Of course, the first thing everybody thinks about when talking about Nevada is Vegas and casinos. But Nevada is so much more than that. With the amazing desert climate, wonderful weather, and beautiful landscapes and fabulous hotels, Nevada has a lot to offer, especially to the people who enjoy the outdoors, nature, and a little adventure. Where, you ask? Let’s start with a nice, small town, located 152 km (95 mi) from Las Vegas, by the Colorado River called Laughlin. Here are the best things to do in Laughlin, Nevada, US. And if you’re planning to stay in the area, there are many budget hotels and Airbnbs to choose from.
1. Laughlin Water Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re wondering what places to visit in Laughlin, Nevada, why not check out Laughlin Water Park. This park features swimming pools and a slide. Here, you can cool off and relax while you think about what to do next. Also, visitors can avail swimming lessons of various levels, from introduction to swimming to advanced strokes. Do check out the website for any updates on opening times and dates.
The water park is known for its cleanliness and friendly staff–truly a hidden gem in the desert. Lifeguards here are also vigilant so you can be sure you’ll be in safe hands when you go swimming here.
Laughlin Water Park
Address: 3790 S James Bilbray, Laughlin, NV 89029, United States
Website: Laughlin Water Park
Price: 1- 2 USD
2. Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park & Trails
Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park & Trails is a trail system that offers a variety of hiking paths and fishing spots around Davis Dam. A great place for a hike or a soothing bike ride, this hiking trail system showcases the wonderful sights and sounds of the Colorado River.
Trails are not only beautiful but well-maintained and marked. They are also teeming with wildlife–you can even feed some ducks!
Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park & Trails
Address: Laughlin Civic Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
3. Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
There are some cars we all know exist but have never actually seen. Those special, unique, sometimes weird-looking cars very often show up in movies from the 60s or 70s, like famous muscle cars or even horseless carriages. You can find that and much more in Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection, located in the Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino.
The classic automobile collection is divided into two areas with over 80 examples of those rare machines. The most famous piece of their exhibit is a motorcycle once driven by Steve McQueen. This specialty museum is open seven days a week and admission to the first part, located on the 1st floor, is free. Admission to the second part of the exhibit is only 2 USD.
Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
Address: 1650 S. Casino Dr. Laughlin, NV 89029
Website: Don Laughlin’s
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Desert Dune Buggy Tour
We’re leaving the greatest Laughlin adventure for the end. Get into that funny-looking vehicle and go for a desert adventure of a lifetime. Race through high desert sands and experience a whole new life of off-road fun with Dune Buggies, which can fit up to six people, so you can enjoy it with your friends and family. Otherwise, you can each get a 1-person vehicle and see who’ll be cruising faster through that rough terrain.
Laughlin Adventure Tours also offers Ride Along History Tours, if you’d like to make your trip even more interesting. Prices start at 49 USD.
Dune Buggy Tour
Address: 2900 South Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029
Website: Laughlin Adventure Tours
5. Horseback riding tour with Pot A Gold Stables (from USD 269.0)
Are you a fan of western movies? Or a horse lover? Or someone who just always wanted to go for a horseback riding tour but never had a chance? Then Pot A Gold Stables has something for you! Get ready for an amazing horseback riding adventure along the Colorado River, to the Pyramid Canyon and Davis Dam Recreation Area to see spectacular views, that get even more magical when watching from the back of that magnificent animal. They offer 1-3 hour tours for adults and children. Prices start at 55 USD.
Horseback riding tour
Address: Davis Dam Rd, Laughlin, NV 89029
Website: Pot A Gold Stables
Horseback Riding Tour with Breakfast
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
6. Jet Boat Tour
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by London Bridge Jet Boat Tours on Monday, October 8, 2018
Sun over your head, wind in your hair and cool water around you. Sounds like a perfect way to spend some time on vacation. London Bridge Jet Boat Tours offer miles of cruising down the Colorado River through the beautiful Topock Gorge, which will just make the trip even more interesting. Did I tell you that Topock Gorge is accessible only by water? So it’s going to be a one-of-a-kind Laughlin entertainment experience.
Then the boat will take you to the famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, AZ. 6 hours, 2 states and plenty of attractions, that’s what the Jet Boat Tour offers during their London Bridge Adventure. The tour departs from Laughlin at 10 am (check-in is from 8.30 to 9.30 am) and comes back at 4 pm. The price is 70 USD for an adult and 50 USD for a child
Jet Boat Tour
Address: P.O. Box 29279, Laughlin, NV 89028
Website: Jet Boat Tour
7. Laughlin Riverwalk
It’s nice to sometimes stay in the city, go for a nice walk along the river, watch the beautiful sunset (or maybe sunrise), or sit down on one of the many pretty benches and just enjoy people watching (or animal watching because the side of the river is full of cats, raccoons, skunks and crickets).
Riverwalk is a top Laughlin tourist attraction and is right next to Hotel Corridor along Casino Drive in the middle of town. It is the place to go for a nice walk and is only 1 mile (1.6 km) long and connects most of the casinos in the city. The best way to start your journey on the Riverwalk Trail is at Riverside Resort & Casino’s parking lot.
Riverwalk
Address (start of the trail): 1650 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029
8. Christmas Tree Pass
If you’d like to go for a pleasant hike or take a long car ride with stunning views, consider the Christmas Tree Pass. This scenic drive will take you through the desert canyon, all the way to the pretty Newberry Mountains. You’ll be able to see the highest peak of the range, Spirit Mountain, which is considered by local Indian Tribes sacred.
Wondering if the name of the pass came from somewhere though? People used to decorate their juniper trees with Christmas decorations, and that’s how the road became a “Christmas Tree Pass”. Some people still bring a trinket with them during a hike to hang up on the trees.
Christmas Tree Pass
Directions: Take the 163 from Laughlin going West and look for signs for the Christmas Tree Pass
Website: Christmas Tree Pass
9. Lake Mohave
If you’re in Laughlin, your trip won’t be fulfilled without a trip to Lake Mohave on Colorado River. Built in the early 50s, the reservoir was named after Indians previously living in the area. There is plenty of activities in the lake to enjoy during hot summer days, starting with fishing, boating, kayaking, or canoeing in that beautiful area, and ending with scuba diving opportunities for every level.
For those of you who like some adrenaline, there is also the possibility of some cliff jumping. If the day is cooler, there are a lot of beautiful places to go hiking, biking, or horseback riding. There are three campgrounds around the lake, but just remember there are special regulations for most of these Laughlin activities.
Lake Mohave
Website: Lake Mohave
10. Davis Dam
The dam was opened in 1951 and its main task is to re-regulate Hoover Dam’s water releases (the Hoover Dam is located 110 km/70 mi North of the Davis Dam). Building the Davis Dam also gave an opportunity to form Lake Mohave, which is an amazing recreation area and a wildlife habitat. There is unfortunately no possibility of a self-guided tour of the dam.
Davis Dam
Website: Davis Dam
11. American Heroes Museum
If you feel like learning some American History while visiting Laughlin, you should visit the American Heroes Museum. You’ll learn the stories about heroes from the time of World War II to Desert Storm, and will be shown a multimedia presentation, “On the Wings of Eagles”, revealing America’s greatest moments.
They have also a great collection honouring Korean and Vietnam veterans. If you are a history and military buff, then this museum should be on your list of things to see in Laughlin, Nevada.
American Heroes Museum
Address: 2121 South Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89209
Website: American Heroes Museum
12. Grapevine Canyon
If all you think about when you hear Nevada, is a monotonous, desolate and boring desert landscape, then you should definitely go to Grapevine Canyon. You’ll be surprised at how interesting and diverse the desert can be with its terrain and amazing views.
Thanks to the presence of the water spring, the canyon became a Desert Oasis - the water gives the canyon much more life than other parts of the desert. That could have also attracted early humans to the area as you will find many ancient petroglyphs or rock drawings along the trail, going from the trailhead to the mouth of the canyon.
Grapevine Canyon
Website: Grapevine Canyon
13. Laughlin Labyrinths
After enjoying a casino experience on the Laughlin Strip, you can unwind, relax, and meditate in a restorative walk through the Laughlin Labyrinths. It is a series of mazes and labyrinths in Thomas Edison Drive which are laid out in the plains by Wes Dufek, a Laughlin local. Throughout history, mazes and labyrinths like these are believed to have the power to reduce blood pressure and breathing rates, minimize chronic pain and insomnia, and make the participant find his center and his sense of calmness.
Dufek began carefully selecting rocks to create his labyrinths in 2011. Today, there are eight labyrinths of several shapes and sizes ranging from 24ft (7m) to 60ft (18m) in diameter. While the amazing experience is free, you can make small donations to fund its maintenance.
Laughlin Labyrinths
Address: Thomas Edison Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029
14. Jet Ski on Colorado River
Go on a perfect and refreshing adventure in the Colorado River aboard a jet ski! While hotels around the river offer jet ski rentals, you might find their prices are a bit high. Other cruises and jet ski shops are available nearby with noticeably lower prices. Rocky River Jet Ski & UTV Rentals, for instance, offers one-hour to full-day rentals. Starting at 119 USD, you’ll get to use a Yamaha VX 110 that holds 1 to 2 persons and comes with top-of-the-line equipment and gear.
For your safety, you must attend a pre-launch instructional briefing, sign a liability and release waiver, and wear a life jacket. You must be above 18 years old to be able to drive and must not be under the influence of alcohol, medication, or any other mind-altering substance. Shops that serve barbecue and cold beer are also available nearby to complete your river adventure.
Rocky River Jet Ski & UTV Rentals
Address: 1900 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029, United States
Website: Rocky River Jet Ski & UTV Rentals
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: from at 119 USD
15. Saltgrass Steak House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Get a great scrumptious slab of the finest Texas-style steak in Nevada here in the award-winning Saltgrass Steak House located in Golden Nugget Laughlin Hotel & Casino. Guests rave about how their steaks are cooked to perfection with Saltgrass 7-steak spice and topped with garlic butter. They also serve bread, pastries, soups, and desserts which are all made from scratch, daily.
Although they mostly serve meat, Saltgrass also offers vegan-friendly food and gluten-free options. Aside from great food, Saltgrass also has panoramic views and a spacious venue enough to hold large groups and special celebrations.
Saltgrass Steak House
Address: 2300 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029, United States
Website: Saltgrass Steak House
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 10pm
16. Old Town Saloon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
How about some mozzarella sticks with a buffalo chicken salad, Yum
Posted by Old Town Saloon on Thursday, November 19, 2020
Experience nightlife the western way in Old Town Saloon, a bar and grill in Laughlin designed to look and feel like an old, run-down tavern but equipped with modern pub facilities. Having a great gaming area, pool tables, and dining that sits eight persons, this place is ideal for large groups on a night out, or for special celebrations.
It offers a fine selection of cold beers and cocktails that goes very well with the good food they serve. If you love dancing, add this to your list of things to do in Laughin’s nightlife; you’ll surely appreciate the bar’s spacious dance floor.
Old Town Saloon
Address: 2850 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029, United States
Facebook: Old Town Saloon
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. Laughlin Outlet Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Laughlin Outlet Center on Thursday, March 5, 2015
Wrap up your Nevada vacation with some shopping at Laughlin Outlet Center. Find great deals from the 48 stores in the Art Deco-designed indoor shopping center that offers name-brand clothing, shoes, sportswear, souvenirs, unique gifts, and even art pieces.
Although the shopping center is smaller than the average mall, its climate-controlled interior and eight-acre (three-hectare) complimentary garage and outdoor parking ensure that your comfort and convenience are guaranteed. For families with teens and children, the place offers family-friendly amenities like a movie theater and a food court.
Laughlin Outlet Center
Address: 1955 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029, United States
Website: Laughlin Outlet Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
So much fun outside Las Vegas
As long as you know where to go, Nevada has more than casinos and hotels by the river to offer. There is so much beauty and fun in that state, if you’re still wondering what to do in Laughlin, Nevada why not just book any of the gorgeous pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals in town, and go and explore.
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