Ultimate Romantic Couples' Getaway in Laughlin: A Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
Laughlin's signature landmark—the Colorado River flowing through the heart of town—is ideal for hand-in-hand strolls, especially at sunset. Beyond these serene walks into the desert dusk, Laughlin offers endless romantic surprises for couples. Once a miners' outpost, this recreational haven blends ancient wonders (nearly 1,000 years old) with modern delights, all perfect for sharing.
Plan a weekend getaway with our expert itinerary to uncover Laughlin's magic firsthand.
DAY ONE
Morning Meditation
Start with peaceful reflection amid nine hidden labyrinths in the Nevada desert—a serene contrast to Laughlin's gaming vibe.
Created by local resident Wes Dufek, the Laughlin Labyrinths are tucked away at three sites off Thomas Edison Drive, south of Bruce Woodbury Drive. (Pass the white water tank, and you've gone too far.) These aren't mazes but single-path journeys to the center and back—a profound metaphor for life. Arrive at sunrise for meditative bliss as mountains glow in shifting pinks and purples.
Ancient Petroglyph Art
Extend the tranquility with a hike in Grapevine Canyon at the south end of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, revealing hundreds of petroglyphs up to 1,000 years old.
Towering above is sacred Spirit Mountain, the Newberry Mountains' highest peak and Nevada's first Indigenous site on the National Register of Historic Places. Admire stunning artwork on boulders at the canyon mouth, or hike deeper (1.7 miles) for more glyphs, a seasonal stream, grapes, cottonwoods, and even a waterfall with a swimming hole.
Lunch at a Riverside Lodge
Satisfy your hunger at The Bighorn Café inside Laughlin River Lodge. This revamped rustic gem offers comfort classics like prime rib sliders or coconut shrimp amid wood-paneled walls, stone fireplaces, and antler chandeliers—with panoramic mountain and river views.
Golf and Spa Indulgence
Unwind at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club in the Black Mountains foothills. This 18-hole, David Druzisky-designed course features expansive fairways, elevation challenges, river views, and casino skyline sights (watch for wild burros!).
Prefer relaxation? Soak in the on-site spa's hot tub and steam room, then melt away tension with a couples' massage in the private suite featuring a fireplace and courtyard.
Big Easy Vibes
Continue the relaxed mood at Bourbon Street Sports Bar in Laughlin River Lodge, pairing craft beers with beignet fries, muffulettas, and slow-cooked gumbo.
Earn arcade tokens with every food or drink purchase for the adults-only games: air hockey, foosball, pinball, skee-ball, video games, simulators, pool, and more.
DAY TWO
Desert Adventure
Channel your inner thrill-seeker with the Oui Experience, an immersive UTV tour teaching pro-level driving and drifting across the Mojave Desert, past abandoned mines, and up a 4,000-foot Black Mountains peak overlooking Lake Mohave.
Opt for the private Royale Tour (3+ hours with beach lunch) or Full House group (2 hours). Capture it all with complimentary photos and drone footage—perfect for social media.
Southern Comfort Lunch
Refuel at The New Pioneer, greeted by neon cowboy River Rick. At Bumbleberry Flats, savor chicken & waffles, Cajun mac & cheese, fried green tomatoes, and cheddar grits with Riverwalk views.
River Walk or Ride
Laughlin's Riverwalk—a mile-long paved path along the Nevada-side Colorado River—blends casino access with nature: spot cranes, beavers, and fish. Sunsets here are magical, especially before The New Pioneer with illuminated flowering trees.
For water fun, try Jet Skis, narrated tours, or the River Passage Water Taxi, hopping between resorts like Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, Colorado Belle (riverboat casino), and Harrah's Laughlin.
Retro Date Night
End with fun at Strike Bowl! in Laughlin River Lodge—a 10-lane alley evoking Happy Days, plus a red-and-white diner for burgers, fries, and root beer floats.
WHERE TO STAY
Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino offers 1,300+ rooms; upgrade to Executive Rooms with king beds, separate dressing areas, and river or mountain balcony views. Enjoy the 76,000-sq-ft casino, bingo, antique car museum, pools, and new Jeffrey Salon and Day Spa. For luxury, Aquarius Casino Resort boasts 1,900 rooms, diverse dining, a non-smoking lounge, and a 34,000-sq-ft renovated pool deck with cabanas, hot tubs, and river panoramas.
