One of the great things about exploring the world is discovering new, unexpected, amazing places. I’d heard many great things about Laughlin, Nevada, but after a few days in the small gambling hub, it found a special place in my heart.
If you fancy taking an easy day trip from Las Vegas or want to discover a part of Nevada that isn’t brimming with tourists, read on about Laughlin. It’s a cool retro town with vibes that remind me of all the great vintage parts of Sin City.
Why Everyone Should Visit Laughlin, NV
Las Vegas is an incredible place. I’ve been going there for almost two decades. A three-day blowout has often been just what the doctor ordered. Three days is usually enough, and with so much natural beauty surrounding Vegas, why go all that way if you are not going to get out and explore some of it?
Laughlin is an easy drive from the Strip. Once you are out of the city, it’s straight along the I-95 through stunning desert landscapes. The mountain scenery and the epic long highway make the journey seem effortless. It’s hard to imagine that in under 2 hours, you will be sitting along the banks of a flowing river.
Laughlin is situated alongside the fantastic Colorado River, whose tranquil, clear waters flow majestically, dividing Nevada on one side and Arizona on the other. It’s a stark change in composition from much of this dry, desolate area.
Things to Do in Laughlin
With gambling very much legal on the Nevada side of the river, you can enjoy many of the same activities you may have become accustomed to during a stay in Las Vegas. Around a dozen big casinos line the river offering a variety of table games, slots, and sportsbooks.
Although the casinos are not as grand as their Vegas counterparts, they are all sizeable operations, including some names familiar from the famous Strip like the Golden Nugget and Harrah’s. Each casino has a selection of cool bars, restaurants, and all-you-can-eat buffets.
Shopping is certainly not as abundant as in Vegas, but every hotel and casino has souvenir shops and handy outlets for drinks and snacks. Entertainment also remains key, with many bars hosting nightly live music events and large touring artists rolling into town most weeks.
Things to Do Away from the Casinos
Much like Las Vegas, Laughlin tries to offer something for those that don’t wish to spend their time or money at the tables. The chill factor is much greater in Laughlin with that awesome river providing a serene back drop to a relaxed day of doing sweet-nothing.
The banks are shallow, and the gently flowing waters are great for cooling off and swimming in. There are also plenty of clean sandy beaches to relax on – most hotels offer a private stretch of beach for patrons to enjoy.
Fancy getting out on the water? Jet-skis are popular on the river, rentable at numerous places, again your hotel of choice will be able to recommend a company. It’s great fun speeding along the river. If you want something a little slower, take a ride on the taxi boats that cruise along the water – only $5 a ride!
Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum
Featuring over 80 rare and distinctive vehicles, including antique, classic, and unique cars from private collections around the world. The exhibits are housed in two areas: the First Floor Showroom and the expansive Classic Auto Exhibition Hall, which offers views of the Colorado River and has a cool gift shop.
Open daily, Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum exhibits everything from desert race trucks to vintage automobiles. Entry is free with a King of Clubs Players’ Card or $5 without. Getting a player’s card is easy and free, so go and enjoy this awesome slice of vintage Americana for free!
Food and Drink
For a great beer with a view, head to River Rick’s Saloon inside the New Pioneer Hotel and Casino. It’s a long, thin bar, with a decent happy hour and unencumbered views of the river. The Old Town Saloon is a cool, wild-west themed dive bar open 24 hours. Cheap beer and good vibes.
If you are craving more of a brewery experience, head to The Brew Brothers located by the entrance to the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. It’s a bright and airy setting just off the casino floor with a great selection of home-brewed beers. The burgers here are also excellent.
Head back to the New Pioneer for a great weekend buffet at Bumbleberry Flats. Stuff yourself with a wide selection of home-cooked American favorites and bottomless mimosas for around $25pp. The non-buffet menu is very reasonable too, with great portion sizes.
Where to Stay in Laughlin
There’s no shortage of affordable, comfortable places to stay in Laughlin. Harrah’s sits at the quieter end of the strip and offers a beachy vibe with great river access and multiple restaurants on-site.
The Golden Nugget is a little smaller but has charm and character, especially with its riverside bar that’s perfect for sunset drinks.
The Tropicana is right in the middle of the action and is often one of the cheapest options in town – you’ll get a decent room and be within easy walking distance of pretty much everything. We stayed at The New Pioneer because it’s well located and was the most affordable option available when we booked.
Laughlin Riverwalk
Running along the river behind the main casinos is a paved walkway that makes it easy to explore on foot. The Riverwalk is peaceful, breezy, and offers brilliant views of the Colorado as well as easy access to the waterfront bars and restaurants.
It’s especially nice around sunset when the sun drops behind the mountains and casts golden light across the water. A perfect place for a lazy stroll between drinks or just to take a breather from the tables.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
If you’ve got wheels, there are some fun detours just a short drive from town. Oatman, Arizona, is a bizarre little former mining town now home to wild burros who wander the streets like they own the place. It’s full of character and worth the drive.
Lake Mohave is another gem – a beautiful, wide section of the river that’s perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, or just sitting by the water with a sandwich and a book. Davis Dam is also nearby and offers cool photo ops and scenic walking trails along the water’s edge.
Final Thoughts: Why Laughlin Surprised Me
Laughlin caught me off guard. I expected a sleepy version of Vegas and found something entirely different – a laid-back, scenic river town with good vibes, better prices, and a few unexpected gems. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t try to be.
What it offers is a slower, more relaxed way to enjoy the Nevada sun – and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you’re after.
If you are heading to Las Vegas, don’t miss my entire page dedicated to Sin City. Click here to check it out!
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