Thing to do
High Roller Observation Wheel
550-foot observation wheel at The LINQ on the Center Strip, with 28 cabins that complete a full rotation in about 30 minutes.
The STRAT SkyPod
Observation decks and thrill rides near the top of The STRAT's 1,149-foot tower on the North Strip, including SkyJump and the revolving Top of the World restaurant.
At a glance
- Type
- Observation tower and thrill rides
- Area
- North Strip (The STRAT), Las Vegas, United States
- Official site
- thestrat.com
Good to know
- Indoor and outdoor observation decks
- Thrill rides
- SkyJump
- Revolving restaurant
Why we recommend it
The STRAT tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States, at 1,149 feet, and its SkyPod offers the highest views in Las Vegas. The tower opened as the Stratosphere in April 1996 and was renamed The STRAT in January 2020. It stands at the northern end of the Strip, between the main resort corridor and Downtown, so the view from the top looks both ways along Las Vegas Boulevard.
The SkyPod has an indoor observation deck on the 108th floor and an outdoor deck on the 109th, with wraparound views across the Las Vegas Valley to the mountains. For many visitors, the views alone are enough, and the indoor deck offers a climate-controlled place to linger. A snack bar on the 108th floor keeps things casual if you want a drink while you look out.
For thrill seekers, the tower is known for its rides at the top. Big Shot, which opened with the tower in 1996, rides up the tower's needle, X-Scream followed in 2003, and SkyJump, added in 2010, sends jumpers down from 855 feet; The STRAT promotes SkyJump among its headline experiences. Check the official site for current ride availability, prices and any restrictions before you go.
On the 106th floor, Top of the World is a revolving restaurant that takes about 80 minutes to complete a rotation, giving diners a changing view throughout a meal. It is a popular choice for special occasions, and reservations are taken for evening times. Combining dinner here with time on the observation decks makes a full evening.
Because the tower stands apart from the main resort corridor, it gives a different perspective from the High Roller or the hotel rooftops: you can look south along the full length of the Strip and north towards Downtown in the same visit. The STRAT is also a hotel and casino with 2,427 rooms, so dining and drinks are available at ground level before or after you go up.
The SkyPod suits most visitors: families and couples for the views, and adrenaline lovers for the rides. Sunset and after dark are the most popular times, when the Strip lights come on below. The STRAT is a short taxi, ride-share or bus ride from the Center Strip, and it is a natural stop between the main resorts and Downtown, where the Fremont Street Experience and the Arts District are a few minutes away.
The STRAT SkyPod FAQs
How tall is The STRAT tower?
1,149 feet, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.
Which floors are the observation decks on?
There is an indoor deck on the 108th floor and an outdoor deck on the 109th.
What thrill rides are there?
Rides at the top have included Big Shot and X-Scream, plus SkyJump from 855 feet.
Do rides have restrictions?
Check the official site for current ride availability, prices and any restrictions before booking.
Is there a restaurant at the top?
Yes, Top of the World is a revolving restaurant on the 106th floor; reservations are recommended.
What is the best time to visit?
Around sunset and after dark, when the Strip lights come on.
Where is The STRAT?
At 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S, at the northern end of the Strip between the resorts and Downtown.
What was it called before?
The Stratosphere, renamed The STRAT in January 2020.