You’re driving down the Strip. Neon is everywhere. You see a sign that says "Welcome to Las Vegas," but something feels off. It’s small. It’s tucked between a gift shop and a parking lot. Honestly, you've probably just found one of the many replicas. If you want the iconic 1959 masterpiece—the one you've seen in every movie from Casino to The Hangover—you have to know exactly where is the vegas sign located, because it isn't actually "in" Las Vegas.
It’s south. Way south.
Most people assume the sign sits right in the heart of the action near the Bellagio fountains or the Caesars Palace statues. Nope. It’s actually located at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South. Technically, this spot is in Paradise, Nevada. It’s about four miles south of the official city limits. If you're walking from the MGM Grand, you're looking at a 25-minute trek in the desert heat, which is a terrible idea. Trust me.
The Secret History of the 5100 Address
The sign was designed by Betty Willis. She never copyrighted it. She called it her gift to the city. Because there’s no copyright, you see the design on every coffee mug, t-shirt, and keychain in Nevada. But the original? That’s the one sitting on a grassy median in the middle of a busy highway.
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In the old days—basically anytime before 2008—getting a photo was a death wish. You had to park on the shoulder of the road and dodge three lanes of traffic while holding a Kodak disposable camera. It was chaotic. Finally, the county realized people weren't going to stop risking their lives for the 'gram, so they built a small parking lot in the middle of the boulevard. It only fits about a dozen cars, so if you show up at 10:00 AM on a Saturday, you’re going to be circling that median like a vulture.
Timing Your Visit to Avoid the Soul-Crushing Lines
If you show up at noon, you will wait. Long. There is almost always a line of 50 to 100 people snaking down the artificial turf.
There are unofficial "photographers" who hang out there. They aren't city employees. They are locals with a smartphone tripod and a lot of hustle. They'll offer to take your photo for a tip. You don't have to use them, but honestly, they know the angles better than your cousin does. They do this 400 times a day. If you want to skip the crowd entirely, go at 3:00 AM. The sign is lit up beautifully with neon incandescent bulbs, and you’ll have the whole place to yourself, save for maybe a stray Elvis impersonator or a limo driver taking a break.
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Where is the Vegas Sign Relative to the Big Hotels?
Let's talk logistics. If you are staying at the Wynn or Encore, you are nearly five miles away. Do not walk. Even from Mandalay Bay—which is the southernmost "major" resort—it’s still a half-mile walk. That doesn't sound bad until you realize there is zero shade.
- By Deuce Bus: This is the double-decker bus that runs up and down the Strip. It stops right near the sign. It’s cheap, but it’s slow.
- By Rideshare: Just type "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign" into Uber or Lyft. They have a specific drop-off point.
- By Car: Drive south past Mandalay Bay. Look for the small opening in the center median. If you hit the Harley-Davidson dealership, you went too far. Turn around.
Why the Location Matters (and the "Other" Signs)
The location is strategic. In 1959, this was the gateway. When travelers drove in from Los Angeles on Highway 91, this was the first thing they saw. It signaled that the boring desert was over and the party had started.
Now, the city has grown so much that the sign feels like it's in the suburbs. Because of this distance, the city installed a "gateway" sign on the North end of the Strip near the STRAT. That one is huge—80 feet tall—but it’s not the classic. There’s also a replica at the Fremont Street Experience and another inside the airport. Don’t be fooled. If the sign you’re looking at doesn't have a small parking lot in the middle of a road and a view of the mountains in the background, it’s a fake.
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The Design Details Most People Miss
Betty Willis chose the diamond shape because it was "friendly." The red circles across the top? They represent silver dollars. It was a nod to Nevada’s history as the Silver State. On the back of the sign (which people rarely photograph), it says "Drive Carefully" and "Come Back Soon." It’s incredibly wholesome for a city built on vice.
The neon isn't just one color. It’s a mix of yellow, red, and blue. Over the years, the county has upgraded the power source to solar. There is a small solar farm nearby that powers the bulbs. It’s probably the most "green" thing in a city that leaves the lights on 24/7.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want the shot without the stress, follow these steps:
- Check the Sun: The sign faces West/Southwest. If you go in the late afternoon, the sun will be behind the sign, turning your face into a dark shadow. Morning light is best for front-lit photos.
- Hydrate: I know, I sound like a mom. But you are standing on a concrete island surrounded by asphalt in a desert. Even ten minutes of waiting can make you feel like a lizard in an oven.
- Have Cash: If you want one of the "professional" line-movers to take your photo, have a $5 or $10 bill ready. It keeps the line moving and saves you the awkwardness of a bad selfie.
- Look for the Hidden "Welcome to Las Vegas" Paving Stone: It’s a small commemorative marker near the base. Most people walk right over it.
- Check the Back: Walk around to the rear of the sign after you get your photo. The "Come Back Soon" side is arguably cooler and significantly less crowded for a quick artistic shot.
Once you've secured the photo, head across the street to the Pinball Hall of Fame. It’s a massive warehouse filled with vintage machines. It’s air-conditioned, the games are cheap, and it’s the perfect way to reward yourself for surviving the trek to the most famous sign in the world.