If you grew up in Las Vegas during the 1970s, ’80s, or ’90s, this one’s for you!

I was born in Las Vegas in 1972. That’s right, I’m a true Las Vegas native, and I’ve had a front-row seat to one of the most incredible transformations of any city in America.

Today, Las Vegas is a sprawling metropolitan area with professional sports teams, world-class shopping, incredible restaurants, master-planned communities, and millions of people calling Southern Nevada home.

But the Las Vegas I grew up in? It was a completely different place.

Sometimes I find myself driving around town thinking about what used to be where I’m sitting. A hotel that’s gone. A restaurant I remember from childhood. An empty stretch of desert that’s now home to thousands of families.

So I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane.

If you’re a longtime Las Vegas local, how many of these do you remember?

1. Remember When Las Vegas Basically Ended at Rainbow Boulevard?

I remember growing up when Rainbow Boulevard felt like the edge of civilization!

Today, you can drive miles west of Rainbow through Summerlin and beautiful neighborhoods that didn’t even exist when I was a kid.

Back then, depending on where you were in the valley, heading west meant leaving much of the developed city behind.

There were wide-open desert areas everywhere.

Now look at us!

Summerlin, which began development in the 1990s, has become one of the most recognizable master-planned communities in the country.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s the same city.

2. The Boulevard Mall Was THE Place to Go Shopping!

Who remembers the Boulevard Mall on Maryland Parkway?

Growing up, that’s the mall I remember. It was THE place to shop! And go sit on Santa’s leg during Christmas.

Before we had shopping destinations scattered across the valley, the Boulevard Mall was a huge part of life for Las Vegas families.

It opened in 1968, just a few years before I was born.

Eventually, Meadows Mall opened in 1978, followed by Fashion Show Mall in 1981.

But for those of us who remember the earlier days, the Boulevard Mall holds a special place in Las Vegas history.

Remember when going to the mall was actually an event?

3. The Las Vegas Strip Was Filled With Hotels That No Longer Exist

This one really gets me.

I remember driving down the Strip and seeing hotels that younger generations will never experience.

Remember these?

  • The Dunes

  • The Sands

  • The Stardust

  • The Desert Inn

  • The Hacienda

  • The Landmark

  • The original Aladdin

  • The Frontier

These weren’t just buildings. They were landmarks!

I remember the days when the Strip looked completely different, before the megaresorts began replacing so many of the classic hotels.

The Dunes came down in 1993. The Sands and Hacienda followed in 1996. The Stardust survived until 2007.

Every time another hotel was imploded, it felt like another piece of old Las Vegas disappeared.

I understand progress, but there’s something special about the Las Vegas we grew up with.

4. Wet ‘n Wild Was Actually on the Las Vegas Strip!

Now this one should bring back some memories!

Who remembers the ORIGINAL Wet ‘n Wild water park on Las Vegas Boulevard near the Sahara?

It opened in 1985, and for kids growing up in the Las Vegas heat, it was an incredible place to spend a summer day.

Water slides, wave pools, inner tubes, and hours of fun.

No cell phones. No social media.

Just kids enjoying summer!

The original park closed in 2004, but I bet plenty of longtime locals still remember those days.

5. Scandia Family Fun Center!

Here’s another blast from the past.

Remember Scandia?

Go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and arcade games.

Scandia opened in 1984 and became a popular place for Las Vegas kids and families.

Back then, you didn’t need a $500 day at an amusement park to have fun.

Give us a few dollars, some arcade games, and a go-kart track, and we were happy!

6. When Las Vegas Started Building Hotels That Looked Like Entire Cities

The 1990s were absolutely wild when it came to the growth of the Strip.

I remember when the Mirage opened in 1989.

Then came Excalibur in 1990, Luxor and Treasure Island in 1993, and New York-New York in 1997.

Suddenly, the Strip was transforming right before our eyes.

We went from classic casino hotels to massive themed resorts featuring castles, pyramids, pirate ships, and replicas of famous cities.

It was an exciting time to live in Las Vegas!

7. Remember When the MGM Grand Had an Actual Theme Park?

Here’s one younger Las Vegas residents might not believe.

The MGM Grand once had its own outdoor theme park!

MGM Grand Adventures opened in 1993 with rides and attractions designed to appeal to families.

That’s right. An amusement park right next to one of the largest hotels in the world!

It was part of an era when Las Vegas was experimenting with becoming more family-friendly.

The park eventually closed, but it’s one of those unusual chapters in Las Vegas history that’s fun to remember.

8. When There Was No 215 Beltway!

Think about that for a minute.

Today, the 215 is such an important part of how we get around Las Vegas.

But when I was growing up, it wasn’t there!

The beltway was developed in stages beginning in the 1990s.

And before it connected so many parts of the valley, getting from one side of town to the other was a completely different experience.

Now it’s hard to imagine Las Vegas without it.

9. When the Population of Las Vegas Was a Fraction of What It Is Today

Here’s something that really puts our growth into perspective.

In 1980, Clark County had approximately 463,000 residents.

By 1990, that number had grown to about 741,000.

Today, Clark County has well over 2 million residents!

Think about that.

The valley has grown by millions of people during my lifetime.

Entire neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, freeways, and communities have been built where there was once nothing but desert.

And I’ve been fortunate enough to witness it all.

Las Vegas has Changed but It’s Still Home

I’ve spent my entire life watching this city grow.

From the days when Rainbow Boulevard felt like the edge of town, to the explosion of Summerlin, Henderson, and the southwest valley.

From the classic hotels of old Las Vegas to the incredible resorts we see today.

From a city with a relatively small population to a major metropolitan area known around the world.

And while so much has changed, one thing hasn’t.

I’m proud to be a Las Vegas native.

There’s something special about being able to drive through a city and remember what it looked like 40 or 50 years ago.

The buildings may change. The roads may change. The neighborhoods may change.

But the memories stay with us.

Now I Want to Hear From YOU!

If you grew up in Las Vegas during the ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s, I would LOVE to hear your memories!

What do you remember about old Las Vegas that isn’t around anymore?

Was it a favorite restaurant? A casino? A neighborhood hangout? A school? A place you used to take your kids?

And here’s a fun question:

What year did you move to Las Vegas, or were you lucky enough to be born here?

Send me a message or leave a comment. I’d love to hear your stories!

Who knows? Maybe we’ll put together a Part 2 featuring memories from other longtime Las Vegas locals.

Daryl Hanna
Born and Raised in Las Vegas Since 1972
The Batchelor/Hanna Group | Real Brokerage

Call/text me at 702-218-4585 or email me at DarylHanna@gmail.com or visit my website www.darylhannarealtor.com or scan the code below and send me your info.