Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches

Yes, there really are public beaches in Laughlin, Nevada!

We were driving through Laughlin and had been there many times before,  but we had not noticed a beach in quite a few years. This was our hook (A very successful hook, indeed!) … Laughlin’s online brochure gives this very tempting description of the Colorado River: ”Coursing more than a thousand miles from the Rockies to the Sea of Cortez, the mighty Colorado River provides irrigation, public water and hydroelectric power to parts of Nevada, California and Arizona. In Laughlin, the river also offers a wide spectrum of recreational activities. Enjoy boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, fishing or a refreshing dip in the brisk water.” Really??

EGD & I decided to do some investigating!  So we parked our car across from the Laughlin Visitor Center, on the north side of the Riverside Hotel. This free parking lot is just south of the Laughlin Bridge. With our umbrella open and ready to serve, off we went, on an “explore” down the Riverwalk, looking for Laughlin’s beaches!

Colorado River Beach, Laughlin, Nevada (©Jody Diehl)

Ah ha! The first beach we spotted was hidden behind the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino. You’ll need to walk down a stairway to the river. This beach is quite a long stretch of gravelly sand. It is a bit rocky at the river’s edge, though. You’ll probably want to wear your beach trekkers. For safety’s sake, the following three signs are posted here:  BEWARE OF SWIFT CURRENTS, NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY, SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Onward Ho!  The Laughlin Riverwalk comes to a halt at the Colorado Belle.  You’ll need to either find your way through a maze-like, smokey casino, or walk around the front of the hotel to pick up the Riverwalk again, on the other side.  But, just a little bit farther down the  Riverwalk we found another Colorado River beach.  Tucked behind the Pioneer Hotel and Gambling Hall is a lovely, clean, well maintained patch of finer sand.

Colorado River Beach, Laughlin, Nevada (©Jody Diehl)

Now you know!  As you drive through the hot, dry, dusty desert you can actually stop, relax, and dip your toes in the cool water of the Colorado River.  Or, perhaps you’ll just decide to hang on to some of your money and head out of the casinos for “a refreshing dip in the brisk water” at the beaches of Laughlin, Nevada.

Look for the Cowboy! There is a nice little beach behind the Pioneer Hotel and Gambling Hall.

Be careful out there. And have a great day at the beach!

*You might also be interested in visiting the nearby beaches at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area.*