Despite the fact that Las Vegas sits in a desert, there are a number of beaches in the area, both natural and man-made areas lined with palm trees. Natural beaches can be found on the shores of Lake Mead and nearby Lake Mohave, with Boulder Beach being the most popular in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Willow Beach holds that distinction at Lake Mohave but is a bit further out than most people who want to travel from Las Vegas.
Inside the city limits, visitors can find a variety of man-made beaches and day clubs that give off a tropical sensation without having to deal with all that pesky nature. There are a number of family-friendly options as well as a few adults-only areas, including one that is famously “tops optional.”
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Natural Beaches in Las Vegas
The two main areas for beach recreation in the Las Vegas area are found at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, which are both a great time with beautiful beaches ready for families away from the Las Vegas Strip. While the best options Las Vegas has to offer will never be confused with Southern California hotspots like Laguna Beach or Hermosa Beach, Sin City does have more than a few options for beach time.
Lake Mead Beaches
Lake Mead is a reservoir created by the completion of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in 1936. It sits 24 miles east of Las Vegas and is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity. At its maximum capacity, it is 112 miles long and contains over 28 million acre-feet of water (an acre-foot of water is equal to 326,000 gallons of water).
Of course, Lake Mead hasn’t been completely full since 1983, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a decent spot to set up for a day of fun in the sun and on the water. While there may be a few “local” spots that are little more than unofficial boat launches, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area still supports a number of “official” beaches that are all conveniently grouped together.
If you and your crew have the resources to secure a boat or houseboat, you’ll have the opportunity to find your own private beach somewhere along the shoreline of Lake Mead, but for everyone else, there are a variety of options.
Boulder Beach
Boulder Beach is the closest beach and the most popular of the beach options found in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Situated north of Boulder City, visitors will want to take Lakeshore Road after exiting Great Basin Highway / Boulder City Parkway / Business 93 (right before the Lake Mead Visitor Center).
After paying at the fee station ($25 for cars / $20 for motorcycles), follow Lakeshore Road to Boulder Beach Access Road and turn right (near the Boulder Beach Campground). Continue straight onto North Boulder Beach Picnic Access Road. This beach is home to smaller multi-use beaches including North and South Swim Beaches.
Boulder Beach is an easy access option and hosts a nearby campground, which means more families and more popularity in terms of crowds. It’s also a bit rocky, so you may want to bring a pair of sneakers, flip-flops, or water shoes, but the water is usually clear and it has a real sand beach, which makes it a great place for families looking to have the best time.
Special Events Beach
The Special Events Beach is located just south of Boulder Beach. Special events are often held near this area, hence the name.
Canoe / Kayak Beach
The Canoe / Kayak Beach is found between Boulder Beach and the PWC. This is another beach area / personal watercraft launch point where canoers and kayakers meet up to spend a day on the water.
Personal Watercraft Beach (PWC) Beach
Located south of Boulder Beach and next to the Special Events Beach, the Personal Watercraft Beach (PWC) is an excellent location right next to the water where visitors can launch their personal watercraft, just as the name implies. Visitors can park next to the water (wherever that may be depending on water levels) at this great spot. Just be sure to bring your water shoes or flip-flops because of the rocky terrain.
For beach-goers looking to bring along their furbaby, this is one of the beaches where leashed pets are allowed. Anglers are often found casting a line into the lake from here as well.
Lake Mohave Beaches
Willow Beach
Located 15 miles south of Hoover Dam in Arizona off of U.S. Highway 93, Willow Beach remains high on the list of the best white sandy beach options in the Las Vegas area. Yes, it’s technically in Arizona or an hour from downtown Las Vegas, but it’s a great oasis away from the bright lights of the Strip. It offers a range of boating services including a launch ramp, a fueling station, and boat and equipment rentals, including several water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
There is a nearby RV park and campground with full-service sites for RVs and a number of tent sites. Picnic tables and nearby store will make visitors happy to spend the day next to the clean water of Lake Mohave. Fishing is also offered via a pier, which is helpful, given that the lake is kept stocked with Rainbow Trout thanks to a nearby hatchery. Paddleboarders and kayakers love to stop at the coves, hot springs, and (if they’re lucky) waterfalls while out on the water here.
Address: 25804 Willow Beach Road, Willow Beach, Arizona 86445
Cottonwood Cove
Cottonwood Cove is a pristine location to catch an early morning desert sunrise or to rent a houseboat and drift away with family and friends. Located roughly an hour south of Las Vegas (outside of Searchlight, NV), Cottonwood Cove offers a launch ramp, a fueling station, and a number of boat and equipment rental options. Dry storage and boat slips are also available to summer months travelers.
The Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina near Lake Mohave allows visitors an opportunity for houseboat or watercraft rentals, camping, and an RV park. It’s a beautiful family-friendly resort right on the water, which makes slipping off unto the clear waters extremely easy. For those looking to grab a bite to eat, the Cottonwood Cove Cafe is a great spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a casual atmosphere and scenic views.
Address: 10000 Cottonwood Cove Road, Searchlight, Nevada 89046
Katherine Beach
Katherine Landing / Katherine Beach is a few minutes outside of Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona, and nearly two hours from downtown Las Vegas’ neon lights. It offers visitors a shallow sandy beach entry into gorgeous blue water which offers much needed relief from the scorching desert sun of Las Vegas. Its sandy beaches make for a wonderful day of picnicking, hiking or taking a boat out onto the water.
A campground and the nearby Lake Mohave Lodge give visitors overnight options and nearby drives offer more opportunities to the north for a quieter lake experience.
Address: 2690 Katherine Spur, Bullhead City, AZ 86429
Princess Cove
Princess Cove can be found at the end of Princess Cove Road which can be accessed by heading north on Cabin Site Road from the Katherine Landing Campground. This map the National Park Service provides can help if the directions seem unclear. The area has a picnic area for eating, but remember to take your trash with you when you leave.
Cabinsite Cove
Cabinsite Cove is another quiet cove area located just north of the Katherine Landing Campground. It has paved parking and plenty of open space for groups to spread out and enjoy the fun and waves. The National Park Service provides a map to the Cabinsite Point area.
North Arizona Telephone Cove
The North Arizona Telephone Cove can be accessed from Cabin Site Road via the Katherine Landing Campground area. This map provided by the National Park Service can help interested parties.
South Arizona Telephone Cove
The South Arizona Telephone Cove beach area can be found by taking the road to the left off of Telephone Cove North which can be accessed from Cabin Site Road which is found at the Katherine Landing Campground. A map is provided by the National Park Service by clicking here.
Beach Rules for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave
Before setting out to either Lake Mead or Lake Mohave for a brilliant day of swimming and beach volleyball, one of the first things you’ll want to know is the rules so you and your group aren’t subject to any fines while visiting the shores.
- No styrofoam.
- No glass bottles.
- No marijuana use.
- Gas and charcoal BBQs only (no campfires).
- Keep trash off the beach.
Paddlecraft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) and any raft with oars are considered vessels and cannot be used at beaches designated for swimming only. Also, state law requires that life jackets be on board your craft at all times and that enough life jackets be available for every occupant. Children 12 and younger must wear them at all times while on board. Pool toys such as beach balls, pool noodles, and inflatable armbands (water wings) are prohibited as well.
Also, be advised that there are no lifeguards on duty in the park. Swimming at all marinas and launch areas is strictly prohibited.
Best Man-Made Beaches in Las Vegas
Beaches aren’t the easiest amenities to come by in a town built in the desert. Sure, Las Vegas has plenty of sand, but water and shorelines remain a premium feature. Nearly every hotel and resort on the Las Vegas Strip has a pool and a lot of them throw the word “beach” around pretty easily. While you could do a search for the very best day clubs in Sin City, this is a look at some of the pool areas that truly remind us a real beach experience. You may not find water parks here, but each option below is a bit more than rusted tiki poles, a sad snack bar, and bug infested tropical plants.
Mandalay Bay Beach (Mandalay Bay Resort)
Mandalay Bay Beach is a Las Vegas icon. The main pool complex is 11-acres of all-day fun for the entire family with an exciting wave pool, a go-with-the-flow lazy river (with complimentary lazy river tubes), and an opulent main pool area which keeps it at the top of the list of the best beaches in Las Vegas year after year. You and your group can reserve private beach bungalows and cabanas, which you may want to strongly consider during the peak season.
Moorea Beach Club (Mandalay Bay Resort)
Moorea Beach Club is an upscale option for hotel guests of Mandalay Bay Resort. It’s private and adults only (except in winter time when it’s open for families) and offers a sophisticated pool experience with a heated outdoor pool. It’s honestly one of the best beach clubs in Las Vegas and throughout the entire MGM Grand properties list. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to a dress code of upscale swim wear; although bathing suit tops are optional.
Élia Beach Club (Virgin Hotel)
Élia Beach features Mykonos-inspired looks and a relaxed ambiance that the 21+ crowd will enjoy given that it’s an adults-only oasis that features multiple lounge areas, live music, and dedicated spa services that include a relaxing poolside massage. It boasts a tasty food menu, spacious day beds, and maybe the best thing: no cover charge.
Beach Club Pool (Flamingo Hotel)
The Beach Club Pool at Flamingo is a family favorite of visitors to the Las Vegas hotel for its tropical atmosphere of jungle-like gardens, water slides, waterfalls, and beautiful lagoon. Adults can take their adventure here to the next level by visiting the adults-only Go Pool which offers a more mature vibe, but still plenty of daybeds and cabanas.
Lake Las Vegas Marina (Lake Las Vegas)
The Lake Las Vegas Marina is the epicenter for visitors who want an adventurous lifestyle filled with water sports and year-round activities. The marina is where you’ll find the opportunity to rent paddleboards, kayaks, flyboards or jetpacks, surf on electric surfboards, or take one of their boats for a tour of the lake.
