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Thanks to the ongoing efforts of The Neon Museum and its passionate partners, Fremont East has become an open-air gallery of historic neon signage — one that’s just as fun to photograph during the day as it is after dark.
Look up and you might spot the Silver Slipper, a nod to Vegas’ flamboyant past.
Not far from it, the glowing neon cowboy and rearing horse—once welcoming guests to the now-demolished Hacienda Hotel—still display their electric charm.
And anchoring the district’s old-school Vegas vibe is the iconic El Cortez sign, still proudly shining above one of the city’s longest continuously operating hotel-casinos.
These relics aren’t simply forgotten fragments—they’re carefully preserved landmarks that give Fremont East its unique personality. Walking this stretch feels like stepping into a neon-splashed archive, where every sign tells a story in glass and gas.
Daylight And Neon Glow: A Photographer’s Dream
Fremont East offers photographers a rare duality. While many photographers chase the glow of neon at night, part of the treasure lies in the details you can only catch during the day. You’ll notice the handiwork in the lettering, the brush strokes, and the layers of age that give each sign character.
On my way to Fremont East, I love walking through the Fremont Experience. I like to start my walk around noon because it gives me time to stroll under the canopy capturing details that are easy to miss in the nightly crowds. I take my time, exploring the nooks and crannies and getting detailed shots of the casino and hotel signs along the way. It’s a great place to photograph without the harsh midday sun. It’s also a great place to stop for lunch or an ice cream before heading back outside.
I’m usually finished at the Fremont Experience around 2 p.m. and can continue the walk toward Fremont East. This is especially good timing in March or early April, when the days are short and not too hot.
This mid-afternoon timing is ideal for even light across the buildings and signs, while late afternoon brings angled shadows that emphasize texture and form. The sunlight picks up every detail—from chipped paint and rusted bolts to the fine curves of hand-bent neon tubing. It’s the best time to highlight the craftsmanship behind these vintage signs and capture their character without distraction.
By the time you’ve walked down the street and photographed details in the sunlight, the blue hour approaches and the neighborhood transforms. The glow bounces off buildings, spills onto the pavement, and draws out bold contrasts perfect for wide-angle compositions and long exposures. With a tripod and a fast lens, you’ll be ready to capture Fremont East in an entirely different way as you walk back to where you started.
The Unexpected Fremont
Fremont East is more than its signs. It’s a district where grit and charm collide — tattoo parlors, cigar lounges, children’s shops, parks and cocktail bars all share the same neon-lit sidewalks. It’s the kind of neighborhood where every block feels like you have one foot in the past, the other marching into the future.
Be sure to wander into Container Park, where a two-story fire-breathing preying mantis — an art piece originally from Burning Man—greets visitors outside a venue made entirely from shipping containers. Inside, you’ll find live music, indie shops, and cozy cafés, all tucked into a space that feels like a curated creative village.
Turn any corner, and there’s something unexpected: vivid murals, pop-up installations, and street performers keeping the energy alive. Fremont East never sits still, and that’s part of the magic!
Retro Stays with Vintage Soul
Lining the edges of Fremont East are a handful of retro hotels that feel like postcards from another era—think neon signs, mid-century architecture, and a dose of old-school swagger. Many of these motels have been lovingly restored or reimagined with modern touches, offering visitors a chance to sleep in a slice of Las Vegas history.
The El Cortez, with its glowing sign and classic casino vibes, has been a fixture since the 1940s and still offers some of the best vintage ambiance downtown.
Not all of the hotels in the area are still in business, but the remnants make fantastic photo subjects! The signs, doors, windows, and weathered textures each tell stories of the city’s neon heyday.
Tips for Photography in Fremont East
Best times to shoot:
- Early afternoon through golden hour for strong shadows and soft light on vintage surfaces
- Blue hour (just after sunset) when the sky still holds color and the signs begin to glow
Recommended gear:
- Tripod for long exposures and night shots
- Fast lens (f/1.8 or f/2.8) for low-light shooting
- Wide-angle lens for full street scenes
- Zoom lens for sign details, textures, and typography
Photographing Fremont East — especially by day — helps document a fading era in full detail. Every frame becomes an act of preservation, ensuring these icons live on.
