You’re walking toward a massive complex just off the Las Vegas Strip, and the first thing you see isn't a neon sign for a buffet. It's a giant, glowing lotus flower. Actually, thirteen of them. They’re 15 feet tall and look like something out of a high-budget sci-fi flick.
Honestly, most people show up at Planet 13 for the "goods," but they end up staying for the grid. I’m talking about your Instagram grid. This place isn't just the world’s largest dispensary; it’s basically a playground for anyone obsessed with Planet 13 Las Vegas photos. It’s loud, it’s shiny, and it’s purposefully designed to make you whip out your phone every five seconds.
The Best Spots for Planet 13 Las Vegas Photos
If you want the shots that actually make people stop scrolling, you have to know where to look. It’s a 112,000-square-foot facility. You could get lost in the weeds—literally—if you don't have a plan.
The Interactive LED Floor
The second you step inside, the floor starts reacting to you. It’s a massive LED surface that ripples like water or scatters like stardust under your feet.
It’s weirdly addictive.
I’ve seen grown men in suits jumping around like toddlers trying to "catch" the digital patterns. For the best photo here, have a friend stand about ten feet away and film in slow motion as you walk across. The 10ms response time means the light trails follow you perfectly.
🔗 Read more: Madison WI to Denver: How to Actually Pull Off the Trip Without Losing Your Mind
The Aerial Orb Show
Every hour, on the hour, these glowing spheres start floating through the air. They’re called AirOrbs, and they’re controlled by some pretty intense German engineering. They drift, they change colors, and they move in a synchronized dance above the retail floor.
Pro tip: Don’t just take a still photo. Use the "Live Photo" or "Cinemagraph" setting on your phone. The way the orbs contrast against the 3D ceiling projections is trippy.
Laser Graffiti Wall
This is where it gets interactive. There’s a giant wall where you can "spray paint" using a laser-emitting can. It’s designed by Todd Moyer, who does stuff for Burning Man.
The coolest part?
The digital paint actually "drips" if you hold the laser in one spot too long. It’s a killer backdrop for a "candid" shot of you pretending to be a world-class street artist without the risk of a felony.
Why the Dazed! Consumption Lounge is a Game Changer
So, the "Dazed!" lounge opened fairly recently (April 2024), and it took the photo game to a whole new level. You don’t just walk in; you enter through a vintage phone booth.
Total speakeasy vibes.
💡 You might also like: Food in Kerala India: What Most People Get Wrong About God's Own Kitchen
Inside, there are three themed rooms that feel like fever dreams:
- The Sci-Fi Room: It’s got flying saucers and neon couches. It’s basically a psychedelic space station.
- The Optical Oasis: Also known as the "Eyeball Room." This is where Mike Tyson hangs out. He actually signed the coffee table, so if you’re looking for a "celeb-adjacent" photo, that’s your spot.
- The Golden Mirage: Think pinks, oranges, and a "psychedelic western" aesthetic. It’s the most "Instagram-aesthetic" room of the bunch.
Getting the Lighting Right
Las Vegas light is notoriously harsh during the day and chaotic at night. Inside Planet 13, you’re dealing with neon, LEDs, and low-light environments.
If you're shooting the exterior lotus flowers, try to get there at "Blue Hour"—that’s about 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. The sky turns a deep indigo that makes the red and green LEDs on the roof absolutely pop.
📖 Related: Taking the Ferry to Williamsburg Brooklyn: What Most People Get Wrong
Inside? Turn off your flash.
Seriously.
The flash will bounce off the glass display cases and the glossy LED floor, ruining the vibe. Most modern smartphones have a "Night Mode" that handles the low light way better than a harsh flash ever will.
The Production Facility Windows
Most people forget about the 115 feet of windows where you can watch the magic happen. You can literally see people making Dreamland Chocolates and HaHa Gummies.
It’s like Willy Wonka, but for adults.
There are also two robots—names are a bit of a mystery, but they put on a "Dust & Draw" show. One cleans up while the other draws art. It’s a quirky, behind-the-scenes shot that most tourists miss because they’re too busy looking at the 42 different cash registers.
Is it actually worth the hype?
Look, if you hate crowds and neon, you’ll probably find it overwhelming. It’s a lot. It’s "Vegas" in every sense of the word—over the top, expensive, and a bit ridiculous. But if you’re looking for Planet 13 Las Vegas photos that don't look like every other person's vacation shots, it’s a goldmine.
The scale of the place is hard to describe until you’re standing in the middle of it. They get over 100,000 people through the doors a month, yet it rarely feels cramped because the ceilings are so high.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit:
- Go early or late: To get photos without 50 strangers in the background, aim for a Tuesday morning or very late on a weeknight. It’s open 24/7.
- Use Wide-Angle: The scale of the main hall is massive. Switch your phone to the 0.5x lens to capture the ceiling orbs and the floor in one shot.
- Check the Schedule: The robot show and the aerial orbs run on specific intervals. Don't just wander in and hope for the best—ask a staff member when the next "show" starts so you can get your camera ready.
- Look for the "Fire" Fountain: Right at the entrance, there’s an 18-foot fountain that uses fog and LEDs to look like it’s on fire. It’s an easy win for a quick video.
- Don't forget the Tattoo Shop: There’s a Koolsville Tattoo shop inside. Even if you aren't getting inked, the neon signage there is classic Vegas and makes for a great "moody" portrait shot.
Next time you're heading West of the Strip, skip the typical casino lobby photos for twenty minutes. Head over to the industrial area, find the glowing lotuses, and make sure your battery is at 100%. You're going to need it.