What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…unless it ends up on the ‘gram. We get it, you want to flex but photographing Las Vegas can be overwhelming. There’s almost too many good spots to visit in this city. And then there’s the fact that everyone else is trying to visit those same spots too.
For top notch travel photos to make your followers drool, Sin City has a lot to offer in terms of backdrops. From city to desert, photographing Las Vegas is ripe for the picking. Hereâs a few of our favorite spots that are worth the hype.
The Icons
Vegas has many iconic sights. From The Strip to the casinos, Vegas iconography has been a staple in the media for a long time.
The Vegas Sign
5100 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
What trip to Vegas is complete without a photo with the iconic Vegas Sign? The Vegas Sign is easier than ever to visit now with a parking strip dedicated to sign visitors and friendly locals whoâll take your photo for a tip. The Vegas sun is no joke and the line can be long, so make sure to bring some water with you.
Fremont Street Experience
425 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
The indoor hustle and bustle of Vegas is housed at the Fremont Street Experience. Iconic signs of Vegas yesteryear, like Vegas Vickie, and casinos like The Golden Nugget give ample opportunity for iconic Vegas photos. This is an extremely populated spot, so be prepared.
Old Vegas
If you are looking for Fremont Street Experience vibes without the condensed shoals of partygoers, head to the streets or even parking garage roofs to take in Old Vegas. You still can get all of the charm without getting sweat on by strangers.
The Strip
Letâs be real, if youâre hitting Vegas, youâre probably going to be spending a lot of time on The Strip. Photographing Las Vegas would not be complete without at least one shot on the strip. This is where all the major hotels and really big casinos are. You are free to mill in and out of the hotels and casinos as the lobbies are works of art themselves!
The Venetian
3355 S Las Vegas
As an Italian American who has been to Venice and , The Venetian might get as close as America gets to the charm of the Motherland. As a result, The Venetian is BUSY but the best place to get a people free shot is on the second floor over looking the gondola rides below.
I have not stayed at The Venetian but I have visited multiple times at different times of day and the grandiose lobby is ALWAYS busy. Bring a wide angle lens and plan on making peace with people in the background of your shot.
Caesars Palace
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd
Speaking of Italian-themed Las Vegas hotels that I cannot afford, Caesars Palace is absolutely beautiful. The painted sky ceilings inside The Forum make it ironically hard to photograph. And while the Caesars Palace pool is gaudy goals, it’s only open to hotel guests. Luckily, replica Trevi Fountain is prime for natural light with its outside location.
Caesars is huge so skip the hotel lobby and hide right to the street level of the Forum Shops. The further you are from the casino, the closer you are to the Trevi.
Circus Circus
2880 S Las Vegas Blvd
I am only slightly ashamed to admit that I have stayed at Circus Circus. I am proud to admit that I have no plans to ever stay there again. However, Circus Circus is a great place to visit when photographing Las Vegas. It has that classic old Vegas feel without having to trek all the way to old Vegas. And in case you haven’t read between the lines, that means it’s outdated to stay at but fun for a photo!
The Flamingo
3555 S Las Vegas Blvd
If you are looking for a neon sign that has the classic Las Vegas showgirl vibe, The Flamingo is your place. But it’s tough to photograph. It’s located on the heart of The Strip making it near impossible to get the shot without a huge crowd of people. Feeling up for the challenge? Give it a try and get creative with your angle!
The Wynn
3131 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Ever since I watched Beyoncé perform at the Wynn in 2009, I had put this hotel on a pedestal as one of the best. If it was fit for a Beyoncé performance, then it was automatically #Goals in my head. Turns out that The Wynn Las Vegas totally lives up to the reputation.
Las Vegas luxury definitely finds its home at the Wynn Resort. And one of the best example of this opulence is the Wynn carousel. At 13 feet high and 16 feet wide, the flower-covered carousel makes for one epic photo. We went at a busy time for the casino and it was easy to get a shot with no one in it. Stand on the star on the floor for the best angle!
The Art
While the neon glow of Vegas may be the main draw, Las Vegas is packed with art! Installations like Omega Mart at Area15 to the street murals, thereâs art around every corner.
Meow Wolf Las Vegas
3215 S Rancho Dr
Trippy art finds a home at . Outside you can find this holographic arch and inside, kooky interactive exhibits like Omega Mart await you.
Pipe Dream Sculpture
361 Symphony Park Avenue, 89106
This splashy pipe sculpture is packed with color, a perfect backdrop for a group shot or a creative selfie. This one is a bit under the radar, so you should have no trouble getting a gawker-free photo.
Fremont East Murals
Not to be confused with the Fremont Street Experience, the Fremont area murals are like an open air art museum. Walk up and down the streets and take in the art! Start at 7th street and venture from there.
Some of our favorites:
Life is Beautiful Mural: S 7th St
The Walala Shack: 800 E Fremont St
Black Girl Magic – the corner of 7th Street and Stewart Avenue
D*Face: 651 East Ogden
Fashion Show Mall Rainbow Steps
3200 Las Vegas Blvd S Ste. 600, NV 89109
Itâs not a Ready to Stare photo location round up without a rainbow. This rainbow installation on the strip-side Plaza staircase is called âColors that Speak to a United City” by Tanya âMiscre8â Watler. This location is a busy thoroughfare for the Fashion Show Mall, so keep that in mind when taking your photos! Be strategic, the best photos are taken from the bottom of the stairs, giving you way more options to edit things out!
The Desert
If youâre willing to take a little bit of a drive, there are some great spots in the desert around Las Vegas that make for stunning photos.
Seven Magic Mountains
S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054
Photographing Las Vegas isn’t complete without a trip to Seven Magic Mountains. These tall pillars of multi colored rocks are just off the interstate about 30 minutes away from Vegas. This is probably one of the best known photo spots in and around Vegas. For the best light and least amount of crowds, head out there early! The sunrise light is the desert⦠absolute perfection.
Jean Roach Dry Lake Bed
Sloan, NV 89054
If youâre looking for a bit more desolate desert and mountains, head just a little down the road from Seven Magic Mountains to Jean Roach Dry Lake Bed. This spot is great for your wild west fantasy shoot dreams. There is a campground nearby so keep an eye out for debris as you drive out. Papa Stare had a grand old time picking up screws so folks didnât get them in their tires.
Ethel M. Chocolates Cactus Garden
2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014
Chocolate and cacti? Where do I sign up? Take a stroll through the expansive cactus garden at Ethel M. Chocolates. The garden was Forrest Mars retirement plan. Growing cacti in the middle of the desert and making artisanal chocolates doesnât sound like a half bad retirement plan at all. The garden is free to visit, but donât miss out on the wine and chocolate tasting while youâre there. Itâs Mama Stare approved.
Regardless of where you go in Las Vegas, thereâs a lot to see and capture! Whereâs your favorite spot in Vegas to snap a pic?