Mandalay Bay Beach

Mandalay Bay Beach is a resort pool complex at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada, about 3 miles from Harry Reid Airport. It is billed as the Strip's true sand beach: imported sand forms a shoreline around roughly 11 acres of pools, with a wave pool, a lazy river, cabanas and daybeds. The water is treated pool water rather than natural lake or sea, so clarity is consistently clear and blue, and the sand is soft and fine compared with the gravel of Lake Mead. The wave pool produces gentle surf-style swells at scheduled times, and the open layout, with palm trees and the resort towers behind, gives a festive, social atmosphere that leans toward groups, couples and sunbathers rather than quiet seclusion. Amenities include bars and food service, lockers, cabanas and daybeds. The pool complex is seasonal, with spring to early autumn the usual operating window, so opening dates should be checked ahead. Access is primarily for guests of Mandalay Bay, Delano and Four Seasons; limited non-guest day passes, from about $40, appear on ResortPass on some dates and can sell out on busy weekends. Getting there is easy without a car. The RTC Deuce bus stops at Mandalay Bay on Las Vegas Blvd, and a $6 two-hour pass covers the ride. A free tram links Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur, and rideshare drops at the main entrance. Parking is available in the resort garages, though fees may apply. Peak periods are summer weekends, when loungers and cabanas fill early. Mid-week visits and early arrivals generally offer the best choice of seating, and shade is limited on the sand, so sun protection is important in the Mojave Desert heat.