Paparazzi at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Versace gown worn to the 2012 Presidential Inauguration, custom Alexander McQueen lace gown worn in the Alejandro music video, along with more surprises.
Best of all, admission to see all the costumes is completely FREE.
Enjoy cocktails at Mama Rabbit
The glowing neon lights will lure you in, but the great drinks and bumpin’ music from the DJ will keep you there!
Mama Rabbit is an ode to Oaxacan culture. Bricia Lopez serves up a menu of tequilas, mezcals, and craft cocktails as well as drool-worthy small bites such as tacos and molé. They do offer a few non-tequila/mezcal drinks, along with beer and wine for those in your group who aren’t tequila people.
See a concert at Dolby Live
Dolby Live (previously Park Theater) is where all the magic happens! This state-of-the-art theater is a popular venue for concerts and events, with a capacity of up to 5,200 guests. The theater has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Usher, the Jonas Brothers, Aerosmith, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Cher.
On any given week, there’s at least one show or musical performance happening here. Be sure to check out their events calendar for all the latest shows.
Watch a sports game at Beerhaus
Beerhaus is an awesome spot to go if you’re on the hunt for a laid-back food/drink establishment to watch a sports game.
Inside, discover a cool bar serving up a variety of drinks, including lagers, ales, cocktails, and even wine. When it comes to food, they have such an interesting mix of American bar foods. You can find things like black bean burgers, mac & cheese bites, wings, hot dogs, giant pretzels, and fried chicken sandwiches.
For people who are not so much into sports, you can step outside to play a round or two of oversized Jenga. They also have trivia nights from time to time, plus a great happy hour that takes place 7 days a week.
Enjoy cute cupcakes at Hello Kitty Cafe
Tucked in The Park (just outside of Park MGM), the Hello Kitty Cafe is a whimsical pop-up cafe perfect for fans of the OG Sanrio character. Originating from Sanrio’s kawaii culture, Hello Kitty brings her timeless charm along with cute cookies and pastries to this Instagram-worthy spot.
While I wouldn’t recommend you go here expecting mind-blowingly good pastries, I would recommend you come here if you’re on the hunt for edible souvenirs to bring home from Vegas (or if you’re just a massive Hello Kitty fan).
There’s also a separate location inside Fashion Show Mall that has some seating.
Brunch at Primrose
If you’ve ever dreamt about dining in a French country house, you need to see Primrose with your own eyes. Primrose is the uber-popular French brasserie located within the Park MGM that’s a really popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
This trendy little restaurant features a bright and airy dining room with a charming outdoor patio (though the inside is pretty darn cute itself too). Every time we walk by, Primrose is buzzing with people enjoying brunchy breakfast foods or classic French dishes like escargot, steak frites, and coq au vin.
They also offer bottomless mimosas, making it a perfect spot for group brunches, birthday turn-ups, bachelorette party celebrations, etc.
Enjoy some pool time
If mint green and white stripes are your vibe, then you’re going to love the pools at Park MGM! This quaint retro aesthetic is exactly why Park MGM is one of my favorite Las Vegas Strip hotels.
As a hotel guest, you’ll find three distinct pool areas to enjoy. The first is the South Pool, which is located on the ground level near the hotel’s main entrance. This pool features a large deck area with plenty of lounge chairs and cabanas, as well as a bar and grill that serves up refreshing drinks and tasty snacks.
The second pool area is the East Pool, providing a more relaxed atmosphere, and the third pool is the NoMad Pool, located on the rooftop of the hotel’s NoMad Tower. This Moroccan-themed pool is exclusive to guests staying in the NoMad Hotel and features a luxurious, sophisticated ambiance with absolutely gorgeous views of the Las Vegas skyline.
See a hockey game at T-Mobile Arena
The T-Mobile Arena is a state-of-the-art, 20,000-seat event center that has become a new beacon for the city as of 2016 when it opened.
Featuring 50 suites, eight bunker suites, club seating, two private clubs, tiered loge seats and even a party deck (for real!), T-Mobile Arena brings a lot of excitement to the world of Las Vegas events. The most unique amenity is a nightclub for during and post-event parties located on the upper deck.
First and foremost, the T-Mobile Arena is home to the NHL’s newest hockey team, the Vegas Golden Knights. But aside from hockey games, you’ll be able to find world-class events from concerts to UFC fights to boxing and even bullriding!
Because you never know what big-name shows and concerts will take place here, be sure to check T-Mobile Arena’s events calendar before your trip!
Get a massage at The Spa & Salon
Follow the scent of lavender and eucalyptus to The Spa at Park MGM. Dip your toes in the hot tub, melt away the tension with hot stones, or quench your body’s thirst with a nourishing body treatment.
If a nail or hair treatment is more your thing, head to The Salon for a haircut or treatment with a rosé in hand.
Other Things To Do Near Park MGM
- Drink gin-based cocktails at Juniper Cocktail Lounge at the hotel
- Eat all kinds of noodles at La La Noodle
- Enjoy art all over the hotel, starting with the arboreal sculpture in the Park MGM lobby (by Henrique Oliveira)
- Explore all the entertainment options across the street at MGM Grand (like KÀ By Cirque du Soleil)
- See Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil at New York New York
- Explore all the attractions at Luxor and Excalibur (like Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition or Discovering King Tut’s Tomb)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Park MGM a good hotel to stay at?
Park MGM is a great hotel to stay at. I honestly don’t know what I love more about this hotel — its amazing price point, its prime location, or the fact that it’s a non-smoking hotel (game-changer for us!).
The hotel is situated at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Park Avenue, just across the street from the T-Mobile Arena and The Park Plaza. It’s also within walking distance of other popular hotels/attractions like MGM Grand, New York-New York, Bellagio and its glorious Bellagio Fountains, Planet Hollywood and the Miracle Mile Shops, and the High Roller Observation Wheel.
If you’re looking to be in the middle of all the action and save money while doing it, Park MGM is the perfect home base for exploring all that Las Vegas has to offer.
Is there a difference between MGM Grand and Park MGM?
Yes, there’s a major difference between MGM Grand and Park MGM!
While both are part of the MGM Resorts family, they are two completely separate hotels located across from one another. MGM Grand is a mega-resort and an entertainment hotspot while Park MGM is smaller, more relaxed, and chic.
MGM Grand is known for its grand scale as an entertainment complex, featuring iconic shows like KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, Jabbawockeez, and its massive concert venue, the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It’s also home to loads of top-notch restaurants that have defined the Las Vegas dining scene for decades. You can discover everything you can do at MGM Grand here.
In contrast, Park MGM offers a more compact, quiet, and boutique-like atmosphere. It is home to the unique NoMad Las Vegas, the stylish On The Record speakeasy and club, and hosts concerts at the Dolby Live Theater, known for residencies by major artists.
Is parking free at Park MGM?
No, parking is not free at Park MGM. Park MGM offers both valet and self-parking options for guests, but both options cost money.
For Hotel Guests: Public parking is available on-site and costs $18 per day. Your 24-hour parking fee provides you with in-out privileges within the same parking type (self or valet) across all MGM Resorts Las Vegas destinations within the same 24-hour period.
What that means: Your 24-hour paid parking fee will get you entry into ALL MGM Resorts properties, including Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara, The Cosmo, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Delano Las Vegas, Park MGM, NoMad Las Vegas, New York-New York, Luxor, and Excalibur.
For Short Term Visitors: Parking will cost you $18-23/day regardless if you decide to park for 1 hour, 3 hours, or 24 hours. Similar to hotel guests, this all-day fee will give you in-out privileges at all the other MGM resorts too.
There is free parking for special groups though – Nevada locals, military, MGM Rewards status, and credit card holders get special parking perks. See below.
How can I get free parking at Park MGM?
Ways to get free parking (for all MGM Resorts International properties)
The first three (3) hours free for Nevada residents with a valid Nevada driver’s license.
MGM Resorts also offers free self-parking to active duty military, veterans, and their spouses through its Military & Veterans Program (MVP). MVP cardholders are automatically upgraded to the Pearl Tier Level, which includes complimentary self-parking at MGM Resorts properties.
Self-parking is complimentary for MGM Rewards Members with a level of Pearl, Gold, Platinum and NOIR. Guests must insert their MGM Rewards card at the exit gate to receive the free parking benefit.
Be a holder of the MGM Rewards credit card (no annual fee). Cardholders receive complimentary Pearl elite status with the MGM Rewards program, which grants you free self-parking at MGM properties. Guests must insert their MGM Rewards Mastercard at the exit gate to receive the free parking benefit.
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