Imagine yourself on a sweeping, white sand beach, gazing out at tropically blue-green water, with more than 300 days of sunshine each year with which to enjoy both. The notion that I might find such a combination in the Mojave Desert—and, better still, that all of it would be extremely real and not in any way staged for tourists—is what brought me to the Big Bend of the Colorado recreation area in Laughlin for the first time. I love a great beach, I love to swim, and I live in the desert. Of course I was going to be enticed by the prospect of something so unexpected.
One of Nevada’s most beloved state parks, Big Bend is the kind of place you’d drive to the middle of, well, a desert for—never mind what else was around, once you’d had your fill of swimming and sunning. The fact that this 2,100-acre, literal oasis is bookended by affordable casino resorts, with stuffed entertainment calendars and cocktail bars where you can sit facing the Colorado River and watch the jet ski set cruising up and down. If that isn’t just the slot machine cherry on top, I don’t know what is.
Maybe it’s how we were introduced, but I’ve always thought of Laughlin as a relaxing river town that happens to be a gambling mecca, rather than a casino resort destination with a river running through it. Good news: call it whatever you want and you’re still correct. From days on the river to late nights in the lounges, I can think of at least ten reasons Laughlin is always a good idea, and always big fun, all year round. Let’s dive in.
1. The Colorado River Runs Through It
Does one really come to the desert to get out on the water? Absolutely. The only question is, which way to do it first? Jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, houseboating, sightseeing cruises and fishing for striped bass between April and October—it’s all either out the front door of your hotel, or right next door at Lake Mojave, via a scenic riverfront trail from the resort area. Not the active type? Not a problem—not only do the sands of Big Bend beckon, some of the resorts have their own beaches, conveniently located right next to their pool decks. And, of course, their pool bars.
2. Laughlin Has Eight Resorts in One, Easily Walkable Mile
Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort rose on the banks of the Colorado in the 1960s, and everyone else followed suit over the next couple of decades. Today, Laughlin’s casino corridor is lined up neatly right along the river, with some of the properties connected by the Laughlin Riverwalk. Hit multiple poker rooms, hop between the bars or stroll to a civilized dinner at a neighboring property, all without moving your car or calculating Uber surge pricing.
Too tired to walk back? The River Passage Water Taxi has you covered, running between riverfront casino docks from Riverside at the north end to Harrah’s at the south end.
3. Live Casino Life as It Used to Be
Do you find yourself nostalgic for the casino resorts of yore? In Laughlin, there are times where it feels, in a mostly very charming way, like the last quarter century never happened. Breakfast at the buffet, dinner at The Gourmet Room, solid happy hours, keno, bingo—all this, and free parking, too. Pull up to any resort, park, walk in, then hit the Riverwalk or hail the water taxi when it’s time for a change of scenery.
One thing’s thoroughly modern: Laughlin’s dress code could be described as “comfortable,” and while that’s not code for anything old thing, nobody in town is spending hours getting social-feed-ready before stepping out for an enjoyable evening.
4. Laughlin Is Affordable—but Doesn’t Make You Feel Cheap
With room prices that can feel like they’re on loan from a previous century, plus low resort fees—and sometimes, no resort fees—everyone can visit, but you’ll never feel like you’re settling for second best. There isn’t a hotel in town you’d mistake for a luxury resort unless you time traveled back to the 1980s, which, incidentally, is the last time some of these places raised their rates, it feels like.
More left over for you to spend at the Riverside’s Prime Rib Room? You’re winning before you even hit the nearest Mo’ Mo’ Mo’ Mummy machine.
5. And Speaking of Restaurants
You won’t wind up seated next to the Michelin inspectors at dinner unless they’re also enjoying an affordable Laughlin vacation—but that’s kind of the whole point. For once, you can just have fun without struggling for a table or anxiously tallying up the bill while everyone else is having a good time.
From food-court favorites to the very best fine dining the city has to offer, it’s all about chill here—French toast sticks and big views for breakfast at the Riverside Buffet, lunches of meatloaf and country-fried steak at Carnegie’s Café at the Trop, or a Reuben sandwich at Bumbleberry Flats. Dinner can be any way you want it, from the familiar at Saltgrass Steak House or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., both at Golden Nugget Laughlin, to escargot and white-linen service at the Riverside’s marvelously retro Gourmet Room.
6. There Are Headliners in Rooms Where You Can Actually See Them
Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Kevin Hart, national comedy acts—all in manageably sized venues with good sightlines from every angle? What may be just a nice dream elsewhere is reality in Laughlin. There’s not a bad seat in the house at the 2,000-seat Edge Pavilion at Edgewater, or the 650-seat Don’s Celebrity Theater at Riverside, but there’s also nothing like a summer night under the stars at the Laughlin Event Center.
Check the Laughlin shows and events calendar for upcoming concerts, comedy, festivals and special events.
7. Day Trips Feel Like Amazing Time Travel
You’re already in the past—now, go even further back with a 25-minute ride to ye olde ghost town Oatman, Arizona, on historic Route 66, where wild burros wander Old West streets and gunfights are still staged for visitors on weekends.
Looking for something even more ancient? Hop on a cruise boat and float down the Colorado to see petroglyphs on the walls at scenic Topock Gorge, or do a short hike near Spirit Mountain to observe the prehistoric etchings easily visible at Grapevine Canyon.
8. You Can Hit Three States Before Lunch
Grab a window seat at one of Laughlin’s riverfront bars and you’ll be able to see into the future—long before you’ve had your third martini. Just over the Colorado River is Arizona, which, depending on the time of year, is an hour ahead. You can walk over the bridge and see for yourself, or hop a water taxi or drive because there’s plenty of shopping.
And speaking of shopping, if you’re looking to save on liquor, California’s lower prices beckon just a short drive south in Needles. In either state, grab yourself a Mega Millions or Powerball ticket—there’s still no lottery in Nevada.
9. Laughlin’s Weather Odds Are Ever in Your Favor
Some of the sunniest places in the world—yes, the world—can be found along the lower Colorado River, and Laughlin is absolutely one of them, showing off more than 300 days of bright sunshine every single year. Better still, temperatures can be relatively mild for the middle of the Mojave. Think perfect spring and fall days with highs in the 80s, and winters that usually stay nicely above freezing at night and climb into the high 60s—or better—during the day.
Summer’s still as warm as you think it’s going to be, slipping into the triple digits during the day, but the river makes itself extra useful: cooling breezes make even the typical afternoon more manageable than it would be even a mile or so away.
10. People Come Back Every Year
And you might wind up being one of them. Laughlin is one of those places a lot of people look past to something bigger, brighter and flashier—that is, until they come here themselves. The city has a loyal crowd that returns annually, from Midwest snowbirds and itinerant RVers to California weekenders and groups who’ve made a Laughlin meet-up their tradition.
Whether you come for affordable good times and zero pretense and find yourself falling for the weather and the natural setting—or vice versa, like it was for me—the main thing is that you got here.
