Las Vegas is a desert city of about 679,000 people in Clark County, southern Nevada, and the centre of a 2.4-million metro area. It is known for the casino resorts of the Las Vegas Strip, the vintage neon of Downtown and Fremont Street, big-name shows and restaurants, and easy day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Las Vegas.
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- family-friendly desert lake beach, busy on summer weekends
- Swimming area (no lifeguards)
- Picnic shelters
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Nearby Lake Mead RV Village and Boulder Beach Campground
Boulder Beach
The most popular swimming beach on Lake Mead, a mile-plus stretch of coarse sand and gravel where swimming is allowed and boating and fishing are not.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10 a.m. on summer weekends to secure parking near the water.
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- quiet working harbor, boaters and anglers, desert wildlife
- Launch ramp and harbor
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Picnic area
Hemenway Harbor shoreline
Harbor and shoreline north of Boulder Beach used for boat launching and lake views; swimming is not allowed here, but desert bighorn sheep are frequently seen nearby.
Editor’s tip. Swimming is not allowed here; head to nearby Boulder Beach to swim.
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- boat-focused marina, houseboat groups and anglers
- Marina with houseboat, patio-boat and kayak rentals
- Store and cafe
- Campground
- Restrooms
Callville Bay
North-shore marina where visitors rent boats to reach secluded coves; swimming is not allowed inside the marina harbor itself. Reservations 855-918-5253.
Editor’s tip. Swimming is not allowed inside the marina harbor; swim from a boat in open coves.
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- outdoorsy canyon marina, paddlers and anglers
- Kayak and boat rentals
- Marina store
- Fishing
- Campground and RV sites
- Restrooms
Willow Beach
Small rocky beach and marina on the Colorado River at the foot of Black Canyon; the launch point for kayak trips to Emerald Cave. The water is cold all year.
Editor’s tip. River water stays about 55-60F year-round, so swims are brief and bracing.
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- quiet lake cove, weekend campers and jet skiers
- Designated swimming beach
- Boat and personal watercraft rentals
- Store
- Campground
- Restrooms
Cottonwood Cove
Quieter Lake Mohave beach with a roped swimming area and boat rentals, popular for weekend camping and jet skiing.
Editor’s tip. Swim only within the roped area, as jet skis and boats use the marina nearby.
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- festive resort pool party with sand and wave pool
- About 11 acres of pools with imported sand beach
- Wave pool
- Lazy river
- Cabanas and daybeds
- Bars and food service
- Lockers
Mandalay Bay Beach
The Strip's true sand beach: a wave pool, lazy river and sandy shore inside the Mandalay Bay pool complex. Access is primarily for Mandalay Bay, Delano and Four Seasons guests; limited non-guest day passes (from about $40) appear on ResortPass on some dates.
Editor’s tip. Check seasonal opening dates before planning a visit.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Las Vegas memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Las Vegas’s coast.
Is swimming allowed at Boulder Beach?
Yes. It is the main swimming beach on Lake Mead, though boating and fishing are not allowed from it. No lifeguards are on duty.
From the Boulder Beach editorial.
How much does it cost to visit Boulder Beach?
Lake Mead National Recreation Area charges $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days, or $15 per person on foot or bike. Payment is cashless.
From the Boulder Beach editorial.
Can visitors swim at Hemenway Harbor?
No. Swimming is not allowed at the harbor, which is used for boat launching. Boulder Beach, nearby, is the designated swimming area.
From the Hemenway Harbor shoreline editorial.
Are bighorn sheep common at Hemenway Harbor?
Desert bighorn sheep are frequently seen grazing in the nearby park, especially from October to April. Visitors should keep their distance.
From the Hemenway Harbor shoreline editorial.
Can visitors swim at Callville Bay?
Not inside the marina harbor. Visitors typically rent a boat and swim from it in coves elsewhere on the lake.
From the Callville Bay editorial.
What can be rented at Callville Bay?
The marina rents houseboats, patio boats and kayaks. Reservations are available on 855-918-5253.
From the Callville Bay editorial.
Is the water cold at Willow Beach?
Yes. The river is about 55-60F (13-16C) year-round because it is released from the bottom of Lake Mead.
From the Willow Beach editorial.
What is Willow Beach known for?
It is the launch point for kayak trips to Emerald Cave in Black Canyon, with kayak and boat rentals at the marina.
From the Willow Beach editorial.