Besties heading to Laughlin, Nevada, can destress with a little retail therapy, superb spa treatments and natural desert wonders
There’s nothing quite like a vacation with your besties for a reprieve from the chaos of life. Getaways with your closest friends are always a welcome change of pace. Laughlin, Nevada, is a town located about 90 miles south of Las Vegas and can provide just the cure to relax. Groups can explore peaceful nature together, partake in retail and boutique shopping and indulge in spa treatments.
Laughlin is set along the Colorado River at the place where Nevada’s borders converge to form the state’s southernmost tip. In fact, just across the river is Bullhead City, Arizona. Laughlin hosts a total of nine resort casinos and has 10,000 rooms available for vacationers to rent. Popular activities include sightseeing, shopping, live entertainment and soaking up some of the 300 sunny days that the area averages each year.
Relaxing Spas, Theraputic Shopping and Entertainment in Laughlin, Nevada
Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, for epic live entertainment
Day spas and salons
Nothing says relaxation like a day spent at the spa. Laughlin has many to choose from where besties can unwind with a massage. Other treatments to consider are facials, getting a stylish new haircut, swimming and exercising at one of the attached gym facilities.
Relax with a day of shopping
If your group favors retail therapy for relaxation purposes, it’s good to know that Laughlin, Nevada, offers a full complement of shops. From high-end boutiques in the casino resorts to a two-story outlet center, you and your besties are sure to find what you need, and perhaps don’t need.
You can find just about anything, from designer-label or name-brand clothing and accessories like watches, handbags and pre-owned jewelry. Need a bowling ball, a crystal figurine, a cowboy hat or a kid-sized souvenir? It’s all available. Laughlin Outlet Center deserves a special shopping mention. There are over 60 vendors in this Art Deco-themed bargain-hunters’ heaven. Bonus – the prices usually fall between 20 and 50% below the retail average.
Delight in a live performance with your besties
For a bit of entertainment, groups can enjoy a live show in Laughlin’s outdoor Events Center, which hosts a variety of events and performances. Past performers include Reba McEntire and Rascal Flatts; the venue is also home to October’s Laughlin Laughfest Comedy Festival. Additionally, there are several casinos that host dynamic live shows suitable for you and your besties.
Laughlin, Nevada, Gives Besties Natural Repose
Idylic scenery along the River Walk in Laughlin, Nevada. Photo courtesy of Daniel Ramirez via Flickr
Find peace on trail systems, a river walk and water activities
Groups of besties who want to add fresh air to their itinerary should find solace in nature. How about a gentle stroll along the River Walk or a hike in the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park’s trail system. Horseback rides can be scheduled as can boating and kayaking for diverse nature-fueled pursuits.
Natural activities close to Laughlin, Nevada
The Hoover Dam is just a day-trip from Laughlin, Nevada. The National Historical Landmark and the gorgeous Lake Mead that sits above the dam offer besties an incredible outdoor experience. Lake Havasu and Topock Gorge are also magnificent and popular sites not far from Laughlin. And don’t forget about the golf! Six championship courses (spread over three states) are within a 30-minute drive of the town.
Hoover Dam for a besties day trip near Laughlin, Nevada
Wonderful Weather in Laughlin, Nevada
Receiving less than an inch of rain during a normal year, you don’t have to worry about outdoor activities turning into a washout. However, very hot weather in the summertime is common in this desert climate. Daytime temperatures in the summer can reach well over 110 degrees while winter averages between 60 and 70, spring sees texperiences temperatures in the 80s and 90s, and fall usually averages 70s.
Laughlin Travel Basics
Laughlin, Nevada gives besties a chance to relax together
If your group is planning on arriving in Laughlin, Nevada, by car or bus, the town can be reached from I-15 and I-40 from Los Angeles and other Southern California cities. Also by way of I-515 and US 93/95 from Las Vegas, and taking US-93 north to I-40 from Phoenix. It’s roughly a four-hour drive from Phoenix, a five-hour drive from Los Angeles, a six-hour drive from San Diego and less than two hours from Las Vegas.
Related: Accent Travel Network Conference Visits Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada
Laughlin has its own airport; Laughlin-Bullhead City International Airport is primarily used by charter companies, although it does have scheduled flights coming in from Sun Country and Allegiant Air. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is conveniently about an hour and a half away.
With sunny weather, warm winters, and indoor and outdoor attractions galore, Laughlin, Nevada, can be a great place to host a besties getaway. For more exceptional group travel ideas, subscribe to the current issue of Leisure Group Travel today.
