Looking for desert views, river adventures, and sunny relaxation? Head to Bullhead City, Arizona! Located along the Colorado River across from Laughlin, Nevada, Bullhead City offers water sports, hiking, and casino access—all with a laid-back vibe. Whether you're boating, golfing, or enjoying a sunset over the Black Mountains, this city is a desert oasis with year-round appeal.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bullhead City is from October to April. Fall through spring offers mild, sunny weather perfect for outdoor recreation. Summers are extremely hot but popular for water-based activities on the river.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Bullhead City is located on AZ-95, just across the river from Laughlin, Nevada and about 1.5 hours from Las Vegas.
- By Plane: Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (IFP) offers limited service, with more options available through Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS), about 100 miles north.
- By Bus: Regional bus services connect Bullhead City with Phoenix, Las Vegas, and nearby cities.
Where to Stay
- Harrah’s Laughlin Hotel & Casino – Just across the river, offering gaming, a private beach, and riverside dining.
- Best Western Colorado River Inn – Centrally located with river views, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Bullhead City – Budget-friendly, comfortable, and just minutes from the river and Laughlin casinos.
Top Attractions
⮕ Boat, Fish, or Relax Lakeside at Katherine Landing at Lake Mohave Marina
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Lake Mohave has 237 miles of shoreline and 198 secluded beach coves for you to explore, and Katherine Landing at Lake Mohave Marina is a unique experience that has attracted guests from all over the world. The must-visit destination offers sunny weather all year long, making it a perfect place to spend the day no matter when you visit. You’ll be able to take part in activities such as swimming, sunbathing, biking, hiking, camping, boating, fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and scuba diving. There are several rare historic attractions surrounding the area including the Katherine Gold Mine which was discovered in the 1900s and was mostly operational until 1930.
2690 Katherine Spur, Bullhead City, AZ 86429, Phone: 928-754-3245
⮕ Explore Local History and River Culture at the Colorado River Museum
© Colorado River Museum
Operated by the Colorado River Historical Society, the Colorado River Museum collects, preserves, and displays memorabilia, artifacts, and historical documents about Bullhead City and the surrounding area. You’ll see so many historic photographs and pieces about the area’s people, its past, and the many events that have taken place over the years. There are several events which are hosted at the museum throughout the year so be sure to check their schedule in advance and attend one if you’re there.
Community Park, 1239 AZ-95, Bullhead City, AZ 86429, Phone: 928-754-3399
If you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Enjoy Mini-Golf, Games, and More at Scooters Family Fun Center
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Filled with fun activities such as mini golf and go-karts, Scooters Family Fun Center is the perfect place to spend a day with your family while in Bullhead City. They have two 18-hole mini golf courses for you to enjoy complete with sand traps and waterfalls. The go-kart tracks are suitable for everyone in the family as there are separate tracks for adults as well as kids. Make sure to allocate time to get your swing on in one of their eight batting cages, no matter if you’re practicing for the MLBs or just for the fun of it. Scooters offers tons of packages which combine a little bit of everything along with tokens to their state-of-the-art arcade and their pizzeria.
2750 Miracle Mile, Bullhead City, AZ 86442, Phone: 928-758-6212
⮕ Tee Off in Scenic Style at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club
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An exciting round of golf, a refreshing spa treatment, and exquisite dining all in the heart of Arizona’s desert - you’ll find all this and more at the Laughlin Ranch Golf Club. The 18-hole golf course is one of the most scenic in the area; golfers will find the layout relaxing and challenging all at once, with dramatic elevation changes, generous greens, and accommodating fairways. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful views of the desert arroyos, towering mountains, and the flowing Colorado River. The ranch’s spa and salon are the perfect place to unwind and allow yourself to indulge in signature services such as facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, as well as access to their tranquility rooms, steam rooms, fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool.
1360 William Hardy Dr, Bullhead City, AZ 86429, Phone: 866-684-4653
⮕ Paddle the Colorado River with Desert River Outfitters' Kayak and Canoe Tours
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Desert River Outfitters provides canoe and kayak sales, rentals, and guided river trips across Arizona’s Colorado River. Enjoy desert paddling at its finest as you go by deep canyons, colorful rock formations, spectacular desert wildlife, and many of Bullhead City’s historical and cultural sites. You can choose from day, sunset, or moonlight paddle tours, each of which lasts three to four hours and includes pickup, drop-off, and the boats and gear which you may need. Tours are suitable for all ages and skill levels and you can choose exploring Lake Mohave, Davis Dam, Rotary Park, or Topock Gorge.
2472 Miracle Mile, Bullhead City, AZ 86442, Phone: 928-763-3033
⮕ Cruise Between Attractions on The River Passage Water Taxi
© The River Passage Water Taxi
The River Passage Water Taxi is a fun mode of transport that takes you through the Colorado River and surrounding waterways. Every taxi is navigated by an experienced captain who has been licensed by the US Coast Guard. The taxi connects you to many of the area’s casinos and hotels, making it easier, and more pleasant, for you to get to your location. Start your journey at the casino docks along the riverwalk and enjoy a scenic ride to several destinations along the river. It’s a wonderful way to get out on the water and experience Bullhead City on an enjoyable and unique ride.
315 Long Avenue, Bullhead City, AZ 86429, Phone: 702-299-0090
Where to Eat
⮕ Fuel Up on Comfort Food at the Classic Black Bear Diner
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Black Bear Diner can be found on the bluffs of the beautiful Colorado River and is the perfect place to satiate your appetite after a day of gambling, playing out on the water, or exploring the area’s many sights and attractions. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and have separate menus for their renowned desserts, younger patrons, and well as diners who have different nutritional choices. Start your day with a Bigfoot Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs which comes with house-made biscuits and your choice of hash browns, country red potatoes, or fresh fruit. Popular choices for lunch or dinner include the tangy Western BBQ Burger, their warm-roasted Turkey Pesto Sandwich, and their Homestyle Fried Chicken which comes with a side of country gravy.
1751 AZ-95 ste 25, Bullhead City, AZ 86442, Phone: 928-763-2477
⮕ Savor Juicy Cuts and Southwest Flavor at Mohave Steakhouse
© Mohave Steakhouse
The Mohave Steakhouse is a family owned and operated restaurant which opened its doors to the locals and visitors of Bullhead City in 2009. They are a Licensed Certified Angus Beef House and are known for serving the finest cuts of beef in the area. Their signature menu was assembled by owner, Master Cutter, and Master Griller Jesse Godinez, and includes delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of items which are popular with their patrons include their Mohave sandwiches, gourmet burgers, pastas, and of course, their hand-cut steaks. Be sure to try out the Arizona sirloin, deep fried calamari, the pastrami burger, and their rack of baby back ribs.
2430 AZ-95, Bullhead City, AZ 86442, Phone: 928-704-6878
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Colorado River – Enjoy boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, swimming, and riverside relaxation along this scenic stretch.
- Rotary Park – Popular park with boat ramps, beaches, sports fields, and picnic areas along the riverbank.
- Laughlin Casinos – Just minutes away, offering slots, table games, live entertainment, and dining along the Nevada side.
- Riverview Resort Golf Course – Well-maintained 18-hole course with scenic views and affordable rates.
- Arizona Veterans Memorial – Peaceful riverside tribute honoring military service members with beautiful granite monuments.
If you are interested in local events:
- River Regatta (August) – Annual float trip on the Colorado River with music, costumes, and thousands of participants (event status varies by year).
- Laughlin River Run (April) – Major motorcycle rally just across the river with vendors, concerts, and group rides.
- Winter Festival & Parade (December) – Celebrate the season with lights, local vendors, and a festive parade through town.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Bullhead City, Arizona:
- Oatman (30–40 min) – Historic Route 66 mining town known for wild burros, Western charm, and scenic desert drives.
- Lake Mohave (30 min) – Enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in this quiet reservoir north of the city.
- Katherine Landing (20–30 min) – Marina and beach area on Lake Mohave perfect for water activities and picnics.
- Mojave National Preserve (1 hour) – Explore sand dunes, lava tubes, and Joshua tree forests in this expansive desert park.
- Needles, California (30–40 min) – Visit a classic Route 66 stop with quirky roadside attractions and Colorado River access.
FAQ:
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Where is Bullhead City located?
- Located in Mohave County, along the Colorado River, Bullhead City is a haven of sights and attractions that will interest everyone in the family.
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What activities are available for younger visitors in Bullhead City?
- Younger visitors enjoy spending a day at the museum or going go-karting or playing mini-golf at Scooters Family Fun Center.
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What activities can adults enjoy in Bullhead City?
- Adults may prefer a day of hiking or participating in water activities.
Plan Your Trip