Things to do in Laughlin
Laughlin Overview
Laughlin is an unincorporated town located in Clark County, Nevada, United States, and a port town with a population of over 7,000 according to the 2010 census.
Nearby communities of Bullhead City, Arizona; Needles, California; Fort Mohave, Arizona; and Mohave Valley, Arizona.
Even though it is known for its gaming and casinos, Laughlin is advertised as a family-friendly destination.
Located on the river, Laughlin is also known for outdoor and family activities.
Many of the casinos that line the Colorado River are linked by an unofficial pedestrian thoroughfare known as the Laughlin Riverwalk.
Where is Laughlin, NV
Located on the Colorado River, Laughlin is 90 miles south of Las Vegas, located in the far southern tip of Nevada.
It is the geographic meeting point of San Bernardino County, California, Mohave County, Arizona, and Clark County, Nevada.
How Far is Laughlin From Las Vegas
Laughlin is located approximately 90 miles from Las Vegas. The fastest route from Las Vegas to Laughlin is to take US 95 S to NV 163 E
Laughlin Weather
Laughlin has a desert climate, with under 6″ of precipitation per year.
Summers are very hot with days frequently exceeding 110 °F in July and August while night-time lows tend to stay between 76–86 °F.
The winters are mild with days typically seeing temperatures between 65–75 °F and corresponding night-time lows between 43–52 °F.
It is one of the United States’ hottest cities during the summer with and it is not usual to see heat waves involving temperatures going over 120 °F.
What Time is it in Laughlin Nevada
Located in Nevada, Laughlin is located in the Pacific Time zone.
Be sure to note that if you cross over into Arizona the time could be different depending on if it’s daylight savings time or not.
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Laughlin Restaurants
There are plenty of places to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Salt Grass is a popular option and if you are a Sam’s Club member you can buy discounted gift cards there to help save money. There are not too many discounts available for dining unless you get them from the player’s club of a casino but you can always check Groupon for Laughlin dining discounts (and discounts for concerts, activities, etc.).
Laughlin Activities
Hiking Near Laughlin
Christmas Tree Pass
Christmas Tree Pass is a 16 mile stretch of road with Juniper trees that have been decorated with Christmas themed decorations. Popular during the holidays, it’s a fun drive to do on your way to hike and explore Grapevine Canyon.
The pedestrian overpass at Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trails
Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trails
There are four developed trailheads and a pedestrian overpass to access several miles of Laughlin’s northern Colorado riverfront. The trail system offering a variety of walks and hikes, practical fishing nodes and a fully appointed day-use park, with Davis Dam as its backdrop, are main features.
Click here to read more about the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trails
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Grapevine Canyon Trail
Grapevine Canyon Trail is a 3.6 mile out and back trail located near Laughlin, Nevada that features petroglyphs, a waterfall, unusual desert plants, and gorgeous views of the valley.
Secret Pass
Secret Pass is a 12-mile trail located near Laughlin, Nevada that offers scenic views, a number of activity options, and is accessible year-round. It is hard to find but I hear it’s worth the drive. The trail is more popular with off-roading folks.
Laughlin Water Activities
One of the most popular water activities in Laughlin is to rent jet skis and be a “river rat” for the day, which I highly recommend. While Big Bend is a popular area… well, it’s a popular area and will have a lot of people using it at times — we prefer to hit the Lake Mohave and find a cove to set up our picnic and kayaking items.
Boat Tours and Dinners
We haven’t had luck on a dinner cruise due to weddings happening the nights we want to attend so I don’t have first-hand knowledge (yet) of what to expect. The riverboat goes up and down the river at dusk for cocktails, dinner… or a wedding.
Lake Mohave
Part of the Lead Mead National Recreation Area, Lake Mohave has 200 miles of shoreline for recreational activities, swimming beaches, and picnic areas. Katherine Landing campground and marina is only 7 miles from downtown Laughlin on the Arizona side of the lake.
Laughlin Riverwalk
Who is up for a nice stroll along the river?
There is a 3-mile stretch along the river that extends along the Nevada shore of the Colorado River from Laughlin to Davis Dam.
If you are staying at a casino, you can enter on the riverside exits to access the Riverwalk.
Click here to read more about the Laughlin Riverwalk and view photos.
The River Passage Water Taxi
The water taxi is a great way to travel from the casinos along the river. Don’t worry about it taking a long time as they move along the river quickly and the stops are brief. The fee to ride one way for $5 or pay $20 for a day-long pass.
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Laughlin Museums and Parks
Big Bend of the Colorado
A state park to launch your boat or personal watercraft, grab a place along the river, or find a picnic area to have lunch. We spent part of the day hanging out by the river with the intent of kayaking but there were way too many jet skis for us to enjoy ourselves. So instead, we set up our canopy and had lunch while people and duck watching.
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Colorado River Museum
The Colorado River Museu is located at 2251 Highway 68 Bullhead City, AZ 86429 and is open September through June, Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Don Laughlin Car Museum
Located the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, the Don Laughlin Car Museum is housed in two separate areas of the property, the exhibit is a rotating collection of antique, classic and special interest autos assembled from private collections.
Click here to read more about Don Laughlin Car Museum.
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Laughlin Labyrinths
Built by Wes Dufek as an area to meditate, it was a work in progress over a period of 3+ years. It’s an interesting quick stop to walk through the labyrinths and catch a view of the river. The overall time should be no more than half an hour, and that’s if you stay awhile.
Laughlin Stone Labyrinths are located at 2750 Thomas Edison Drive – Laughlin, NV 89029.
Click here for more information and photos of the Laughlin Labyrinths.
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Oatman Ghost Town
In my opinion, a not miss excursion because I LOVED feeding the local donkeys. A “ghost town” that was a mining town in the 1800’s, now is an attraction to explore old mines, feed to donkeys that roam the streets, and more.
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Laughlin Events
International Gifts & Craft Shows
MARCH – This family-friendly event has vendors showcasing everything from handmade candles to hand-crafted women’s apparel.
Click here for the official International Gifts & Craft Shows website.
Laughlin River Run
APRIL – Held in Laughlin, NV, the annual motorcycle rally was started in 1983 with 426 participants and in 2005 the motorcycle event drew an estimated 70,000 motorcycle enthusiasts making it the largest gathering of bikes and bikers in the Western United States.
The Laughlin River Run takes place annually during the last weekend in April, normally beginning on Wednesday and finishing on Sunday.
Click here for the official Laughlin River Run website.
Rockets Over the River July 4th
JULY – Each year the annual Rockets Over the River fireworks display is held for free for public viewing along the entire Laughlin River Walk or from your favorite Laughlin hotel.
This extraordinary display is one of the most spectacular and unique in the West as the pyrotechnic company launches the rockets into the dark desert sky with the reflection of each colorful explosion shimmering on the Colorado River.
Patriotic music is choreographed to the fireworks and simulcast over speakers by Laughlin hotels and local radio stations.
Click here for the official Rockets Over the River information on the Laughlin website.
Laughlin River Regatta
AUGUST – After a brief hiatus, the Laughlin River Regatta has returned. Over 22,000 participants, the event will host the river float, special events, and parties.
Click here for the official Laughlin River Regatta website.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
NOVEMBER – Each year boat owners decorate and light up their boats to kick off the holidays while boating up and down the Colorado River.
Laughlin Shopping
Colorado Belle Casino Resort
Colorado Belle Casino Resort is located at 2100 S Casino Drive Laughlin, NV 89029.
Laughlin Outlet Center
The Laughlin Outlet Center is located at 1955 S Casino Drive Laughlin, NV 89029. With more than 60 merchants, indoor food court and market, and eight acres of convenient indoor parking, the Laughlin Outlet Center makes a great break from the heat.
The Laughlin Outlet Center is open seven days a week and is located in the heart of the casino district, across the street from the Aquarius Casino Resort. Mall Hours are Monday -Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Laughlin Airport
Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport is a public-use airport located 1.15 miles north of the central business district of Bullhead City, in Mohave County, Arizona, United States. The airport is across the Colorado River and one block away from Laughlin, Nevada.
Airlines flying into the Laughlin Airport:
- Elite Airways
- Sun Country Airlines
The airport is home to three car rental companies:
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz.
Click here to view the Laughlin Airport website.
Booking.com
Laughlin Hotels
Almost all of the lodging options are located on the Colorado River.
Click here to view Laughlin Hotels, Casinos, and Resorts.
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