Laughlin, Nevada, may not have the bright lights and bustling crowds of Las Vegas, but this desert town along the Colorado River offers a more laid-back, affordable alternative to its famous neighbor. Located about 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventure, casino fun, and scenic relaxation. Below is all the reasons you should visit Laughlin.

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Affordable Casinos and Hotels

Laughlin’s main draw is its lineup of affordable hotels and casinos. With eight major casinos, you can enjoy all the gaming fun you’d expect from a Nevada town, but without the high prices or overcrowded scenes. Whether you’re playing blackjack, poker, or trying your luck at the slot machines, the relaxed atmosphere of Laughlin’s casinos provides a less intense experience than the hustle of Vegas.

Most of the hotels in Laughlin are located along the river, offering spectacular views and easy access to the Colorado Riverwalk. Plus, accommodations are generally much cheaper than those found in Las Vegas, making it a great budget-friendly destination.

Caesar’s Entertainment has two casinos here, Harrah’s and Tropicana. Golden Entertainment, which would be the True rewards player’s card, has Edgewater and Aquarius casinos. Golden Nugget also has a casino here. There are two small casinos, Laughlin River Lodge Hotel and Casino which has 5 separate casinos and Pioneer Gambling Hall, with an Old West feel. Last but not least is Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort. This is run by Don Laughlin’s family. Don Laughlin purchased the southern tip of Nevada in 1964 and the town became Laughlin because a postal inspector said it had to have a name in order to receive mail there. Before he developed the town it was called Tri-state. All of these casinos have hotels with various amenities. The Colorado Belle casino unfortunately is no longer open, but the ship is still in the water. We stayed at the Tropicana and really enjoyed it. It is central to all the casinos, so it made getting around easy. All of the casinos have both new slot games and some of the old favorites. For more details about these casinos, go to our website that talks about our casino travels.

Water Activities on the Colorado River

A unique feature of Laughlin is its location along the Colorado River, which means there are plenty of water activities to enjoy. Rent jet skis, go boating, or take a relaxing cruise on the river. The cool waters provide a refreshing escape from the desert heat, and the scenic riverfront adds an extra layer of beauty to your visit.

The Colorado River runs through this area and separates Nevada and Arizona. On the other side of the river from Laughlin is Bullhead City, AZ. You can go to Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area to swim, hike, camp or birdwatch. It will cost you $10 to enter this area. You can also rent jet skis for the day, at several locations. Another fun thing to do is take a water taxi to get to the next casino or just cruise the river. For a nice, relaxing tour take a two-hour river dinner cruise or do a 90-minute daily scenic cruise. You can also take a cruise on the U.S.S. Riverside that offers daily excursions along the river up to Davis Dam. If you want to just have some leisure time, do the Riverwalk that runs along the back of the casinos by the river.

For those who enjoy fishing, the Colorado River and nearby Lake Mohave are excellent spots to cast a line, with opportunities to catch bass, catfish, and rainbow trout.

Outdoor Adventures and Hiking

Laughlin is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area or hike through Grapevine Canyon, which features fascinating petroglyphs and beautiful desert views. You can take a walk among the Labyrinths; these are eight maze-like paths you can explore. If you enjoy hiking, you can go to Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park & Trails where you can see the Davis Dam. The Colorado River Museum is worth checking out if you enjoy history and picturesque views. If you prefer a scenic drive, head over to the Mojave Desert or explore the historic Route 66 for a taste of classic Americana.

Events and Entertainment

Laughlin hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from the annual Laughlin River Run, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the western U.S., to concerts, car shows, and more. The town’s outdoor amphitheaters and venues bring in big-name acts, but on a smaller scale, creating a more intimate concert experience.

Some of the other things to do in Laughlin are visiting Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection, which has over 80 antique & classic cars. There is Florida Grecco Fine Art Gallery across from the Edgewater Hotel if you enjoy art. And of course there is shopping. Most of the hotels have gift shops a few have other types of shops, like clothing. You can also check out the Laughlin Outlet Center for more shopping.

Relaxed Atmosphere

One of Laughlin’s greatest charms is its laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, stroll along the riverwalk, and enjoy the slower pace. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail with a view of the river, or watching the sunset over the desert, Laughlin is the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a more relaxed alternative to the high-energy atmosphere of Las Vegas, Laughlin is definitely worth a visit. Whether you enjoy gambling, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing by the water, Laughlin offers something for everyone, all while maintaining its small-town charm and affordability. Its mix of nature and entertainment makes it a great destination for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. So, is Laughlin worth visiting? Absolutely—especially if you’re seeking a low-key desert escape with plenty of opportunities for fun, relaxation, and adventure

We only spent a couple of days here, so we didn’t experience all there was to do, but it is definitely on my list to go back and explore even more. There are also places to visit near Laughlin, like Oatman, AZ where you can see the burros that come into town. We hope we can inspire you to do more exploring and have more adventures even close to home. If you are interested in learning about our casino adventures, here is our site: scenicrouteslots.com – Our Slot play in Las Vegas and across the country

To see our travel videos, click here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHd0t6kGqoLBGO9NhpaxrmQ

If you are interested in our casino videos, here are the links: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKt9cdRjiEK4SLfEKejZV1A

By Greg and Peggy

We are two people who love to travel, thrift and play slot machines. We love going to new places, especially if there is a casino! We just want to share our adventures with people and hope to inspire them to explore and have fun!

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