The Neon Spectacle of Las Vegas

June 21, 2023, Leave a Comment on The Neon Spectacle of Las Vegas

Las Vegas became famous for its casinos that boasted glitz and glamor with big, brilliant buzzing neon signs. Sadly, these days many have switched to LED, and while some signs have had a second life at the Neon Museum, there is still plenty of neon to be seen in the wild. From the massive kicking cowgirl known fondly as Vegas Vickie, to the tiny motor courts of early Las Vegas, here is a glimpse at some of the amazing neon we saw while in Vegas.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Designed by Betty Willis and installed in 1959, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has become an icon. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, it now has its very own parking lot, making it an easy and must-visit stop at the start of the Strip.

Vegas Vickie – Circa Resort & Casino, 8 Fremont Street.

While not part of the golden age of Las Vegas, as she was installed in 1980, Vegas Vickie is still an icon of the gambling desert town, even marrying Vegas Vic, the towering neon cowboy, in 1994. In 2017 she was taken down as Fremont Street made way for the new Circa Resort & Casino, but she was restored and installed inside, complete with her very own cocktail lounge and she even has a beer!

Fremont Street Experience.

Hacienda sign, intersection of S. Las Vegas Boulevard and E. Fremont Street.

El Cortez Hotel & Casino, 600 E. Fremont Street. Operational.

The El Cortez was built in 1941 and they claim it was the first “major resort” in Las Vegas. The neon seen today was installed in 1952, and due to its unchanging facade, in 2013 it became the first hotel casino to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The casino is also home to the last coin slots in Vegas. This was a contender for us to stay at, but ultimately we selected the Golden Gate, perhaps on another trip we will stay here. I’m glad we didn’t stay this time, because it is currently undergoing some renovations.

Ambassador Motel sign, 900 E. Fremont Street.

Atomic Liquor, 917 E. Fremont Street. Operational.

In 1945 Virginia’s Cafe opened on this site, and it became a hot spot for locals to watch the atomic bomb tests that were being done in the nearby desert. Taking inspiration from the tests, it became Atomic Liquor in 1952.

Fregusons Motel, 1028 E Fremont Street.

This motel sign always buzzes “no vacancy” because it’s no longer motel, but instead a unique shopping, dining, and live entertainment venue, a perfect example of repurposing while also paying homage to Vegas’ history.

Downtowner Motel 129 N. 8th Street. Operational.

I.O.O.F. Hall, 150 Las Vegas Boulevard North.

Travelers Motel, 1100 E. Fremont Street. Unsure of status. It did not appear to be open, but was well maintained.

Lucky Motel, 1131 E. Fremont Street. Abandoned.

Las Vegas Motel, 1200 E. Fremont Street. Abandoned.

Fremont Motel, 1210 E. Fremont Street. Abandoned.

Star View Motel, 1216 E. Fremont Street. Abandoned.

Peter Pan Motel, 112 N. 13th Street. Abandoned.

Las Gables Court, Intersection of N. 12th Street & E. Fremont Street. Abandoned.

Lucky Lady Motel, 1308 E. Fremont Street. Operational.

Desert Hills Motel, 2121 E. Fremont Street. Operational.

Sky Ranch Motel, 2009 E. Fremont Street. Operational.

Safari Motel, 2001 E. Fremont Street. Operational.

Blue Angel sign & statue, intersection of E. Fremont Street & E. Charleston Boulevard.

El Sombrero Cafe, 807 S. Main Street, now Letty’s de Leticia’s Cocina.

Bow & Arrow Motel sign, in the median near the Neon Museum.

West Wind Las Vegas Drive-In, 4150 W Cary Avenue. Operational.

According to Cinema Treasures, the Las Vegas Drive-In opened in 1966 with one screen, and expanded several times over the years to reach its current number of six screens.

If you choose to visit and photograph these locations, please remember to be respectful. I always abide by “No Trespassing” signs and use my telephoto to get close-up shots.