This Cheap Southwest Oasis Is The Best Summer Alternative To Las Vegas

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We get it — Vegas is hard to replicate.

Not just any city with a few casinos can match the powerhouse this city has become.

While there may be no place with a duplicate Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, and Luxor pyramid all in one place, the people have spoken — “Sin City” is on a downturn.

Even with the hype of becoming a sports hub with 3 professional teams and the one-of-a-kind Sphere now open, there's No Doubt Las Vegas is struggling with tourism, given the city's soaring prices.

The bad news for them is that summer is right around the corner, which is the absolute worst time to visit, as you'll melt into the Strip's pavement alongside spit-out gum and nightclub coupons nobody asked for.

With that said, there's a fellow Nevada getaway the Travel Off Path team believes is a seamless fit for summer — and it's not Reno or Tahoe.

Set along the Colorado River across the Arizona state line, lesser-known Laughlin is a far more wallet-friendly vacation spot with name-brand casinos, live entertainment, and actual water access where you can cool off under the desert sun without hopping the fence into the Bellagio Fountains.

Why Laughlin Is Surging In Popularity

Be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts before your trip.

You know Reno and Tahoe, but beyond those familiar names, we don’t mean to diss Nevada — much of the state is a vast, sunbaked expanse of nothingness.

I know because I’ve driven through it plenty of times.

But the secret is coming out about Laughlin, one of the Southwest's most underrated getaways, any time of year.

It's being reported this desert oasis is hotter than it's ever been — and we're not forecasting a weather report.

This is one of Laughlin's best springs on record. A quick Google search of “Laughlin” shows instant results of phrases like “tourism boom” and “best bang for your buck”.

You see, it's not the newfound fame of prediction markets that has taken butts from barstools in Vegas; it's their own doing of raising prices, which takes the fun out of what's supposed to be one of the world's most thrilling cities.

My last trip to Vegas was fun…until I checked my bank account afterward. Since then, I've actually sworn off Sin City until it's baptized.

It needs a hard reset, not a Hard Rock.

As such, travelers are seeking out the next best thing. By all accounts, that appears to be Laughlin as the proof speaks for itself with such an influx of visitors.

Laughlin Is Cheaper & Safer

Look, saying a city is more affordable than Vegas right now is like saying there’s a cheaper snack than a $19 airport sandwich.

But there are a lot of comparisons between Laughlin and Vegas — prices aren't one of them.

For sample size, our Travel Dashboard data shows you can expect the following when visiting Laughlin:

• Hotel (per night): $150 – $350
• Dinner for Two: $100 – $200
• Beer: $9 – $14
• Coffee: $6 – $8
• Taxi / Uber (10 min): $15 – $25

The main difference with these in Laughlin is that hotels are a fraction of that — almost always in double digits unless there is a major event going on.

For example, these 3 beloved casino resorts are so much more palatable this summer than Vegas's sky-high rates:

• Harrah's Laughlin Beach Resort & Casino — as low as $41/night
• Edgewater Casino Resort — as low as $45/night
• Aquarius Casino Resort — as low as $48/night

You can book any of these and more by clicking here.

As for safety, ‘what happens in Vegas' doesn't stay in Vegas if you fall victim to a crime.

Our Safety Index shows travelers are scoring Las Vegas with 76/100, which isn't very impressive.

Don't get us wrong. When the drinks are pouring in Laughlin, especially on weekends, it can get rowdy.

But being so small, it's largely considered a safe haven.

Summertime In Laughlin

Prepare for triple digits.

Hey, you're in the desert…

However, just know it's a dry heat and the Colorado River makes for a great way to cool off, whether you're out jet-skiing or floating the day away.

Laughlin may not see the same spring surge come summer, but there are still many ways to enjoy the city, from cranking slots and lounging poolside to catching a show after sunset.

Want our recommendation?

If you haven't made plans for July 4th yet, consider an extended weekend in Laughlin.

Hotels are still reasonably priced compared to Vegas and there are fun festivities planned for all ages, such as Rockets Over The River.

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The Laughlin Playbook

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Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.