Luxor Pyramid and Sphinx

Las Vegas, Nevada

The ominous black pyramid of the Luxor Casino-Hotel is the largest in America, at 36 stories tall. The only reason that the Luxor pyramid wasn't built taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza is that it stands opposite the Las Vegas International Airport. At night, a Xenon light shines straight into space from the pyramid's apex, reportedly visible from airplanes above Los Angeles 275 miles away.

The Sphinx is two stories taller than the original, and at one time reportedly projected the word "Luxor" onto the obelisk in front of it from light beams in its eyes -- although we've never actually seen that. The Strip monorail cuts in front of it, so the view is more obstructed, but probably fun for monorail riders.

Indoors, the Egyptian motif is continued. A museum in the basement contains a simulated King Tut's tomb and treasure. There are multimedia motion rides and other entertainments; but it's hard to keep up with changes as the Luxor shapeshifts to keep pace with visitor interests and gambler preferences. We liked the talking camels and River Nile that cut through the casino in the 1990s, but those are gone now.

Also see: Las Vegas - Mighty Mutant