The best things to do at Lake Mead depend on your time, your season, and how much you want to drive. If you have one day and no car, take a guided Hoover Dam and lake tour. If you are driving yourself, pair the scenic overlooks with the Historic Railroad Trail. For the water, rent a boat or paddle Black Canyon. For a longer stay, book a lakeside campsite or a sunset cruise. Pick the activity that fits the weather, because heat decides more trips here than anything else.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area covers about 1.5 million acres of water and desert across Nevada and Arizona. That scale is the real problem. Visitors drive to the wrong end of the lake, underestimate the heat, and run out of daylight before they do what they came for.
This list gives you nine ways to spend your time, each with what to expect, who it suits, and what to know before you go. We run guided Hoover Dam and Lake Mead tours from Las Vegas at Another Side Tours, so our tour comes first. The other eight are the options we would point a friend toward.
1. Tour Hoover Dam and Lake Mead with Another Side Tours
What to expect
Another Side Tours takes you to the dam with a local guide, which makes it one of the simplest things to do at Lake Mead when you are staying in Las Vegas. Our Hoover Dam tours that combine natural attractions run roughly 3 to 5 hours and cost between $249 and $399, depending on the route. Your guide explains how crews built the dam during the Great Depression, why it rises 726 feet above the Colorado River, and how the lake behind it supplies water and power across the Southwest.
You can stretch the day in several directions. Pair the dam with Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, book a private tour in a Mercedes Limo Van, or fly a helicopter tour over the dam, Lake Mead, and the Mojave Desert. If none of the set routes fits, custom tours let you build the day around your own interests.
A guide turns a quick photo stop at the dam into the story behind the lake you are looking at.
Who it suits and what to know
This option suits visitors with limited time, no rental car, or a group that wants one person to handle the logistics. Families and couples who prefer a private pace over a crowded bus also do well here. If you would rather go on your own, the pedestrian walkway on the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge gives you a free view straight down onto the dam.
- Plan 3 to 5 hours for the dam alone, and more if you add a second stop.
- In summer, go in the morning. The dam has little shade.
- Pack light. Security screening applies at the dam, and drones are not allowed.
2. Drive the scenic overlooks and Northshore Road
What to expect
A scenic drive is the cheapest of all the things to do at Lake Mead, and the Boulder Basin overlooks take roughly 40 minutes to reach from the Strip. Lakeshore Road runs above the water with pullouts that look across the basin. Northshore Road carries on past Callville Bay toward Valley of Fire State Park, with red sandstone and long desert views.
Watch for desert bighorn sheep near the roads in cooler months. On the northern arm, the reemerged ghost town of St. Thomas is worth a stop, because low water exposed it again after decades beneath the lake. Pack a picnic, since food options along the roads are thin.
The drive costs a park entrance fee and a tank of gas, and it shows you more of the lake than most paid options.
Who it suits and what to know
Self-drivers, photographers, and couples with a flexible schedule get the most from this one. Entry has typically been about $25 per vehicle for a seven-day pass, and an America the Beautiful pass covers it, so confirm current rates on the National Park Service website. The park is huge, so choose one region first.
| Area | Closest to | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder Basin | Las Vegas and Boulder City | Boulder Beach, Las Vegas Boat Harbor, Historic Railroad Trail |
| Northshore | Valley of Fire and Overton | Callville Bay, Redstone, St. Thomas |
| Black Canyon | Hoover Dam | Willow Beach, Black Canyon Water Trail |
| Southern lake | Searchlight, NV and Bullhead City, AZ | Cottonwood Cove, Katherine Landing |
If the northern drive tempts you but you do not want to drive, a private Valley of Fire tour covers that landscape with a guide at the wheel.
3. Rent a boat, jet ski, or houseboat
What to expect
Renting a boat is the best way to reach coves that no road touches. Las Vegas Boat Harbor in Boulder Basin is the marina closest to the city, and Callville Bay and Cottonwood Cove add more access points around the lake. Rental fleets typically include powerboats, pontoons, and personal watercraft, and some marinas rent houseboats for multi-day stays.
Once you leave the dock, you can tube, wakeboard, anchor in a cove to swim, or cruise beneath black volcanic cliffs. Lake levels have fallen since 2000, so ramps and shorelines change over time. Call the marina or check the park’s website before you drive out, because conditions shift and one of the most useful things to do at Lake Mead is to confirm access first.
Check water levels and launch conditions before you go, because the lake you saw last year may not be the lake you find.
Who it suits and what to know
Groups of friends, families with teenagers, and anyone celebrating something will get the most from a rental. Prices vary by vessel, season, and fuel, so ask for a full quote that includes fuel and deposits. Weekends in summer fill up, and a reservation saves you from showing up to an empty dock.
- Bring a life jacket for every passenger, and make sure children wear theirs.
- Keep alcohol low and water high. Heat and sun amplify both.
- Expect afternoon wind. Plan the longest runs for the morning.
4. Paddle Black Canyon by kayak or paddleboard
What to expect
The Black Canyon Water Trail follows the Colorado River from below Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, about 12 miles of canyon walls, side coves, and hot springs. It is among the most memorable things to do at Lake Mead for anyone who likes a quiet pace. Water released from the dam stays cold all year, so the canyon feels cooler than the desert above it. The best-known stop is Emerald Cave, where sunlight bounces off the water and gives the walls a green glow around midday.
Guided trips launch near the dam and handle gear, shuttles, and permits. Self-guided paddlers need a permit from the park for the dam-to-Willow-Beach route, so check with the National Park Service first. If you want something easier, paddle the calmer coves around Boulder Basin or launch from Willow Beach for a shorter out-and-back.
The canyon below the dam is cooler, quieter, and more dramatic than the open lake.
Who it suits and what to know
Confident beginners on a guided trip, couples, and families with older children all do well here. Pricing depends on the outfitter, the length of the trip, and whether gear is included, so compare a few options.
- Start early. Wind usually builds by afternoon.
- Wear a personal flotation device, even if you swim well.
- Carry a dry bag, sun protection, and more water than you expect to drink.
5. Fish for striped bass and other species
What to expect
Lake Mead has a reputation as one of the country’s better fishing lakes, and striped bass are the headline catch. Spring is prime time for stripers, and anchovies are a common bait. The lake also holds largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and rainbow trout, so fishing is one of the most flexible things to do at Lake Mead for different skill levels.
Fish move with the temperature. In summer, they sit deeper and feed early and late, so be on the water at dawn. Shore fishing works near marinas and coves, and a boat opens up the deeper structure. Hiring a local fishing guide shortens the learning curve, since they know where the fish are on a given week.
Fish the edges of the day, because Lake Mead’s best bites come early and late.
Who it suits and what to know
Anglers of any level, families who want a low-effort day, and anyone with a boat rental already booked will enjoy this. Licensing rules matter here, so check the park’s fishing page for which license you need and for any stamp requirements before you buy.
- Buy your license before the trip, not at the dock.
- Check size and daily limits for each species.
- Bring a cooler and ice, because heat spoils fish quickly.
- Try cooler months if you dislike summer heat. Fishing stays productive.
6. Hike the Historic Railroad Trail and nearby trails
What to expect
The Historic Railroad Trail is the easiest hike and the best first one. It runs about 7.5 miles round trip on a flat former railroad bed, through tunnels, with open views across Boulder Basin. The railroad once hauled materials for building Hoover Dam, which adds history to the scenery. It is one of the most popular things to do at Lake Mead because it asks little of your legs.
For something shorter, the Redstone Trail on the northern side is a loop of about a mile through red sandstone formations. If you want a harder day, the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs Trail involves scrambling over boulders and should wait for cooler months. Bring a camera and look for bighorn sheep and desert tortoises. Never touch wildlife.
Hike early, carry extra water, and treat Lake Mead’s heat with respect.
Who it suits and what to know
Hikers of all levels have a trail here, and winter and early spring are the best seasons, when daytime highs are mild. Summer hiking should end by mid-morning. Kids can handle the Railroad Trail in sections, and park rangers run seasonal programs, including a Junior Ranger option, so check the park’s calendar.
- Carry more water than you think you need.
- Wear sun protection and sturdy shoes.
- Avoid canyon trails when storms threaten, because flash floods happen.
7. Swim, picnic, and dive at the lake’s beaches
What to expect
Boulder Beach is the classic spot for a swim and a picnic, and it is close to Las Vegas. Beaches at Lake Mead are mostly gravel and pebbles rather than sand, so bring beach chairs and water shoes. Hemenway, Willow Beach, Cottonwood Cove, and Katherine Landing offer other places to swim and picnic. Of all the things to do at Lake Mead, a lazy beach day is the one that most suits a mixed group.
Divers have options too. Kingman Wash is a gentle slope that works for beginners, Black Canyon has sheer walls, and Cathedral Cove has unusual formations. The B-29 wreck is the famous one, a deep technical dive that the park limits to guided access with a permit. Dive with a local operator and check current rules first.
Beaches here are pebbly and unguarded, so plan for shoes, shade, and your own supervision.
Who it suits and what to know
Families, groups, and divers all find something here. Water is comfortable from late spring through early fall. It is also where safety matters most, which explains the lake’s reputation for danger. No lifeguards are on duty, heat can be severe, and boat traffic and drop-offs surprise swimmers.
- Keep a close eye on children at all times, and use life jackets.
- Bring a canopy or umbrella, since shaded tables fill quickly.
- Stay hydrated and rest in shade during peak afternoon heat.
8. Camp at a lakeside campground
What to expect
Camping lets you see the lake at dawn and after dark, when the desert cools and the stars come out. Developed campgrounds sit at places like Boulder Beach, Callville Bay, Cottonwood Cove, Temple Bar, and Katherine Landing, and some marinas run RV parks with hookups. The park also allows camping along much of the shoreline under its rules, so check the National Park Service camping page for current requirements.
Pick your season carefully. Summer nights stay warm and daytime highs pass 100°F, which makes tent camping miserable. Spring and fall are the sweet spots for these things to do at Lake Mead overnight, and winter works well with a warm sleeping bag. Reservations are not available at every site, so confirm before you drive out.
Camp in spring or fall, when the lake is comfortable and the night sky is the main attraction.
Who it suits and what to know
Campers, RV travelers, and families who want the lake as a base will like this. A campsite also saves a long drive back into Las Vegas after a boat day.
- Bring shade, extra water, and a stove for cooking. Food options are limited.
- Check current fire restrictions before you light anything.
- Pack for wind, which can flatten a poorly staked tent.
9. Take a sunset or sightseeing cruise on the lake
What to expect
A cruise is the low-effort way to see Lake Mead from the water. Paddlewheel boats such as the Desert Princess sail from the Boulder City side of the lake and offer sightseeing, with some sailings near Hoover Dam. Evening cruises add sunset light on the cliffs, and the desert cools off as you glide across the water. Among the things to do at Lake Mead, this is the one that asks nothing of you but a seat.
You can also see the lake from the air. A helicopter tour from Las Vegas flies over the dam, the lake, and the desert beyond, and gives you a sense of scale that no boat can match. Our private tours include these flights alongside ground options if you want both views.
Cruises and flights show you how large Lake Mead really is without a single step of effort.
Who it suits and what to know
Couples, older travelers, and anyone who wants the scenery without the exertion should book a cruise. Prices and schedules vary by season and operator, so check before you plan around a specific sailing.
- Book ahead for sunset departures, especially on weekends.
- Bring a light layer, since wind on deck cools quickly after dark.
- Ask whether meals or drinks are included before you buy.
Pick your Lake Mead day and go
Lake Mead rewards a plan. Match the activity to the season, start early in summer, and choose one region instead of trying to see the whole park. A guided Hoover Dam tour suits short trips, a scenic drive suits flexible schedules, and boats, paddles, and campsites suit people who want to stay.
If you would rather skip the planning, we can handle it. Book a private Hoover Dam tour with Another Side Tours, and a local guide will take care of the route, the timing, and the story behind the lake.
