- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Laughlin
The town, once called South Pointe, was shaped by Don Laughlin's 1964 purchase of a bankrupt motel. His Riverside Resort defined the modern riverfront style. What is Laughlin famous for today began with the Davis Dam construction camp which preceded the resorts.
The Colorado River is the main artery, cooled by deep water released from the base of Davis Dam. Enjoy jet skiing, or use the convenient water taxis connecting the casinos. For a unique excursion, explore the ancient petroglyphs at nearby Grapevine Canyon.
One of the best reasons to visit Laughlin is its relaxed pace. The lifestyle is adult-focused, revolving around the river and classic Americana events like the Laughlin River Run. It's also a popular winter hub for 'snowbirds' escaping colder climates.
- LaughlinUnited States
- LaughlinUnited States
- LaughlinUnited States
- LaughlinUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Spring & FallMild weather, fewer crowds
- SummerHot, busy tourist season
- WinterMild, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #Hat
- #LightJacket
- #Swimsuit
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days for side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #ColoradoRiver
- #LaughlinBurgee
- #Harrah'sLaughlin
- #RiversideCasino
- #LaughlinRiverWalk
- #AquariusCasino
- Stroll along Laughlin River Walk
- Try a riverboat cruise
- Experience gaming at casinos
- Relax by the pool
- Dining with river views
Things to do in Laughlin
Discover
Exploring Laughlin reveals desert wonders and man-made marvels. See ancient petroglyphs at Grapevine Canyon, marvel at the engineering of Davis Dam, and walk the serene Laughlin Labyrinths. The Colorado River carves a scenic path through it all.
Experience
Enjoy jet skiing on the Colorado River or take a scenic water taxi ride. Play a round at championship golf courses like Laughlin Ranch. Catch major concerts at the Laughlin Event Center or try your luck at the various riverside casinos.
Davis Dam
Hydroelectric dam on the Colorado River creating Lake Mohave.
Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs
Canyon trail with over 800 ancient rock carvings.
Laughlin Riverwalk
Scenic paved path along the Colorado River's banks.
Don Laughlin's Classic Car Museum
Museum showcasing privately owned classic and rare cars.
Big Bend of the Colorado Rec Area
State park with beaches, trails, and river access.
Colorado River Water Taxi
Boat service connecting riverside casinos and hotels.
London Bridge Jet Boat Tours
High-speed boat tour to the historic London Bridge.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
How to get to Laughlin: fly into Laughlin/Bullhead Int'l Airport (IFP), minutes away, or Las Vegas (LAS), a 90-min drive. From IFP, taxis and shuttles manage the short Laughlin airport to city center trip. From LAS, a car rental is best.
Getting Around
Navigate between casinos using the River Taxis on the Colorado River. Public transport in Laughlin includes RTC transit buses for wider travel, while many hotels offer a free Laughlin shuttle bus. The scenic Riverwalk connects most major resorts.
Local Essentials
Essential Laughlin travel tips for first-timers: driving in Laughlin is simple with ample free casino parking. Stay hydrated, especially in summer. When you plan a trip to Laughlin, check water taxi hours, as they vary seasonally. Cash is useful.
Where to Stay in Laughlin
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Laughlin. Taste classic prime rib specials and all-you-can-eat buffets, a key part of the local dining culture. Many casinos offer late-night menus for after a game.
Enjoy
Eat at The Moonshadow Grille for an upscale vibe, reserve ahead. Visit Caboose Lounge, a lively music spot. For a casual meal, Feathers Cafe is a classic diner, try breakfast. A top Laughlin food and drink guide.
The Moonshadow Grille
Upscale steak and seafood spot with river views.
Saltgrass Steak House
Classic Texas-style steakhouse with a rustic vibe.
Bumbleberry Flats
American comfort food, known for its homestyle cooking.
Native Harvest Buffet
All-you-can-eat selection in a casual setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Laughlin's heritage through its foundational events rooted in its river and desert setting. Must-see traditions celebrate the city's pioneering spirit, from rugged off-road races to community gatherings along the Colorado River.
Enjoy
Discover modern Laughlin cultural activities with country music concerts at the Laughlin Event Center and independent films at the annual film festival. These are essential things to do for a contemporary entertainment experience.
Rockets Over the River
A must-see 4th of July fireworks show over the Colorado River.
Laughlin Desert Classic
Annual off-road race through the desert terrain near Laughlin.
Tacos and Tequila Festival
A flavorful festival with music, tacos, and tequila tasting.
Tropicana Annual Brewfest
An April celebration with craft beers, food, and live music.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Car Show
Annual May event at the Tropicana showcasing custom cars.
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Spectacular fireworks display along the river to ring in the new year.
A Really Chill River Getaway
Laughlin is a great spot if you want a laid-back casino town without the chaos. The whole place runs along the river, which is really nice. We enjoyed walking the Riverwalk at night. Everything is super easy to get to, and the pace is just slower.
Fun on the Colorado River
Had a blast with the water taxis-they're a cool way to hop between casinos. Rented jet skis for an afternoon, and the river was perfect for it. Much more of an outdoor trip than I expected. The views of the desert hills are pretty awesome from the water.
Classic Casino Town
Laughlin offers a more old-school casino experience, which I appreciate. The slots seemed a bit looser here than in bigger cities. Had a great steak dinner at The Steakhouse inside the Riverside. It's perfect for a weekend of just playing cards and relaxing.
Nice and Relaxing Trip
A very comfortable and easy place to visit. The crowds are manageable, and it's not a lot of walking if you don't want to. We saw a show and enjoyed the buffets. It's a simple, no-fuss vacation spot with beautiful sunsets over the river.
More Than Just Casinos
We used the town as a base to explore the area. The drive out to Oatman to see the wild burros was the highlight of our trip. It's a fun little side quest. The town itself is quiet, making it a good place to come back to after a day of driving.
Great Value Getaway
Everything here is just so much more affordable. The hotel rooms, the food, the table minimums. It's a great option for a budget-friendly trip. Enjoyed the prime rib specials that pretty much every casino seems to have. A solid choice for a few days away.