After Las Vegas and Reno, Laughlin is the third most visited casino destination in the US. The small unincorporated town some 90 miles south of Las Vegas lies on the Colorado River banks and has a bustling casino and tourism industry. It is in the southernmost tip of Nevada, on the border with California and Arizona. On the Arizona side of the river, there significantly larger Bullhead City that hosts an international airport, among other things. Most charter flights come through there.
For visitors from abroad, you’re more likely to land in Las Vegas, and if you want to explore Nevada’s gambling paradises, you will need USA ESTA Visa. Travelers from countries in Visa Waiver Program have an easier path to travel authorization. You can apply online and get ESTA Visa within a couple of days. With a valid ESTA, you can explore the US for up to 90 days.
If your primary concern is budget, Laughlin is a great place to visit. It is far less expensive than Las Vegas, and you can also enjoy it in big casinos, but that is not all. Laughlin has numerous other attractions.
The city is situated in the middle of the Mojave desert, and you can be out in the wild in minutes since it is a small place.
The big Colorado River runs through the town, and there is a boardwalk, numerous restaurants, and bars along the river where you can enjoy a meal with outstanding views. You can go across the bridge to Bullhead City. The Davis Dam is nearby, and you can visit it there.
Laughlin offers numerous water sports and boating options. Just like in Las Vegas, you can see various shows, go shopping, and of course play in casinos like Colorado Belle, Aquarius, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort, Golden Nugget, Tropicana, and others.
Laughlin River Lodge bingo
If you’re more of a bingo fan, you can visit River Lodge, formerly known as Gold River, River Palms, and Sam’s Town Gold River. The bingo room has a new look, with comfortable seating and the feeling of the dining room.
Laughlin adventure tours
Laughlin offers much more than just gambling and dining opportunities. You can go on numerous guided adventure tours, and if you want additional adventurous exploring on budget, here are some of the best options.
You can rent a UTV vehicle and head through Mohave desert to Lake Mohave. Sandy desert trails go through a beautiful landscape that includes surrounding mountains. The Lake is 67 miles long and was created with the building of dams. There is an excellent contrast between Lake Mohave and the Black Mountains.
The Laughlin area is great for hikers. Just outside of the town is Grapevine Canyon with 3 miles hiking trail. Besides the beautiful sights, you can take a glimpse into Native American history with engraved petroglyphs on the rock. There are some incredible views on the Colorado River. You can see three seasonal waterfalls, and if you come at the right time, there are a few natural bathtubs near the waterfall.
The crystal clear water of the Colorado River attracts numerous visitors. You can opt for a dinner cruise or enjoy various water sports. A jet boat tour is among the top options for exploring the beautiful river.
Laughlin Nevada Beach
Laughlin has a desert climate, and except for mild to warm winter weather, it has warm to hot air temperatures with heat waves in peak summertime. You can offset some of that heat on various beaches on the Colorado River.
Big Bend of Colorado State recreational area is one of the best places for a lazy afternoon on the river. If you prefer an active vacation, exploring numerous trails in the park.
Across the Colorado River on Bullhead City side, you can visit Turtle Beach Community Park and take a swim in the clear Colorado River and enjoy on the beach.
You can also get to private hotel beaches. One of those is Harrah’s Hotel Beach, where guests from Harrah and Tropicana can spend a day on a sand beach with day beds and cabanas.
Laughlin Water Park
If you’re more of a pool person, you can cool off from the desert sun in Laughlin Water Park. Besides pools with cooling temperatures, the waterpark has a 50-foot slide. There are shaded areas, palms around the pools, and an incredible panoramic view of the Colorado River.
Entertainment options in the southern Nevada tip are numerous. A few minutes for ESTA tracking will tell you if your application was approved, and then you can book your flight and accommodation. The ESTA permit is valid for two years.
Bottom line
Laughlin is among the top casino destinations and much more affordable than Las Vegas. You will get a miniaturized version of the Strip, great surrounding nature, various Colorado River activities, and naturally great casinos and hotels.