Hotel at a Glance: Aquarius Casino Resort

Across the banks of the Colorado River, two 18-floor towers rise skyward and invite vacationers to step into one of the largest 24-hour gaming resorts in Laughlin. The 57,000-square foot casino houses over 1,200 state-of-art slot machines with popular games like Willy Wonka and Titan 360, as well as 33 table games like single-deck and double-deck Black Jack and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. For sports enthusiasts, the newly renovated non-smoking Race & Sportsbook stands out with two oversized project screens, 65-inch televisions, and 50 individual betting stations. After betting all day, travelers can explore more of Aquarius with endless dining and entertainment options:

• Bask in the sun in one of 100 chaise lounges or nine private cabanas at the 34,000 square foot resort pool, open year-round.
• Explore the riverwalk, located in the back of the hotel, with spellbinding views of the Colorado River and the Black Mountains
• Enjoy a cruise on board the Celebration boat to traverse the Colorado River and take in Laughlin history.
• Dine in at the River Rock Pizza & Pasta, serving Italian cuisine, and Windows on River, teasing with gourmet pizzas and seafood treats.
• Grab a quick bite to eat at Cafe Aquarius, voted "Best Burger" in 2015 by Nevada Magazines.
• Unwind with specialty cocktails and live entertainment at the non-smoking lounge The Cove, awarded the Best Casino Bar by Laughlin Buzz in 2015.

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.