A Day of Vintage Vegas

Head downtown to the heart of Old Vegas: Fremont Street. While much of it has been modernized, you can still find echoes of its glory days if you know where to look. Stroll past El Cortez, the oldest continuously running hotel and casino in Vegas, and admire its preserved 1940s facade. Pop into the lobby for a quick peek at the vintage fixtures and original design details.

Keep walking to see the historic Vegas Vic, the massive neon cowboy whose waving arm and wink have greeted visitors since 1951. He’s one of the most iconic pieces of neon in the city, standing proudly above the old Pioneer Club building. Across from him is Vegas Vickie, his counterpart and one-time rival, a glamorous neon cowgirl who now resides inside the Circa Resort, glowing in all her restored glory in the hotel’s lobby bar.

Don’t miss a stroll past Binion’s Gambling Hall, where the retro marquee and vintage feel remain even after multiple ownership changes. Once home to the World Series of Poker, the casino helped shape Vegas’s reputation as a gambling mecca. Right next door, The Golden Nugget, first opened in 1946, still features some of its classic gold decor and old-school styling.

Now it’s time to experience the crown jewel of vintage Vegas: The Neon Museum. Home to some of the most iconic signs in Las Vegas history, the museum is a curated outdoor collection of neon art and architecture known as the Neon Boneyard.

From the Moulin Rouge to Stardust, Sahara to Binion’s Horseshoe, these towering relics are priceless artifacts.

Book a guided tour to get the full history and context behind each sign. You’ll hear about the designers, the casinos, the performers, and the eras that each glowing piece represents.

It’s happy hour, and there’s no better place to toast the day than Atomic Liquors, Las Vegas’s oldest freestanding bar. Open since 1952, Atomic got its name because patrons used to watch atomic bomb tests from the rooftop while sipping cocktails.

Before calling it a night, head back to Fremont Street for the Viva Vision Light Show, a dazzling canopy of LED lights playing various shows. Grab a drink and people-watch while soaking in the neon buzz. The energy here feels different at night, alive with tribute performers, street musicians, and just a hint of vintage allure.