The Southwest is home to a collection of destinations that have rightfully earned their places on the travel map. There’s Tucson, with its deep-rooted heritage and mountain trails. Scottsdale brings polished energy and world-class golf. And Palm Springs is the iconic desert oasis escape.
However, when you’re looking for a getaway that breaks from the familiar, consider Laughlin, Nevada. While other regional staples are defined by the desert landscape, Laughlin is defined by the Colorado River. It’s for travelers who want the entertainment, dining and hospitality of a major resort town, but with an open-air, waterfront accessibility that feels genuinely restorative.
Laughlin doesn’t ask you to choose between excitement and ease; it bridges them. Come visit the best-kept secret in the Southwest and enjoy a vacation where you don’t have to settle for anything. In fact, in Laughlin, you can do it all.
Where to Stay: Riverside Resorts with Lots of Amenities
The heart of the Laughlin experience lies in its impressive lineup of riverfront resorts. Each one offers a unique personality, but they all share one spectacular feature: stunning views of the Colorado River.
For a classic resort experience and rich local history, Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino is the place to be. Plus, the world-renowned Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museums is on the property.
For those who prefer a modern, relaxed atmosphere, Tropicana Laughlin delivers with its palm-tree-lined pool deck and the popular Tango’s Lounge.
Harrah’s Laughlin Beach Resort & Casino has private beach access and Aquarius Casino Resort is ideal for the modern traveler as it has sleek, updated amenities and a central location.
Golden Nugget Laughlin brings a touch of high-end energy to the river, featuring a lush outdoor pool with private cabanas. Laughlin River Lodge has themed gaming floors and Strike Bowl, a party palace for family fun.
Located at the heart of the action is the Edgewater Casino Resort, with direct access to the Laughlin Riverwalk, a scenic, paved walking path that connects the hotel corridors along the river.
Just steps away, the New Pioneer is known as the “Friendliest House on the River” for its charming Old West theme and remodeled riverfront rooms.
Culinary Scene: From Casual Bites to Fine Dining
Whether you are planning an intimate date night overlooking the water, a lively dinner with your travel buddies or quick, kid-friendly meal between afternoon activities, Laughlin’s dining scene ensures no one leaves hungry.
For those seeking a sophisticated evening, The Gourmet Room at Riverside Resort offers a French and Italian gourmet dining experience while gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows at the tranquil Colorado River. Similarly, Saltgrass Steak House at Golden Nugget Laughlin provides a premier riverfront experience, serving award-winning steaks, fresh seafood and desserts made from scratch in a ruggedly elegant atmosphere.
For an equally refined evening, The Ranch Bar & Grill at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club serves up a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality ingredients in its contemporary American fare.
Laughlin’s casual favorites deliver big on flavor and personality. Bumbleberry Flats at The New Pioneer has become a staple for its “American comfort food with Southern twist,” featuring unique dishes like sweet tea pork chops, and decadent brunch options that are ideal for fueling up before a day on the water.
Even when you’re on the move, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for speed. Laughlin’s fast-casual options are conveniently located within the resort hubs to keep your itinerary on track. You can grab a fresh, hand-smashed burger at Smashburger at Harrah's or a delicious sub from Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop at Edgewater, ensuring that even the quickest meals feel like a treat.
Nightlife & Entertainment: Lots of Options After the Sun Sets
At dusk, Laughlin transforms into a vibrant hub of energy, with a nightlife scene that rivals the biggest entertainment capitals while maintaining its signature riverside charm. Enjoy an intimate lounge experience, a world-class concert or a night spent laughing until your sides ache.
Kick off an unforgettable evening with a sunset cocktail at The Overlook Bar & Lounge at Harrah’s Laughlin. The floor-to-ceiling view of the Colorado River and the resort’s private beach provide a relaxed, “vacation mode” atmosphere.
Afterward, the dance floor is the best place to be, and you have your pick of them. There’s Losers’ Lounge at the Riverside Resort, an iconic local legend where live bands and top-tier DJs keep the party going late into the night. Aquarius’ Splash Lounge is a high-energy hot spot featuring a state-of-the-art sound system, located in a prime location for gaming fun before or after.
For a more contemporary, upscale lounge experience, Rush Lounge at the Golden Nugget offers a newly renovated space where you can mingle with friends, have a watch party on game days and enjoy some of the hottest live acts in the Southwest.
You can also catch local bands or major games on two big screens at Tango’s Lounge inside Tropicana Laughlin, which features a state-of-the-art surround sound system and a newly expanded dance floor. True to The New Pioneer’s “Old West” theme, enjoy a gritty, authentic Nevada experience at River Rick’s Saloon. Named after the resort’s famous neon cowboy, it features top-shelf liquors, local live music on weekends and a late-night bar menu to keep you fueled.
Laughlin also serves as a premier destination for major touring acts and high-production shows. Aquarius’ Laughlin Event Center is a state-of-the-art outdoor venue capable of hosting nearly 12,000 fans for massive concerts and superstar headliners. For a more intimate but equally impressive experience, the Edge Pavilion at Edgewater offers incredible acoustics and comfortable seating for a wide range of musical performances.
If your ideal evening involves a bit of humor, the L.A. Comedy Club at Edgewater delivers a nightly dose of hilarity with a rotating lineup of national touring comedians in a cozy, club-style setting. And for an undeniably-Laughlin experience, step aboard the Grand Celebration for a sunset dinner cruise.
Outdoor Recreation: In the Water, On the Trail and Day Trips
The true magic of the Southwest is found in its vast, sun-drenched landscapes, and Laughlin serves as the ultimate gateway to this natural playground. And because it’s uniquely positioned where the desert meets the water, visitors have the rare luxury of choosing between high-speed river adventures and serene desert explorations, often on the same afternoon.
The Colorado River is, of course, the center of the action. For those seeking a thrill, Rocky River Jet Skis Rentals has jet skis ready to go, right on the water behind the Aquarius dock, allowing you to catch some air on the shimmering blue water. If you prefer a slower pace, the River Passage Water Taxi offers a scenic and convenient way to hop between resorts.
Jerkwater Canoe Co. provides guided kayaking and canoe tours, ideal for a quiet, breathtaking perspective of the river’s ecosystem. For a full day of sun and sand, Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers clear waters and sandy beaches that are perfect for a family picnic or a refreshing swim.
Back on solid ground, the region’s trails are a connection with the ancient history of the Mojave. The Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails features nine miles of award-winning, desert-to-river paths that are ideal for hiking, cycling or even horseback riding. For a deeper dive into the area’s heritage, a short trip to Grapevine Canyon reveals a stunning collection of ancient petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls, a powerful reminder of the culture that has called this oasis home for centuries.
Golf enthusiasts will find that Laughlin’s courses are destinations in their own right, each offering a distinct challenge and aesthetic. Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, Arizona’s No. 2 Ranked Public Golf Course and No. 10 in the USA – Best Public Golf Course Conditions according to Golf Pass Golfer’s Choice 2025, is a premier championship course designed by David Druzisky. The club is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and luxury clubhouse that features a full-service day spa for relaxing after 18 holes. Meanwhile, Los Lagos Golf Club offers a Ted Robinson, Sr. design characterized by its rolling terrain and strategic water hazards, all set against the majestic backdrop of the Black Mountains.
If you’re looking to expand your horizons, Laughlin is the perfect base camp for iconic day trips. A quick drive takes you to the ghost town of Oatman, Arizona, where you can step back into the wild west with Route 66 history and the famous burros that roam the streets.
No trip to the region is complete without a visit to the Hoover Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that sits just a scenic drive away. Make it an even more unforgettable experience by booking a tour with Desert Wonder Tours and have an expert lead you to up-close views of the dam’s base and stunning wildlife of the surrounding Black Canyon.
Whether you’re looking to push your limits on the water, find a peaceful sanctuary to unwind or create lifelong memories with your crew, Laughlin is a destination designed to be exactly what you need it to be. Its unique blend of high-end resort amenities and rugged beauty means you never have to settle for a “one-size-fits-all” vacation. Explore more of what Laughlin has to offer, including who’s taking the stage during your visit. If you’ve been considering a solo trip, discover the ultimate freedom this desert gem has to offer.