Hotel at a Glance: Harrah's Laughlin Hotel & Casino

You'll never be at a loss for things to do at this hotel in Laughlin, which they call the "jewel on the Colorado River." Press your luck in the 24-hour casino, equipped with a keno lounge and sportsbook, as well as poker tables and over 750+ slots. In between games of blackjack, sip cocktails at one of the hotel's bars, or enjoy a luxurious meal at the upscale steakhouse.

• Relax in spacious rooms outfitted with flat-screen TVs, each with stunning views of desert mountains.
• Rock out at live concerts from chart-topping artists and popular tribute bands.
• Soak up the sun at a private beach on the shores of the Colorado River, equipped with two outdoor pools and a seasonal poolside bar.

Laughlin, Nevada: Sunny Gaming Destination near the Hoover Dam

Laughlin is about 100 miles south of Las Vegas, but it's a gaming destination in its own right. At the city's nine casinos, there are plenty of slots and poker tables, and bingo is big here. You can find regular bingo games at the Riverside and the River Palms.

Laughlin averages 300 sunny days a year—a fine climate for exploring natural and manmade wonders. To get in touch with nature, hit up Big Bend State Recreation Area to go hiking along the Colorado River. For a manmade spectacle, head about 80 miles north to Boulder City to see the famous Hoover Dam, which sends thousands of gallons of water tumbling 70 stories into Black Canyon every day. Though its sheer size is captivating, you'll also appreciate the dam’s surprisingly elegant art-deco design.