Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas (must see)

The Fountains of Bellagio are an expansive water feature known for their precisely synchronized performances combining water, light, and music. These displays take place in front of the Bellagio Hotel and can be viewed from numerous vantage points along the Las Vegas Strip. Shows typically run every 30 minutes during the afternoon and early evening, increasing to every 15 minutes from 8:00 pm until midnight. Just before each performance begins, the fountain nozzles rise above the water’s surface, and the lights illuminating the hotel tower usually shift to purple, or occasionally to red, white, and blue for selected musical themes.

The fountains operate within an eight-acre man-made lake. Contrary to popular belief, the lake is not filled with treated graywater from the hotel. Instead, it is supplied by a freshwater well drilled decades ago to irrigate a former golf course that once occupied the site. Notably, the fountains use less water than was required to maintain the golf course. A complex underground system of pipes and machinery supports more than 1,200 water nozzles and over 4,500 lights, allowing for the precise coordination of each performance.

At times, performances may be adjusted or temporarily canceled due to strong winds. Special fountain shows can be arranged for significant occasions, including weddings. Each display is carefully choreographed to a wide range of music. Often featured is the Whitney Houston’s “The Star-Spangled Banner", followed by selections such as "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli, "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood, "Your Song" by Elton John, etc.