Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife and the bright neon lights of its main streets.
Recognized for its dazzling collection of neon signs, Las Vegas has hundreds of excellent examples on live display at casinos and businesses around the city.
The neon signs in Las Vegas are brimming with history and nostalgia. They bring the city nights to life - maybe Las Vegas was where the term nightlife actually started, and maybe in part due to their colorful neon signs.
Las Vegas city and its management have prioritized preserving its neon signs - they repair, restore, and erect them around the city. A big part of Las Vegas's unique history is its neon signs, and we're happy to see them being kept alive.
Many of Las Vegas's most famous neon signs continue to operate, preserving the city’s rich heritage and visual identity. Each neon sign plays a role in the city's distinctive history, and below, I've covered some of the best-known neon signs in the city.
1. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Las Vegas's most iconic neon sign, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, has been a key element of the city’s landscape since its creation in 1959 by Betty Willis. The Fremont Street Experience, a major part of Las Vegas's identity, has many neon signs on display outside its many casinos and businesses.
The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" neon sign has never been trademarked. It greets locals and tourists arriving in the city and is a cultural icon recognized globally.
2. Paris Las Vegas Sign
Built-in 1999, the Montgolfier neon sign (a balloon shape) at the Paris Las Vegas casino is about as iconic as it gets for neon signs in Las Vegas—it blends the old with the new. Though not as old as some of the other neon signs in the city, its unique spherical shape and bright, colorful lines demand attention. Also, a replica of the Eiffel Tower is at the Paris Las Vegas Casino.
3. Binion’s Gambling Hall
When Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel opened it's doors in 1951, it was instantly recognized for it's elaborate neon sign out the front - the current neon signs aren't made from glass neon, but they are a close replication of what the original neon signs looked like, so we get to view back into history.
Binion’s Gambling Hall, originally known as Binion’s Horseshoe, is a legendary establishment in the city’s gaming scene. It was one of the first casino's on Fremont Street, and as time went on each casino had to one-up the last by creating larger and more elaborate neon signage - to stand out.
4. Circus Circus
The Circus Circus neon sign featuring “Lucky,” the 123-foot-tall clown, has been a gorgeous part of Las Vegas’ landscape since 1976. This iconic neon sign makes the casino stand out and attract customers. This is one of our favorite neon signs in Las Vegas - the clown design, the reds, blues, oranges, and white all combine to be one of the most elaborate and interesting neon signs in the city. Apart from “Lucky,” the casino’s pink-and-gold porte-cochère is another exquisite piece of neon artistry that adds to the city’s visual charm.
5. Flamingo Las Vegas
The Flamingo Las Vegas is one of the city's oldest casinos. Established in 1947, the neon sign at the hotel entrance is a visual blend of "feathers and flames" and was installed during one of its renovations. Less of a neon sign and more of neon artwork, the Flamino Hotel also has several other neon artworks - including pink neon flamingos.
6. Golden Gate Hotel & Casino
As the oldest casino in Las Vegas, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino has had several renovations and expansions over the years. Its magnificent neon sign at the entrance reflects the business's rich history, featuring a tall tower with the words GOLDEN GATE, Casino, and Hotel in yellow, red, and pink neon.
7. High Hat Regency Motel
The High Hat Regency Motel is one of the last remaining motels from the golden era of Las Vegas. Its neon script title and flashing top hat add a touch of elegance to the otherwise modest hotel. The neon sign definitely plays a significant role in drawing customers in to stay.
8. In-N-Out Burger
The In-N-Out Burger sign is a rotating neon spectacle and must be applauded for its iconic look, even though it was only built in the last 15 years. Las Vegas residents and visitors obviously love thier burgers, and In-and-Out is known for locally sourced fresh ingredients and well-made burgers. It's red and green neon sign is a feast for the eyes - drink it in, like one of their almost as famous - chocolate shakes!
9. Par-A-Dice
First appearing in 1953, the Par-A-Dice neon sign has been recently refurbished and reinstalled just north of Oakey Boulevard. This sign and seven others form a complete neon streetscape stretching from the gateway arches up Las Vegas Boulevard to The Neon Museum and Washington Avenue.
10. Neon Museum
The Neon Museum's collection offers viewers a view into the extensive history of Las Vegas distinctive history. They offer guided tours and walkthroughs explaining the many neon signs they have on display.
One day, I hope that many of the neon signs on display here will be returned to the main streets and strip where they were originally located—imagine the streets of Las Vegas with all of these neon signs shining bright in the Southern Nevada desert sky again.
The Neon Museum features a two-acre outdoor exhibition space called the Neon Boneyard. The artist Craig Winslow has a 'Brilliant!' show at the Neon Boneyard, which reanimates some vintage signs. The North Gallery, part of the Neon Boneyard, houses additional signs and hosts the 'Brilliant!' show.
Here, technicians and artists work tirelessly to restore and preserve the city’s old, historic signs, which are part of the Neon Museum's collection. The museum's visitors' center and gift shop are housed inside the former La Concha Motel lobby. Some of the most famous neon signs from Las Vegas' heyday, like the Riviera neon sign, are on display at the museum.
11. Las Vegas Boulevard Improvement Project
The Las Vegas Boulevard Improvement Project has the goal of preserving and showcasing the city’s neon signs - with a focus on downtown Las Vegas. As part of this project, a new sign has emerged, reflecting the trend towards creating entertainment environments that make traditional neon signs less necessary. This $125 million project has led to refurbishing and installing eight neon signs, creating a neon trail that beautifies Las Vegas Boulevard and celebrates the city’s history.
Las Vegas’ iconic neon signs are glowing reminders of the city’s vibrant past and unrelenting spirit. They are a testament to Vegas’ unique visual identity, adding charm and allure. Whether it’s the welcoming glow of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign or the mesmerizing spherical brilliance of the Montgolfier neon sign at Paris Las Vegas, each neon beacon tells a tale of the city’s illustrious history, making Las Vegas truly a city of lights.
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