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The “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign

The "Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas" sign is certainly one of the most famous and most iconic signs in the world. It's image, usually seen against a setting sun or at night, conjures up an image of fun and excitement The design, stretching way back to 1959 is instantly recognizable. Every visitor stops at it's base for a selfie. In a way, it's this sign that proves you were really there.

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Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

The sign itself is located on the south end of the Las Vegas strip. In 2009, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On the front of the sign, it reads, as you well know, “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas,” while the backside offers a message for people leaving town: “Drive Carefully Come Back Soon.”

Where Is the Las Vegas Sign Located?

The sign was originally constructed to welcome travelers arriving from the highways of Southern California. Back then it was situated on the outskirts of the city. Today, thanks to urban sprawl, it sits at the southern end of the strip. While the Las Vegas strip has no official boundary most people think of the sign as being the southernmost point of the strip. Funnily enough, the sign isn’t even situated in Las Vegas! It’s actually in the town of Paradise, Nevada. Still, if the sign read: Welcome To Fabulous Nevada” it might not have the same ring to it.

The sign itself sits on the median of Las Vegas Boulevard. It has the Bali Hai golf course to its west. To the east is the McCarran International Airport. Though it would be a bit of a stretch to walk from the sign to the airport. Even though the sign is smack bang in the middle of one of America’s biggest streets, the area around it is very pedestrian-friendly. Since 2015, a number of stop walks have been introduced. And whatever the time of year, there’s always a handful of people standing around at the base of the sign. Of course, with this being Vegas, you’ll always find an Elvis impersonator or a wedding party using the iconic symbol as a backdrop.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere the Signs

Not many people realize that there are two other “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” signs. These are slightly smaller replicas and are to be found on the Boulder Hill Highway and on the further eastern edge of the strip close to the Eastside Cannery Hotel and Casino. Then there’s yet another even smaller version of the sign that you’ll be able to see when driving towards the casinos of Fremont street. This one reads, “Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas.” You’ll find it at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and 4th Street. Unfortunately, there’s no nearby parking and it’s situation does not make it pedestrian-friendly.

having you photo taken in front of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” is a must-do for any tourist. And the strangest thing of all about the experience is that it’s probably the only thing in Las Vegas that’s free! Whilst you’re in Vegas there are some other places to visit. Once you’ve had your photo taken in front of the sign, you should visit the other must-see attractions in this town of glitter and fakery.

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The Venetian Gondoliers

Being European, this attraction makes us throw up in our mouths a little. Gondoliers from Venice in the hot desert of the US. The Venetian Casino is the guilty party here. You can jump in or simply take a selfie with the boats as a nice backdrop. We’ll admit it does look kinda romantic at sundown.

Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas: Fremont Street

This is where it all started for the city of Las Vegas. Here you’ll have that old town feel, with lots of street performers, a zip line, live bands and s much more. More tacky rubbish that is. A truly horrible experience, with those street performers being almost violently aggressive as well as having flyers for hookers thrust into your hand at every turn. When the apocalypse finally comes, let it lay to waste this street first. If this is Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas, then there’s really no hope left.

The Neon museum

A tiny and rather pathetic museum dedicated to, well, neon lights. Not even sure why it exists.

Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas: Bellagio Fountains

Oh..apart from the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign, we’ve found our second free item on the list of Vegas attractions. It’s the fountains outside the Bellagio Casino. It’s water and it’s wet. That’s all there is to say about this artificial and silly waste of resources.