Last Updated on 18th April 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
If there’s one iconic spot in Las Vegas, Nevada that almost everyone wants to photograph, it’s the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Sign. Bright and colourful, this sign has since become an icon of the city and is the first Vegas attraction that many visitors pass by when reaching Sin City via road. Here’s how to visit the Las Vegas sign, as well as what to know before you go!
if you’re visiting Sin City for the first time, be sure to check out our suggested Las Vegas itinerary.
A history of the Las Vegas Sign
The sign has been in place since 1959 when it was funded and erected by Western Neon. The back of the sign reads “Drive carefully. Come back soon” and its address is: 5200 Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89104. Today the sign is owned by Young Electric Sign Company and they lease it to the county.
Designed by Betty Willis, the sign was commissioned by Ted Rogich, who then sold it to Clark County, Nevada. Willis wanted to design an iconic sign that would reflect the thrills and fun of neon Las Vegas, and it’s safe to say that she probably did just that!
Willis also designed other signs on the Las Vegas strip, including the Blue Angel Motel sign and the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino sign.
The design was never copyrighted as Willis considered the sign to be a gift to her beloved city, though she is quoted as having said “If I had copyrighted the sign, it probably wouldn’t have been used as much and wouldn’t be as famous. But, it would be nice to have a dime for every time it’s been used.”
Rather interestingly, the silver circles around the ‘Welcome’ portion of the sign are meant to represent silver dollars as Nevada is known as the Silver State. For more unique Nevada inspiration, check out the best hidden gems of Nevada.
Since its installation, many have considered the sign to be the official end of the southern portion of the Las Vegas Strip. Since May 1, 2009, the sign has been on the National Register of Historic Places (it was registered on its 50th Birthday, no less).
In 2014, Clark County installed solar panels to illuminate the sign, meaning that even the sign is going green!
How to visit The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
Prior to 2009, visiting the sign was risky and a little dangerous on account of the fact that there was no legal place to park close by. However, many still made the trip out to see the 25 foot sign on the fringes of the city and so the decision was made that access to the sign should be made easier.
Today, there is a small parking lot and the sign remains free to visit. To reach the sign, leave Vegas and go past the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. Park your car in the small designated parking and hop out to take photos. If you don’t have access to a car, then the Hop on Hop Off bus stops at the sign.
You should note that the sign can get pretty busy and so there’s often a queue to take photos. If you don’t have time to wait/ don’t want to wait, then you can take a photo from the side of the sign. You can also avoid queuing for too long if you head to the sign early in the morning.
Taking a photo at the sign is free, though you’ll often see photographers hanging around. These photographers are not affiliated with the sign and you are not obligated to use their services. Typically, they work for tips.