Searchlight Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture and customs in Searchlight, Nevada, with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Searchlight
- List of Places to Visit in Searchlight
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Searchlight
- Spirit Mountain Trail
- Running Man Trail
- Best Things to Do in Searchlight: Activities and Tours
- ATV Tours
- Stargazing
- Week-Long Itinerary for Searchlight
- Food and Drink Scene of Searchlight
- Where to Stay in Searchlight: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Nugget Casino Hotel
- Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina
- What to Buy in Searchlight: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Searchlight
- Best Time to Visit Searchlight
- Do’s and Don’ts of Searchlight
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Searchlight: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Searchlight
- Where to Go Next from Searchlight: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Laughlin, Nevada
- Hoover Dam
- Conclusion
Introduction to Searchlight
Located in Southern Nevada, Searchlight is a small town that has retained its laid-back, Old West charm. Once a bustling mining town, it is now a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. Despite its small size, there is plenty to do and explore in Searchlight.
List of Places to Visit in Searchlight
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Searchlight Historical Museum
The Searchlight Historical Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. It features exhibits and artifacts detailing the town’s rich mining history, including a replica of a mine tunnel and historical photographs.
Searchlight Nugget Casino
The Searchlight Nugget Casino is another popular attraction for tourists. It is a small casino with slot machines and table games, and is known for its friendly staff and affordable prices.
Natural Attractions of Searchlight: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Spirit Mountain
Spirit Mountain is a sacred site to the Mojave people and is considered one of their most important religious sites. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Searchlight Wind Farm
The Searchlight Wind Farm is another popular attraction in the area. Visitors can take a tour of the wind turbines and learn about the process of generating clean energy.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Searchlight
Spirit Mountain Trail
The Spirit Mountain Trail is a 5.5 mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of Spirit Mountain. The trail is rated as moderate and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Running Man Trail
The Running Man Trail is a 2.5 mile round trip hike that takes visitors to a rock formation that looks like a running man. The trail is rated as easy and offers great views of the desert landscape.
Best Things to Do in Searchlight: Activities and Tours
ATV Tours
ATV tours are a popular activity in Searchlight. Visitors can explore the surrounding desert landscape and enjoy the thrill of riding an ATV.
Stargazing
Searchlight is known for its clear skies, making it a great destination for stargazing. Visitors can take a guided tour of the night sky and learn about the constellations and stars.
Week-Long Itinerary for Searchlight
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the Searchlight Historical Museum and learn about the town’s mining history |
| 2 | Take a guided tour of the Searchlight Wind Farm and learn about clean energy |
| 3 | Hike to the top of Spirit Mountain and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape |
| 4 | Take an ATV tour of the desert and explore the surrounding area |
| 5 | Visit the Running Man Trail and enjoy the scenic views |
| 6 | Go stargazing and take a guided tour of the night sky |
| 7 | Relax at your hotel and enjoy the laid-back, Old West charm of Searchlight |
Food and Drink Scene of Searchlight
Must-Try Dishes
Searchlight Nugget Casino Restaurant
The Searchlight Nugget Casino Restaurant is known for its hearty breakfasts and affordable prices. Try the eggs benedict or the country fried steak for a true taste of the West.
El Rey Del Taco
El Rey Del Taco is a local favorite for Mexican food. Try the carne asada or the shrimp tacos for a delicious and authentic meal.
Local Beverages
Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina
The Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy the view of the Colorado River. Try the signature cocktail, the Cottonwood Cooler, for a refreshing and tropical taste.
Where to Stay in Searchlight: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Nugget Casino Hotel
The Nugget Casino Hotel is a popular choice for visitors to Searchlight. It offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant and casino, and affordable prices.
Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina
The Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina is another great option for lodging. It offers rooms and cottages with views of the Colorado River, as well as a restaurant and bar.
What to Buy in Searchlight: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Visitors to Searchlight can bring home a piece of the Old West by purchasing handmade cowboy hats, leather goods, and turquoise jewelry from local shops.
Local Culture and Customs of Searchlight
Searchlight is a small town with a friendly and welcoming community. Visitors should be respectful of the town’s history and traditions, and should take the time to learn about the Mojave people and their culture.
Best Time to Visit Searchlight
The best time to visit Searchlight is during the fall and winter months, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot and make outdoor activities difficult.
Do’s and Don’ts of Searchlight
Do:
- Respect the Mojave people and their culture
- Take the time to explore the town’s rich mining history
- Try the local cuisine and drinks
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural environment
- Disrespect local customs and traditions
- Overlook the opportunities for outdoor adventure and scenic views
Safety and Health
Safety in Searchlight
Searchlight is a safe and welcoming town. Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings, lock their doors at night, and keep valuables secured.
Health in Searchlight
Searchlight is located in a dry and arid region, and visitors should stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to avoid dehydration and sunburn.
Getting to Searchlight: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Searchlight
The closest major airport to Searchlight is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, which is approximately an hour’s drive away.
Bus Stations Near Searchlight
There are no bus stations in Searchlight, but visitors can take a bus from Las Vegas to nearby Laughlin and then take a taxi to Searchlight.
Other Options
Visitors can also rent a car or take a private shuttle to get to Searchlight.
How to Get Around in Searchlight
The best way to get around Searchlight is by car. Visitors can rent a car in Las Vegas and drive to Searchlight, or they can bring their own vehicle.
Where to Go Next from Searchlight: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Laughlin, Nevada
Laughlin is a nearby town that is known for its casinos and river activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports on the Colorado River, or try their luck at the casinos.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is a short drive from Searchlight and is one of the most impressive engineering feats of the 20th century. Visitors can take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its history and significance.
Conclusion
Searchlight may be a small town, but it has plenty to offer visitors. From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, there is something for everyone in Searchlight. Take the time to explore the town’s rich history and natural beauty, and enjoy the laid-back, Old West charm of this hidden gem.
