So you've checked into South Point, settled into your room, and realized you forgot toothpaste. Or maybe you're planning to stock the mini-fridge for a week of poker tournaments and don't want to pay $8 for a bottle of water from the hotel gift shop. I've been there. Finding a proper grocery store on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip isn't hard, but knowing which one actually fits your needs saves you time and money.
The South Point Hotel Casino & Spa sits pretty far south on Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s actually one of the few major resorts located properly in the South Las Vegas area, often referred to as the 'South Strip.' While this means you're a bit of a drive from the Bellagio fountains, it puts you in a prime spot for something many Strip visitors lack: easy access to real, local amenities, including grocery stores.
Smith’s Food and Drug: Your Closest Option
Less than two miles from the South Point casino floor sits a Smith's Food and Drug. For most visitors, this is the go-to spot. It's a standard American supermarket chain with everything you'd expect: fresh produce, a bakery, a deli, and a full pharmacy.
What makes Smith's particularly useful for players staying at South Point isn't just the proximity—it's the 'local' pricing. Unlike the convenience stores on the Strip where a bag of chips costs as much as a bet on a roulette spin, Smith's offers standard retail prices. If you're looking to grab breakfast for the room, stock up on snacks for a long session at the tables, or just need some bottled water, this is where you want to be.
The store is located at the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd and Cactus Ave, just a short rideshare or a quick drive if you rented a car. It shares a parking lot with other shops, making it easy to get in and out without the maze-like parking structures you find closer to the center of the Strip.
Walmart Supercenter: For the Big Runs
Sometimes you need more than just snacks. If you're staying at South Point for an extended poker series, like the famous South Point Poker Arena events, or you have a kitchenette in your suite, you might need a full stock-up. In that case, the Walmart Supercenter is your best bet.
Located just a few minutes away on Blue Diamond Road, this Walmart offers the full range of groceries alongside electronics, clothing, and housewares. It’s open late, which fits perfectly with the Vegas schedule. If you finish a tournament at 1 AM and realize you need supplies for the next day, Walmart is a reliable option.
For players who grind online while traveling, picking up a cheap ethernet cable or a portable charger here is also convenient. It's a one-stop shop that saves you from hunting down multiple stores.
Grab-and-Go: The South Point Convenience Store
Maybe you don't want to leave the property. I get it. Sometimes you just want to roll out of bed, grab a coffee, and head straight to the sportsbook. South Point has its own on-site convenience store located within the casino. It’s perfectly fine for the basics—soda, chips, aspirin, and basic toiletries.
Just keep in mind the price premium. You are paying for convenience. If you're buying a week's worth of groceries, the markup here will hurt compared to the Smith's down the road. But for a quick energy drink before hitting the blackjack tables? It does the job.
Checking Out The South Point Buffet vs. Grocery Runs
A lot of players debate between just eating at the Garden Buffet inside South Point or buying food to keep in the room. Here's the breakdown: the buffet is solid, especially the steak and shrimp options often available, and the price is reasonable compared to Strip buffets. But if you're playing long sessions, having fruit, nuts, and sandwiches in your room keeps you from breaking your flow. A quick grocery run to Smith's usually pays for itself after skipping just one overpriced room service meal.
Comparing Your Options
Choosing where to shop depends entirely on what you need and how much time you have. Here is a quick comparison of the main options available to South Point guests.
| Store | Distance | Best For | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith's Food and Drug | ~1.5 miles | Weekly groceries, pharmacy items, fresh food | Average |
| Walmart Supercenter | ~3.5 miles | Bulk buying, electronics, one-stop shopping | Budget-friendly |
| South Point Gift Shop | On-site | Emergencies, quick snacks, drinks | Expensive |
Transportation Tips for South Point Visitors
Getting to these stores requires a bit of planning if you don't have a car. South Point is a bit isolated from the central Strip action.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are readily available at South Point. A ride to Smith's is very short and shouldn't cost more than $10-15. Going to Walmart adds a few minutes and a few dollars, but if you're buying heavy items like cases of water, it's worth it.
Rental Car: If you plan on exploring off-Strip casinos like M Resort or venturing into the suburbs for better dining options, renting a car is smart. The drive from South Point to these grocery stores involves simple major streets like Blue Diamond and Las Vegas Blvd—no tricky navigation required.
The Deuce Bus: The SDX (Strip & Downtown Express) stops at South Point. It's a budget-friendly option, but lugging grocery bags onto a public bus after a long day isn't the most comfortable experience. I'd only recommend this if you're traveling light.
Proximity to Other South Vegas Attractions
While you're out grabbing groceries, you might notice you're very close to the M Resort Spa Casino and the South Point Arena, which hosts various equestrian and sporting events. This area is developing rapidly. The Silverton Casino is also nearby, which has a massive Bass Pro Shops attached—great if you need a break from the casino floor and want to see a huge aquarium. Knowing where the grocery stores are also helps you orient yourself with these other south-end gaming options.
FAQ
Is there a grocery store within walking distance of South Point Casino?
Technically, yes, but I wouldn't recommend it. The Smith's is about 1.5 miles away. In the summer heat, that walk is brutal and dangerous. Just take a quick Uber or taxi; it's cheap and saves you from dehydration.
Does the South Point Hotel have a mini-fridge in the rooms?
Most standard rooms at South Point come equipped with a mini-fridge. It's usually stocked with sensors for the mini-bar items, but you can often ask housekeeping to clear it out so you can store your own groceries from Smith's or Walmart.
Can I use cash at the grocery stores near South Point?
Absolutely. Both Smith's and Walmart accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. If you've just cashed out your chips, you won't have any trouble spending your winnings on snacks and supplies.
Is the gas cheaper at the stations near South Point compared to the Strip?
Yes, gas prices generally get cheaper the further south you go from the central Strip. The gas stations near the Smith's and along Blue Diamond Road often have better rates than those right next to the major resorts like MGM Grand or Mandalay Bay.