With a prime spot right on the Colorado River − surrounded by wild desert scenery and a beautiful mountain backdrop − there’s no better place for a fun weekend getaway than Laughlin, Nevada.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or to experience the excitement of a Nevada gaming town, you’ll find everything from hiking trails to watersports, colorful attractions nearby to memorable meals and delightful libations − along with clear skies and warm temperatures year-round − in Laughlin.
Follow our fun-filled weekend itinerary to make the most of your time in town.
Day 1
Morning
Take in the breathtaking sights of the Colorado River on a tour with London Bridge Jet Boat Tours, which offers a 58-mile round-trip excursion to Lake Havasu City, AZ. While on your way to the historic London Bridge, you’ll whizz past volcanic rock faces, ancient Indian Petroglyphs, and more − making it a must for history and nature lovers alike.
The thrilling day trip explores one of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower Colorado River − Topock Gorge. This stunning, 20-mile-long slice of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is home to desert bighorn, elusive mountain lions, and up to 318 different bird species. Plus, the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.
The experience includes a two-hour layover in Lake Havasu City, offering some downtime to enjoy lunch, photo-ops and shopping before making your way home.
Afternoon
Whether you’re back in Laughlin for lunch, or just looking for that perfect afternoon pick-me-up, there’s plenty of appetizing options to choose from. How about some Southern comfort-food favorites? Head to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for shrimp mac ’n’ cheese, slow-roasted ribs, and so much more at Golden Nugget Laughlin. Choose to sit on the riverside patio and enjoy your meal as you watch boats and watercraft go by. Plus, make it in time for happy hour (Sunday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), for a great selection of discounted bites and drinks.
Next, it’s time to stretch your legs along the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail. With 10.5 miles of family-friendly routes − complete with water points, shade shelters, restrooms, and a children’s play area − it makes for a great afternoon outing, whoever you’re traveling with. Keep a look out for waterfowl, shorebirds, and a variety of other wildlife as you hike or bike this waterside route, and pause at your favorite viewpoint.
Evening
You’ve had such a fun-filled day, but it’s far from over! Laughlin is just as vibrant under the stars as it is the sun, so make some fabulous dinner reservations and go from there. Where to go, you ask? Take a spicy trip to Flavortown at Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho at Harrah’s Laughlin, where the spiky-haired Food Network star serves up Mexican dishes with his signature flair. Looking for dinner with a view of the river? Slices of homemade pies and Italian classics complement the views at River Rock Pizza & Pasta at Aquarius Casino Resort.
Now, it’s time for some after-dinner recreation! Hop on a water taxi to Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort for a night of glow-in-the-dark Cosmic Bowling at Riverside Lanes. This state-of-the-art facility has all the right ingredients for a few hours of friendly, fun-filled competition. Plus, bumpers are available for each of its 34 lanes, making it perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.
Day 2
Morning
Boasting 237 miles of stunning shoreline, filled with hundreds of private and semi-private coves, the beautiful Lake Mohave is a popular day-trip destination, and a memorable spot to explore on your second day in town. From boating and fishing to wakeboarding and swimming − plus hiking, biking and sightseeing in its incredible mountain surroundings − you can do it all here.
Make your way to Katherine Landing, only a 10-minute drive away, for rentals of all shapes and sizes. The lineup includes boards, inflatables, watercraft and boats − available by the day, half-day, or two-hour slot. Set up camp at Telephone Cove South, where a large, roped-off swimming area is the perfect place to splash about, free from watercraft. Fish for bass, catfish and stripers right from the marina pier or out on the water. And search out its most secluded sandy bays − there are 198 to discover − for peace and quiet, surrounded by nature.
However you choose to spend your time at Lake Mohave, its refreshing waters and multicolored rock backdrop are sure to make a lasting impression.
Afternoon
Hunger calling? If you haven’t packed a picnic, make your way back to Laughlin for lunch at PT's Express. This popular Edgewater Casino eatery is known for its fantastic hamburgers, shoestring fries and great pizza combos − a slice, served with breadsticks and a drink. Order at the counter, then take a seat in the cafe and admire the river views. Or get your food to go and enjoy it out by the water.
Let lunch digest with a stroll along the landscaped Colorado River Walk, which passes by right outside. Stretching nearly the full length of Laughlin’s waterside casinos, following the boardwalk is a fun way to take in all that the town has to offer. Watch all the action out on the river, pause for photos against the desert backdrop opposite, and look out for wildlife and fish swimming along the shore.
Alternatively, stop at any of the casino docks en route to climb aboard the River Passage Water Taxi. Servicing Laughlin’s most famous casino resorts and hubs, these taxis travel regularly from dock to dock; turning casino-hopping into a scenic, aquatic adventure. Ride unlimited with a discounted day pass.
Evening
It’s time for your last dinner, and the upscale Gourmet Room at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort certainly delivers. Complete with white tablecloths and romantic views of the Colorado River, you’ll find French, Italian, and steakhouse specialties and favorites. It’s also famous for its mouthwatering surf-and-turf entrees, including succulent steak, ribs, chicken or lamb paired with savory shrimp, served in a variety of delicious ways including coconut curry, honey lemon, scampi and Louisiana style. Be sure to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the Gourmet Lounge. Open nightly, reservations are required and the service is superb.
Looking for the perfect accommodation?
Book a room at Aquarius Casino Resort, whose newly renovated pool and huge selection of dining options make it great for all ages. Stay at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort for its family-friendly amenities, RV hookups, day spa, and brand-new resort pool. From deluxe rooms to two-bedroom suites and a variety of amenities among the eight waterfront resorts, you’re sure to find your perfect place to stay.
