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The Welcome to Las Vegas sign is a free attraction and a great photo op. Here’s what you need to know about planning your visit to this must-see Vegas icon.
- Address: 5100 S Las Vegas Blvd
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 24/7
- Built: 1959
Best Times to Visit the Sign
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
- Fall and spring offer cooler temperatures, making visits more comfortable.
There are two main factors to consider when choosing when to visit the Las Vegas Sign — the crowds and the weather. Both of which can make the experience less than enjoyable if you go at the wrong time.
Let’s talk about the crowds first. To avoid them, early morning is the best time to go, and by early, we mean early — like between 6 am and 8 am early. Las Vegas is called Sin City for a reason, and many people are sleeping in, recovering from the night before. If you’re not keen on getting up and out that early, definitely aim for before noon.
Late afternoon can also be a good time in regard to crowds, but then, you’re facing the weather. Midday, at least in the summer months, is scorching hot.
Take our word for it when we say you don’t want to be waiting in a long line outside with crowds of strangers in the sweltering heat. Fall and spring offer a nice reprieve from the heat and are a perfect time to visit, especially in the late afternoon.
Photography Tips at the Sign
- Use natural light and creative angles; night photography presents unique opportunities.
- Aim for sunrise or sunset times for dramatic lighting effects.
If you’re making a trip to the sign, and waiting in line to get up close, you definitely want to take advantage of the photo op. Las Vegas sign pics are iconic, but there are a few tips we think are helpful.
Another reason to visit in the early hours of the morning is that the rising sun in Las Vegas is beautiful and offers the perfect lighting for your photos. If an early morning visit is in the cards, sunset also offers wonderful lighting, but the line will be longer.
Think about the photo you want to take ahead of time so that you have a game plan when you get your turn at the sign. Maybe you just want to say cheese and smile, which is great. But if you’re thinking of something more elaborate, have a plan in place.
The sign is about 25 feet tall, which makes it perfect for both close-ups and pics that are a little further away with the sign in the background. A selfie stick can help you capture the perfect shot since there isn’t always someone there to take the photo for you.
There are photographers who will hang out at the sign and take your picture for a fee. These are professionals who just show up, so there isn’t a schedule or any reliable regularity. You’re more likely to find them at busier times.
Someone else you might find at the Las Vegas sign is Elvis or other performers. Is there anything more iconic than a pic of the sign with Elvis? Yes, we have one or two of these photos ourselves. They might not charge to take a picture with you, but it is a common courtesy to tip.
Parking and Accessibility
- There is free parking available, and the area is ADA-accessible.
- The only entry to the middle of the boulevard lot is going south on Las Vegas Blvd
- The sign is accessible via various bus routes and taxis
Free parking is available in a lot that’s adjacent to the Las Vegas sign. The lot contains about three dozen parking spaces, including ADA-accessible spots. Best of all, the parking is completely free, which is a rare find in Las Vegas.
The parking lot can get crowded, especially during peak times. There isn’t a time limit for parking there, but it’s smart not to overstay your welcome. Spend as much time as you want at the sign and the area, but then move along so that someone else can snag a parking spot. In other words, don’t keep your car here all day while you wander around.
Unlike other parking lots and structures that require turns onto backroads, the only way to get into this lot is from Las Vegas Blvd (aka The Strip).
How the Sign Has Changed Over the Years
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign became a fixture on Las Vegas Blvd in 1959. As it’s nearing its 65th birthday, we became curious about how the sign may have changed over the years. Our research led to some interesting tidbits.
First, the sign wasn’t always as popular as it is today. For the longest time, it was barely given a thought, and in the late 90s, there were whispers that the sign had become dated, irrelevant even. In the early 2000s, something changed, and the sign experienced a surge in popularity. Perhaps inspired by our fascination with everything kitsch and retro.
While the sign looks strikingly similar to the original, it has had a few facelifts over the years. Parts of it are still original, or at least suspected to be. It’s thought that the classic yellow frame, the blue poles that hold it up, the famous star, and the circles that hold the word ‘welcome’ are all original.
However, wear, tear, and vandalism have demanded that the face of the sign be replaced over the years. Still, the sign maintains its original personality and has found its way to the bucket list of countless visitors to Sin City.
Tours That Go To the Las Vegas Sign
Joining a tour is a great way to see the sights in and around Las Vegas. There are a number of tours that make a stop at the sign, giving passengers the opportunity to jump out and snap a pic or two.
A favorite of ours, especially for first-time visitors to the city, is the Big Bus Tour. This tour hits all the key spots and offers unlimited hop-on/hop-off privileges.
Most tickets are valid for 48 hours, so you can ride the entire loop, spotting areas you want to stop at (like the Las Vegas sign), and then hit them all on your next trip. Buses depart every 30 minutes from 10 am until 5 pm.
If you’re thinking of something a little more glam, a limo tour is a great option. We like to suggest a limo tour with a personal photographer, especially for groups and special occasions, like bachelorette parties.
Finally, there are tours that take you to destinations outside of Las Vegas, like the Grand Canyon or the Seven Magic Mountains. Often, these tours will stop at the Las Vegas sign either on the way out of town or on the return trip.
- Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam & Seven Magic Mountains Tour
- Big Bus Hop on Hop Off Tour
- Limo Strip Tour with Personal Photographer
Other Las Vegas Sign
On the opposite end of the Strip is another Las Vegas sign called the Gateway Arches. This is a newer, more modern gateway into the city that was erected in 2016. It sits near the STRAT with the Observation Deck to the east. It serves as a sort of portal between the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas.
In true Vegas style, the arches are huge and glittering. You can’t miss them even if you try. The arches feature more than 13,000 lights, with each arch extended 140 feet as it crosses over the Strip. Due to its size and location, you can’t pose directly in front of it like the other sign, but you can snap pictures of it in the background from certain walkways in the area.
Then, if you wander down just a little further to Main Street, you’ll come face to face with the new showgirls sign. Each decked-out lady stands 50 feet tall with the words “City of Las Vegas” below them.
FAQs
How far is the sign from major hotels on the Strip?
The Vegas sign is 1 to 6 miles from the major Strip hotels.
Can I take wedding or event photos at the sign?
You can take wedding and event photos at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, but be prepared for crowds and limited space.
What message is on the opposite side of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign?
The opposite side of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign says “Drive Carefully Come Back Soon”.
