The STRAT Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket

The STRAT’s 1,149-foot tower gives you a broad view of Las Vegas, from the Strip to the valley beyond. The main draw is simple: ride the fast elevator up, then choose between climate-controlled indoor viewing and open-air decks.

I like the freedom to visit at a time that suits your plans, and the choice between indoor comfort and outdoor views. At $28.75 per person, this is also a relatively direct way to get your bearings on a first trip to Vegas.

One caution: weather can spoil the view, and the ticket covers observation decks only. Rides, SkyJump, snacks, and drinks cost extra, and some thrill rides may not be operating.

The STRAT Tower at a glance

• The view reaches beyond the Strip: From the 1,149-foot deck, you can look across Las Vegas and the surrounding valley.
• Two ways to take it in: Indoor decks have air conditioning and angled windows; outdoor decks offer open-air views and viewfinders.
• Timing is flexible: Visit during the posted opening hours, and consider sunset to watch the city lights come on.
• The ticket is for the observation deck: Tower rides and SkyJump are separate, and availability can change.
• Food and drinks are upstairs: 108 Eats and 108 Drinks offer snacks, meals, and cocktails for an additional cost.

A high view of Las Vegas, without a complicated plan

The STRAT is at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, where its tower is hard to miss. This ticket is for the observation deck, not a guided tour: you make your way to the tower, take a high-speed elevator up, and explore the viewing areas at your own pace.

That simplicity is part of the appeal. There is no fixed group schedule to follow, and the deck gives you a useful overview of how the Strip sits within the wider city. If you have just arrived, it can help you put the casinos, hotels, and distant valley into perspective before you set out to explore on foot.

The visit is listed as about four hours, but that is best treated as an estimate rather than a required stay. You might spend less time if you go straight to the windows, or linger over photos and a drink. Admission is flexible, though you should check the current opening hours before setting out.

The tower is promoted as the second-tallest freestanding observation tower in the Western Hemisphere. That height is the point: the city feels very different when you can see it from above, and the wide view is a more memorable introduction than another casino floor.

Inside and outside on the observation deck

At the top, you can choose between indoor, air-conditioned viewing areas and outdoor decks. The indoor space is a welcome break from heat, wind, or cold, while the outside gives you a clearer sense of height and open sky.

The indoor windows are angled, which can make nighttime photos harder because of reflections. If you are there to take pictures, try the outdoor area when conditions allow. Bring a jacket for the exposed deck: it can be windy and chilly even when the Strip below feels warm.

Viewfinders help you inspect the city from the outdoor section, and the panorama works in daylight as well as after dark. In daylight, you can make out the shape of the city and the valley around it. At night, the Strip’s lights become the main event. Sunset is a particularly useful time if you want both: arrive while there is still daylight, then watch the city brighten as evening settles in.

Weather matters more here than at many indoor attractions. Fog, rain, or poor visibility can limit what you see, and outdoor areas may close in bad conditions. If the forecast looks doubtful, keep your plans flexible. The experience requires good weather; if the operator cancels for that reason, you can be offered another date or a full refund.

What you get for $28.75

The ticket includes admission to the observation deck and applicable fees and taxes. At $28.75 per person, I see the value in the height, the choice of indoor and outdoor viewing, and the freedom to take your time rather than being hurried through a short photo stop.

It makes the most sense if you enjoy city views, want a clear first look at Las Vegas, or plan to visit around sunset. Some ticket holders have been able to visit during the day and return in the evening on the same day. Check your specific ticket terms before relying on that, but if your admission allows it, seeing the city in two different lights adds real value.

The price does not include the tower’s thrill rides or SkyJump. Those are separate experiences, with their own height and other restrictions, so do not assume deck admission gets you onto a ride. Ride availability can also vary; check what is operating if a particular attraction is central to your plans.

Food and drinks are extra, too. At the top, 108 Eats sells items such as gourmet sandwiches, ice cream, and cookies, while 108 Drinks serves cocktails. The Air Bar is described as the city’s highest bar. You can make the deck visit a quick look or turn it into a longer pause with a snack or drink, but budget for purchases on top of admission.

The rides are a separate decision

The tower’s rides add a more intense option to a visit built around views. Big Shot and X-Scream have minimum height requirements, and SkyJump has both height and weight limits. These attractions are not recommended for people with certain physical, mental, or medical limitations.

The admission ticket reviewed here covers the observation deck, not rides or SkyJump. Some rides may be closed, including for extended periods, so check availability rather than building your day around an assumption. Rain or other poor weather can also affect what is open.

If you are visiting with family, the observation deck itself has no age limit. That makes it a straightforward choice for mixed-age groups, even if younger children are too small for the rides. For a family considering the extra attractions, confirm the specific requirements in advance: Big Shot requires riders to be at least 48 inches tall, while X-Scream requires at least 52 inches.

SkyJump has a 52-inch minimum height and a maximum weight of 265 pounds. Riders must be 14 or older; those aged 14 to 17 need a parent or legal guardian present to sign an authorization waiver. These restrictions apply to SkyJump, not ordinary tower admission.

Getting there, timing, and small practical details

The STRAT is on the Strip’s north end and is near public transportation. You can also use a rideshare service; one practical route used by visitors is to take an Uber to the STRAT and return toward the Bellagio by monorail. Check current routes and service before you go, as transport details can change.

Parking carries a nominal fee. Oversize vehicles can use the lot directly across Las Vegas Boulevard, east of the casino. If you are arriving by car, account for that cost separately from the admission ticket.

The listed hours are 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours can change without notice, so confirm them on the day you plan to visit. Because admission is flexible, you can choose a time that fits your schedule, but arriving near sunset is popular for a reason: it lets you see the city both before and after dark.

Bring identification. Some ticket holders have been asked to show ID before going up, so having it ready can prevent a delay. Restrooms are available on the observation deck, and there are shops and food and drink options upstairs.

You can take photos, but professional or commercial camera equipment is not allowed. That includes tripods, monopods, unipods, lighting and audio equipment, and long lenses. For ordinary phone and camera snapshots, the outdoor deck is generally the better place to avoid window reflections.

Who will enjoy this visit most

I would put the STRAT on the list for a first-time visitor who wants a wide view before exploring the city. It also suits couples or friends looking for a relaxed stop with a bar and snack options, and families who want an attraction that does not require every person to meet ride height limits.

The visit is less compelling if you want a tightly guided activity or expect the ticket to include rides. It is also a riskier choice on a foggy or rainy day, when the main feature can be obscured. And if city views do little for you, the experience may feel brief or repetitive once you have taken in the panorama.

One drawback to keep in mind is the ground-floor environment. Some people may notice an unpleasant sewer-like smell when entering the building, though the air is reported to be better once upstairs. If smells bother you, that possibility is worth knowing before you go.

Should you book the STRAT Tower?

Book it if you want a simple, flexible way to see Las Vegas from above, especially if you can time your visit for sunset or after dark. The indoor and outdoor decks give you options, and the view is the clear reason to come.

Skip it, or wait for better weather, if fog is in the forecast or if your main goal is a thrill ride. At $28.75, the ticket offers fair value for the observation deck, but only if you are coming for the view. Treat food, drinks, rides, and SkyJump as optional extras, and check current hours and ride availability before you set out.

FAQ

How much does the STRAT Tower Observation Deck ticket cost?

The listed price is $28.75 per person. Food, drinks, tower rides, and SkyJump are not included.

How long does a visit take?

The experience is listed as approximately four hours. Your time at the top can vary depending on how long you spend viewing the city, taking photos, or stopping for food or drinks.

What does the admission ticket include?

It includes admission to the observation deck and all fees and taxes. It does not include rides, SkyJump, food, drinks, or hotel pickup and drop-off.

What are the observation deck’s opening hours?

The listed hours are 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours may change without notice, so check before visiting.

Can I buy food or drinks at the top?

Yes. 108 Eats offers items including gourmet sandwiches, ice cream, and cookies. 108 Drinks serves cocktails. Purchases are not included in the admission ticket.

Is there an age limit for the observation deck?

There is no age limit for tower admission. Separate minimum height and age requirements apply to some rides and to SkyJump.

Are the tower rides included with deck admission?

No. Tower rides and SkyJump are not included in this ticket. Ride availability can change, so check whether the attraction you want is operating.

Is parking available at the STRAT?

Yes. Parking has a nominal fee. Oversize parking is available in the lot directly across Las Vegas Boulevard, east of the casino.

What happens if bad weather cancels the experience?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The general cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts.