These Las Vegas Instagram spots will get you off of the Strip and out to explore some of the lesser know (but just as cool) areas of Las Vegas.
It’s a city with a rich and interesting history, and also a surprising number of amazing natural features that are great for a day trip!
Don’t make the mistake of only staying on the Strip when some of your best ‘grams will be from elsewhere!
This site may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no cost to you.
The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is in Downtown Las Vegas, where many of the historic neon signs from from Vegas’s heyday settle as their final resting place.
The colorful signs are all set up in galleries outside, where you can only view them on a guided tour, tickets for which can be purchased here.
View this post on Instagram
The guides know however that the gram is king, so they give people plenty of time to take photos. Just know that it’s wise to reserve a spot on a tour ahead of time because they do sell out.
Also, according to the website, not allowed to bring tripods or anything that looks like you’ll be using the photos for professional reason.
Valley of Fire State Park
If you’re up for a drive, this Nevada State Park is about an hour north of Vegas.
It’s $10 to get in, and you’ll enter right by the visitor’s center explaining all about the geology of the area’s fiery red rocks, the local flora and fauna, and plenty of information and maps.
There are plenty of things to see, so you need at least a half day to get that perfect shot.
You’ll also see different things as the light changes, as I went back to one spot I had already shot and found the light was much better later in the day.
Please keep in mind that it’s a state park that must be preserved, so stay on designated trails and don’t go where you shouldn’t.
The Smith Center
This is one of a few Las Vegas Instagram spots I’ve found that is definitely under-the-radar, and people love these photos whenever I post them!
The government buildings of Las Vegas are actually very new and nice, with some architectural gems in the complex.
One of these is the Smith Center, Las Vegas’s performing arts center.
The main building has gorgeous metallic Art Deco features, which mimic the features of the Hoover Dam.
There’s also a colorful art installation out in front of the building. It’s bright, 3D and makes for the perfect Instagram photo!
Bad Owl Coffee
What’s better than a coffee shop themed after Harry Potter? Nothing, if you ask me.
While you’re getting your (espresso) shots, enjoy a Belgian waffle served with Butterbrew whipped cream (delicious!)
There is plenty of HP ambiance, including a fake white owl and swinging dementors!
It’s sure to bring out the magic in anyone! This is a great stop if you’re on your way to the Hoover Dam. The coffee shop is located in Henderson (a Vegas suburb), which is right on the way.
Seven Magic Mountains
Seven Magic Mountains is one of my favorite Las Vegas Instagram spots, which will only be on display until the end of 2021.
It was originally slated to be taken down at the end of 2018, but the Bureau of Land Management granted an extension, since the site was so popular!
Produced by the Nevada Museum of Art and the brain child of Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, the brightly-painted boulders stand over 30 feet high.
You’ve probably already seen this on Instagram, and it’s about 25 minutes south of the Strip on South Las Vegas Blvd.
View this post on Instagram
You might think some painted rocks stacked on top of each other is weird, but it’s actually surprisingly beautiful!
They’re bright and very tall, and contrast extremely well with the surrounding landscape.
We drove by once in the late afternoon and it was very, very crowded.
As with many popular Instagram spots, it’s smart to go early.
Kevin and I got there around 8 AM and we were (almost) the only people there.
Fremont Street Experience
Back before the Strip was the Strip, downtown Las Vegas was where the party was.
It’s where most of the famous neon lights were/are located, often shown in movies and TV (including Elvis’s Viva Las Vegas movie).
View this post on Instagram
Today, Fremont Street is covered overhead and has been reborn the Fremont Street Experience, where retro casino hotels and modern entertainment collide.
All the neon lights and retro decor make for great Instagram photos, and it’s an “experience” not to be missed in Las Vegas!
Our Photo/Video Gear
Like this post? Make sure to Pin it!
