Las Vegas, Nevada, is a one-of-a-kind destination like no other. It is a city in the middle of the Nevada desert that is known for over-the-top casinos, beautiful hotels, extravagant shows, and opulent shopping malls.

The entire Vegas experience centers around the Las Vegas Strip, which is a 4.2 mile-long stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, where all of the most popular hotels, casinos, and attractions are found.

Although the destination has always been larger than life, it is even bigger, brighter, and more unique today. Over the past 50 years, the city has grown exponentially. So, we put together an incredible list with pictures to show you how it has evolved and true to Vegas style, you have to see it to believe it.

20 The Streets Were A Lot Less Busy

If you have been to Las Vegas recently, you know, the streets are packed. There are cars and people everywhere. That is why this picture dating back to the 1970s is quite shocking. In this photo, the destination does not look much different than most cities in the United States.

19 The Riviera No Longer Exists

The Riviera was one of the most popular hotels and casinos in town. It opened in 1955, and for 60 years, tourists stayed and gambled there before it was finally closed and demolished in 2015 to make room for expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

18 The Casinos Were Smaller

Today, the casinos are much larger than they were 50 years ago. Back then, many of the casinos were one-story buildings, and the gaming machines were nothing like the modern ones you see today. Yet, people were just as impressed as they are today.

17 The Lights Were Not As Bright

The extravagant neon signs that adorn the businesses in Vegas have always been iconic. In fact, NASA says the Strip is the brightest place on Earth from Outerspace. However, in the past, the lights were not nearly as bright or vibrant as they are today.

16 There Were A Lot More Showgirls In The Past

The Las Vegas showgirls are a symbol of the city. However, Jubilee, the last and longest-running showgirl show, ended in 2018. Now, you have to settle for street performers who pose for photos with you for tips dressed in costumes that pale in comparison.

15 Caesar's Palace Is Much Bigger

Caesar's Palace is one of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. However, it is almost unrecognizable. The hotel and casino has gone through many changes since it opened on August 5, 1966, and it is definitely a lot bigger and more extravagant today.

14 The Bellagio Replaced The Dunes Hotel

The Dunes Hotel opened in 1955, and it was a popular attraction until the doors closed in 1993. Now, the Bellagio sits on the former site of the Dunes. Bellagio is known for adding an awe-inspiring water and light show that is a major attraction in the area.

13 The Hacienda Hotel and Casino Was Replaces By Mandalay Bay

The Hacienda Hotel was genuinely unique when it opened in 1956. The property had a golf course, a mini-golf course, several pools, and it was the only real family-friendly resort in Las Vegas. Owners imploded it in 1996 and built the Mandalay Bay in its place in 1999.

12 The Aladdin Hotel Is Now Planet Hollywood

The original Aladdin resort opened in 1962. The site has changed a lot over the years. After an implosion to make room for a new resort with the same name, the hotel went under due to financial issues, and the location is now home to Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino.

11 The Wynn Replaces Desert Inn

The Wynn Hotel is built where the much less impressive Desert Inn used to stand. The new hotel features a beautifully designed structure, a lush garden with waterfalls, and access to the sister property Encore and the Strip. The attractive changes make it a welcome addition to the scenery.

10 The Castaways Hotel Was Imploded

The Polynesian-themed Castaways Hotel located on Freemont Street opened as the Showboat in the 1950s. In 2000, the Showboat was renamed Castaways after the famous hotel and casino that once lived on the Strip. The site now sits vacant after several attempts to develop the land failed.

9 The Stardust Hotel Was Demolished

Another piece of Las Vegas history was lost when the Stardust Hotel was demolished in 2007. Before the implosion, a tower was added to the site. The hotel and casino was one of the most popular in Vegas at one time, hosting celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Siegfried and Roy.

8 The Frontier Hotel Was Imploded

The Frontier Hotel is another lost Vegas icon. The land where it once stood is now vacant. Wynn now owns it, though, so hopefully, the investment group will develop another beautiful addition on the property next to the popular Wynn Hotel and Casino.

7 The Boardwalk Hotel and Casino Is No Longer On The Strip

At one time, the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino was a popular destination in the city. The resort was complete with rides, including a Ferris wheel and giant roller coaster. After the hotel's demise, City Center was developed on the lot.

6 The Aria, Vdara, And City Center Were Built

Some of the most exquisite properties added to the destination in recent years are the Aria and Vdara Hotels and Casinos and the City Center mall. The buildings are sleek, and they represent the updated Vegas vibe that appeals to a more youthful and worldly crowd.

5 The Skyline Behind The Iconic Welcome Sign Changed

One thing that remains the same in always changing Las Vegas is the famous welcome sign. It is a popular photo location that many first time visitors make a point to visit. However, the skyline behind the sign is much different.

4 A Lot More People Go To The Pool Parties

Pool parties are a big deal in Las Vegas, but that was not always the case. While each hotel typically featured at least one large pool, a lot fewer people visited them. Today, poolside events are some of the most popular attractions.

3 The Flamingo Hotel Is Much Larger Now

One of the few hotels that has not been forgotten is the Flamingo. A much larger version of the original hotel replaces it. However, the traditional Flamingo sign, with some attractive updates, of course, adorns the new hotel, which remains a popular choice for visitors.

2 High Fashion Brands Moved In

Money flows in Las Vegas, but the city wants to keep as much of it as possible. While it has always been a popular shopping location, more high fashion brands like Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more call it home today than ever before.

1 The Buildings Are Much Bigger

The theme in Vegas recently seems to be bigger is better. All of the original resorts were replaced by buildings that are significantly larger and more impressive. We can only imagine how the city will change when the next wave of implosions takes place.