Visiting Las Vegas? Don’t miss these awesome photo spots!
Whether you’re a photographer or want to capture beautiful memories to share with the fam, here are the best Las Vegas photo spots.
As Las Vegas locals, we often tell visitors there is more to Vegas than just the Strip. In this post, we included popular spots because most people start there. But we’re also excited to share some hidden gems only locals know.
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Last Updated: December 6, 2023
27+ Best Las Vegas Photo SPots You SHouldn’t Miss
As a photographer, I’m always scouting for good shooting locations, and we have plenty. On the Strip, you can practically take a trip around the world, and off-Strip, you can explore the budding art scene and beautiful desert landscapes.
Las Vegas is constantly building something shiny and new, and in typical Vegas fashion, bigger or more extravagant. It’s a surprise to see how much the city has transformed since we last lived here. As we continue to explore different neighborhoods, be sure to check back to see newer photo spots added here.
Las Vegas Strip Photography Spots
1. Bellagio COnservatory & Botanical Gardens →
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, map
Always dressed to the nines. Out of all the casinos on the strip, if you want to see the best seasonal decor, this is where it’s at. Plus, it’s free to visit.
Local Tip: Keep an eye out for the dark days when they are switching the displays over. We update those dates on the post below.
See More: Your Essential Guide to the Bellagio Botanical Gardens
2. Bellagio’s Dale Chihuly
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, map
Right when you walk into the Bellagio, there’s the gigantic Fiori di Como, one of Dale Chihuly’s most famous pieces. I used to take a photo of it every time I visited Vegas.
3. Fashion Show Mall Stairs Mural
3200 Las Vegas Blvd S Ste. 600, NV 89109, map
This rainbow installation on the strip-side Plaza staircase is called “Colors that Speak to a United City” by Tanya “Miscre8” Watler.
On the northern strip-side staircase, there’s another mural inspired by Red Rock Canyon called “Be Kind to Bugs” by Michael Dodson
P.S. I edited out the rails to make the photo look cleaner.
4. Eiffel Tower
3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, map
Starting from the Bellagio valet, you can take a walk around the Fountains of Bellagio to find the perfect vantage point of the Eiffel Tower from the Paris Casino. You can also take low-angle shots from under the tower.
Local Tip: You can ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower too! It’s not great for portrait photos, but you can get some awesome shots of the Strip, especially a top-down view of the Bellagio Fountains.
See More: 11 Best Places to Visit in Paris France
5. Flower Carousel at the Wynn
3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, map
The Wynn has several photo spots, but our two favorites are the flower carousel and the tree-lined atrium.
6. Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
5200 Las Vegas Blvd S, 89119, map
If it’s your first time in Vegas, you can’t leave without taking a photo with the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
We took this from our Vegas engagement session back in 2010, but we need to take an updated one. Probably should have gone when all our friends biked down the Strip when it was closed.
Local Tip: There’s always a huge line here, but you can skip the line by taking an alternate angle (not straight on) either from the left or right.
7. High Roller and Linq Promenade →
3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, map
The 30-minute experience on the High Roller gives you 360 views of the city. Even if you don’t go up for a ride, there are some photo ops on the LINQ Promenade with it behind you.
Local Tip: If you’re riding, bring a wide-angle lens (at least 16 mm on a full-frame or if your iPhone has the wide-angle, that works too.)
See More: The LINQ Promenade Guide – What to Eat, See, and Do
8. Trevi Fountain at Caesar’s
36.1186754,-115.1753614, map
There are tons of spots to take photos around the Caesar’s Palace property, but the Trevi Fountain is by far the most popular.
Here’s me pretending to throw a coin.
Fun Fact: Did you know at the original Trevi fountain, it is believed that if you toss one coin, you’ll have a return trip to Rome? If you toss two, you’ll find romance, and a third will bring you marriage.
9. James Turrell Exhibit at the Crystals
3720 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, map
Although this installation isn’t nearly as impressive as Akhob, the one hidden inside Louis Vuitton at the Crystals, it’s the only one you can take a photo of or with.
If you get a chance, you should check out Akhob. It’s mesmerizing. They take reservations by phone (702.730.3150). Space is limited.
10. The Venetian Gondola Ride + Outdoor Area →
3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, map
You can do the ride indoors or outdoors. We personally like the outdoor one since you can get better lighting, but the indoor one might give you more of that quintessential Venice vibe. There are also some great photo spots along the water where you can catch the gondolas in the background and also at the scenic overlook on the second floor.
Local Tip: Photo shoots with professional cameras are not allowed in the outdoor square without permission but you can shoot with your phone.
11. Luxor Sphinx
3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89119, map
At the front of the Luxor, you’ll find a 110 ft tall Sphinx. You can take some great photos in front of the Sphinx or on the walkway to the side of it.
Local Tip: The Strip monorail has a stop here, so it will sporadically have an influx of people. For the most part, this area stays empty.
12. Neon Museum →
770 Las Vegas Blvd N, 89101, map
The Neon Museum, also known as the Neon Graveyard or Neon Boneyard, is where the older neon Las Vegas signs go after they retire. We’ve done both the evening tour and the DIY option during the day.
The area where you walk through the vintage signs is smaller than I first imagined, but it’s a popular photo spot for visitors and engagement/wedding sessions. Go in the daytime to take portrait shots in front of the neon signs or go in the evening to take photos of the signs lit up.
Local Tip: With regular admission, you’re only allowed to bring your phone. If you want to do a legit shoot, you need to pay an additional fee of $600 or $50 for portrait hour where you share the space with other photographers.
13. Area15 →
3215 S Rancho Dr, 89102, map
They have a ton of murals and interactive art both inside and outside. So far, our favorite exhibits are Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Lost Spirits Distillery, and Wink World.
Local Tip: They will be expanding in the coming years to bring even more attractions, including a year-round Universal Studios Horror attraction.
See More: Your Ultimate Guide to AREA15 Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas Photoshoot Locations
14. Lightning Bolt Building, Fremont East
S 7th St, 89101, map
Artist: Felipe Pantone
From the Life is Beautiful festival, Felipe Pantone’s mural with black and white zigzags and a metallic lightning bolt. We still need to check it out at night, but it’s supposed to light up at night since it’s solar-powered.
15. The Walala Shack
800 E Fremont St, 89101, map
Artist: Camille Walala
One of the oldest surviving gas stations in town has transformed into art. It is currently the Walala Shack from the Life is Beautiful Festival 2021 (left/top). Previously from Life is Beautiful 2018, it was the Empty Club clad in all pink by Andre Saraiva (right/bottom).
16. Life is Beautiful Mural →
S 7th St, 89101, map
Artist: Ricardo Gonzalez
DTLV is such a perfect area to walk around and see all the street art. This brand new Life is Beautiful Mural l is just one of many murals in DTLV from the Life is Beautiful Festival in 2021 (top/left).
It replaced the colorful mural titled “Rest of the Three Graces” by Okuda San Miguel (right/bottom).
See More: Life Is Beautiful Festival Las Vegas
17. Frank Gehry Building
888 W Bonneville Ave, 89106, map
It was a surprise to me to hear that Frank Gehry had designed a building in Vegas. For the longest time, the architect refused to build anything in Vegas for fear that it would be turned into a theme, but Larry Ruvo was able to convince him by including Huntington’s disease in their research.
The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health also hosts events. Our friends got married here and it was such an amazing venue.
18. Symphony Park Pipe Dream
361 Symphony Park Avenue, 89106, map
Only a couple blocks from the Frank Gehry Building, you’ll find Symphony Park and this colorful striped sculpture called Pipe Dream from artist Tim Bavington.
It’s outside the Smith Center for the Performing Arts’ east entrance and was designed to be the backdrop for their outdoor concert series. Hopefully, it will come back in the near future.
See More: 11 Las Vegas Shows You Can’t Miss
19. Fremont Street Experience →
36.1707881,-115.1464592, map
If you haven’t been to Fremont Street in a while, then you might have missed the $32 million upgrade. It’s bigger and brighter than ever.
See More: The Fremont Street Experience
20. Ethel M Cactus Garden →
2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014, map
Even locals love frequenting this free attraction. Who can say no to free chocolate samples?
Local Tip: During Christmas and Valentine’s Day, they decorate the gardens in lights.
See More: Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens
21. Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
9200 Tule Springs Rd, 89131, map
This is a popular local photoshoot location for family portraits and engagement sessions. So far I haven’t seen many tourists come to this spot, but it’s especially worthwhile during the fall.
Local Tip: There is a $6 per vehicle fee.
See More: How to Explore the Outdoors Safely
22. Aliante Nature Discovery Park
2627 Nature Park Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89084, map
Aliante Nature Discovery Park in Northern Las Vegas has an urban waterfall and is a great picnic spot. We booked our picnic with LV picnic parties.
See More: 15 Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Las Vegas
23. Red Rock Canyon →
1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, map
There are so many lovely hikes here. When the temps are right, you’ll find us here at least once a week to explore new hikes or climbs.
If you boulder, chances are you’re here to get a shot at the top of Plumber’s Crack at Kraft Boulders. It’s not difficult but scary AF. If you don’t climb, we don’t recommend it, since you can get seriously hurt.
Local Tip: Reservations are required to enter the loop. There is a $2 fee.
See More: 7 Best Things to DO in Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area
24. Cactus Joe’s
12740 Blue Diamond Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89161, map
We often see Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond Nursery while driving to Red Rock from the Diamond side. I was surprised at how big the nursery was. They have a lot of cute photo ops set up throughout the nursery.
Photo Spots Near Las Vegas
25. Seven Magic Mountains
35.8384095,-115.2731037, map
It’s hard to believe that this was once a hidden art gem in the desert. If you’re an Instagrammer, this is probably at the top of your list of places to visit, and it’s just 30 mins outside of Las Vegas.
It opened in 2016 and the installation has been extended to be there until the end of 2021. If you haven’t been yet, there’s no guarantee it will extend again, but we can hope.
Local Tip: It’s actually one of the best astrophotography spots closest to Vegas. We go here during the milky way season and whenever there’s an astro event like the Neowise comet.
26. Nelsons Landing + Nelson Ghost Town →
Nelson Cutoff Rd, Searchlight, 89046, map
Just 45 minutes south of Vegas is Nelson Ghost Town, a popular spot among photographers to shoot portraits, engagements, and weddings.
It is by far our favorite offbeat place to shoot that we went there twice in the past month already.
Local Tip: There is a $10-20 fee to do a photo shoot here. Stop by the office to pay.
See More: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Nelsons Landing + Nelson Ghost Town
27. Valley of Fire →
36.4299798,-114.5159887, map
Valley of Fire is just an hour away from Vegas and a popular spot to go to for photos. This road shot and the Fire Wave are both really easy to get to. See our guide linked below.
Local Tip: Locals can enter for free with a library card.
28. Boulder City Dry Lake Bed
35.8491849,-114.9180218, map
Another great spot is the Boulder City Dry Lake Bed. We went out to shoot some elopement shots for Josh & Macy with the help of The Little Vegas CHapel.
Local Tip: Keep an eye out for the dark days when they are switching the displays over. We update those dates on the post below.
See More: 17 Unique Bucket List Worthy Experiences in Las Vegas
Map of the Best Photo Spots in Las Vegas
More Only Las Vegas Photography Spots
- With the Bellagio Fountains
- Chandelier at the Cosmo (light isn’t great here)
- Illuminarium
- Waldorf Astoria Champagne ATM
- Las Vegas Chapels – there are a lot of them but we loved the Viva Las Vegas Weddings package with Elvis and the Pink Cadillac.
- Venetian’s Waterfall Atrium and Love Sculpture
- High Hat Motel
- Fantasy Lab
- The Mob Museum
More Las Vegas Desert Photo Locations
- Jean Dry Lake Bed
- Springs Preserve
- Spring Mountain Ranch
More Modern or Urban Las Vegas Photo Spots
- 11th St Records
- Bacardi Art Motel
- Downtown Las Vegas Sign
- El Cortez + Abbey Road
- Historic Fifth Street School
- New Las Vegas Sign
- Tivoli Village
- Pinball Hall of Fame
Most Instagrammable Cafes and Restaurants
- Baby Birds Cafe
- Best Friend – The decor in the entrance is great for photos. As for the food, the frosé and uni fried rice were the best!
- Black Tap – Over-the-top milkshakes that are much better for photos than for eating IMO.
- Bungalow Coffee
- Catch at Aria – Starting with the grand entrance, there are plenty of photo opps at the Catch Restaurant. The lighting inside isn’t the best, but it doesn’t stop people from taking photos.
- Cafe Lola – everything here was made for the gram.
- Gabi Coffee and Bakery, Chinatown – Pretty dark inside. You might want to bring your own lights.
- Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den – Speakeasy that changes decor throughout the year.
- I Love Sugar Candy Martini Bar, LINQ – The candy martinis are massive and have definitely gone viral on TikTok.
- Mas Por Favor – There’s a speakeasy in the back.
- Mizumi, Wynn – the outdoor seating is prettier.
- Mrs Coco
- Savor Coffee
More Nature and Mountainscapes
- Arizona Hot Springs
- Gilcrease Orchard (people love going for photos during pumpkin season)
- Lake Las Vegas
- Mt Charleston
Essential Tips
- If you’re shooting indoor spots, it’s best to bring a wide lens. Our goto is this one.
- For outdoor spots, we like to have the option of a wide lens and a long lens in case we want to compress the background.
- A solid camera backpack is really helpful to have. We love this one because it has a low profile but great access and organization.
- Don’t forget sunblock! The sun gets intense in Vegas.
Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Las Vegas travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with Go City.
Can you think of any other Las Vegas photo spots that we need to check out? Which of these are you hoping to see next?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.