Are you in Vegas and starting to get a little sick of drinking and gambling the whole day away? Don’t worry, just rent a car and drive 30 km (18 miles) southeast to Boulder City. First, driving through the area will allow you to experience the amazing desert, with the sun high in the sky, and sand and cactuses wherever you look. Second, Boulder City has something for history lovers, nature lovers, and adventure lovers alike. And if you’re wondering where to stay in Boulder City, then a range of interesting options are available to you - from the top hotels to the best Airbnbs in Boulder City. With your accommodation taken care of, you can go out and explore this great city. Check out the best things to do in Boulder City, Nevada, US.
1. Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden
Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden offers not only a wonderful walking trail for you to enjoy but also a plethora of giant statues of desert animals that you can admire. These statues come with a plaque with special trivia about the animals and the various desert plants around. This trail is 1,800 ft (548 m) long and ends at a picnic area where you can sit back and have a snack after your relaxing walk amidst the scenic trails.
Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden
Address: Boulder City, NV 89005, United States
Website: Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
2. El Dorado Dry Lake Bed
The vast open area of El Dorado Dry Lake Bed offers a great place to go camping under the stars, do a nice, dramatic photoshoot, and view the magnificent sunset. Previous visitors have praised this dry lake bed’s scenic atmosphere that lends perfectly to a great photoshoot. Some have stated that they had a great time camping in the area, saying that it was easy.
If you’re looking to spend a quiet day amidst nature in Boulder City, you can’t go wrong with this place.
El Dorado Dry Lake Bed
Address: Boulder City, Clark County, NV
3. Boulder City Art Guild & Gallery
Art enthusiasts are in for a treat at Boulder City Art Guild & Gallery. Maintained by the Boulder City Art Guild, Inc., this gallery displays various artwork beautifully made by guild members. The exhibits in this Boulder City attraction are filled with different art styles, including digital art, woodturning, and photography. With so many works of art on display, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye. Best of all, you can buy your favorite artwork from the gallery!
Boulder City Art Guild & Gallery
Address: 1305 Arizona St, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States
Website: Boulder City Art Guild & Gallery
Opening hours: 9am - 3pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
25%OffSpecial-StunningLakeView Pool SingleStory
Boulder City, Nevada, United States
Romantic Place to Chill
Boulder City, Nevada, United States
Best in Boulder City! 25 min to Vegas Strip
Boulder City, Nevada, United States
4. Tom Devlin's Monster Museum
If you are looking to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience while in Boulder City, Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum is definitely a must-visit. This unique attraction features an exhibit of monsters that are often seen on television. Remember to bring your cameras with you so you can snap some shots with the statues in the museum. You can also purchase some merchandise such as hoodies, shirts, and mugs during your visit. Scare junkies can surely have a great time visiting Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum.
Tom Devlin's Monster Museum
Address: 1310 Boulder City Pkwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States
Website: Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
5. Wilbur Square
If you wish to enjoy a little quiet time after exploring some of the most prominent attractions in the city, you may want to consider dropping by Wilbur Square. This location is often used for outdoor art fairs and other major events. You can enjoy a quiet run or walk while you take in the beautiful views of the surroundings. After a relaxing walk, you can take a short stroll to a local brewery called Boulder Dam Brewing Co. to enjoy a few local beers.
Wilbur Square
Address: Boulder City, NV 89005, United States
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
6. Railroad Museum
If you were ever curious about the history of the famous US railroad that used to run through the entire country, transporting gold, animals, and people since 1827, there is no better place for you than Boulder City. Nevada State Railroad Museum offers a big collection of locomotives, train cars, and photographs. You can also take the train, which is from 1930s; there’s no better way to experience the past. The train leaves from Nevada Southern Railway station (off Yucca Street). The ride is 11.25 km (7 miles) long (the trip is about 45 minutes) and takes you along the historic Boulder Branch Line. The trip will cost you 10 USD and admission to the museum is 6 USD.
Nevada State Railroad Museum
Railway Station Address: 601 Yucca Street, Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Museum Address: 2180 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701
7. Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
The blue water running under the amazing arched bridge through the big canyon–that just asks for a photo. But Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is not only a place for nice shots. The bridge was opened in 2010 in order to create a safer route than US 93 over the Hoover Dam (which was identified as “dangerous” as early as the 1960s), and it was named to honour the Korean War veteran, Mike O'Callaghan and the football player killed in Afghanistan, Pat Tillman.
Memorial Bridge
Address: Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Website: Memorial Bridge
8. Hoover Dam (from USD 59.0)
The Memorial Bridge, mentioned above, gives a spectacular view of the Hoover Dam, which is located in the Black Canyon on the Colorado River. It was opened in 1936 and was built to control floods and produce hydroelectric power. Today, the Hoover Dam is still in use and there are two lanes of traffic that run across it. The Bureau of Reclamation offers tours of the dam where you can learn a lot about its history and purpose. The tour lasts 1 hour and costs 30 USD. It’s recommended to book the tour in advance.
Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch
Duration 5 hours 30 minutes
9. Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum (from USD 20.0)
A great place to find out more about the Hoover Dam and about Boulder City itself is the Boulder City Museum. It offers interactive exhibits, showing both social and economic history of the town. You can see photographs and artefacts from the construction of the Hoover Dam, and you can hear stories of workers and their families, detailing how they worked, how they lived, and what dangers they faced. The museum is open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission costs only 2 USD.
Boulder City Historic District Self-guided Tour from Las Vegas
Duration 5 hours
10. Willow Beach Harbor
Let’s now move on to the more relaxing and mind-cleaning natural attractions of Boulder City. Willow Beach, with its 378 km (235 miles) of shoreline, lies by Lake Mohave in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and is heaven for everybody who loves fun in the water and being out in nature. There is a wide variety of wildlife living around the lake and plenty of water activities, like kayaking, that will prevent you from getting bored here. The beach has a campground, marina, and offers rentals of many kinds of watercrafts such as kayaks, canoes, and powerboats. There is also a convenience store, restaurant, and gift shop located in the marina, so you don’t have to worry about going to town too often.
Willow Beach Harbor
Address: 25804 Willow Beach Rd, Willow Beach, AZ 86445
Website: Willow Beach
11. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is almost 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres) of breathtaking landscape, full of red hills, yellow meadows, and amazing wildlife. Tens of biking, hiking, and equestrian trails provide the opportunity for peace and solitude together with nature. It’s also a place of cultural education with its Petroglyph Site, with many examples of rock art, including petroglyphs and pictographs. Here you’ll find interesting things to do for the whole day and still won’t see everything.
Sloan Canyon
Website: Sloan Canyon Tourist Information
12. Hemenway Valley Park (from USD 95.0)
Overlooking Lake Mead, Hemenway Valley Park offers a variety of Boulder City activities you can do. It will give you an opportunity to spot (and count) bighorn sheep without even leaving the town. On the grass around picnic tables, you can even spot 100 bighorns. This park is located right in the middle of Boulder City, and right across the street, you’ll find a perfect place to go and enjoy slightly cooler weather in the evening, especially if you’re traveling with the whole family. In Hemenway Valley Park, you can find a playground, horseshoe pits, and basketball and tennis courts.
Hoover Dam Private or Semi-Private Tour From Las Vegas
Duration 3 hours
13. Kayaking with Evolution Expeditions (from USD 260.0)
If you’re wondering what to see in Boulder City, Evolution Expeditions has you covered. It will take you on an amazing tour around Lake Mead, or for a breathtaking adventure down the Colorado River to Emerald Cave and its crystal clear, green water. Or, if you always wanted to kayak in the dark, they have an option for you–Kayak Twilight! Evolution Expeditions offers a wide array of options to create a perfect adventure for everyone. Tours take from 3 to 7 hours and cost approximately 129 to 199 USD. The packages have different durations and you’ll encounter a variety of attractions, but all will be an unforgettable experience for sure.
Kayaking with Evolution Expeditions
Address: 10300 W Charleston Blvd #13, Las Vegas, NV 89135
Website: Evolution Expeditions
Black Canyon Kayak Full-Day Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch
Duration 12 hours
14. Cascata
Cascata is a beautiful golf course in Boulder City that is set against the backdrop of a mountain. This golfing facility is the ideal place to tee off in the middle of the desert in Nevada. Designed Rees Jones, this golf course is beautifully landscaped and offers a range of facilities, including caddie services, a pro shop, a lovely restaurant, and more.
Cascata
Address: 1 Cascata Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States
Website: Cascata
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
15. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail Head
For a bit of adventure in Boulder City, make your way to Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail Head. Embark on a hike amidst giant boulders and rocks through Gold Strike Canyon to reach the end of the trail to some hot spring pools. A dip in the pools will be your reward for the strenuous hike involving a lot of clambering, climbing, bouldering and walking. Those who love rugged adventures in nature will surely enjoy visiting Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail Head.
Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail Head
Address: 601 Great Basin Hwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States
16. Boulder Beach
Located on the banks of Lake Mead, Boulder Beach is a popular weekend destination for locals and visitors alike. This sandy beach extends for more than a mile and offers a range of activities to visitors. Popular things to do here are boating, swimming, sunbathing, sailing, and more. You can also enjoy a relaxing picnic with your family and friends or enjoy a walk along the many nature trails at Boulder Beach.
Southwest Ramble Railbike
Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
17. Historic Railroad Trail (from USD 187.0)
Designated a Historic National Trail, this hike is an awesome opportunity to connect with nature while learning. The trail goes through 5 old railroad tunnels, which were last used in 1961. It’s also the last part of the Hoover Dam Railroad system that isn’t disturbed or underwater. Nature here is also beautiful; keep a lookout for bighorn sheep, owls, ravens, and you can also see rattlesnakes or scorpions, so remember to be careful and stay on the trail!
You can access the trail from the Alan Bible Visitor Center or from the Hoover Dam parking garage (the garage fee is 10 USD).
Scenic Bike Tour of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from Las Vegas
Duration 6 hours
18. Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon (from USD 161.0)
But if you prefer being in the air a little more than in the water, I have something for you too. Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon offers a 2.4 km (1.5 mile) zipline ride down the Red Mountains over the Mojave Desert. You’ll be riding down over beautiful red and yellow landscape, full of great desert plants and animals. But don’t expect to have too much time for admiring the view, because you’re going to be riding down at a speed of over 95 kmh (60 mph). That sounds like a blast!
The zipline ride costs 159 USD.
Zipline Ride
Address: 1644 Nevada Highway Boulder City, NV 89005
Website: Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon
Bootleg Canyon Zipline Tour
Duration 4 hours
Small town: BIG attractions
Just a half an hour drive from Las Vegas, Boulder City is not very popular and not very touristy, but is just as worthy of a visit as the famous Las Vegas! And speaking of Las Vegas, since you’re nearby, you can check out some amazing RV rentals and hotels for singles in that area. If you’re wondering what to do in Boulder City, this list has you covered.