There are two marinas near Boulder City, Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Marina. Hemenway launch ramp is within 200yds.  It's always fun to walk out on the docks and look around at what's going on.  You will often see fast boats tied up to the dock to check out.

Kids love to feed the fish, hundreds of suckers flock to the docks when popcorn, chips or bread is thrown into the water.  It's also fun to see the ducks fight for the food, testing who's quicker. 

If it's lunchtime the marina offers good food, and there's a very nice outdoor eating area at both marinas.  You cannot bring your own food and picnic on the marina docks, that's taboo.  But you can buy their food and have a very nice time overlooking the marina and boats. 

You cannot walk the docks and look at boats in the boat storage areas.  There's a locked gate that keep you out of this private area to aid with security.

At Las Vegas Boat Harbor you can rent PWC and Boats to buzz the lake.  Although is isn't exactly a budget activity, it could be the highlight of the trip if you have kids.  Taking a pontoon boat ($50/hr) on the lake to explore canyons or see the dam is always a thrill for those that haven't been to the lake before.  It's a beautiful area and during the summer month in the heat this is often the best way to keep cool.  Hanging out in a cove taking a dip is pretty special.

If you want a boat for the full day it's $300, but make sure you check the weather first.  You don't want your day to be ruined with a fast moving storm.  Storms can hit fast, any time of year, so check the weather report.

PWC can also be rented for $65/hr or $360/day.  This can get a little expensive for a family, but the thrill of PWC on Lake Mead's glassy coves is something you'll never forget.  If you plan on renting for the day, get their EARLY so you can enjoy the full day in the sun to get your money's worth.  BRING SUNSCREEN, you'll need it on the water where the rays are strong and reflected of the water, a double whammy of rays to the body.

Renting a canoe or kayak in town, outside the national park, can be a less expensive way to explore the lake.  Kayaks with rudders are a fun way to explore canyons, not to mention build up the muscles in your arms.  Dry storage in the kayak will keep your valuables dry.   You are responsible for hauling the boat, so you'll need a pickup truck and rope to tie the boat in.  Optionally for another $40 you can rent a trailer.

Another great adventure that doesn't take as much paddling is to float down the Colorado River. This costs $45-$55/person which include transportation from Boulder City to a secure area river launch site right below the dam.  Only approved local launching companies can get you to this launch site, with permit.  At the end of the 10mi float down the river they also pick you up and bring you back to Boulder City.  During this float you can visit 3 hot springs along the way, as long as you reach the pick-up point in time at the end of the day. You can also rent extra days if you choose to spend the night on the river and be picked up the following day.  This is a great trip, a once in a lifetime adventure if you visiting from far away.  Contact us for info.

For So. California visitors that are visiting Lake Mead we suggest you consider staying at Primm, NV, sometimes called Stateline.  The hotels at Stateline are very reasonably price, typically under $60/night on Fridays, and as little at $39  Sunday thru Thur. This location can help break up the long drive to Lake Mead and it offers great entertainment for kids such as the log-chute shoot-em-up water ride, Desperado roller coaster, and a variety of video games.  But don't stay up too late, we recommend you leave the hotel in the morning by 7am to reach the lake for a full day of activity.  Don't waste time buying breakfast in the hotel, drive thru McDonalds next door and eat on the way to save time and money.

Primm is 55mi from Alan Bible Visitor Center, and they open at 8:30.  So leaving the Hotel at 7am, check out, get McDonalds breakfast, and drive 55mi will get you there right about when they open.  But you may want to stop at Wal-Mart to stock up with supplies.  In that case leave at 6am. Yowie!  ;-)

Bring your mountain bike along.  There are many trails to ride on, kids will love to explore the area if the weather is cool enough. Use Google Earth to locate and plan out your daily rides.  If you don't know about Google Earth, you can see high resolution space pictures of almost anywhere in the country.  Just download the free program and search on "Lake Mead".  You'll have a great time with Google Earth looking at the country.

If you don't have a mountain bike or a way bring your own, you can rent mountain bike nearby for $40-$80/day.  Contact us for info.

Tours of the Grand Canyon can also add memories to your trip.  For under $100/person you can take an all day bus ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and see some amazing country.  If you haven't been to the South Rim it's something to marvel. It's a photo-bugs paradise for picture taking, bring your camera! Check out the bus tours HERE.