"The Hangover" movies weren’t based in Laughlin, Nevada. Nor does the southern Nevada city use catchy slogans promising to keep the wild times that happened there a secret. Instead, Laughlin offers a lesser-known and lower key alternative to Las Vegas, but with the full complement of gambling options and big-time entertainment. Don’t worry about slogans -- you’ll probably want to tell friends and family about your experience.

Gambling and Entertainment

Laughlin has nearly a dozen casinos along the Colorado River near the Arizona border. The casinos offer many of the gaming staples, including blackjack, roulette, poker and slot machines. It’s worth strolling the downtown River Walk – much like the Las Vegas Strip – to choose your favorite. Also like Vegas, the casinos have different themes and entertainment offerings such as nationally touring musicians. The Colorado Belle is housed in a replica Mississippi paddlewheel riverboat from the 1800s, while the Pioneer Hotel has an Old West theme. Fight fans can head to a MMA card at the Avi Resort & Casino. Among the casinos that attract well-known musicians and comedians like Willie Nelson include the Edgewater Casino Resort and the Aquarius Casino Resort.

Other Casino Activities

While gambling is a huge draw, the whole family – including non-players – can find something to do at the casinos. The Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino boasts the Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection. You’ll see over 80 vintage vehicles, including Corvettes, T-Birds and a Steve McQueen motorcycle. Additionally, the casino has a 34-lane bowling alley and a Kid Kastle play area with Nintendo games and age-appropriate movies. RV owners should note that you can park your vehicle at a 740-space RV Park with full hook-ups at the casino. If you need a break from gambling, head to the Harrah’s Laughlin Salon & Day Spa for a deep tissue massage or facial.

Outdoor Recreation

You’ll find an outdoor recreational playground south of the casinos. The Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area lets you swim, fish and kayak in the Colorado River. There’s no need to rush back to a casino hotel or a restaurant. The park’s campground includes a barbecue grill and fire pit, full hook-up RV spaces and shower facilities. Head north of the casinos to enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and visit the Davis Dam. The Lake Mohave section of the recreation area was formed after the dam’s unveiling in 1951. Fishermen come for the channel catfish, striped bass and sunfish.

Water Tours

Use Laughlin as a launching pad to see the beauty around the Colorado River. London Bridge Jet Boat Tours will take you 58 miles on the river, passing the Topock Gorge canyon to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. After a two-hour stopover, you'll head back to Laughlin. Be sure to take notice of the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, which contains blocks from the actual bridge erected in England in 1831. If you're interested in a dinner cruise and sightseeing tours, be sure to check out Laughlin River Tours which offers cruises along the river on its steamboat.

About the Author

A.M. David's articles have appeared in "The Washington Post" and several regional publications in a career spanning more than 15 years. He has also written for the "Princeton Packet" chain. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Maryland.

Photo Credits

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