Mandalay Bay is one of the most recognizable resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. It sits on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard and is known for its tropical design, large casino, beach-style pool complex, Shark Reef Aquarium, Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, Michelob ULTRA Arena, House of Blues, restaurants, bars, spa, and easy access to Luxor, Delano, W Las Vegas, and Allegiant Stadium.
It is not the most centrally located resort on the Strip, but it has enough attractions that many visitors can spend a full day here without leaving the property.
Whether you are staying at Mandalay Bay or just visiting for a show, dinner, pool day, concert, or aquarium trip, here are the best things to do at Mandalay Bay right now.
Top Things to Do at Mandalay Bay
1. Play at the Mandalay Bay Casino
For many visitors, the casino is the center of the Mandalay Bay experience. The resort has a large gaming floor with slot machines, video poker, table games, high-limit gaming, and a sportsbook.
You can find classic Las Vegas games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and poker-style table games. If you prefer machines, there are plenty of slots and video poker options across the casino floor.
Mandalay Bay is also useful for sports bettors because the resort has a major sportsbook and is close to sports-heavy attractions such as Michelob ULTRA Arena, Tailgate Beach Club, and Allegiant Stadium.
The casino works best for visitors who want a more spacious south-Strip gaming floor than the tight, crowded casinos in the center Strip. It is still busy, but the resort’s scale makes it feel more spread out than many smaller casino hotels.
If gambling is one of the main reasons you are visiting Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay gives you enough gaming variety to stay entertained without leaving the property.
2. See a Concert, Fight, Game, or Major Event at Michelob ULTRA Arena
Michelob ULTRA Arena is one of the biggest reasons to visit Mandalay Bay even if you are not staying there.
The arena is a 12,000-seat sports and entertainment venue that hosts concerts, boxing, MMA, basketball, award shows, special events, and major touring acts. It is also home to the Las Vegas Aces.
Because the arena is inside Mandalay Bay, it is easy to combine an event with dinner, drinks, casino time, or a hotel stay. If you are attending a concert or fight, staying at Mandalay Bay, Delano, W Las Vegas, Luxor, or Excalibur can make the night much easier than taking a rideshare from the other end of the Strip.
Before your trip, check the current Michelob ULTRA Arena calendar. Event dates, entry policies, bag rules, and showtimes vary by event.
3. Watch Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil
Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil remains the signature resident show at Mandalay Bay.
The show combines Michael Jackson’s music with Cirque du Soleil acrobatics, dance, aerial work, visual effects, and a high-energy theatrical production. It is built around the music and style of Michael Jackson, so it works especially well for fans of his songs, choreography, and pop-culture legacy.
This is not a traditional circus show or a simple tribute concert. It is more like a Cirque-style music production with dance, visuals, and stage effects built around Michael Jackson’s biggest hits.
Michael Jackson ONE is a strong choice if you want:
- A major resident Las Vegas show
- Music-driven entertainment
- Cirque du Soleil acrobatics
- A show inside your resort
- A family-friendly show for older kids, teens, and adults
Check the current show calendar before booking because performance days and times can change.
4. Visit Shark Reef Aquarium
Shark Reef Aquarium is one of the best family-friendly attractions at Mandalay Bay and one of the most unique aquarium experiences on the Las Vegas Strip.
The attraction includes sharks, rays, fish, marine invertebrates, reptiles, and a dramatic underwater tunnel-style experience. The design is built around a sunken-temple theme, which makes it more immersive than a basic aquarium walk-through.
Current Mandalay Bay information lists Shark Reef Aquarium as open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last admission at 7:00 PM. The box office is usually open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Children 4 and under are free, although they may not be allowed to ride the virtual reality experience for safety reasons.
Shark Reef is best for:
- Families with kids
- Animal lovers
- Rainy or very hot days
- Visitors who want a break from casinos
- People staying at Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, or Delano
Buy tickets ahead if you are visiting on a weekend, holiday, or school-break period.
5. Eat at Mandalay Bay’s Restaurants
Mandalay Bay has a strong dining lineup, but some older restaurant recommendations need updating. Aureole is no longer a current Mandalay Bay restaurant, and Rivea is not the best current restaurant to feature in a Mandalay Bay guide.
Current Mandalay Bay dining options include fine dining, steak, Mediterranean food, Mexican food, Japanese food, Italian food, Southern food, sports-bar food, casual cafés, pizza, burgers, and food-court choices.
Some of the best current restaurants and food spots include:
- Orla: Michael Mina’s Mediterranean restaurant with seafood, charcoal-roasted meats, vegetables, and bright Mediterranean flavors.
- StripSteak: A modern American steakhouse by Michael Mina with premium beef, seafood, and a polished steakhouse setting.
- KUMI: Japanese cuisine with Korean and American influences, useful for sushi, seafood, and stylish dinner.
- Border Grill: Mexican restaurant from Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, good for brunch, tacos, margaritas, and group meals.
- Libertine Social: A lively American restaurant and bar with shareable plates, cocktails, and a wood-fired grill.
- Caramá: Wolfgang Puck’s Italian restaurant, which replaced the former Lupo space.
- House of Blues Restaurant & Bar: Southern-inspired food, live music energy, and casual dining near the music venue.
- Citizens Kitchen & Bar: Casual breakfast, lunch, late-night, and comfort food.
- Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar: A sports-bar choice that works well before or after games and arena events.
- Ri Ra Irish Pub: Irish pub inside Mandalay Place with drinks, pub food, and live-music energy.
- Hussong’s Mexican Cantina: Casual Mexican food and margaritas in Mandalay Place.
- Slice of Vegas: Pizza, pasta, and casual Italian-American food in Mandalay Place.
For a special dinner, choose Orla, StripSteak, KUMI, or Caramá. For a casual meal, choose Citizens, House of Blues, Border Grill, Ri Ra, Hussong’s, or Slice of Vegas.
6. Enjoy Live Music at House of Blues
House of Blues is one of the most important entertainment venues at Mandalay Bay. It combines a music hall, restaurant, bar, Southern-inspired food, folk art, cocktails, and a full concert calendar.
The venue is especially known for live music, touring artists, tribute shows, rock, blues, soul, gospel-style events, and long-running Las Vegas residencies.
If you want a Mandalay Bay night that feels more like music and drinks than a casino lounge, House of Blues is one of the best choices.
You can:
- See a concert at the music hall
- Eat Southern-inspired food at the restaurant
- Grab drinks before or after a show
- Pair dinner with live entertainment
- Check for special events and residencies
House of Blues works especially well for adults, couples, and groups who want live music without leaving the resort.
7. Have Drinks at Foundation Room, Eyecandy, or 1923 Prohibition Bar
Mandalay Bay has several good places for cocktails and nightlife, but the best choice depends on what kind of night you want.
Foundation Room is the most stylish option. It sits high above the resort and is known for views, cocktails, lounge seating, DJ nights, and a more upscale atmosphere. It is a good choice for date nights, group drinks, and visitors who want a more dramatic setting.
Eyecandy Bar & Lounge is located in the center of the casino. It is easier and more casual, making it useful for drinks before or after gambling, dinner, or a show.
1923 Prohibition Bar is a speakeasy-style bar near Mandalay Bay / The Shoppes at Mandalay Place area. It is a good choice if you want whiskey, cocktails, cigars, live entertainment, and a darker Prohibition-inspired lounge feel.
For live music and Southern-style bar energy, House of Blues Restaurant & Bar is another strong choice.
If you want the best view, choose Foundation Room. If you want convenience, choose Eyecandy. If you want a speakeasy vibe, choose 1923. If you want live music, choose House of Blues.
8. Shop and Eat at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place
The Shoppes at Mandalay Place connect Mandalay Bay and Luxor, making them useful even if you are not in a shopping mood.
This indoor walkway includes restaurants, bars, casual food, shops, souvenirs, and nightlife options. It is especially helpful when the weather is very hot because you can move between Mandalay Bay and Luxor indoors.
Places and concepts in the Mandalay Place area can change over time, but visitors may find bars, Mexican food, Irish pub food, pizza, specialty shops, gifts, and other casual stops.
The Shoppes at Mandalay Place are best for:
- Walking between Mandalay Bay and Luxor
- Casual food and drinks
- Souvenirs and small shops
- Pre-show or post-pool meals
- Escaping the heat without going outside
If you are staying at Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Delano, or W Las Vegas, this area becomes part of your daily route.
9. Spend a Pool Day at Mandalay Bay Beach
Mandalay Bay Beach is one of the best hotel pool complexes in Las Vegas.
The pool area covers 11 acres and includes a wave pool, lazy river, lagoon-style pool areas, real sand, cabanas, gazebos, daybeds, lounge chairs, Beach Bar and Grill, and multiple bars.
Current Mandalay Bay pool information lists the West Lagoon, Wave Pool, and Lazy River as open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though pool availability, dates, and times may change because of weather, special events, and seasonal operations.
Important pool rules include:
- The wave pool has a 48-inch height requirement.
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
- Reserved seating is available for gazebos, cabanas, daybeds, and lounge chairs.
- Pool hours can change because of adverse weather or special events.
Mandalay Bay Beach is one of the main reasons to stay at Mandalay Bay instead of another south-Strip hotel. It is especially good for families, pool lovers, and visitors who want a resort-style water attraction without leaving the property.
If the pool is a major reason for your stay, check current pool hours before booking, especially in winter, early spring, or late fall.
10. Party at Tailgate Beach Club
Daylight Beach Club is no longer the best current name to use for this section. Mandalay Bay’s current pool-party concept is Tailgate Beach Club.
Tailgate Beach Club is a sports-focused dayclub with large screens, pool energy, drinks, and a more game-day-style party atmosphere. Instead of a traditional DJ-only dayclub concept, it is designed around sports culture, big moments, loud wins, and all-day energy.
Current official hours list:
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday to Sunday: 11:00 AM-8:00 PM
Tailgate Beach Club is best for adults who want:
- A pool-party atmosphere
- Sports on massive screens
- Drinks and social energy
- VIP tables or reserved seating
- A livelier alternative to Mandalay Bay Beach
If you are looking for the old Daylight Beach Club, check Mandalay Bay’s current nightlife page instead. The current branded experience is Tailgate Beach Club.
11. Relax at Mandalay Bay Spa & Salon
Mandalay Bay Spa & Salon is the place to go when you want a quieter break from the casino, pool, arena, and nightlife.
Current Mandalay Bay information lists:
- Spa: Daily 7:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Spa services: Begin at 9:00 AM, with last service beginning at 4:00 PM
- Salon: Daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Fitness Center: Daily 7:00 AM-6:00 PM
Spa services may include massages, facials, body treatments, scrubs, couples treatments, and relaxation experiences. The salon can help with hair, makeup, nails, waxing, and beauty services.
This is a strong option if you are planning:
- A couples spa day
- A recovery day after a late night
- Wedding or event hair and makeup
- A quiet morning before a show
- A fitness or wellness-focused stay
Book spa and salon appointments ahead, especially on weekends and during big event periods.
12. Visit Nearby Luxor and PLAY Playground
Mandalay Bay is connected to Luxor, which gives you more things to do without needing a rideshare.
One newer nearby attraction to consider is PLAY Playground at Luxor. It is an immersive game venue with oversized games, interactive challenges, drinks, and a social competition format.
Current PLAY Playground information lists:
- Location: Atrium Level at Luxor
- Sunday to Thursday: Noon-midnight
- Friday and Saturday: Noon-1:00 AM
- Age policy: 13+ with an adult until 7 PM, last entry at 6 PM; 21+ after 7 PM
This is not technically inside Mandalay Bay, but it is close enough to include for visitors staying in the Mandalay Bay / Luxor / Excalibur complex.
It is best for groups, date nights, teens before 7 PM, adults after 7 PM, and visitors who want something more active than another casino bar.
Best Things to Do at Mandalay Bay by Traveler Type
Best for families
Choose Shark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay Bay Beach, Michael Jackson ONE, casual dining, and nearby PLAY Playground before 7 PM.
Best for couples
Choose Orla, StripSteak, Foundation Room, 1923 Prohibition Bar, Mandalay Bay Spa, and Michael Jackson ONE.
Best for groups
Choose Tailgate Beach Club, House of Blues, Libertine Social, Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, Mandalay Bay Beach cabanas, and Michelob ULTRA Arena events.
Best for sports fans
Choose Michelob ULTRA Arena, Tailgate Beach Club, the sportsbook, Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, and nearby Allegiant Stadium.
Best for nightlife
Choose Foundation Room, House of Blues, Eyecandy, 1923 Prohibition Bar, and Tailgate Beach Club.
Best for a full resort day
Start with breakfast at Citizens or Border Grill, visit Shark Reef Aquarium, spend the afternoon at Mandalay Bay Beach, have dinner at Orla or StripSteak, then see Michael Jackson ONE or a concert at House of Blues.
Also Read:
Mandalay Bay FAQs
What is Mandalay Bay best known for?
Mandalay Bay is best known for Mandalay Bay Beach, Shark Reef Aquarium, Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, Michelob ULTRA Arena, House of Blues, a large casino, restaurants, spa, and its south-Strip location.
Is Shark Reef Aquarium inside Mandalay Bay?
Yes. Shark Reef Aquarium is inside Mandalay Bay and is open to both hotel guests and non-guests. Current hours are daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, with last admission at 7 PM.
Does Mandalay Bay have a lazy river?
Yes. Mandalay Bay Beach has a lazy river, wave pool, lagoons, sand, cabanas, daybeds, and pool bars.
What are Mandalay Bay pool hours?
Current official pool hours list West Lagoon, Mandalay Bay Beach / Wave Pool, and Lazy River open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Hours can change due to weather, season, and special events.
Is Daylight Beach Club still at Mandalay Bay?
The current Mandalay Bay dayclub concept is Tailgate Beach Club. It replaces the older Daylight Beach Club recommendation and is currently listed Thursday to Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM.
What show is at Mandalay Bay?
The main resident show at Mandalay Bay is Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil.
Does Mandalay Bay have live music?
Yes. House of Blues is the main live music venue at Mandalay Bay. Michelob ULTRA Arena also hosts major concerts and events.
Is Mandalay Bay good for families?
Yes, especially because of Shark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay Bay Beach, Michael Jackson ONE, casual restaurants, and the connected access to Luxor and Excalibur. However, some nightlife and pool-party areas are adult-focused.
Is Mandalay Bay close to Allegiant Stadium?
Yes. Mandalay Bay is one of the better Strip resorts for Allegiant Stadium access because it is on the south end of the Strip.
Can non-guests visit Mandalay Bay attractions?
Yes. Non-guests can visit many Mandalay Bay attractions, including Shark Reef Aquarium, restaurants, bars, House of Blues, Michelob ULTRA Arena events, and Michael Jackson ONE. Pool access rules can be more limited and should be checked before going.
Final Thoughts
Mandalay Bay is still one of the best full-service resorts on the south Strip. It has more to do than many visitors realize: casino gaming, Michael Jackson ONE, Michelob ULTRA Arena, Shark Reef Aquarium, House of Blues, Mandalay Bay Beach, Tailgate Beach Club, Foundation Room, restaurants, shopping, spa services, and connected access to Luxor.
The biggest updates are that Aureole is no longer a current dining recommendation, Daylight Beach Club should be replaced with Tailgate Beach Club, and current pool / aquarium / spa hours should be checked before visiting.
If you are staying at Mandalay Bay, you can easily build a full itinerary without leaving the resort. If you are not staying there, it is still worth visiting for Shark Reef, Michael Jackson ONE, House of Blues, Mandalay Bay Beach, Tailgate Beach Club, or a major event at Michelob ULTRA Arena.