6 Quietest Small Towns Near Las Vegas
Many tourists flock to Las Vegas each year for the time of their lives, whether they are attending bachelor or bachelorette parties, wanting to play at casinos (please gamble responsibly), or seeking a break from everyday reality. However, there are some small, quiet communities to explore just outside of Sin City that offer a different perspective for enjoying a nice weekend retreat, a more relaxed vacation, or a day trip to visit a new town or an add-on to a pre- or post-Vegas experience.
Laughlin, Nevada
About an hour-and-a-half south of Las Vegas is the census-designated place of Laughlin, which sits right on the banks of the Colorado River, and is a very laid-back, outdoor-friendly community. The Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and riverfront beaches. The park also has an RV Campground, areas for picnicking, boating, fishing, and swimming, to keep the adventure going.
On the northern end of town is Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino, where people can play games, enjoy incredible meals, and explore the unique Don Laughlin's Classic Car Museums. The museum is located on the first three floors of the South Tower and boasts over 80 rare and historic vehicles. The rest of Casino Drive has other amazing casinos to explore and enjoy, from the likes of the Edgewater Casino Resort and the New Pioneer Hotel and Casino, as well as giving drivers and hotel patrons scenic views of the Colorado River.
Bunkerville, Nevada
The census-designated place of Bunkerville is about 79 miles northeast of Las Vegas, and has a deep Mormon history and outdoor recreation, thanks to its location on the Virgin River. Just south of town is the Keyhole Rock, a rock formation that gives its visitors incredible views of the town and the city of Mesquite, and the Mojave Desert scenery. Another natural attraction to visit near town is Little Mount Rushmore, a roadside attraction with carvings of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln on sandstone. In the heart of town is the Thomas Dudley Leavitt Sr. Memorial Park, where visitors and residents can play baseball/softball and soccer in a relaxing spot in the community to cool off during a hot day.
Bunkerville may not have a hotel of its own, but visitors to the community can check out the CasaBlanca Resort, Casino, Golf, and Spa in Mesquite.
Moapa Valley, Nevada
In between Sin City and Bunkerville is the unincorporated town of Moapa Valley, a community with an incredible desert oasis feel, Pueblo history, and vast natural scenery. Besides Lake Mead nearby, the Overton Wildlife Management Area is in the southern part of the community. The Wildlife Area is a desert oasis that offers year-round hunting, birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, and is a perfect place for nature photography and more. Close by is the Lost City Museum, where visitors can learn more about the area's past, view Pueblo artifacts, and see other amazing exhibits exploring the area's history.
A nice hotel to spend the night or weekend in the area is the North Shore Inn at Lake Mead, which offers spacious rooms and provides its guests with a quiet and peaceful experience in the desert, while also being near breathtaking natural sites, such as the Valley of Fire State Park. The Valley of Fire State Park is a breathtaking 40,000-acre park with red Aztec sandstone and is the oldest and largest state park in Nevada. Visitors can also view petrified trees and petroglyphs (rock carvings) in the area.
Searchlight, Nevada
About an hour south of Las Vegas on US Route 95 is the unincorporated community of Searchlight, which is a former mining town in the southern tip of the state. The Searchlight Historic Museum is the place to visit to learn more about the town's mining history and see artifacts and photographs from how the town looked in the past. About 38.7 miles north of town is the Techatticup Mine, an abandoned gold mine open for tours, along with the ghost town of Nelson.
In the heart of town is Terrible's Searchlight Casino, which has 70 slot machines, a full bar, a snack bar, a gas station, and a fortune teller. Terrible's Road House, just further north, has 57 slot machines, pool tables, a Denny's diner, a stage and dance floor, a liquor store, and dart boards to add to the fun of small town casinos. Another abandoned mine to visit near town is the Southern Nevada Mine, which was a gold, silver, lead, and copper mine that has a cabin, two mine shafts, and old mining structures still standing. A local motel to spend the night or weekend in the town is the BV Motel, which is a simple motel giving its guests easy access to Terrible’s Searchlight Casino.
Needles, California
About two hours south of Sin City on the western banks of the Colorado River is the city of Needles. The city is a wonderful spot for outdoor recreation, water sports, and boating. The Manny Morris Beach Side Park is a fun spot to enjoy the adjacent river, barbecue, and go swimming. Across from the beach is the Rivers Edge Golf Course, an 18-hole course giving golfers gorgeous views of the Colorado River, the rest of the town, and Arizona Village across the river. Golfers can also enjoy some tasty food and exciting drinks at the 19th Hole Bar and Grill.
On the northwestern end of town is the Palms River Resort, a small and relaxing hotel with a pool, pet-friendly rooms, a fitness center, and guests can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee at the Bean Coffee Roasters. Further south from the resort is the Jack Smith Park and Boat Launch, where visitors and residents can enjoy a calm and relaxing park and explore the Colorado River in style on a sunny day.
Blue Diamond, Nevada
Just on the outskirts of the Las Vegas city limits is the census-designated place of Blue Diamond. The community is a gateway to an endless number of outdoor activities. The Black Velvet Canyon Trail is a 1.2-mile-long trail perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing that is open year-round. Further west of Black Velvet is the Frogland Buttress, a popular rock-climbing area in Clark County, giving its visitors an adrenaline rush of adventure when visiting the area.
The town does have the Blue Diamond Park, which has a baseball/softball field, playground, and skatepark, along with a local restaurant called the Cottonwood Station, which serves burgers, paninis, pizzas, and craft beers on tap in a rustic setting. However, north of downtown is the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, which is adjacent to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and allows its visitors to enjoy picnics, tour the historic Sandstone Ranch, and enjoy a show at the outdoor State Parks Cultural Arts Board, DBA Super Summer Theatre. Although the town doesn’t have any hotels of its own, the Durango Resort is one of the closest hotels to town, giving its guests amazing amenities in the Las Vegas metro area.
There is More to Nevada Than Sin City
Even though Las Vegas will always be the incredible hot spot to visit in the state, visiting a smaller and more peaceful community makes for a perfect weekend to unwind, recharge for work, and gives people a chance to explore the Colorado River, go on a hike on incredible trails, and enjoy breathtaking natural views. Nevada and parts of eastern California have wonderful hidden gems that give visitors to their respective communities a warm, welcoming local charm not found in Las Vegas. May good luck follow in the adventure that awaits in the desert and the Lake Mead region.
