Driving into Vegas.. Best route for wow factor?

[nick s]

Hi guys, Just booked up L.A and Vegas in Sept as the other half has never seen it. Now i've been twice, and normally just drive in up the I-15 from L.A, but this time i want to time it so that we arrive into Vegas after sunset for that wow factor.
My question is then, is there a better route for this? I'm sure i've heard somewhere you can come thruogh the hills or something? Are there any routes that you can see Vegas in the distance with nice scenic views? Or is it too much of a mess around and not a direct route?

[Silverbullet767]

I'd love to know this too, going to Vegas in July, and will be driving to LA for a day or 2, hiring a convertible mustang, happy days!

[thehawk]

No, not from my experience. I mean the strip disappears quite fast and just looks like any other city from a distance.

And to approach from any other route other than the I15, without her seeing the valley will take some massive detours.

[Kenty]

I15 is far the most spectacular way to arrive. I've driven in on other routes and this is the best.

[Truckosaurus]

You could always come off the I15 at the I215 junction and come the last few miles up LV Boulevard itself, that would give a better view that from I15 which seems to run in a cutting that bit.

I once drove in from the north (Utah) and you could see the light from the roof of the Luxor from a long way out. Not sure what it's like from the southern approach (or even if the light still shines)

[nick s]

Truckosaurus said:

You could always come off the I15 at the I215 junction and come the last few miles up LV Boulevard itself, that would give a better view that from I15 which seems to run in a cutting that bit.

I once drove in from the north (Utah) and you could see the light from the roof of the Luxor from a long way out. Not sure what it's like from the southern approach (or even if the light still shines)

I will take the I-15 then. If i rememebr rightly, about 20 mins out there are stll some amazing views of the strip from certain corners etc?

I really want to make sure i come off early and approach from the airport end and come up LV BLVD so we go past the famous sign and up the strip to our hotel that way.'Is that what you have suggested? come off the I15 at the I215 junction? I'll 100% keep an eye out for that then!

Last time i went (2nd drive in) i had a car full of people and messed it up and came in around the back of the strip at the stratosphere end! So want to get it right this time!

[Truckosaurus]

nick s said:

... so we go past the famous sign

Not sure how long since you last visited, but there's now a fancy parking lot at The Sign but it is only accessable heading south.

nick s said:

come off the I15 at the I215 junction? I'll 100% keep an eye out for that then!

Check on google maps streetview to plan the route, there was also loads of roadworks around that area in January so you might have to detour when you actually get on site.