The Pirate Battle in Buccaneer Bay at Treasure Island is one of the better-known free attractions on the Strip, and is a must-see on your trip to Las Vegas. But it is always crowded, and standing in the late-day sun trying to see over the people in front of you can take some of the fun out of it. An alternative is to make a reservation at the Buccaneer Bay Restaurant, which has views of the battle. Make sure to request a seat with a view, and remember that the battle is staged at 4:00, 5:30, 7:00, 8:30, and 10:00pm; the restaurant closes at 10:30pm. The food is good but pricey (some entrees are over $50), and the service is excellent. NOTE: you may have to share a window with another party to see the battle, so the view can be hit-or-miss. Also, you may not be able to hear the actors speak, since the windows do not open. This is a good way to see the show for a second time, but might not be the best choice if you only have one chance to see the Pirate Battle.
Another alternative is to watch the action from the outdoor deck at the Battle Bar, located next to the Race & Sports Book.