The Las Vegas Sign – Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

When it comes to free attractions in Las Vegas, I don’t think anything beats the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Since 1959, the sign has been standing tall at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, but it took me many Las Vegas trips, before I finally visited this legendary sign. I figured there were better things to do in Vegas than waiting in line to take a photo of…a sign. But after visiting, I can say, that I’m very happy that I went, and if you’re going to Las Vegas, you don’t want to miss the sign.  

How to get to the Las Vegas Sign?

The sign is located at the southern end of the Strip, just south of Mandalay Bay and while it is possible to walk to the sign, taking a taxi/limo/Uber/Lyft instead is much smoother. If you’re planning to drive, there is also a small parking lot near the sign, but if you come during rush hours, finding a vacant parking spot might be difficult.

When to visit the Las Vegas Sign?

The bright Las Vegas sun makes it challenging to get any good shots of the sign during the day. I would say that the best time to visit is early morning right after sunrise or late afternoon, just before the sun sets. Some people prefer to go after sunset, when the neon lights really stands out, but I think the sign looks the best in those golden hours just around sunrise and sunset, when the color palette has this pretty golden hue with a touch of pink.

I went in the afternoon, and it was really busy out there. You line up and wait for your turn and it can easily take 30 minutes or more. If you’re there alone, people are more than happy to help you take a photo, under the condition that you return the favor.

For the plane spotters..

McCarran Airport is right across the street so depending on which runway is in use, you can get some really great shots of aircrafts taking off or touching down.