Las Vegas Photo Spots: The Ultimate Guide

Las Vegas is best known for its endless gambling, bright lights, and “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” attitude. But there’s more to Las Vegas than just “The Strip.” Vegas has luxury hotels, some of the finest dining establishments, and arguably the best shopping in the states. Along with that, you can find rainbow-painted rocks on the side of the highway and the natural beauty, The Valley of Fire. In this guide, I’m going to share “The Ultimate Guide to the Best Las Vegas Photo Spots” to make your trip to Vegas more Instagram-friendly!

Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. The Welcome to Las Vegas sign might just be the most photographed part of Las Vegas. It’s located at the south end of the Las Vegas strip. There’s a small free parking lot to access the sign. Do note that the lines are almost always long. Unless you get there early in the morning. We arrived at 7:00 am and waited only a few minutes to take this photo.

Seven Magic Mountains

Off the side of Interstate 15, and about 20 minutes south of the strip, is this rainbow art installation that signifies “creative expression of human presence in the desert.” According to the artist, Ugo Rondinone, the location is physically and symbolically mid-way between the natural and the artificial. They were supposed to remove the installation in 2021 but it’s still up today and completely free to visit.

There is a large dirt parking lot located 700 feet from the rock installation and it’s free to park. For the best lighting to photograph consider early morning or golden hour.

Valley of Fire

If you’re down for a drive, head one hour north and you’ll feel as though you’ve emerged into an episode of Westworld where you’ll see sprawling red rocks and wildlife. The Valley of Fire State Park is open from sunrise to sunset and costs $10 to visit (make sure you have the exact change and pen). It’s best to visit during sunrise or sunset to beat the heat, especially during those summer months. You can also find many trails to hike.

Finally, a closer alternative would be to visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area which is only 25 minutes from the strip.

Fremont Street – Downtown Vegas

Fremont Street is an iconic part of Downtown Las Vegas. This part of town is called “Old Vegas” it’s located 10 minutes north of all the glitz and glamour of the strip. Old school neon signs line the streets and there’s a ‘nostalgic’ more ‘traditional’ Las Vegas vibe when visiting downtown. You can also partake in the Fremont Street Experience and go zip lining. There are so many fun things to do down here.

While all opinions are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to and recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support so I can continue to offer free resources!

Venetian Resort

This resort is very reminiscent of Venice, Italy (hence the name). The Venetian has plenty of places for your Vegas Instagram spots. You can choose from the indoor canal, the outdoor canal, the terrace, the Black Tap restaurant, and all the beautiful European-style architecture surrounding the hotel. The possibilities are endless and there is free parking the on premises. Book your stay here!

Bellagio Resort

There are so many beautiful places to take photos of at the Bellagio Resort. Easily, it’s the most popular resort in Vegas, and for good reason. Firstly, the Bellagio Conservatory transforms its lobby into a floral playground changing each season. In recent months it was decorated as a Christmas playground, Chinese New Year, and Mother’s Day florals. You can learn more about the displays that are current. It’s one of the busiest places in Vegas so be prepared for crowds, at all hours of the day.

Below you’ll see the colorful glass displays on the ceiling of the lobby. These were created by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Furthermore, the infamous dancing fountains are the perfect backdrop for iconic Las Vegas photo spots. They happen every 15 minutes from 8 pm to 12 am. During the day they are every 30 minutes starting at 3 pm (on the weekends 12 pm).

There are two photography locations to photograph the Bellagio fountain show. The first viewpoint is along the pathway leading to the Bellagio Resort. You can spot the Eiffel tower from the Paris hotel which lights up at night. Secondly, the front of the resort on Las Vegas Blvd is always a great shot. Finally, it’s one of the best resorts to stay in with loads of things to do. Book your stay here!

Sadelle’s Restaurant

The famous New York Restaurant, Sadelle’s is now a staple at The Bellagio Resort. Beautiful blue interior with Italian-style windows that overlook the pool, it’s a photographer’s dream. They even have a pink and white striped cart selling to-go bagels and coffee that is back for the perfect girly photo opportunity. I can also confirm the food is delicious. Get the bagels, grapefruit brûlée, and Belgian waffle, and thank me later.

Aria Lobby

Similar to the Bellagio, the Aria resort has an over-the-top display in the lobby that transforms each season. Most recently it had beautiful red lanterns for Chinese New Year. We were lucky enough to witness the brand new spring display (March 2023-May 2023) on our last visit. Huge rainbow-colored balloons and adorable small fairy homes adorn the trees. Finally, this is easily our favorite resort to stay in and you can book your stay here.

Catch Restaurant

The photo girls love a good flower tunnel entrance. And being that I myself am a photo girly I was excited to visit Catch Restaurant for the first time. This restaurant is located in the Aria hotel and is known for its seafood, photographic interior, and sometimes celeb spottings. You definitely want to make a reservation for this restaurant or choose to sit at the bar as we did (it’s first come, first serve).

Trevi Fountain

A very small scale of the actual Trevi Fountain is located at the Caesars Palace shopping center. This fountain was very much inspired by the actual one in Rome, Italy. It’s a great spot for photos and one of the most instagrammable places in Vegas.

New York, New York Hotel

New, York, New York a hotel so nice they named it twice! It needs no introduction. You are not quite in New York City here but all the nostalgia makes you feel as though you’re in the big apple. There are a couple of angles on the strip that make for the perfect photo-op spot. The above photo was taken on the pedestrian bridge above Las Vegas Blvd.

Neon Museum

One of the coolest experiences in Vegas is the Neon Museum. Featuring signs from old casinos and businesses on the strip. You are not allowed to bring in any cameras unless you obtain a photography permit. You are allowed however to snap photos on your phone. They are open from 4 pm-12 am, tickets are $20, and it’s best to book your tickets online prior!

Wynn Resort

The Wynn Hotel has a Willy Wonka-whimsical vibe to the interior design. Check out the atrium with the carousel of flowers in the lobby or opt for the tall waterfall at Lakeside restaurant. This resort is notorious for celebrity sightings too especially at the bar Delilah’s. Finally, the buffet is one of my favorites in the world so make sure to check that out.

Nelson Ghost Town

Nelson Ghost Town is a mix of an old movie set, burning man tributes, and outdoor art displays. It’s located only 45 minutes from the strip and is a unique activity in Vegas.

Thanks for reading my “Ultimate Guide to The Best Las Vegas Photo Spots”. Are there any spots I left out that you absolutely LOVE? Leave a comment below for more of my USA travel guides.

XO,

Courtney