The Fabulous Las Vegas sign is an iconic Las Vegas attraction and a must-see for many visitors. It sits at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. A common misconception is that you will see the sign as soon as you drive from the airport to your hotel. With the way that the landscape of Las Vegas has changed over the years it takes a little bit of work to get to the sign.
Las Vegas Sign History:
What year was the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign erected?
The ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign was erected in the year 1959.
Where is the famous ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign located?
The famous ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign is located on the Las Vegas Strip, near the Mandalay Bay resort.
The historic sign famously reads, Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada on the front and Drive Carefully Come Back Soon” on the back. The sign was designed by Betty Willis while she worked for Western Neon Company. It cost $4,000 to build and install.
Backside of the sign
For years access to the sign was very limited, but a few years ago Clark County built a small 12-car parking lot. Prior to that people jaywalked Las Vegas Blvd, scurrying across the street and dodging speeding cars. I noticed the County has added more parking spaces since my last visit to the sign. This makes it easier and safer to take those iconic snapshots. The city installed power trees on the signs west side. These improvements have made it easier for families to pose for a photo for their family vacation album. (I also noticed another sign of progress for the iconic sign—it is now solar powered.)
To access the parking lot at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign you must be going south on Las Vegas Boulevard heading away from Mandalay Bay and toward the Las Vegas Outlet Center. If you’re driving into town, you will have to make a U-turn past the sign. Yes, a U-turn is legal in Las Vegas.
Before the tips, we wanted to answer some of the questions that are frequently asked about the Las Vegas Sign.
What is the address for the Las Vegas sign?
The address is 5200 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119. You will want to keep that handy for when you request your Uber.
Is there a photographer at the Las Vegas Sign?
The answer to this question is, sometimes. From time to time, semi professional photographers will hang around the sign and snap some photos for a fee. That fee will vary from person to person. But there is not a photographer at the sign who is employed by the city of Las Vegas.
Can you walk to the Las Vegas sign?
It all depends. The factors really vary wildly. Here’s what you should consider. The Las Vegas sign is located in what is considered to be the older part of Vegas. The sign is located close to a mile from Mandalay Bay. So that poses the question, are all of the people traveling with you, up for the walk to and from the sign, especially if the temperature is hot?
Here are 7 tips to help make taking photos at the Las Vegas sign easier.
- Get there early – There always seems to be a line and the parking lot only holds so many cars. The lot can get completely overwhelmed by the number of visitors to the sign. Chances are the earlier you go the less crowds you will have to contend with, everyone is still sleeping in from the night before.
- Be patient – The line for photo opportunities here can get quite long. If you’re in a hurry, you can jump out of line and have your photo snapped at an angle instead of from straight on. We think it is worth the wait though.
- Bring your selfie stick – You never know what the crowds will be like and if there will be someone there to help you take a picture. Plus, it’s always a good idea to be careful who you’re handing your camera over to.
- Lend a helping hand – Offer to take someone else’s photo in front of the sign. Just make sure you don’t have your thumb over the lens or cut everyone’s head off!
- Say cheese – Be creative with your posing. There are lots of fun ways to include the iconic sign in your photo.
- Respect the sign – The sign is from 1959. Don’t try to carry away chunks like it’s the Berlin Wall.
- Don’t forget to tip – Chances are you’re going to run into Elvis, a couple of showgirls, or a few other impersonators at the sign. Slip them a couple dollars for taking your vacation pics to the next level.
How much does it cost to take a picture in front of the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign?
Taking a picture in front of the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign is a popular tourist activity in the city. The good news is, it’s absolutely free! You can take as many pictures as you want with the iconic sign as a backdrop without paying a single penny.
However, keep in mind that there might be a crowd during peak tourist season, so be patient while waiting for your turn to snap a photo.
Plus, if you want to have a professional photoshoot done in front of the sign, you may have to pay a fee to a photographer or a photography company. Nonetheless, capturing memories in front of the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign is a must-do activity, and it won’t cost you a thing!
Are there any events or activities that take place around the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign?
There are plenty of events and activities that take place around the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign. Visitors can take photos with the iconic sign as a backdrop, and there are often street performers and vendors selling souvenirs nearby. Additionally, there are occasional events and festivals held in the parking lot adjacent to the sign, such as food truck rallies and music festivals. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
Are there any other similar ‘Welcome to Fabulous’ signs in other cities?
There are similar “Welcome to Fabulous” signs in other cities!
One of the most famous is the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign in Nevada, but there are also others scattered throughout the United States.
For example, there’s a “Welcome to Fabulous” sign in Wellington, Texas, and another in El Paso, Texas. There’s even a “Welcome to Fabulous” sign in the tiny town of Hancock, Michigan!
These signs are a fun and unique way to welcome visitors to a new city, and they’re definitely worth keeping an eye out for while you’re on your travels.
A picture in front of this iconic sign will be the best souvenir you’ll have of your visit to “Fabulous Las Vegas.”
For more ideas on what to do in Las Vegas for families, try these Family Vacations US posts:
Traveling to Las Vegas with Kids
What’s So Special About Las Vegas?
