The bright lights of Las Vegas are impressive, overwhelming, incredible, blah blah blah. We know that; everyone knows that! What about everything outside of the 4 miles of casinos and titties? There is an entire city surrounding the Strip, and it often gets overlooked by visitors.
If you would kindly put a pause on your booze and debauchery for a moment, I’d like to share the best Instagram spots in Las Vegas that are off the Strip. I have compiled a list of my favorite Instagram photo locations with the help of my local content creators. If their photos inspire you to visit these locations and create, consider giving them a follow. They are all wildly talented and kind, so don’t be shy!
I have also highlighted a few of my favorite local photographers at the end of this post. If you are interested in a Vegas-themed photoshoot during your vacation, contact them! I bring you only the best, ya little drunk.
Best Instagram Spots in Las Vegas MAP
For quick access, I’ve also created a map with all of the locations linked. Yes, girl, I got you! If you would like to save a pre-set map, see below.
More About Las Vegas
Are you planning a trip to Vegas? Check out How to Save Money in Las Vegas and How I Book Cheap Flights to save hundreds of dollars on your next vacation. Literally. Hundreds. If you’re visiting for a girl’s trip, bookmark Girls Trip to Vegas – Local’s Guide from my friend Monique and thank me later.
Best Instagram Spots in Las Vegas Overview
- Wetlands Park
- Lake Mead National Park
- Cactus Joe’s
- Nelson’s Ghost Town
- Late Night Trails Park
- 7 Magic Mountains
- Valley of Fire
- Mt. Charleston
- Red Rock Canyon
- Death Valley
- Local Photographers
Wetlands Park
Wetlands Park Nature Preserve may be my favorite spot for photos in Las Vegas because it is unlike anything else in the city. Spanning 1.5 miles, it is accessible by foot or bike, and the paved paths allow easy trekking. Keep your eye out for the abundance of wildlife (including snakey snakes) and snap a gorgeous photo during golden hour.
Wetlands Park is located in East Las Vegas, and although it may seem like a long drive, it’s worth it. All of the best Instagram photos are taken here; look at these two!
Check out the geotag for Wetlands Park for more inspiration.
Lake Mead National Park
Although I’m terrified of the water, Lake Mead National Park is a great place to get photos. The main road inside the park connects Lake Mead Fee Station in Boulder City and Overton Fee Station. The entrances are 45 miles apart, and the drive is chock-full of opportunities for gorgeous shots! In the blue dress, my photo was taken at 33 Hole Overlook, which is a 15-minute drive north of the Boulder City entrance. From the overlook, it’s a steep and long hike down to the water!
Cactus Joe’s
Cactus Joe’s is a family-owned cactus nursery that has called Blue Diamond, NV home for 30 years. Mr. Joe’s property amasses 8-acres and includes a wide variety of cacti, succulents, lawn art, healing crystals, and wildlife. Cactus Joe’s is a piece of local history, and it won’t disappoint. Every inch of this nursery is covered in something bright and metal or green and spikey.
When you visit, keep an eye out for his 220-year-old saguaro. Snap a picture and tag #cactusjoes for a potential feature on his Instagram account!
Nelson’s Ghost Town
Nelson, initially named Eldorado by Spanish settlers, is an old, lawless mining town that was left virtually undisturbed, as most ghost towns are. Cars, buses, airplanes, and rusted mining equipment lay scattered around the narrow canyon. If you are hoping to achieve an old-timey western photo, look no further. Nelson is bizarre in the best way.
Before leaving Nelson, continue heading east (away from the highway) for a quick dive into the Colorado River. Follow the road until your only option is the dirt path to the right. That will take you to Nelson’s Landing for some post-photoshoot cliff jumping.
Late Night Trails Park
@cesarinzunxa 
photographer: @katiechangphoto
models: @she.strayed
Joshua trees are scattered around the entire Las Vegas Valley, but Late Night Trails Park is where you’ll find a high concentration of them. The park is always empty, so snapping a photo without peering eyes is easy breezy. As you can see, the horizon is incredible, and if you visit during winter, you may see snow! The park is at a much high elevation than the city, so it’s colder, windier, and snowier! Keep an eye out for wild burrows, but stay at a distance because they’ll kick your ass.
7 Magic Mountains
This location is my least favorite on the list, but she’s adorable, and it’s a staple photo spot, so bear the crowd and do it. I suggest going early in the morning or during sunset because the sun is 100x less harsh. Sunset may be busy, but with simple editing skills, you can remove the strangers in the background of your photo. Good luck!
Valley of Fire State Park
Some of the best pictures I’ve seen from Las Vegas were taken at Valley of Fire. The vibrant waves of red make it impossible to take a bad photo. Valley of Fire is a bit of a drive, so don’t go on a whim. I would carve a few hours out of your morning and head out early. Aside from snapping pictures, you’ll want to explore the scenery. There are ancient Native American petroglyphs that make this location extra worth the commute!
Mt. Charleston
Mt. Charleston is the only place in town where you’ll find dense pine trees and manageable temperatures. It’s 45 minutes from the center of town, and locals flock year-round. When we need relief from the blazing heat, we head to Mt. Charleston. With waterfalls, easy trails, and a lodge with yummy food, visiting is an all-day event. If you’re not from Vegas, you may not find it as impressive as we do, but give us a break; it’s our only escape out of the desert.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock is a 25-minute drive from the Strip, and it is worth every minute. There are tons of short and long trails to fit your schedule, and the views are ridiculous! This is the easiest place to get great photos because the scenery does everything for you.
Before you head out, I suggest looking up related hashtags to find Insta inspo. It’s amazing what some people think of, and it may just get your creative juices flowing!
Death Valley National Park
I’m ashamed to say I have never been to Death Valley. When I was a kid, we had to run to Death Valley every year in elementary school, which meant running a quarter-mile twice a week all year (including July)! One day I’ll get over my trauma, but in the meantime, look at these gorgeous photos of Margareth!
Because I know nothing about this, I included a complete guide to Death Valley created by fellow travel blogger and friend Monique: The Ultimate One Day in Death Valley Itinerary. Absolutely everything you need to know before you visit is in her guide, including a map, resources, and packing tips.
Las Vegas Photographers
If you’re visiting Las Vegas and want to leave with photos that make you look like an IG baddie, check out these two! They know all the best Instagram spots in Las Vegas because they’re always looking for the next best location! They shoot singles, couples, weddings, and more! The photos above are linked to their Instagram accounts. Take a peek at their work and send a message; I know they would love to connect during your stay!
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