STRAT SkyPod

The STRAT SkyPod is the observation level of the STRAT tower at 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, at the north end of the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tower stands 1,149 feet tall and is described as the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. At the top, visitors can use an indoor observation deck with windows on all sides and an outdoor deck that gives open-air views across the Las Vegas Valley, the Strip to the south, Downtown to the north and the surrounding mountains. Optional thrill rides are located on the tower's upper levels, and the SkyJump, a controlled-descent jump, is sold separately. Deck admission costs about $26-27, deck plus one thrill ride is about $31-34 and the SkyJump costs extra. A visit typically lasts one to one and a half hours, which covers the elevator ride, a full lap of the decks and time for photos. The best vantage points are the south-facing windows for the Strip skyline and the outdoor deck for unobstructed photos; sunset is considered the best time because daylight, golden hour and city lights can all be seen in a single visit. The deck is usually open daily from about 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM, with later closing on Friday and Saturday. Crowds build around sunset and on weekend evenings, while weekday mornings and late evenings are quieter. The tower is reached by the Deuce bus to the STRAT stop, and the Las Vegas Monorail SAHARA station is about 15 minutes away on foot. Strong winds can close outdoor rides and sometimes the outdoor deck, so conditions should be checked before going.