Things to Do in Boulder City: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Boulder City was built in the 1930s to house the workers of Hoover Dam, and it still feels like a small planned town with tree-lined streets, antique shops and no casinos. It sits between the dam, the blue water of Lake Mead and the bright lights of Las Vegas, half an hour away.
This guide covers the best things to do in Boulder City, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Black Canyon and Las Vegas, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Boulder City
Hoover Dam
Engineering icon on the Colorado River.
Memorial Bridge
Walkway high above the dam.
Lake Mead
Beaches, marinas and boating.
Historic Railroad Trail
Walk through old tunnels.
Boulder Dam Hotel
Museum of the dam's history.
Nevada State Railroad Museum
Heritage train rides.
Downtown
Murals, cafés and antique shops.
Black Canyon
Kayaking below the dam.
Boulder City in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown and history
Start downtown with breakfast and a walk past the historic storefronts and murals, then visit the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum inside the Boulder Dam Hotel. Have lunch on Nevada Way. In the afternoon walk the Historic Railroad Trail through five huge tunnels toward Lake Mead, watching for bighorn sheep. End with dinner at a local brewery.
2Day 2 · Hoover Dam
Spend the morning at Hoover Dam, taking the guided tour into the power plant and walking across the top between Nevada and Arizona. Have lunch at the visitor center café. In the afternoon walk out onto the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for the classic view down to the dam. Return to town for a quiet evening.
3Day 3 · Lake Mead
Drive to Lake Mead National Recreation Area for swimming at Boulder Beach, a boat rental or a paddleboard session in the calm coves. Picnic by the water. In the late afternoon follow Lakeshore Road to viewpoints over the lake and stay for the desert sunset before dinner in town.
Boulder City in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Black Canyon by kayak
Join a guided kayak trip below Hoover Dam through Black Canyon, with hot springs, sheer walls and the Emerald Cave. Lunch is usually on a sandy beach, and you return to Boulder City in the late afternoon for a relaxed dinner.
5Day 5 · Railroad and desert
Ride a heritage train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, then drive to the Valley of Fire State Park for red sandstone, petroglyphs and short hikes. Have lunch at the park and come back for sunset.
Boulder City in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Las Vegas
Spend a day in Las Vegas, thirty minutes away, for the Strip, the Neon Museum and a show. Have lunch at a food hall and return to Boulder City late, or stay overnight in the city.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast downtown, browse the antique shops and pick up local art, then enjoy a farewell lunch. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is about thirty minutes by car.
What to do in Boulder City on a weekend
For a weekend in Boulder City, combine downtown, the Railroad Trail, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Add Black Canyon kayaking with a third day.
What to do in Boulder City in the evening
Evenings are calm: brewery dinners, a stroll downtown, sunset over Lake Mead and, if you want more, Las Vegas nearby.
Gambling is banned in town.
Boulder City for couples
Couples will enjoy a sunset at Lake Mead, a kayak trip to Emerald Cave and dinner downtown.
Boulder City with kids
With kids, try the train museum, the Railroad Trail tunnels, Boulder Beach and the dam tour.
What to eat in Boulder City
Barbecue
In local smokehouses.
Mexican food
Southwestern classics.
Craft beer
From the town brewery.
Pie
At downtown diners.
Prickly pear treats
A desert specialty.
Where to stay in Boulder City: best areas
Downtown
Historic hotels and motels.
Lake Mead
Lodges by the water.
Henderson
More chains.
Las Vegas
Endless choice.
What to do in Boulder City when it rains
On rare rainy days, visit the dam's power plant, the Boulder City museum, the railroad museum or Las Vegas shows.
How much does a trip to Boulder City cost?
Expect $120–220 per night, $15–30 for lunch and about $30 for the Hoover Dam tour.
Practical tips for Boulder City
Best time to visit
October to April.
Getting around
By car; there is little public transport.
Our practical tips
- Start early in summer heat.
- Carry plenty of water.
- Book kayak tours ahead.
- Look for bighorn sheep.
- Bring a park pass.
- Walk the bridge.
Mistakes to avoid
- Midday hiking in summer.
- Expecting casinos in town.
- Skipping the bridge view.
- Forgetting sunscreen on the lake.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Boulder City?
Visit Hoover Dam, walk the Railroad Trail and swim at Lake Mead.
How many days do you need?
Two days, a week with Las Vegas.
How far is Las Vegas?
About thirty minutes by car.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall.