Come as you are to Laughlin, Nevada
There's no such thing as a trip you don't have to plan. But if there were, a visit to Laughlin would come pretty close. Set in Nevada’s southern tip on the state line with Arizona, this low-key destination makes planning a relaxing getaway simple.
Concerts, delicious dining and a variety of gaming options are set along the scenic Colorado River that flows beside the town. Take a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk between casinos or lace up your hiking boots and visit one of the nearby trailheads. The river provides a chance to enjoy aquatic activities like Jet Skiing, kayaking, fishing and boat tours, and golf and spa options are also just minutes away.
From where to stay, what to eat and which activities to do, the choices are simple in Laughlin. Here are some starting points for your next getaway.
R&R right on the river
Whether you plan to game or not, the most convenient place to stay in Laughlin will be at one of the eight casino resorts that hug the riverbank. They offer lodging, gaming, entertainment and many dining options just steps away from your room.
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Toward the north end of town along Casino Drive sits Tropicana Laughlin. Hotel guests can beat the heat at the outdoor pool set below a jumbo TV showing sports and entertainment. There's also a casino and a Caesars sportsbook, and in the evenings you might catch some live local music at Tango's Lounge.
Golden Nugget Laughlin is positioned in the middle of the action on the riverside. Soak up some sun at the hotel pool which features a pool bar and cabanas available to rent. The property has eateries including CJ, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Saltgrass Steakhouse on site.
Even on the weekends, rates are very affordable across Laughlin—leaving more money for fun and games elsewhere around town. (Pro tip: Midweek room rates can be quite low—and the resorts often offer specials that include credits for dining, gaming or other activities.)
For those headed into town with a RV, Tropicana Laughlin and Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort offer handy RV parks along Casino Drive where there's easy access to the fun.
Top-notch shows with activities to match
Catch a concert at the Laughlin Event Center. Big names such as country music's Lady A and rock bands Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd and REO Speedwagon and Styx will be making their way to town this year.
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If you decide to test your luck, there are gaming options all over town. Walk along the palm tree-lined Laughlin Riverwalk that connects many of the casinos and hop between properties for a gaming experience of your choice. Harrah’s Laughlin Beach Resort and Casino has live poker, table games and over 750 slot machines. And if you plan to stay here, the hotel has a soft-sand beach available for hotel guests as well.
Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino has a spacious 76,000-square-foot casino with newly installed table games and gaming machines, plus an aptly named Bingo Paradise bingo parlor with sessions throughout the day. While you’re here, don’t miss the 80-plus unique cars on display at Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum.
Go for a different kind of drive at one of the local golf courses, including the Mojave Resort Golf Club 20 minutes south of town at the very tip of Nevada. The par-72 links course earns a 4-star rating from Golf Digest, with wide fairways to catch errant drives.
Find the sunshine
The glistening sun shining off the Colorado River will be calling your name. Laughlin River Tours offers a 90-minute narrated scenic river cruise to see Laughlin from a different side. There's also a two-hour sunset dinner cruise aboard a new luxury yacht where you can leisurely sail along the river and watch the town's colorful lights paint the sky.
For the more adventurous, explore the river by Jet Ski instead. Laughlin River Jet Ski Rentals is located on a dock at The New Pioneer Hotel and Casino and provides equipment and safety instructions to first timers and seasoned riders.
Just north of the Riverwalk is the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails which offers miles of easy to moderate hiking trails, scenic views and fishing piers. Go to the north end of the park to see the Davis Dam, which creates the massive Lake Mohave – a worthy day trip if you’re looking for additional fishing, boating or watersports options.
Fill up on your favorite food
It’s hard to go hungry in Laughlin with all of the options on the menu. Visit Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho (translation: Drunk Donkey) at the Harrah’s Laughlin for a margarita (perhaps the Caliente Margarita with Santa Blanco tequila, agave citrus juices, muddled jalapeno cilantro and chili salt) and Mexican cuisine with a spin you might expect from the celebrity chef. Brew Brothers Tap House at the Tropicana offers 16 beers on tap; pub classics like wings, burgers and pizza; and with over 20 TVs, is a great place to watch some sports.
Get a taste of some southern cuisine at Bumbleberry Flats at The New Pioneer Hotel, where you can find classics like chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes and biscuits and gravy. And if you're dining in for breakfast, you could just order your meal on top of your drink. Their "Ultimate Bloody Mary" is quite a sight—fried chicken and waffle, fried green tomato, a pickle spear, a jumbo shrimp, olives, cocktail onions and a hardboiled egg—all delicately balanced on top of this brunch cocktail.
Whether you're in town to celebrate an occasion (or you're celebrating the occasion of being in town) reserve at least one night for a nice dinner out. The Gourmet Room at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort offers beautiful views of the river and features a menu of French, Italian and steakhouse fare. Also overlooking the tranquil waters is The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s Laughlin, offering an array of steak and entree choices.