Those who fall in love with Laughlin as a great getaway share a common phrase – “I never knew I could do that here, too!” This place has always embraced a somewhat low-key image, which has won the destination its share of loyal followers.

However, there are certainly hidden gems in the Laughlin experience that go beyond a gaming resort that can’t be found anywhere else. Visit the area today and you might find yourself exploring the Colorado River, enjoying a morning hike, exploring petroglyphs, or petting a wild burro in a nearby ghost town.

Yes, there’s no shortage of historic charm and exciting recreational and outdoor adventures that, when added up, make the Laughlin experience the perfect getaway. You’ll find that it’s sophisticated but relaxed, high quality, not high priced, approachable, and certainly not stuffy.

Here are four things about Laughlin that make it one of the unique recreation destinations in the nation.

Water takes center stage.

Drive into Laughlin for the first time and it’s hard not to notice watercrafts bouncing along the Colorado, and boat tours in full swing. But it’s easy to underestimate how much of an attraction the river really is here.

• Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner cruise or a scenic cruise where you relax and learn about the area’s history. If you’re into personal watercrafts, you’ll find the best selection of equipment in the business. If fishing is more your thing, a professional guide can help you scout out the best location for striper, trout and bass.

• For those who don’t want to venture out onto the water, take a stroll along the River Walk and enjoy meals at the many restaurants offering great menu options along with amazing water views.

Adventure is calling.

Laughlin’s scenic landscape and surrounding area offer plenty of places to explore and adventures to experience. You’ll find that the colorful Mojave Desert and spectacular mountains offer a picturesque backdrop for creating some lasting memories.

• Beyond Casino Drive and the famous River Walk, enjoy the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails that offers several miles of hiking along the North Reach trail system, complete with parks, fishing nodes, pedestrian bridges, and fully developed trailheads.

• If fast and furious is more your speed go freeform on one of OUI Experiences’ UTVs while zipping across the open desert.

• Of course, there’s the more laid-back approach … playing a round or two or three of golf, with seven stellar desert courses in the surrounding area to test your skills.

Many new looks

Laughlin quietly underwent a transformation in the last few years, as every resort property along Casino Drive invested in updates, upgrades and new offerings. These enhancements have made the Laughlin experience all the more exciting and enjoyable.

• For example, the Riverside Resort features newly renovated rooms, Don’s Celebrity Theater, a state-of-the-art movie theater and a new resort pool.

• There’s an exciting new William Hill Sportsbook inside Harrah’s Laughlin so you can play a few hands and place your bets at the time.

• The Aquarius Casino Resort’s newest dining option is the River Rock Pizza and Pasta, featuring classic pasta dishes, pizza and sandwiches, all made fresh in-house. 

• Tropicana Laughlin has a new watering hole, the Brew Brothers Tap House, featuring 16 bar taps, a variety of brews and a delightful menu with appetizers, burgers, salads and sandwiches, plus 20 big screen TV’s to catch the game.

• How about catching the 50s’ vibe of Strike! Bowl, inside the Laughlin River Lodge. It’s a new ten-lane bowling alley and diner serving up food, fountain drinks, and ice cream.

• The Golden Nugget Laughlin and New Pioneer hotels both have newly remodeled rooms redesign with your comfort in mind.

Getaways

Rustic, colorful and loaded with interesting places to explore, the desert region around Laughlin offers plenty of historical adventures and enough things to do for a fun little day trip.

• About 30 miles southeast of Laughlin is the mining ghost town of Oatman on the old Route 66. The Gold Road Mine opened there in the early 1900s and was home to a $10 million find that put the town on the map.

• Nowadays, Oatman is home to staged gunfights, local food and gift shops, and stories about the town’s history. About two dozen wild burros also make their way into town each day. Visitors can pet and feed them, but expect to stop your vehicle once or twice as the burros cross Oatman’s historic streets.

• The Lil’ Red Schoolhouse, built in 1947 for the children of Hoover Dam’s construction workers, is now located in the Colorado River Museum, just 2.3 miles south of the Laughlin Bridge. Visitors can view historical memorabilia depicting early life on the Colorado River, as well as ancient artifacts from the local Mojave Indian tribe.