Girls' Trip to Vegas? Here’s Where I Go to Think, Plan, and Breathe Between the Fun

The Honey Hive Blog | Aug 6, 2025

I’ve always done my best thinking in places that feel just a little bit like home, but away from home.

Cozy corners with natural light. A comfortable couch. A quiet energy where you can feel your thoughts. That’s where I tend to get the most done, whether I’m writing, planning, or just clearing space in my head.

This summer, if you’re headed to Vegas for a girls’ trip (or a little solo reset), you might find yourself craving a calm moment before the next pool party or dinner reservation. Trust me: stepping away from the Strip for a few hours can be exactly what your nervous system needs. And it doesn’t have to cost you a thing.

Because here’s the thing, I’m trying to stay away from caffeine, and I don’t always want to spend money just to sit and think. So over time, I’ve built a little personal map: places that feel like cafés without the pressure to buy something or the buzz of espresso. Think of it as my own collection of soft, bright, grounded places to work, reflect, or just take a breath.

Here are some of my go-tos in cities I’ve either lived in, passed through, or worked from. If you’re in your work-from-anywhere season, or traveling this summer and need a spot to ground yourself, I hope this helps you find your place.

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is full of hidden nooks if you know where to look. Paseo Verde Library has a glass-walled reading room and a big patio with tables and chairs, perfect for when the desert breeze is soft. The Writer’s Block is one of my forever favorites: an independent bookstore downtown with cozy energy that makes you want to write something meaningful. And when I want something beautiful, calm, and unexpected, I head to the lobby at the Bellagio There’s something about luxury and quiet that makes my mind open up.

If you’re coming to Vegas this summer and want a break from the Strip, add these to your list. They’re great for a morning reset, journaling session, or even mapping out your next big idea before brunch.

Henderson, NV

Just outside Vegas, Henderson has its own rhythm. Green Valley Library is calm and spacious, and Copper Cat Books feels like stepping into a story. You can sit in the corner with your laptop and get completely lost in your work. I’ve also sat in the  Homewood Suites lobby on Eastern more than once—it’s the kind of place where no one bothers you and the Wi-Fi always works.

Boulder City, NV

Boulder City moves slower, and that’s what I love about it.  Boulder City Library has a big outdoor lawn and tiered amphitheater seats where you can sprawl out with a notebook. Dam Roast House is a sweet little bookshop café hybrid—if you catch it when it’s quiet, it’s magic. The Boulder Dam Hotel has this old-school charm. I’ve sat out on the patio and watched the light shift while finishing a full strategy plan. And if you’re exploring downtown, The Boulder City Co. Store is worth a visit. It’s a charming general store with local art, gifts, a small café, and a calm back seating area that’s perfect when you want to think, write, or just slow down.

Around the World

Wherever I travel, I look for the same feeling: a space that holds me gently while I work through something big.
– In Salvador, I love the library at Espaço Cultural da Barroquinha and the Central State Library near Campo Grande.
– In London, the Barbican’s public spaces are like a modern sanctuary. The British Library is always packed, but the collective focus in the room is electric.
– In Barcelona, some of the public libraries are bright and filled with students, artists, and thinkers doing their thing. It’s inspiring.

How to Find Your Spot

What I’ve learned is that cozy doesn’t have to mean expensive. Productive doesn’t have to mean loud. And you don’t have to force yourself to fit into someone else’s idea of a “work environment.”

Here’s what I look for:
– Natural light. It changes everything.
– Libraries with couches or reading rooms. They’re often the most comfortable spaces in a city.
– Hotel lobbies in the late morning or early afternoon. Quiet, elegant, and often nearly empty.
– Outdoor patios. Especially when I’m planning or trying to clear my mind.

And if you already have a favorite spot—maybe a hidden bench in a museum, a bright corner in a hotel lobby, or a community library that nobody talks about, drop it in the comments. I’d love to know what spaces have been holding you lately.