11 Best Day Trips from Laughlin, NV

Looking to explore beyond the serene and tranquil town of Laughlin for a day? This guide will show you the 11 Best Day Trips from Laughlin.

You will discover exciting destinations within a four hour drive of Laughlin, NV. 

Picture yourself immersing in breathtaking views of The Grand Canyon, discovering hidden gems in Lake Havasu City, or indulging in Las Vegas. 

With our comprehensive guides and insider tips, planning your perfect day trip from Laughlin will be a breeze.

A quick look at the best day trips from Laughlin

• Best Overall: The Grand Canyon
• Best Hidden Gem: Oatman, Arizona
• Best Under 1-Hour: Lake Havasu City, Arizona
• Best City: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Best National Park: Joshua Tree National Park
• Best State Park: Valley of Fire State Park

How we chose the best day trips from Laughlin

We utilized a well-rounded methodology to ensure our recommendations are both practical and exciting, so you can have the most memorable day trip from Laughlin.

Here is the detailed criteria used to curate our list:

• Proximity to Laughlin: All recommended destinations are within a 4-hour drive from Laughlin.
• Popularity: We chose places that are popular among tourists.
• Activities: Each destination offers a wide range of activities.
• Visitor Reviews: We included locations with positive reviews.
• Memorable Experiences: The destinations selected have features or activities that create unforgettable moments.

Our carefully crafted guide to the best day trips from Laughlin aims to inspire you to explore new places, engage in diverse activities, and create lasting memories.

1. The Grand Canyon

Topping our list of day trips from Laughlin is the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. As one of the most majestic places on earth, a visit here offers an unparalleled experience. 

From Laughlin, you can choose between the West Rim and the South Rim. 

If you’re pressed for time, the West Rim, operated by the Hualapai Tribe, is closer but comes with a heftier price tag and limited options. 

However, the South Rim, operated by the National Park Service, is the main national park and offers an expansive view of the canyon’s beauty. 

It’s nearly a 4-hour drive away, meaning it will take up a significant portion of your day. 

But if time permits, the South Rim is certainly worth the trip, making it one of the best day trips from Laughlin.

2. Oatman, Arizona: Gold Mine Ghost Town

Embark on one of the best day trips from Laughlin, NV and find yourself transported back in time to the Wild West in Oatman, AZ. 

Ranked #2 on our list and just over a 30-minute drive from Laughlin, this charming town offers a unique experience with wild burros roaming freely and gunslingers reenacting duels in the streets. 

As you wander through the town, you’ll discover a variety of quaint shops filled with unique trinkets, museums rich in history, and rustic restaurants serving hearty fare. 

While it might not occupy a full day, it’s an afternoon well spent stepping back into history, making it a must-visit on your list of day trips from Laughlin.

3. Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Just an hour’s drive south from Laughlin, you’ll find Lake Havasu City, AZ, ranked #3 on our list of best day trips from Laughlin. 

This city is not just a destination, but an adventure-packed playground boasting over 60 miles of navigable waterways and a whopping 300 days of sunshine each year – a fact that makes it a must-visit for your day trips from Laughlin NV. 

The city pulsates with energy, offering local bands, artists, and entertainment.

Apart from being a mecca for water enthusiasts, it also caters to those who prefer land-based activities with options for hiking, biking, off-roading, and golfing. 

From the iconic London Bridge to the bustling Havasu 95 Speedway, there’s no shortage of attractions that make Lake Havasu City one of the top day trips from Laughlin.

4. Hoover Dam

Just an hour and a half away from Laughlin, the Hoover Dam, ranked #4 on our list of best day trips from Laughlin, is a marvel of modern engineering that you simply must experience. 

Offering daily tours, you can delve into the rich history and monumental scale of this iconic dam.

After your tour, you can refuel at the on-site restaurant before deciding to explore further. 

With Boulder City, Las Vegas, and Lake Mead just a short drive away, your day trip from Laughlin, NV could easily turn into an exciting multi-stop adventure. 

5. Las Vegas

Just a 90-minute drive away, Las Vegas, NV holds the #5 spot on our list of best day trips from Laughlin. 

Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Vegas offers a dazzling array of shows, fine dining options, and iconic sights that can be enjoyed without having to drive late into the night. 

However, do brace yourself for potentially tedious traffic as you navigate this bustling city.

Despite this, the proximity makes it an ideal choice for day trips from Laughlin NV, especially if you prefer to avoid the crowds after a day of excitement. 

From the mesmerizing Bellagio Fountains and Fremont Street Experience to the stunning architectural marvels along The Strip, Las Vegas ensures a fulfilling day trip experience. 

6. Joshua Tree National Park

Ranked #6 on our list of best day trips from Laughlin, Joshua Tree National Park may be a bit of a trek from Laughlin NV, with a drive time of nearly 4 hours, but it’s well worth the journey. 

This oasis in the middle of the desert is one of the most beautiful and inspirational places in the United States, boasting strange rocks, unique Joshua Trees, and a vast expanse of desert land. 

The park can get busy, even on weekdays, so plan your visit accordingly. 

You’ll find a variety of hikes, such as the popular Ryan Mountain, as well as serene spots like Hidden Valley and the Cholla Cactus Garden. 

Known for its mystical setting, Joshua Tree National Park connects you with nature in a profound way, making it one of the top day trips from Laughlin that you won’t want to miss.

7. Mojave National Preserve

Mojave National Preserve, just a short drive from Laughlin, NV, offers a stunning array of landscapes for your next day trip from Laughlin. 

Ranked #7 on our list, this vast desert preserve boasts a variety of ecological habitats and has a rich history of human connection with the desert. 

From water-sculpted canyons and limestone caverns to ancient lava flows and expansive sand dunes, there’s plenty to explore here. 

However, be aware of current conditions such as wildfires and hot weather. Remember to stay safe and check local advisories before heading out.

8. Valley of Fire State Park

Coming in at #8 on our list of best day trips from Laughlin, Valley of Fire State Park is a must-visit and one of our favorite state parks in Nevada. 

For those who appreciate the beauty of nature and historic sites, this park offers a breathtaking landscape of red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and a range of vibrant colors that change with the sun’s position. 

It’s absolutely beautiful and well worth the visit. 

While it may be a bit crowded at times, there’s no denying the allure of the park’s unique rockscapes and slot canyons.

As one of the top day trips from Laughlin NV, Valley of Fire State Park guarantees an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

9. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

As part of your exploration of the best day trips from Laughlin, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area should be on your itinerary. 

Ranked #9 on the list, this Las Vegas-based attraction is a natural marvel, despite the potential for crowds and long lines into the park. 

As one of the standout day trips from Laughlin NV, it adds a touch of unspoiled wilderness to the glitz and glamor of a Vegas trip. 

Be prepared for a bustling atmosphere, but don’t let that deter you from experiencing the stunning vistas and unique desert wildlife that this conservation area offers.

10. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake, ranked #10 on our list, is worth the 4-hour drive. 

Despite some visitors finding the lake community plain and lacking in scenic diversity, others praise its safety, family-friendliness, and enjoyable nightlife. 

The resort town, nestled in the San Bernardino mountains, offers a variety of experiences, from observing beautiful waterfowl to exploring its selection of attractions. 

While it may be a longer journey from Laughlin, Big Bear Lake stands as one of the best day trips from Laughlin for those seeking a mix of nature and town amenities.

11. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Finally, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, ranking #11 on our list, should not be overlooked. 

About an hour from Laughlin, this expansive area offers an abundance of water activities and hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels. 

As part of your day trip, make a pit stop at the historic Hoover Dam, an architectural marvel in itself. And don’t miss the chance to explore Boulder City, where a variety of dining options await to satisfy your post-adventure hunger. 

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area stands as one of the best day trips from Laughlin for nature enthusiasts.

The Bottom Line

Our top pick for the best day trips from Laughlin has to be the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. 

As you stand on the edge of this natural wonder, you’ll understand why it’s our number one choice. 

The grandeur and majesty of the canyon is not just a sight to behold, but an experience that touches the soul.

It’s an unforgettable adventure that saves you from the monotony of the everyday and brings you face-to-face with the raw beauty of nature. 

And remember, your journey doesn’t have to stop there. Places like Oatman, AZ with its wild burros and old west charm, the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, NV, and the stunning landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park are also waiting to be explored. 

Each offering unique experiences, turning your day trip into an extraordinary memory.