Who Mesquite suits
Mesquite suits golfers (Wolf Creek, Conestoga and the Palms are all here and genuinely worth playing), Utah residents driving down for a legal-gambling weekend, ATV riders hitting the trails around Gold Butte National Monument, and I-15 drivers wanting a stop between Las Vegas and Zion. The three casinos are CasaBlanca ($80 to $150), Virgin River ($60 to $120) and Eureka ($90 to $170). Buffets are cheaper than anywhere in Vegas.
It does not suit anyone under 30 looking for nightlife, families with small kids (there is a water park at CasaBlanca but not much else), or non-drivers. Mesquite is a strip along I-15 exit 122 — nothing is walkable if you are not already on the casino side.
What is around Mesquite
From CasaBlanca you can walk across to Virgin River and Eureka is a mile down Mesa Boulevard. Wolf Creek Golf Club, arguably the most photographed course in Nevada with its dramatic desert canyons, is 10 minutes south. Gold Butte National Monument is 45 minutes south with petroglyphs and remote red rock; a high-clearance vehicle helps. Zion National Park's Kolob Canyons entrance is 45 minutes north on I-15. Valley of Fire is an hour southwest via a scenic backroad.
Good to know
How's the golf really?+
Wolf Creek is a legitimate destination course. Conestoga and the Palms round out a proper 2-3 day golf trip.
Is Mesquite cheaper than Vegas?+
Rooms yes, by about 40%. Food and gambling minimums are also lower — $5 blackjack is easy to find on weekdays.