A popular gambling destination with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, this laid-back riverside town offers casinos, entertainment and dining at a fraction of the price of Vegas.
With its 24-hour casinos, Laughlin is often cited as being a cheaper alternative to Vegas. But this riverside town actually has a lot more to offer than just legal gambling. Embark on riverside hikes, cycle along scenic trails, play golf at well-maintained courses and go boating, Jet skiing or kayaking on the river.
Find most of the city’s casinos located along the Laughlin Strip, known as Casino Drive. There are a dozen or so casinos, including the Old West-themed Pioneer Hotel and Gambling Hall, the tropical rainforest-inspired Golden Nugget Laughlin and the Colorado Belle Casino Resort, which is situated in a 600-foot (182-meter) long replica of a 19th-century paddlewheel riverboat. In addition to gambling facilities, such as slot machines, blackjack tables and poker rooms, many of the casinos also have on-site dining options, bars and live entertainment.
For anyone craving outdoor adventure, Laughlin provides extensive options. Golfers can get swinging at the desert-set Huukan Golf Club and the David Druzisky-designed championship course at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, located just across the Colorado River in Arizona’s Bullhead City. The Colorado River also presents opportunities for water-based activities, including boating, fishing and waterskiing.Ascend the granite peak of Spirit Mountain. From the summit, you can see the sprawling Mojave National Preserve.mining ghost towns, and the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Hoover Dam is just a 90-minute drive away.
Find Laughlin at the southern tip of Nevada on the banks of the Colorado River. Visit in spring, fall or winter to avoid the stifling summer temperatures. If you plan on spending all your time in the casinos, it is possible to walk between them or rely on taxis and water taxis. If you want to travel outside the city, it’s best to rent a car.
