Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a unique resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes 5 million visitors annually. This city by the river has grown to include nine resorts with affordable first-class accommodations and a multitude of recreational activities just right for a family vacation or a getaway for two.

Laughlin has become one of the leading special-event destinations in the southwest, offering the adventurous spectator everything from world-class rodeo action to daring, off-road racing and events along the Colorado River. Check Laughlin's Web site for upcoming special events.

In addition to its impressive line-up of special events, Laughlin offers a full plate of entertainment and activities. From headliners to homespun acts and everything imaginable in between, Laughlin's marquees offer music, comedy, production shows, theater, revues and more, all at affordable prices.

When the sun sets, dinner cruises on the river are a romantic way to end the day. Or you can choose from any number of dinner houses with river views. After dinner, kick up your heels at one of Laughlin's exciting nightclubs or lounges or try your hand at some Las Vegas-style gaming.

Laughlin's average temperature of 79 degrees and location on the Colorado River is ideal for taking advantage of the destination's multitude of recreational activities. The destination attracts thousands each year who flock to its shores to launch their boats, ride the waves on skis and other personal watercraft, and do some good old-fashioned fishing.

Golfers will delight in Laughlin's two area courses. The Emerald River Golf Course offers a picturesque and challenging 18 holes of championship-caliber golf. The course has been rated No. 1 in difficulty by the Nevada Golf Association. Voted best course in the tri-state area, the Mojave Resort Golf Club, is an award-winning resort with wide, friendly fairways and four sets of tees, allowing golfers to choose their own challenge.

Less than a 30-minute drive from Laughlin, lies a once thriving mining community, Oatman takes visitors back to the days of the Old West with weekend cowboy gunfights and showdowns in the middle of town. Wild burros roam the streets of this popular setting for many movies and TV Westerns. Oatman's most famous visitors were Clark Gable and Carol Lombard who stayed there briefly during their well-publicized "elopement" in the 1930s.

Just 2.5 miles north of Oatman you'll find the Gold Road Mine Tour. The 45-minute guided tour includes a history of the mine and visitors can actually see gold as it appears in the rock within the mine.

Just a short drive from Laughlin is Grapevine Canyon. The most striking feature of Grapevine Canyon is the manmade one - the dozens of petroglyphs. At the mouth of the canyon, far above the ground, dozens of carvings cover the rocks. Researchers estimate that the petroglyphs could have been made anywhere from 150 to 800 years ago.

Christmas Tree Pass is also ideal for hiking, camping, photography and exploring. On the Nevada side of the lake are the Newberry Mountains, with a graded road crossing at Christmas Tree Pass, named for the juniper and pinon pine at the higher elevations.