5 Reasons To Visit Downtown Las Vegas

Vegas is cool. I’ve found proof.

It’s slightly off the beaten track, but there is a boneyard in Downtown Las Vegas that celebrates the history and decadence of Vegas in an unexpectedly hip fashion. It’s called The Neon Museum and it is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a graveyard for old neon signs from the casinos, motels and businesses of Vegas.

Like signposts for giants, the old neon lights and billboards are clustered in pastel-coloured groups. On a 1-hour tour we were guided passionately through the boneyard as the historical relevance of each sign was explained to us.

There were simplistic signs from the 30’s that just said what their owners sold: “Cocktails, Steak, Chicken.”

There were statues, wedding bells, Aladdin’s lamp.

There were giant arrows, which we learned were incorporated into signs as the popularity of the motor car grew. They pointed every which way around the yard, beckoning us to ‘come this way’ and go over there, sending my head into a spin.

There were parts of famous casino signs that we could just about recognise – a face in profile from Caesars (modelled on the owner himself), golden-coloured bogies that were previously Golden Nuggets – and the whole of the Stardust sign sparkling its name across the yard.

Neon Museum Las Vegas

Neon Museum Las Vegas

Neon Museum Las Vegas

Neon Museum Las Vegas

Neon Museum Las Vegas

The process of how these signs would have been made, as well as restored, is explained on the tour. But the fascinating part for me was what we learnt about the history and stories behind them.

These signs belonged to places that Elvis first performed, themed casinos that were declared doomed for failure, and flashy Mob run hotels whose launches were a failure. (Talking about you, Flamingo.)

Neon Museum Las Vegas

Neon Museum Las Vegas

Neon Museum Las Vegas

Neon Museum Las Vegas

The museum’s visitor centre is also a piece of history, having once been the lobby of La Concha Motel.

Built in 1961, La Concha was originally located at 2955 Las Vegas Boulevard South but when it was set for destruction the owners, the Doumani Family, promised the Atomic-age inspired building to the Neon Museum instead.

In 2006 it was relocated and became the museum’s entrance hall. Rather sweetly, the original La Concha Motel sign stands bright and proud just outside the exit. (Kept company by a funky chicken, no less).

Neon Museum Las Vegas

The restoration of Vegas’ historical signs extends beyond the museum.

As part of the National Scenic Byways “Neon Signs” project some of the city’s glitziest signs have been lovingly restored and are now dispersed throughout the Downtown area.

Spinning high heels (from the Silver Slipper Casino), bucking horseman (the Hacienda Horse and Rider) and signs for motels long since closed down (like Lucky Cuss), line the road to the museum and make you truly feel like you are taking a walk down memory lane.

The sign for the Neon Museum itself is a tribute to the design innovation of the Las Vegas neon sign, and they have used the typography from some of the more famous signs in the graveyard to form it.

neon museum

Downton Las Vegas

Downton Las VegasElsewhere in Downtown there is more to delight a fan of street art and street food (such as myself).

The Container Park is a collection of eateries and boutiques hosted in old storage containers. With a child-friendly play area in the middle and live music on stage, it’s a relaxed yet happening place to hang out in Vegas. Who knew we would find that here?

Downton Las Vegas Container Park

Downton Las Vegas Container Park

Other unexpected attractions we found in this area include Slotzilla – a zip line that runs through the Fremont Street Experience – and a number of antique shops in the area selling old casino chips and memorabilia.

The newest hotel and casino sitting in the centre of all this history is the Downtown Grand and for dinner we visited their diner Stewart & Ogden. The food is an edgy mix of modern and traditional American cuisine, which is reflected in the restaurant décor – think 50’s diner but with chandeliers and comfy couches. I ate a delicious dish of braised rib and mash followed by a Key Lime Pie. The quality and service was far beyond anything I expected in this grittier part of town.

Stewart & Ogden

But if all this history and hipness is not enough to convince you to visit Downtown Vegas I have one last temptation to offer you – it’s called the Premium Outlet . With offers of up to 60% off premium brands like Kate Spade New York, Coach and Michael Kors.

I think I can rest my case now!

Have you been to Downtown Las Vegas? Has this tempted you to make a visit on your next trip?

Ticket prices for day tours of the Neon Museum are $18.

For more information or to book a visit head to www.neonmuseum.org.

About the author

I’m Jayne, a travel blogger, content creator and mum to a 4-year-old son. I’ve been blogging since 2010, travelled to 65 countries and share travel guides and tips to help you plan stylish, stress-free trips.

10 thoughts on “5 Reasons To Visit Downtown Las Vegas”

  1. The Neon Museum is so cool! I’ve been to Vegas a couple of times but never strayed off strip (except for 1x golf resort wedding). This definitely makes me want to explore downtown! I missed out!

    Reply
  2. Before I read your posts about Las Vegas, I had my prejudices about the place but these place looks so interesting and as I am a huge fan of street art and street food, I would love to check this out! May have to sort out my finances first if there is an outlet store though!

    Reply
    • Haha I was the same Naomi but Downtown interested me during my research and after our visit there the first day we went back almost every day. It’s such an interesting part of town and so different to the Strip too. But yes beware of that outlet – I speak from experience!! 🙂

      Reply

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