2 Travel Destinations You Need To Visit Before They Permanently Close

It can be easy to fool yourself into thinking that if you didn't get around to visiting a beloved destination this year, there will always be next year. Your favorite childhood theme park and bucket-list Vegas dining experience aren't going anywhere anytime soon, right? Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Even the most popular and prosperous tourist spots can fall victim to economic downturns, shifts in business interests, or tourism trends. 

Take California's Great America Theme Park and Le Cirque at the Bellagio, for example. Both established, iconic attractions have become esteemed experiences over time, drawing in generations of visitors each year. But, as the popular saying goes, "all good things must come to an end," and even companies with dedicated followings don't stick around forever. 

That said, if California's Great American Theme Park and Le Cirque at the Bellagio have been patiently waiting on your bucket list, now may be the time to visit, as both are at risk of permanently closing soon — and by soon, we mean before 2027 is over. Here's why you should visit now while you still have the chance.

If you grew up in Northern California and have fond memories of riding the world's tallest carousel at California's Great America, you may want to plan another visit soon to take one final spin before the park potentially closes after the 2027 season.

California's Great America has been part of the Santa Clara community since 1976, earning the 50-year-old theme park the reputation of the "Bay Area Disneyland." The park spans 112 acres and includes roller coasters, a water park, and dozens of rides, some of which have been around since opening day.

Great America's parent company, Six Flags, sold the property to a real estate company in 2022, which then leased it back. While the park remains open for now, Six Flags has announced that it will close permanently after the 2027 season unless the company extends its lease. Even if the lease is extended, however, the park's days are likely numbered. California's Great America is located near multiple rail lines, making it prime real estate for eager developers. Real estate experts theorize the land could eventually be redeveloped into a residential, industrial, or commercial space.

The Bellagio has been known for many things over the last couple of decades, including its spectacular fountain show and whimsical, seasonally changing botanical garden. Perhaps lesser-known but equally beloved is the circus-themed restaurant Le Cirque, which has been a central feature of the Bellagio since the Strip resort and casino opened in 1998. If you love French cuisine, then you'll want to reserve a table at Le Cirque in the next few months, as it will be bidding farewell to Nevada — and the world — in August 2026. 

While Le Cirque has been part of Southern Nevada's fine dining scene for nearly three decades, the award-winning restaurant's origin in New York goes back even further. Opening in 1974 in Manhattan, Le Cirque became one of the most famous restaurants in the U.S., with diners that included celebrities and even royalty. However, the last of Le Cirque's New York locations closed in 2017, and the Las Vegas location is scheduled to close after dinner service on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The restaurant will be replaced in 2027 by a new, yet-to-be-disclosed dining concept.