Boulder City, Nevada has the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and a scary monster museum.
Think ofBoulder City , Nevada as the well - behaved neighbor to Las Vegas . There ’s just a 30- to 45 - minute driving between them , but these two places could n’t be any more different . While Vegas clothe to a great extent in indulgence and a extremely publicized Sin City reputation , Boulder City is one of the rare Nevada communities that does n’t reserve gaming . It has a belittled - town feel , an accent on the great outdoors , and a low - fundamental air that ’s comfortable in its own peel and wo n’t max out your credit scorecard . In other words , nobody ’s attempt to upsell you on bottle service .
While Boulder City is a quick and easy antidote to the chaos of Las Vegas , it ’s also a comparatively short drive for route warrior travel from Southern California , Northern Arizona , and other tip throughout the Southwest . So bear a visit and pass a couple of night in a destination full of charm , chronicle , and sunshine , and revel all the playfulness things to do in Boulder City , one of the dependable Nevada metropolis .
Travel time:
45 minute from Las Vegas4 minute from Los Angeles , CA4 hours from Phoenix , AZ
If you don’t do anything else: Tour the Hoover Dam
TheHoover Damisn’t just the most identifiable watershed in Boulder City , Nevada ; it ’s pretty much the reason the place be . Boulder City was institute in 1931 as a home for workers reconstruct the engineering marvel ( earlier known as the Boulder Dam ) , which interrupts the Colorado River to form Lake Mead . It ’s so large that the amount of concrete used could create a sidewalk around the equator .
Back in the good ol' days , US Highway 93 used to actually cross over the top of the dam , and citizenry would just hop out and shoot pic . Now , there ’s a bypass bridge to the west . However , you may stop by the official Visitor Center , which has a series of exhibits and an outdoor viewing deck to snap orca pics overlook the dekameter . Official tourstravel through the landmark ’s belowground tunnels , which are refreshingly cool during the raging summertime months and unveil how the whole thing was build up and run today as a power plant life .
Fill your days:
Outdoor activities in Boulder City
Thanks to the Hoover Dam , we haveLake Meadjust outside Boulder City , Nevada . It ’s backbreaking to believe it ’s been around for less than a hundred years because it ’s the primary water informant for Las Vegas . Having an enormous , artificially create body of pee over what was formerly a vast desert landscape painting append up to some interesting aesthetics . The beach tend to be rocky with grating terrain — no soft , ashen sand here — make the Lake Mead National Recreation Area more of a destination for boating and JetSkis than swimming and sunbathing . Kayaking and paddle - boarding are popular too . you may also let someone else do the driving withLake Mead Cruises , which volunteer tours of the lake on the Desert Princess , a three - horizontal surface vintage - mode paddle boat with booze and solid food on card .
The unspoiled views of Lake Mead are from theHistoric Railroad Hiking Trail , a two - sea mile walk of life or cycle ride that follows the path where trains once carried supplying to the Hoover Dam . It ’s a relatively easy trek on savourless terrain that passes through five burrow . you’re able to also stare over the lake fromHemenway Park , which famously attracts bighorn sheep from nearby foothill dwellings to browse on the grass by a playground . The animals generally are n’t dangerous and have no issues hanging around humankind . Just prise their space and do n’t sample to pet or feed them . In other words , they wo n’t bother you if you do n’t vex them .
you’re able to further appreciate the serenity of the Colorado River to the south of the Hoover Dam . Tour society likeBlazin ' PaddlesandRiver Dogzlead kayaking expeditions through the Black Canyon drop with full stop at Emerald Cave ( a cove where piss illuminates in a unique means when hit by the sun ) , the Gold Strike Hot Springs , and Willow Beach . If you ’d rather stay dry , Lake Mead Mohave Adventures has aHoover Dam Rafting Tourwith special security clearance to get an up - near look at the dyke from the river . The " heap " is a comfortable motorise vehicle with plenty of seats and legroom , allowing you to focalise on the scenery and snap photograph .
Photo by Sam Morris, courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau
Arts, culture, and shopping in downtown Boulder City
Downtown Boulder City is a timeless mix of residential and commercial property that would n’t take care out of place in 1950s California . You ’ll see throwback charm at theBoulder Theater . This onetime movie house was once the only air - train building in townspeople and is now home to concert , special events , and the annualDam Short Film Festivalevery February . TheHaunted Boulder City Ghost & UFO Tourand monthlyBest Dam Wine Walkare additional fun way to get intimate with the neighbourhood .
business district is thankfully short on national chains , so drop a few dollars at antique thrift shops likeGoatfeathers Emporium , Bella Marketplace , orSherman ’s House of Antiques . Pick up a dissimilar kind of collectible atThe Flying Saucer(dedicated to Nevada ’s obsession with arena 51 and space extraterrestrial being ) and theBoulder City Co. Store(a coffee shop that also sells Boulder City mark merchandise ) . TheFisher Space Penmanufacturing plant is just outside business district with a giving workshop sell the same pen NASA spaceman used to write upside - down in space . Beyond the store , the downtown territory is adorn with scenic car park , murals , and more than 30 sculptures that ante up homage to Boulder City ’s history .
Railroads and monsters at Boulder City museums
TheNevada State Railroad Museumwas built on the historic railing tracks that serviced Hoover Dam construction worker . Take a look at vintage equipment , automobile , and railway locomotive with 40 - moment train rides offered on weekend during select times of the year .
Tom Devlin ’s Monster Museumhighlights horror movie scoundrel and creatures past and present . The exhibit feature artifact and the work of Tom Devlin , an effected Hollywood composition and gist creative person , who can be booked for a personal guided hitch . Most visitors opt for a ego - guided base on balls through the winding labyrinth - like museum , which includes a rare set slice fromGremlins 2and a little , on - site movie theater that sort docudrama from open to close .
Eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants and bars in Boulder City
The restaurants in Boulder City , Nevada are n’t fancy ( like inyou - know - where ) but run to be low-priced , family - owned businesses that proudly wait on simple , straightforward food for thought . Fox Smokehousehas barbecue that competes with thebest in Las Vegas . The owners also operateFox Family Bakeryfor fresh sugar and pastries . If you ’re craving a good hamburger , it ’s grueling to beatThe Dillinger , a mob - themed gastropub in what used to be a depository financial institution . Southwest Dinerserves a more minor take on classic American comfort food in a retro wayside surround . Coffee Cup Cafeis a fun , quirky breakfast spot with an awesome house - made Bloody Mary and wall address with license plates and coffee mugs contribute in by customer . Chilly Jilly’zis an eclectic mashup of concept featuring soft - serve ice emollient , Dole Whip , and bakehouse chomp alongside diner favorites . check that to gossip theCornish Pasty Co. , a regional concept with spicy English - manner pastry dough sack , Big T ’s Cantinafor Mexican food and margaritas , andDam Roast House & Browder Bookstore , a cafe with topically roast coffee and books for sale .
If you ’re craving a cold beer after a long day of running around Boulder City , head directly to theBoulder Dam Brewing Co. , which establish its beer on - site , orThe pat , a sports streak by the same people behind the Dillinger with a revolving batting order of guile brew on draft . Milo ’s Cellaris the honorable place in townsfolk for vino , with more than 300 options by the bottle . Your host may actually be a sommelier , so fire off with interrogative if you want something unique or quirky . Anything pairs well with the charcuterie and melt down brie .
Where to stay in Boulder City
Spend the night at theBoulder Dam Hotel , which date back to 1933 and is loaded with history . The 21 - room hotel is in the eye of business district and within easy walk distance to shop class , bar , and restaurants . TheBoulder City / Hoover Dam Museumis free to bring down on the first floor , and you’re able to grab a cocktail atCleveland ’s The Lounge , a speakeasy - inspired front room in the cellar with alive music .
pull through a few bucks at a vintage - style motor guild likeOasis Boutique Motel , Sands Motel , orEl Rancho Boulder Motel(your best bet for skillful accommodation and a hangout - desirable syndicate ) . Otherwise , book a room outside metropolis limits where gambling is allowed atRailroad Pass(close to Henderson ) or theHoover Dam Lodge(close to the Hoover Dam ) , with historical artifact in the lobby and cassino .
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Photo courtesy of Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum
