8 Awesome Things to Do at Lake Mead in One Day

Are you headed to Lake Mead for a day and are looking for some amazing things to do? Then I’ve got you covered! It’s one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas – and for good reason!

Lake Mead is one of the most stunning places in Nevada, and you can find it right outside the busy city of Las Vegas. Take a break from the shiny lights of the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip for a breath of fresh air! Many people don’t know that it is absolutely worth going to Lake Mead for a beautiful day trip.

However, the entire area is pretty big, and it can be hard to figure out what to do there if you haven’t been there before.

Luckily for you, I have been to the area many times, and I have written the best things to do near Lake Mead in one day – so you can use your time wisely!

Let’s get to it!

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase something from a link, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. This helps me keep the site running and free.

If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Start your day at the Hoover Dam

I suggest starting our day at the Hoover Dam in the morning. It is a lot cooler and less crowded, and the beautiful soft lighting makes for great photos. The Hoover Dam is a supermassive concrete dam on the Colorado River, located on the border between Nevada and Arizona. It is awe-inspiring!

The Hoover Dam is open to visitors from 5 AM, and I suggest going as soon as possible. Remember that the Visitor Center and tours don’t open until 9 AM. Arriving early means you can explore the dam pretty much by yourself.

You don’t need a tour to have a great time at the Hoover Dam. You can walk across it anytime for free. Driving across the Hoover Dam offers one of the most scenic driving experiences in the Southwest.

The views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River are insane, so it is definitely worth the early wake-up. Even in the morning, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you go in summer! Also, they don’t allow big bags and drones, so you can leave those in the car.

The Hoover Dam with Lake Mead behind it. Photo from Deposit Photos.

Enjoy the Scenic Drive into Lake Mead Recreation Area

From the Hoover Dam, it is only a short car ride until you reach the shorelines of the Lake. The drive is super scenic, and multiple photo stops are on the way.

I suggest stopping at the Sunset View Scenic Overlook and the Northshore Road Overlook. I love this drive because it is a stark contrast to the otherwise monotone desert landscape of Nevada. Any of the viewing spots around the lake have picnic tables and some share, so this is a really nice idea for a breakfast picnic.

Driving to Lake Mead views — Views while driving to Lake Mead. Photo by Southwest Gal

Take a Hike

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do at Lake Mead, and it is a nice change of pace from the busy life in Las Vegas. There are quite a few trails inside the National Recreation Area that you can check out, but I suggest picking something ideal for your skill level.

The Historic Railroad Trail is the easiest. It is a family-friendly path with tunnels and some stunning lake views. I love to take pictures from here. If you are an experienced hiker and up for adventure, you’ll love the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs Trail. It leads to hot natural springs but you have to climb some boulders to get there.

The Liberty Bell Arch Trail is a moderate hike, whereas the River Mountains Loop Trail is a longer trail with great viewpoints. If you are hiking in the summer, be absolutely diligent about bringing water and avoiding the midday heat.

The view on a hike in Lake Mead in One Day — The view of a hike in Lake Mead. Photo by Southwest Gal.

Lunch at Harbor House Café

For lunch, you must absolutely check out the Harbor House Café & Lounge. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind establishment because it is a floating restaurant and bar on Lake Mead.

They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks and drinks. The restaurant is family-friendly, so you can bring the entire family along. We’ll also spend the afternoon in the area, so it is a great place to stop.

Relaxing at Boulder Beach

Before we’ll dive into some adventurous water activities on the lake, we’ll take a small break at Boulder Beach. Boulder Beach basically consists of a long, rocky shoreline. It is the perfect place for swimming, kayaking, and chilling in the sun.

The water is usually calm here, so it is a nice spot to go with the kids. This part of the lake also offers super pretty views of the surrounding mountains, I love relaxing here. I suggest to bring some beach chairs because lying down on the pebbles and rocks can be a bit uncomfortable.

There are quite a few tables with shade, but they are pretty popular.

Water Sports on Lake Mead

If I have learned one thing during my time in the United States, it is that water activities and sports are super popular – and Lake Mead is no exception to that. The Lake Mead Recreation Area has plenty of amazing things to do on the water.

Boating and jet skiing are the most popular pastimes. You can rent equipment at the marinas Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Callville Bay. Next up are water skiing and wakeboarding. The lake has many open areas, which makes it ideal for these activities.

If you want to see something unique, you should go kayaking or paddleboarding. That way, you can explore hidden spots like Black Canyon. It is even possible to go scuba diving. If you get a permit, you can check out the B-29 Superfortress wreck. Lastly, if you are looking for something more calm to do on Lake Mead, fishing is always a great option as well!

Lake Mead Recreation Area welcome sign — Lake Mead Recreation Area. Photo from Deposit Photos.

Ranger Programs

Another thing that makes Lake Mead worth the trip is the ranger-led programs that are offered. It is best to check the website of the park before going there, so you know exactly what’s going on and where.

Essentially, they offer guided hikes, wildlife talks, history presentations, and kids’ activities. You can do these throughout the year. However, there are also some seasonal things to do occasionally. Stargazing events and junior ranger activities are super popular.

My favorite thing are the guided tours focusing on geology, wildlife, and history. You can learn so much from the park rangers – and usually these tours are for free.

Wildlife Viewing

On thing I am really excited about on Lake Mead is the local wildlife. If you just love watching cute animals or are a passionate wildlife photographer, Lake Mead is the ideal spot.

You might spot bighorn sheep on the cliffs or desert tortoises crawling around. Do not touch them. Coyotes, foxes, and jackrabbits are common, especially in the early morning or evening. If you are lucky, you might spot a bald eagle in the sky or a (scary) rattlesnake on the ground. There are also lots of lizards and smaller birds, which are super cute as well!

At the visitor’s center, you’ll get a small map with a travel guide that will explain all the regional wildlife in detail.

A desert tortoise. Photo by Deposit Photos.

Dinner in Boulder City

Apart from the fabulous Harbour House Café, there are not a lot of restaurant options surrounding the lake. I suggest to either pack something you can enjoy at one of the picnic points, or go to Boulder City for dinner.

I can definitely recommend the Boathouse Restaurant in Boulder City. Its patio offers breathtaking views of Lake Mead. The restaurant is open for dinner and serves fantastic cocktails.

If you feel like spending more time waterside, head over to Lake Las Vegas, which is only a short drive away. There you can find lots of amazing restaurants, in a cute seaside town called “The Village at Lake Las Vegas”

Conclusion: Things to do on Lake Mead in One Day

Spending one day on Lake Mead is a great idea. From the Hoover Dam in the morning to a relaxing afternoon on Boulder Beach, hiking, water sports, and learning about the area’s nature is a refreshing break from the speed of Las Vegas.