Now more than ever, Laughlin is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, exploration and fun! Laughlin's hotels line the riverfront, offering scenic views and easy access to casinos, restaurants, and riverwalk attractions. The town offers a unique mix of small-town charm and vibrant casinos, and is known for its laid-back vibe compared to larger cities. From river trips to hiking trails to picturesque golf courses, there are plenty of ways to get away in this exciting getaway destination. Here are 14 must-do alfresco activities that you can still enjoy while you’re in town.
1. Hike the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail
The Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail is the ideal place to get back to nature and hike in the idyllic desert wilderness. Explore the 10.5 miles of family-friendly trails that run alongside the Colorado River and take in the views of the Davis Dam. You’re sure to spot a variety of wildlife along the way and be blown away by the unique scenery as you walk or cycle to your heart’s content. The trail is a great way for exploring the natural beauty of the area, and it's important to take a rest at the shaded shelters or benches along the way to fully enjoy the experience.
Restroom facilities, shade shelters and a pedestrian bridge are available for your convenience. Families with young children can also use the children’s play area.
2. Explore Oatman Ghost Town
You’ll feel like a time traveler as you explore the Oatman Ghost Town – a thriving gold-mining town up until the early 1940s. Tour buildings on the Historic Registry, witness a gunslingers’ show on main street, browse the old-timey shops, and even see where Hollywood legends Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night. Oatman is characterized by its wild burros and Route 66 history, making it a cool and memorable stop for the whole family. Laughlin serves as a base for visiting nearby historic sites like Oatman, so you can easily plan a day trip to this unique attraction.
3. Camp at Big Bend of the Colorado River
Camping at the Big Bend of the Colorado River is something you won’t soon forget. The perfect escape from city life, simply pitch your tent or park your RV and start your outdoor adventure. Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers camping, swimming, and hiking activities, making it a great spot to spend hours with the whole family. Plus, be sure to make use of the picnic areas, the boat-ramp facilities, and the four miles of easy hiking trails through the beautiful Nevada canyons while you’re there.
All camping units have water, electricity and sewage hookups, as well as a tent pad, a shade ramada, grill and fire pit.
4. Explore the Mystical Laughlin Labyrinths
Find your peaceful center while perusing the nine stone mazes of the Laughlin Labyrinths, which were created by Wes Dufek to help people along the journey of life. Equally intriguing and serene, surround yourself with Laughlin’s beauty while pondering these artistic formations. For more cool and unique attractions, check out the Car Museum in Laughlin—an indoor attraction worth visiting for car enthusiasts and families alike.
5. Tee off at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club
Visit Laughlin Ranch for a premier golf experience. Offering a complete package of top-class golfing facilities, spa services, a restaurant and clubhouse, teeing off here couldn’t be more satisfying. With a backdrop of the Black Mountains, its 7,000-yard course – designed by the renowned David Druzisky – is breathtaking, and the fairways rise and fall, broken up by a meandering array of natural streams. Laughlin Ranch is a challenging golf course popular among golfers visiting the area, and Laughlin Ranch Golf Club is a popular golfing destination for those looking to spend a day on the greens.
6. Make some waves with Watercraft Adventures
Watercraft Adventures promises thrills aplenty! Hire some high-quality watercraft equipment and take to the majestic Colorado River for a high-octane day of fun. Jet ski rentals are available for exploring the Colorado River, and you can also find jet ski rentals in Laughlin and on the other side in Bullhead City, giving you the advantage of multiple options for water fun.
With four locations and serving all the major hotels in Laughlin, this is the local watercraft rental operator of choice. So rev up your engines and let’s make some waves!
7. Explore the Mojave Desert at high speed
Adrenaline junkies have the option to traverse the wonders of the Mojave Desert with some serious horsepower. offers small or private, guided UTV excursions, expertly catered to you and your group. And you’ll get the chance to experience different types of terrains, including a waterfront and abandoned mines. Laughlin is also a great starting point for a day trip to nearby Arizona attractions, such as Willow Beach for kayaking or Lake Havasu City for boating and sightseeing.
8. Book a high-powered jet boat tour with London Bridge
No trip to Laughlin is complete without a jet boat tour along the Colorado River to the famous, old London Bridge (which traverses Lake Havasu). Laughlin serves as a base for visiting the original London Bridge at Lake Havasu City, making it easy to plan a memorable day trip. On your way, consider a short detour to Willow Beach in Arizona, where you can rent kayaks and paddle up to the stunning Emerald Cove.
Not only will you love the high-powered, 58-mile trip along the river, passing through Topock Gorge, and taking in views of volcanic rock faces and ancient Indian Petroglyphs, but you’ll also get to spot a host of river birds and wildlife along the way.
9. Take a relaxing cruise on the USS Riverside
Hop aboard the USS Riverside for a captivating, guided tour of the Colorado River. Lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll learn all about the area’s history and geography on this great-value tour, while its shaded upper deck and climate-controlled lower deck mean plenty of space to relax out of the sun. Visitors can enjoy scenic river cruises in Laughlin, which offer relaxing daytime tours and romantic sunset dinner cruises on the Colorado River—perfect for couples or the whole family.
10. Swim at Lake Mohave
Boasting 200 miles of shoreline, and stunning coves and beaches, the beautiful Lake Mohave is not to be missed. Formed by the Davis Dam in Laughlin, the lake is abundant with wildlife and makes a picturesque place for a swim, as well as a wide variety of other outdoor adventures – from fishing to boating. The Colorado River is a central feature of Laughlin's attractions, offering a world of water-based fun for all ages.
11. Stroll along the Riverwalk
Take a gentle stroll along the landscaped Colorado River Walk, enjoy the views, and watch the boats pass by. The riverwalk is lined with attractions, restaurants, and resorts, making it a lively place to spend time. Every major resort in Laughlin has a casino, providing a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for gaming, dining, and entertainment.
12. Picnic riverside at Davis Dam
Davis Dam is an impressive feat of engineering that lies on the Colorado River, just north of Laughlin. Drive or take a short hike or bike ride (3.5 miles round trip) to the base of this staggering manmade structure and make a beeline for one of its scenic picnic ramadas. Here, you can hike, fish, or simply soak in the scenery once you’ve finished your feast. The dam is a popular spot for the whole family and offers hours of fun and relaxation by the water.
13. Kayak on the Colorado River
Launching at Topock Gorge Marina, explore the unforgettable Havasu National Wildlife Refuge and Needles Wilderness Area on a kayaking trip with Desert River Outfitters. Ideal for intermediate-level kayakers, discover unspoiled coves and beaches, spot a wide variety of desert wildlife, and see the wilderness up close and personal. Exploring the rugged Colorado River by kayak is a unique experience, and don't miss Grapevine Canyon, which contains ancient petroglyphs for history lovers.
14. Enjoy a view of the Laughlin casinos by Water Taxi
Head up and down the Colorado River by River Passage Water Taxi, which makes stops at some of Laughlin’s famous casinos. The water taxi provides easy access to hotel casinos and riverside resorts, making it a convenient way to spend time exploring Laughlin's attractions. Simply buy a day pass, hop on at the casino docks, and turn an everyday taxi ride into an aquatic adventure! (Plus, with services running about every 15 minutes, you’ll never have long to wait.)
