Christmas Tree Pass
Leading over the Newberry Mountains of southern Nevada, the Christmas Tree Pass is a gorgeous and absolutely scenic 12-mile drive that allows visitors to see the natural beauty of the state’s desert landscape. Some views to look forward to include the Colorado River valley, sweeping vistas of the neighboring state of Arizona, and the sprawling expanse of the Mojave Desert. Adventure seekers and outdoor lovers are also welcome to find a spot to park and set off on one of the many trailheads that lead to gorgeous destinations like the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Native American petroglyphs. Just remember that some of the drive can get quite narrow, so make sure you’ve got a vehicle that can handle challenging terrain.
Lake Mead Recreational Area, Laughlin, Nevada 89029
Laughlin Labyrinth
A labyrinth? In the middle of Laughlin, Nevada? Yup, that’s right! In fact, there are roughly eight of them located in the deserts of Laughlin. The man-made labyrinths are a great place to visit for meditation, to enjoy some peace and quiet, and to try and challenge yourself to some various mazes. Another great thing about the Laughlin Labyrinth is that it’ll actually become an interesting and scenic hike as you go from one labyrinth to another. You’ll get some gorgeous views of Laughlin’s desert terrain as well as some of its better-known landmarks and even stunning near-bird’s eye looks at the other labyrinths.
2239-3299 Thomas Edison Drive, Laughlin, Nevada 89029
Colorado River Museum
Eager to discover more about the Colorado River and its surrounding area? Head straight for the Colorado River Museum, a historical land mark in its own right, to soak up all the information you could ever want. Originally built in 1947, the Colorado River Museum was intended as a means to house and serve the many people who worked on building the Davis Dam. At the museum, you can view artifacts and memorabilia that highlight the history of the area and the people who made the region what it is today. Make sure to snap photos and pick up your own memorabilia at their gift shop.
1239 AZ-95, Bullhead City, AZ 86429, Phone: 928-754-3399
Laughlin Riverwalk
Stretch your legs while exploring the best of Laughlin on foot at the Riverwalk. Well maintained and offering fantastic views of the city and the Colorado River, the Laughlin Riverwalk is a great way to get from one casino to the other while soaking up sights like Don Laughlin’s Riverside to the boats sailing by. Try walking along the Riverwalk in the evening to enjoy the live bands that play on various sections of the walkway. If you’re not sure about what you want to do for the evening, taking a stroll along this stretch of pathway is a great way to see what the city has to offer on any given night as well.
Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
Got a thing for classic cars? Stop by Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection to feast your eyes on over 80 of the world’s most gorgeous, distinctive and well-kept automobiles. Featuring classic, antique, and special interest vehicles alike, all of the items displayed in this museum have been curated from private collections. Some of the vehicles in the collection are even owned by Don Laughlin himself, who is a huge fan of cars and an avid collector of them. The collection can be viewed in two separate areas of the Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort and, best of all, are free to the public.
1650 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029, 800-227-3849
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area
Encompassing around 2 miles of sandy shoreline along the banks of the Colorado River, the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers visitors a brilliant day out. Located downstream from the Davis Dam, the river offers near perfect conditions for water sports all year round. Most summer visitors come to the park to cool down and to enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, paddling, camping and picnics. In winter you can also enjoy around 4 miles of cleared hiking trails and extensive back-country hiking. There is a camp ground with 24 camp sites which are open all year round – first come, first served. Day visitors should plan to arrive early at this very popular recreational park.
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreational Area, 4220 So. Needles Hwy, Laughlin, NV 89029, 702-298-1859
Best-Jetz, Laughlin, Nevada
Maximize your enjoyment of the Colorado River with some extreme water sports care of Best-Jetz Watercraft Rentals. With several locations conveniently located all over Laughlin in hotels and casinos, Best-Jetz promises top-notch services and water sports equipment rentals for all visitors. Speed around on the river water on the back of a jet ski or other water crafts for an adrenaline rush like no other. If you’re new to watersports, the friendly instructors and staff are more than willing to give you some lessons and pointers. Make sure to listen well too, because more often than not, the advice they have to give is beyond useful!
Laughlin Visitors Center, Laughlin, Nevada 89029, Phone: 702-298-0757
Laughlin River Tours
Cruise your way to an unforgettable holiday experience with the Laughlin River Tours. With the use of their deluxe 112-passenger vessel, the Celebration River Boat, Laughlin River Tours has been creating lasting memories for all of its guests, from near and far, for over two decades. Enjoy the use of a full-service bar, a snack bar, and climate-controlled rooms as you cruise serenely down the river. You can also charter special tours or enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise while dining on a quality dinner menu prepared fresh on the boat. No matter what, you simply don’t want to miss out on all of the incredible views that a tour down the Colorado River has to offer.
PO Box 29279, Laughlin, Nevada 89028, Phone: 800-228-9825
More Nevada ideas: Reno, Boulder City, Carson City, Las Vegas lunch, Laughlin, Henderson
Oatman Arizona, Laughlin, Nevada
Situated across the Colorado River and up the hill from Laughlin is the small but historic town of Oatman, Arizona. Famed for being a living ghost town, Oatman was once a bustling community of over 10,000 people but has now dwindled down to a population of just over 100 people. Despite being just a whisper of what it once was, Oatman is still a fantastic place for history buffs to visit thanks to its many historical buildings. There are also fantastic photo opportunities to be had in Oatman as well as exciting shows to catch, like those of the Ghost Rider Gunfighters, who perform gunfight recreations daily.
Hoover Dam
Originally known as Boulder Dam, the construction work on the Hoover Dam broke ground in 1931. It was eventually completed in 1936, and became the world’s highest damn. Now the 18th highest dam in the world, the Hoover Dam still draws visitors and tourists from near and far, all eager to gaze upon its unique build. One of the best things to do at the Hoover Dam is to take a tour of its power plant. There are several tours that take you on different explorations of the plant thanks to savvy guides. There are also audio and film presentations that can be viewed here alongside informative and interesting exhibits. Did we mention that the tour gives you what could be the best view of the dam over all? Sign us up!
Hoover Dam Access Road, Boulder City, Nevada 89109, Phone: 702-805-8855
Davis Dam
Sitting in Pyramid Canyon and just 67 miles downstream from the Hoover Dam is the Davis Dam. Named after Arthur Powell Davis, the director of reclamation from 1914 to 1932, the Davis Dam first broke ground in 1942 and was completed in 1952. Generating up to 2 billion kilowatt-hours of energy annually, the Davis Dam is a breathtaking and powerful site to visit. It’s also a great place to enjoy a gorgeous view of Lake Mohave, which sits right behind the dam. The vistas around the dam are equally breathtaking with the Eldorado, Black, Painted, and Pyramid Canyons surrounding the area.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Laughlin, Nevada 86429, Phone: 702-293-8906
Laughlin River Lodge Hotel and Casino
At Laughlin River Lodge you can step right up and take on Lady Luck in the Bourbon Street Casino, which offers a choice of slot machines and a PC gaming room. Younger family members can have fun in the bowling alley or enjoy scrabble, shuffle-board and a children’s play area. The lodge is located right on the banks of the Colorado River and there is an on-site beach where you can relax and watch the river craft go by. There is also an attractive outdoor swimming pool where you can soak up some sun or cool down. The lodge offers a selection of guestrooms, some of which have wonderful views of the river, and the Bighorn Café for all your meals.
Laughlin River Lodge Hotel and Casino, 2700 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029, 702-298-2242
Lake Mohave
A man-made reservoir created in 1951 after the Davis Dam was completed, Lake Mohave is roughly 67 miles long and straddles the southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona border. Despite being very close to Lake Mead, Lake Mohave certainly has its own unique charms and mysteries. The surrounding landscape of Lake Mohave is one of the best places in the world to hike around, with ancient Native American petroglyphs and other historical phenomena waiting to be discovered. Explore the lands that the ancient Mohave people called home on foot or take a boat around the waters to see all that it has to offer from the calm and relaxing waters of the lake. You can even go for a relaxing dip or enjoy a ride through the waters on the back of a jet ski.
Laughlin, Nevada 89046, Phone: 702-293-8990
More ideas: Nevada camping spots
Grapevine Canyon
Are you ready to explore waterfalls and the 1,000-year-old petroglyphs that adorn the canyons of Nevada? The Grapevine Canyon Trail will give you a stunning experience of just that along with a great workout in Laughlin’s backyard. At 3.6 miles long and with an elevation gain of 469 feet, the Grapevine Canyon Trail is a moderately trafficked hike that will take you through a sandy and dry riverbed to start off. Once you hit the mouth of the canyon, the magnificence and historicity of the place almost immediately wash over you as you get your first look at the ancient petroglyphs. As you continue to hike up the canyon wall, you’ll be rewarded with even more spectacular views, the best of which is the remarkable sight of the Colorado River Valley. You’ll also pass up to three seasonal waterfalls before ending at natural bath tubs in which you can rest and cool off.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Laughlin, Nevada, Phone: 702-293-8906
London Bridge Jet Boat Tours
There’s nothing quite like seeing the rugged beauty of the Colorado River up close and personal. With London Bridge Jet Boat Tours, you can do just that. As one of the oldest jet boat tour companies in Laughlin, London Bridge boasts some of the best tours in the city on the largest, fastest, and most comfortable jet boats in town. Patrons can expect to jet down 58 miles of the Colorado River, passing through the breathtaking Topock Gorge and towards Lake Havasu City’s famous London Bridge. You’ll also get to admire some of the most beautiful views that this area has to offer, like the volcanic rock faces, ancient Native American petroglyphs, and enchanting waters – all of which you’ll only be able to see from the river.
P.O. Box 29279 Laughlin, Nevada 89028, Phone: 702-298-5498
Golden Nugget Casino
The Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel has everything you need for a fun casino getaway without the Vegas prices. The hotel/casino is located right on the banks of the Colorado River in Laughlin, where it carefully combines luxury accommodations and plenty of activities with a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. The award-winning casino beckons visitors to step on up and enjoy 700 exciting slot machines, a range of fun table games and a sports betting lounge where you can bet on your favorite games and races. The venue offers excellent entertainment, including music concerts, comedy shows, and more. If you would like to stay a little longer you can check into one of their luxury river-view rooms. More things to do in the Southwest USA
Golden Nugget Casino, 2300 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029, 702-289-7100
Regency Casino
Do not be put off by the modest size of the Regency Casino, which is dwarfed by several other larger casinos in Laughlin. The Regency has been around for many years and has built up a loyal following of fans who enjoy the laid-back old-time atmosphere and the great value on offer. If you enjoy playing slots you will find around 75 machines on the floor, many of which offer great promotions. The venue has 3 tournament size pool tables where you and your friends can hone your skills while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. While you play you can keep your eye on your favorite live sports which are screened on big screens. When hunger strikes, the Chuck Wagon offers great snacks, burgers, sandwiches and salads.
Regency Casino, 1950 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029, 702-299-1220
Laughlin Labyrinths
After a night of casino entertainment, the Laughlin Labyrinths are a great place to relax, get some exercise and get back to nature in the heart of the Mojave Desert. The labyrinths comprise nine separate stone mazes which were created in the desert by Wes Dufek, who claims that navigating the mazes is both relaxing and energizing. Various research studies on the effects of labyrinths suggest that walking around mazes can have extraordinary benefits for the brain and for your body. These include lowering blood pressure, reducing chronic pain and aiding insomnia. Even if you don’t believe in any of these claims, it is fun to get out and about in the desert. The labyrinths are free to visit –you can find them near Thomas Edison Drive.
Laughlin Labyrinths, Mojave Desert, Laughlin, NV 89029
Harrah’s
Harrah’s Laughlin Casino invited visitors to come and enjoy a genuine Nevada casino experience along the scenic banks of the Colorado River. Much more than just a casino, Harrah’s offers guests a resort experience where you can enjoy a range of exciting water sports on the river, a round of golf near-by and 2 on-site swimming pools and a fitness center. On the gaming side, you can look forward to testing your luck at 900 slot machines, 38 table games and a sport betting facility. There are several restaurants and bars where you can dine on anything from pizza to Mexican and there is always some great entertainment scheduled.
Harrah’s Laughlin Casino, 2900 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029, 702-298 4600
Mojave Resort Golf Club
If you are one of the many golfers who have never played a round of golf in the desert, you owe it to yourself to plan a visit to the Mojave Resort Golf Club. Here you will find an oasis of green fairways, carved into the landscape between the banks of the Colorado River and the barren Mojave Desert. The course offers 18 manicured holes, wide fairways, wind-carved sand dunes and a large practice area. The course is kept in tip-top condition all year round and provides an enjoyable yet challenging game for players of all abilities. The resort is located adjacent to the Avi Casino, where you can enjoy excellent post-golf entertainment.
Mojave Resort Golf Club, 9905 Aha Macay Parkway, Laughlin, NV 89029, 702-535-4653
Conclusion
Visited by nearly 2 million people each year, there’s definitely no arguing that there's plenty to enjoy in Laughlin, Nevada. The outdoorsy folk will love all the great natural spots that Laughlin has to offer, while those who want to travel back in time will definitely get a kick out of the many sightseeing spots and tours in the city. Let’s not forget the big city entertainment spots as well as the quaint small town attractions that truly give visitors the best of all kinds of worlds. From world-class performers to unforgettable eats, it’s probably high time for you to come and find out what keeps people coming back for more on this side of the Colorado River.
