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Summer is starting to heat up in more ways than one, especially in places like: Live Las Vegas.
Las Vegas may be one of America’s newest cities, essentially built from scratch in the desert to create one of the most iconic destinations in the world.
Anyone who has visited Vegas knows that it is impossible to have a boring moment, but many tourists are too overwhelmed to enjoy it.
Choosing between top shows, chic casinos and thrilling attractions can become an unnecessary headache.
Or maybe you’ve scored tickets to the highly anticipated Sphere, only to realize you’ve been assigned a seat with an ‘obstructed view’. Oops! Even worse.
Vegas may be the entertainment capital of the world, but it certainly has its drawbacks. Plus, summer in the desert is scorching!
Shame city It certainly attracts a large audience by appealing to all walks of life, but it is certainly not for everyone.
These 4 American cities are the best alternatives to Las Vegas this summer:
Laughlin
It’s no secret that Las Vegas is a popular road trip destination, especially from neighboring states.
If you’re heading to Vegas, you may have passed through a city considered a ‘mini Vegas‘ with 10 casinos and a scenic waterfront along the Colorado River.
‘Mini’ is definitely the right choice of words, as it’s not nearly as big as Vegas, but it’s very reminiscent of the city center.
Far from the glitz and glamor of the Strip, Laughlin is a classic gambling outing where all the casinos are mainstays instead of seeing shiny new high-rises year after year.
Tourists will know exactly what they are signing up for, instead of feeling the pressure to pack in everything like shows, buffets, casinos and attractions to visit in Vegas.
Plus it’s cheap! While going to the casino is fun in Vegas, it can be even more fun in Laughlin because you can bounce around the waterfront casinos for just $5.
Yes, all of Nevada is hot in the summer, but that makes Laughlin all the more appealing with water activities like jet skiing and boat rides.
Biloxi
One of the most underrated states to vacation in is the southern beauty of Mississippi. No, we’re not necessarily talking about Jackson. Sorry, Johnny Cash!
Florida may be the most popular southern beach vacation spot, but Mississippi can certainly hold its own.
The Mississippi coast may not be near the Maldives, but scattered along the coast are hidden gems of white sand and calm waters.
Biloxi is undoubtedly the best place to go on vacation. With well-known hotels and casinos such as Margaritaville, Hard Rock and Harrah’s, you can forget the hustle and bustle of Vegas and enjoy poolside ocean views of the scenic Gulf Coast.
Plus, tourists rave about the fresh seafood, something Vegas can’t claim being in the middle of the desert.
Atlantic city
Atlantic City was designed as the Vegas of the East Coast, but never quite lived up to the hype.
Maybe the infamous Vegas mafia said, “This town isn’t big enough for both of us.”
Dotted with fancy hotels and casinos, the oceanfront city has had its fair share of problems over the years, from bankruptcy to poor infrastructure, but the city has held up and remains a fun destination.
In fact, the city is starting to show signs of life again with new attractions such as Island water parkthe world’s largest indoor water park on the beach.
Despite a dubious reputation, Atlantic City has long been a favorite vacation destination for locals, offering beautiful beaches and cheap stays in well-known hotels and casinos.
Shreveport
Louisiana is a great state to visit, even if gambling isn’t on the agenda.
New Orleans is an incredible cultural city that oozes European vibes, while Baton Rouge has also been buzzing lately.
One city that flies well under the radar is Shreveport (and Bossier City), just a short distance across the Texas-Louisiana state lines.
Growing up in East Texas, I used to visit there often as a kid, and I definitely wasn’t gambling!
While that’s certainly the main draw, there’s more to do than visit the plethora of luxury casinos like Bally’s and Margaritaville.
The city has intriguing museums and vibrant festivals year-round, as well as some highly underrated Cajun cuisine that rivals New Orleans, such as top restaurants like The Blind Tiger and Marilynn’s Place.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
