Las Vegas is full of excitement, but with all its distractions, it’s easy to get lost in its beauty and overlook other beautiful places in the state.
During a weekend getaway to Laughlin, Nevada, with my wife, Kristina, I discovered several great spots that offer an incredible stay at a much lower price than Sin City.
Join me on my weekend trip as I share my experiences, activities, and the best places to eat.
A Weekend at Riverside Resort
Kristina and I spent the nights of June 8-10 at Riverside Resort and Casino in Laughlin. We had a corner Executive Room in the North Tower. It had a balcony overlooking the pool and the Colorado River behind it.
While there, we collected information about all Laughlin casinos, including Avi Resort and Casino, which is over 10 miles south of the others.
In some ways, Laughlin is like Las Vegas used to be.
Top Gaming Finds in Laughlin, NV
You can find video poker machines with good payouts easily. Many table games have a $5 minimum bet, and it is easy to find $10 craps.
- Video Poker: Most casinos have at least one 99% video poker game.
- Roulette: We only found one triple zero roulette wheel, which, unsurprisingly, was at Harrah’s.
- Blackjack: Unfortunately, there are a few 6/5 blackjack tables.
- Craps: All craps games follow the traditional rules with 3-4-5 times max odds and the Field paying double on 12.
You want to avoid games with gimmicky payables. The odds will not be in your favor.
Gourmet Discoveries in Laughlin
Drinks and dining are inexpensive compared to Las Vegas.
On our first night there, we ate at the Gourmet Room at Riverside. We were seated by a window overlooking the Colorado River.
Kristina and I decided to share Chateaubriand, which was $90. However, that is $50 to $100 cheaper than it is in most Las Vegas restaurants. The wine prices were also reasonable.
Other dining options we chose included the Riverview Restaurant at Riverside. We had breakfast there one morning and dinner another.
Another night, we had dinner at Stockman’s Steakhouse at Edgewater, and our other breakfast was at Carnegie’s Cafe at Tropicana.
We tried to eat dinner at The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s and Saltgrass at Golden Nugget. Unfortunately, we did not plan ahead enough, and reservations were unavailable.
Riverside Was Our Favorite Laughlin Casino
Before this visit, we had not been to Laughlin in seven years. With a little help from a local expert, we picked the best room at Riverside, and it turned out to be the right play.
It was $159 on Saturday night and $109 on Sunday and Monday before the $22 resort fee and taxes.
The food was good, and the prices were inexpensive.
We enjoyed the Riverview Bar.
It has 99% video poker. A bartender was only there on Saturday; otherwise, a waitress entered the area. When we were not playing video poker, we played $5 Let It Ride there.
The only other gambling we did was playing video pai gow poker on Casino Wizard machines at the Laughlin River Lodge. This casino, owned by Dotty’s, includes all the themes found in local taverns, like Bourbon Street, Red Dragon, La Villita, and Points Casino.
In the Dotty’s room, the Casino Wizard machine offers $1 video pai gow poker for two hands. Kristina and I sat next to each other on the same screen and played for an hour or longer.
If you don’t want to play, the drink prices here can’t be beat. Domestic beer was $2. Imports started at $3. Mixed drinks were $4 and up. Like everywhere else in Laughlin, drinks are free here while playing.
Water Taxi Was My Favorite Non-Gaming Activity
Laughlin is unique in that the Colorado River runs through it.
The Laughlin Water Taxi takes guests between Riverside, Aquarius, Edgewater, Regency, Laughlin River Lodge, Golden Nugget, and Harrah’s.
The Colorado Belle is also along the route. However, it closed in 2020.
Tropicana is across Casino Drive from the river. It is not accessible by the water taxi.
Harrah’s runs a shuttle there every two hours Monday through Thursday and every hour Friday through Sunday. Avi is too far for the water taxi to travel.
The water taxi takes a passenger one way for $5. An unlimited day pass is $25. We bought this the first full day we were in Laughlin. We used it to cover the casinos. At night, we rode it just to enjoy the boat on the river.
My Verdict: Laughlin Is a Great Getaway for Las Vegas Residents
Living in Las Vegas can be a grind. The natural scenery can get old.
Laughlin is a great place to visit and get away from it for a few days. Depending on the part of town, it is only about 75-90 minutes from Las Vegas.
Gamblers will enjoy the lower table game limits and good video poker paytables. Even if you don’t play in casinos, there is enough to do to stay busy.
With Primm’s collapse and only one good casino option in Mesquite, Laughlin makes perfect sense for a getaway.
The City’s Appeal is Mostly Regional
Most of Laughlin’s business arrives by car from Arizona, California, and Nevada. That is because there are no commercial flights available in the area. The closest commercial airport is in Las Vegas.
However, players with a relationship with Caesars or Riverside can find junket flights through the Bullhead City airport just across the Colorado River. Both casinos offer these services.
Why Laughlin Should Be Your Casino City Trip
Laughlin is a beautiful place that I recommend visiting either alone or with a friend. If you love nightlife and casino games, you’ll enjoy an exciting evening here.
For those less interested in gambling, Laughlin offers beautiful landscapes, attractive culinary options, and a rich arts and culture scene.
Plan your trip to Laughlin and discover why it’s the best-kept secret in Nevada.
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