There’s nothing more iconic than a road trip along historic U.S. Route 66, where every mile tells a story of freedom, adventure and discovery. This well-traveled route spans from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, weaving through small towns, unique roadside attractions and desert landscapes. America’s Mother Road has been an inspiration for filmmakers, photographers and artists since it was established in 1926.
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, road-trip enthusiasts are rediscovering their love for the highway’s timeless appeal. But traveling this nostalgic path is only part of the adventure.
Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
Some cities along the route are hosting yearlong centennial events, including Kingman, Arizona. The closest major city to Laughlin on Route 66 (about 33 miles away), Kingman has been called the “Heart of Route 66.” It sits in the middle of the longest remaining continuous stretch of the road (158 miles).
Even closer on Route 66 is Needles, California. Only 29 miles from Laughlin, this small city along the California-Arizona border was a major thoroughfare for western travelers in the 1930s, shortly after Route 66 was established. Be sure to stop at the El Garces Harvey House, built in 1908 and still the city’s most famous landmark. For historical exhibits, visit the Needles Regional Museum.
No road trip along this classic American highway is complete without a stop in the tiny town of Oatman, just about 30 miles from Laughlin and a proud participant in the Route 66 Centennial celebrations. Once a booming gold rush settlement in the early 1900s, Oatman is a true step back in time. Today, its most charming residents are the wild burros that freely roam its dusty streets. Shop for rustic gifts and souvenirs at the Oatman General Store, then grab lunch and a drink at the eclectic saloon inside the Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Bar, famous for its walls lined with dollar bills. Cap off your visit with a real Wild West thrill: staged shootouts performed right in the center of town. (Performances are usually held at high noon.)
For those seeking a perfect mix of nostalgia, stunning landscapes and Wild West adventures, Laughlin Getaway Tours offers a day trip that incorporates visits to the Route 66 Museum and Electric Vehicle Museum in Kingman, and a tour of the scenic Black Mountains, including a stop at the Cool Springs gas station. This rough, stone service station, resurrected as a Route 66 gift shop and mini museum, was part of the inspiration for the movie “Cars.” You’ll also stop in Oatman as well as ride through Sitgreaves Pass, where you can see parts of three states on a clear day.
All Roads to Laughlin Lead to Relaxation
The best part of any road trip is the memorable detours you take along the way, and traveling Route 66 is no exception. Laughlin delivers something more than nostalgic charm. Here, you’ll find a unique blend of relaxation, entertainment and outdoor adventure that makes the trip more diverse and undeniably unforgettable.
After miles of nothing but desert highway, road-trippers can take a break from hours behind the wheel and explore everything the destination has to offer, starting with the cool waters of the Colorado River.
Kick back and take a ride on a dinner cruise, while you surround yourself with scenic views of the riverfront and resort corridor. Or add a little splash to your adventure with a jet ski rental. Laughlin’s riverfront experience delivers the perfect balance of rest and excitement before hitting the road again.
For more fun on the water, take a ride with London Bridge Jet Boat Tours, where you’ll cruise through Topock Gorge and literally pass under old Route 66 as part of your six-hour day trip, which includes a chance to explore the iconic London Bridge in Havasu City, Arizona.
Water attractions are just the beginning. This vibrant destination has exhilarating outdoor activities to help you stretch out and get your heart pumping before you return to the road. Put on your hiking boots and explore some of the unique desert landscape at Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails. You’ll find a variety of walking and hiking areas, including three developed trailheads and a pedestrian overpass, all with Davis Dam as the backdrop.
Traveling by RV? Set up camp at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort RV Park, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the mountains, especially at sunrise and sunset. Pull into one of its 740 spaces, each with a full hook-up. Laughlin also has a Tesla Supercharger station at Laughlin River Lodge for electric vehicles.
Recharge Before Getting Back on the Road
Even the most dedicated Route 66 adventurers need time to rest and recharge. Laughlin combines the nostalgia of a classic American road trip with the comfort of modern accommodations. With spacious rooms, refreshing pools, affordable and diverse dining options, and lively entertainment, our hotels offer all the amenities to help visitors relax in comfort while embracing the spirit of adventure.
Unwind and catch a movie at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort inside its six-plex cinema, or grab a casual bite inside Bourbon Street Sports Bar at Laughlin River Lodge while you play arcade-style games.
See top comics at the L.A. Comedy Club at Edgewater Casino Resort, or lounge acts to major concerts at the Laughlin Event Center – there’s always something to look forward to on any visit.
Make Laughlin a smart and memorable pit stop along America’s most iconic highway. Save big with special packages and deals and elevate your visit with any of the recreation and day trips available in this must-stop along the Colorado River!