Las Vegas gets a real-world sense of size. A fast elevator ride takes you to the STRAT Tower Observation Deck for indoor comfort and outdoor skyline views at 1,149 feet.
I really like the indoor air-conditioned decks for keeping your legs and your photos under control, especially when it’s hot or breezy. I also like that the view is set up for real sightseeing with outdoor viewfinders and big photo angles, so first-time visitors can orient quickly.
One thing to watch: visibility can swing. If it’s foggy, you may lose some distance, and the whole tower experience feels less magical.
In This Review
- Key Things To Know Before You Go
- Getting To The STRAT Tower On The North End Of The Strip
- Riding The High-Speed Elevator And Picking Your Deck (Indoor Or Outdoor)
- What 1,149 Feet Really Feels Like (And What You Can See)
- Indoor Air-Conditioning Vs Outdoor Wind: When Each Deck Works Best
- Air Bar And 108 Drinks: Your Break With Vegas Lights
- Thrill Rides You Might Want Next (But Not Included With Your Deck Ticket)
- Timing Tips: Sunset Sweet Spot, Fog Risk, And Window Glare
- Ticket Value: Why $28.75 Can Actually Be a Good Deal
- Who This Fits Best (And Who Might Want A Different Plan)
- Should You Book The STRAT Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket?
- FAQ
- How high is the STRAT Tower Observation Deck?
- What is included with the STRAT Tower Observation Deck ticket?
- Are the thrill rides included in this ticket?
- Are there age limits to visit the STRAT Tower?
- Are there restrooms on the observation deck?
- What are the observation deck hours?
- Can I take photos from the deck?
- Can I cancel for a refund if my plans change or weather is bad?
Key Things To Know Before You Go

- 1,149-foot viewpoint from a freestanding tower on the Strip’s north end
- Indoor + outdoor decks so you can switch when the wind, glare, or weather changes
- Viewfinders for photos that help you frame the skyline and key landmarks
- Air Bar up top with snacks and drinks you can buy separately
- Weather affects what’s open, especially the thrill rides beyond the deck
Getting To The STRAT Tower On The North End Of The Strip

The STRAT Tower sits at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, so you get a different angle than you’d get from the center. That matters because Las Vegas looks different from this side—more “city spread” and less “one-casino view.”
You can reach it by public transportation, and there’s parking on-site with a nominal fee. If you’re driving and need extra space, oversize parking is available in a lot directly across Las Vegas Boulevard, just east of the casino.
Plan to be comfortable walking and standing. Even if you’re not doing any thrill rides, the deck area is a real viewpoint experience, not a quick peek.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Las Vegas
Riding The High-Speed Elevator And Picking Your Deck (Indoor Or Outdoor)

Your ticket gets you to the Observation Deck at the top via a high-speed elevator. Once you’re up there, the choice is simple: stay inside for climate control and angled window views, or head out for the outdoor deck.
Inside, you’ll find air-conditioned viewing with windows that angle toward the city. This is great when you want less glare and more comfort while still getting big panoramas.
Outside is the payoff. The outdoor deck gives you a wider sense of height and space, plus viewfinders that help you line up photos. It can get windy up there, and a jacket is a smart idea, even if it’s warm on the ground.
What 1,149 Feet Really Feels Like (And What You Can See)

This observation deck sits at 1,149 feet, which is why people say it’s such a strong first-visit orientation. From up here, you stop “touring by name” and start “touring by shape”: the Strip’s bend, the density of the city, and how far the built-up area stretches.
Night and sunset stand out as ideal times because the city lights turn the skyline into a layered map. You can see far enough for the lights to feel like patterns, not just dots.
There are two common reality checks. First, sometimes reflections on windows can make photos trickier at night, especially indoors. Second, if you hit a foggy moment, you might not see as much distance as you expected—one of the biggest reasons people end up disappointed.
Indoor Air-Conditioning Vs Outdoor Wind: When Each Deck Works Best

I like using the deck like a rhythm, not a chore. Start with indoor views when you want comfort and stable photo conditions. Then switch outside when you’re ready for the full height feeling and broader angles.
This approach helps if you’re traveling with mixed preferences. Some people want to linger without battling temperature, while others want the outdoor deck as the “main event.”
Also, the indoor space tends to feel easier for families and anyone who’d rather not stand in wind for long. The outdoor ring gives you the best sense of Vegas scale, but it’s where you’ll feel the breeze most.
Air Bar And 108 Drinks: Your Break With Vegas Lights

After sightseeing, head to the Air Bar on the way through. This is where you can grab a drink or snack, with food and drinks sold separately.
The setup includes options from 108 Eats and 108 Drinks, including items like sandwiches, ice cream, cookies, and hand-crafted cocktails. You’re not just killing time here either. Taking a pause at the top makes the views feel less like a checklist and more like an experience.
If you want a simple plan, do this: go up, see both indoor and outdoor areas, then settle in with a drink while the light shifts. Reviews often point to the idea of seeing Vegas transform, and this is the place that makes it easy.
Restrooms are also available on the observation deck, which is genuinely helpful when you’re staying up top for a while.
Thrill Rides You Might Want Next (But Not Included With Your Deck Ticket)

Your admission ticket covers the observation deck, not the tower rides. That means the big thrill options are extra: the rides like Big Shot, X-Scream, and SkyJump are separate add-ons.
If you’re thinking about them, check the height requirements ahead of time:
- Big Shot: at least 48 inches
- X-Scream: at least 52 inches
- SkyJump: at least 52 inches, and you must be 14 or older
SkyJump also has a weight limit listed at 265 lbs, and thrill rides aren’t recommended for guests with certain physical, mental, and/or medical limitations.
Here’s the practical catch: weather and operating conditions can change what’s running. You’ll get the deck experience no matter what, but the thrill portion can be limited when conditions aren’t right.
Timing Tips: Sunset Sweet Spot, Fog Risk, And Window Glare

If you want the best odds for that wow factor, aim for late afternoon into early evening. That window tends to give you the best mix: daylight clarity, then a fast shift into neon.
Bring a layer. Even in warmer months, the outdoor deck can feel cooler because of wind. One practical trick: check what the weather looks like from inside first. If the skyline is hazy, you can decide quickly whether it’s still worth going out.
For photos, manage glare. If you’re shooting through windows, expect reflections to mess with some angles at night. Your best results often come from adjusting your angle and moving between indoor and outdoor zones.
And if fog rolls in, don’t force it. The deck is still worth it for orientation and the overall atmosphere, but you may lose some of the distance that makes the views feel huge.
Ticket Value: Why $28.75 Can Actually Be a Good Deal

At $28.75 per person, you’re paying for the core experience: admission to the Observation Deck, with all fees and taxes included. That simplicity matters in Vegas, where “cheap” ticket listings can turn into a final bill that feels like a surprise.
This is also a value ticket because it works for many travel styles:
- First-time visitors use it to understand where everything sits
- Couples like a slower, scenic break without committing to a long tour
- Families get a Vegas landmark that’s easy to fit into a day
What you should factor in is what’s not included. Tower rides cost extra, and food and drinks are separate. If you plan to do multiple thrill rides and a full meal, the total spend can climb fast.
But if your goal is simply to see Vegas from high up, this ticket is a strong “pay once, look a long time” option.
Who This Fits Best (And Who Might Want A Different Plan)
I’d book the STRAT Observation Deck if you want an iconic Las Vegas view with low pressure. It’s especially good for:
- Families looking for something age-flexible on the Strip
- First-timers who want quick orientation
- Anyone who likes city views in both day and night lighting
I’d think twice if any of these apply:
- You’re very sensitive to strong odors near the entrance areas. A small number of guests reported an unpleasant smell at the lower levels, and that can change the whole mood.
- You’re counting on perfect visibility. Fog can reduce what you can see, and night photography can be affected by reflections through windows.
- You want thrill rides as the main reason for going. Your ticket focuses on the decks, and thrill rides are add-ons with their own height rules.
Also note: the elevator ride up can feel tight depending on your comfort level. The deck itself is spacious, but the ride is not huge.
Should You Book The STRAT Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket?
If your priority is a real Vegas viewpoint without over-planning, yes—book it. The price is straightforward for the included deck access, and the indoor/outdoor setup gives you options if weather or comfort becomes an issue.
I’d especially book if you like scenic landmarks and you’re traveling with people who need flexibility. You can move between air-conditioned indoor views and the outdoor deck, then pause at the Air Bar for snacks or a drink with city light views.
If you’re scheduling around sunset, pick a day with better visibility. And if your plan hinges on thrill rides, treat the deck as the guaranteed part of the experience, and verify what’s operating the day you go.
FAQ
How high is the STRAT Tower Observation Deck?
The STRAT Tower Observation Deck is located at 1,149 feet.
What is included with the STRAT Tower Observation Deck ticket?
Your ticket includes admission to the observation deck, plus all fees and taxes.
Are the thrill rides included in this ticket?
No. The tower rides such as Big Shot, X-Scream, and SkyJump are not included with the observation deck admission.
Are there age limits to visit the STRAT Tower?
There are no age limits for admission to the tower observation deck.
Are there restrooms on the observation deck?
Yes. Restrooms are available on the observation deck.
What are the observation deck hours?
The observation deck is open 2pm–10pm Monday–Thursday, and 12pm–12am Friday–Sunday. Hours can change without notice.
Can I take photos from the deck?
Yes, you can take photos. Professional or commercial camera equipment, including tripods, monopods, unipods, lighting/audio equipment, and long lenses is strictly prohibited.
Can I cancel for a refund if my plans change or weather is bad?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.



























