The great philosopher Plato once said, “if you don’t take a picture in Vegas and post it online, were you even really there?”
Okay, he didn’t really say that. But the slogan “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” doesn’t really apply to our world in 2018 where things like Instagram and Facebook exist. That’s where we come in.
There are thousands of locations in Vegas to fire off the perfect Instagram post, letting friends, family, and strangers know that you’re having the time of your life in Sin City. The thing is that everyone knows the usual hot spots on the strip. And, in our opinion, those are a little over-hyped. Who wants to take the same photos that everyone else is taking?
We want to take you off the strip and show you some hidden (and not so hidden) gems that you might not know about in our area.
Instagram Spot #1: Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area sits only a few miles from the brighter lights of Summerlin, but still seems a world away. As many locals will tell you, it’s not necessarily a hidden gem anymore; during prime time in the Spring and Fall, there tends to be a few minutes wait to get in and a little traffic once you’re driving along the 13 mile loop road.
But not to worry. Arrive in the morning hours before it gets too hot and enjoy a peaceful hike surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see, right in our backyard.
Best place to pose: If you can reach the top of Turtlehead Peak, that’s the spot. But it’s not for the rookies. For those looking for a more leisurely hike, the Calico Basin is a good place to show off the, um, red rocks.
Instagram Spot #1b: Red Rock Casino’s Pool Area
Why drive all over town for the perfect shot when Red Rock Casino is on the way back to town from Red Rock Canyon? After a day of hiking, cool off with a dip in the pool and a drink in your hand while experiencing Red Rock’s pool area.
Surrounded by Palm trees, the area provides the perfect backdrop for a photo, whether it’s pool season or not. Bonus points if you get a hotel room facing the pool and get the shot looking DOWN at the pool.
Best place to pose: Walk out the doors next to Crimson Lounge and stand on the top of the stairs.
Instagram Spot #2: Gaudi Bar
Look up! No, you’re not hallucinating, unless you’ve had one too many martinis. Gaudi Bar at Sunset Station has an fun, colorful ceiling that artist Antoni Gaudí would smile at.
Best place to pose: Sitting at the bar with a drink in your hand, of course.
Instagram Spot #3: The Green Valley Ranch Backyard
It’s a hidden world only steps away from the slot machines. GVR’s Backyard is tremendously underrated, and locals know that if you’re in the area, it’s the perfect getaway. Step outside the casino and walk to the beautiful pool areas, complete with a sand walk-in, statues, cabanas, and hidden walkways.
No swimsuit? No problem. From the mini-vinyard to the spa waterfall, there are backdrops around every corner. You’ll find that The Backyard sure lives up to the “green” in Green Valley Ranch.
Best place to pose: There is a massive staircase you’ll find that connects the hotel to the pool area. Strike a pose on the bottom of the steps.
GVR Backyard Pro Tip: Winter’s Village during Holiday Seasn
Winter’s Village was introduced at GVR in 2017, turning the iconic backyard into a winter wonderland. Rent skates and try your hand (and balance) on some of the only real ice in Las Vegas during the holiday season. Sip cocoa by the fire and toast marshmallows. You might even meet Santa.
Winter’s Village opens towards the end of November and runs through the beginning of January.
Instagram Spot #4: Seven Magic Mountains
You’ve got to see it to believe it. The colorful art installation popped up in 2016 and is a favorite backdrop of families, tourists, and Instagram influencers. You’ll have to drive approximately ten miles south of Las Vegas to see them, and we recommend getting their early to avoid crowds.
According to sevenmagicmountains.com:
The exhibition opened May 11, 2016 and was originally scheduled to be on view for two years. Due to the incredible success of Seven Magic Mountains since its opening, artist Ugo Rondinone has expressed a strong desire to explore ways to keep the artwork on view at its current site.
While the plan progresses, we can state with certainty that, at a minimum, the installation will remain on view through the end of 2018.
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Four out of seven #sevenmagicmountains #nevada #landart #desertart #installation #ugorondinone
Best time to pose: At sunrise or slightly after, so you can get all seven of the “mountains” in the same photo without a bunch of pesky tourists in the way.
Instagram Spot #5: Oyster Bar at Palace Station
So Oyster Bar isn’t luxurious or grand in any traditional sense of the word. But that’s exactly the point. For years, a seat at Oyster Bar at Palace Station is one of the hottest tickets in town.
Why?
There’s only about 15 seats at the bar, and there are no reservations. We repeat, NO reservations. So you’ll have to wait in line anywhere from 3 minutes to 3 hours, even if you’re Elvis or, more importantly, Marc-André Fleury.
A photo sitting at the Oyster Bar is the ultimate Instagram move. You’ve waited THIS long to have a seat and enjoy that delicious pan roast. Let the world know it. Show off a little.
Best place to pose: In line, when you’re up next. And then when you finally get a seat, have a friend take a video of you shooting an oyster.
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