During the summer months, Las Vegas is buzzing with activities that can keep you out of the sun or help you revel in it. Enjoy these enticing Las Vegas summer activities.
1. Lake Mead National Recreation Center
It's a big fake lake, but real fun is to be had at Lake Mead, America's largest artificial lake at 1.5-million acres. Visitors can boat, fish, waterski, kayak, camp or picnic. Admission is $5 per car and the pass is good for five days.
Lake Mead Recreation Area is open year-round, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Some beaches and other areas are day-use only. The Lake Mead Visitor Center (also called the Alan Bible Visitor Center) is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
For more info call the Visitor Center, (702) 293-8990, off Lakeshore Scenic Dr. at Hwy. 93.
Lake Mead Recreation Area is open year-round, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Some beaches and other areas are day-use only. The Lake Mead Visitor Center (also called the Alan Bible Visitor Center) is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
For more info call the Visitor Center, (702) 293-8990, off Lakeshore Scenic Dr. at Hwy. 93.
2. Sharks and Surf at the Mandalay
Plan a beach getaway Vegas-style at the Mandalay with its 11 acres of tropics-themed sand and surf. This premier pool experience is complete with with cabanas and island cocktails. Hungry beach-goers can enjoy the shaded, open-air Beach Bar & Grill.
When you tire of lounging, experience sharks and other sea creatures up close and personal, at the Shark Reef. Over 2,000 sea animals live there in 1.6 million gallons of seawater. It's awe-inspiring. Adults, $15.95, Kids, 12 years old and younger, $10.95, 4 and younger, free.
Call (702) 632-4555 for hours.
The Mandalay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S., (702) 632-7777.
3. Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage
Photo courtesy of The Mirage
If sharks are too much, check out the 2.5 million gallon Dolphin Habitat, home to the friendly Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Guided tours offered. Adults, $15.00, Kids 4–12, $10.00, 3 and under, no charge when accompanied by an adult. See Web site for hours and other info.
The Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., General Information: (702) 791-7111.
The Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., General Information: (702) 791-7111.
4. Take in a 51s Game at Cashman Field
Photo courtesy of Steve Spatafore
Have a cold beer and watch the Las Vegas 51s, the Los Angeles Dodgers' feeder team at 9,334-seat Cashman Field.
850 Las Vegas Blvd North, (702) 386-7200.
850 Las Vegas Blvd North, (702) 386-7200.
5. Visit the Hoover Dam
Photo courtesy of U.S. Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation
Go early in the morning or the heat is oppressive, but the Hoover Dam is an impressive feat and a fun day trip. Take the Discovery Tour to learn more about Hoover which was at one time the tallest dam in the world.
The Hoover Dam is off I-93 at the Nevada-Arizona border. There's no street address (look for the big cement thing blocking the river!) Visit the Web site for driving directions.
The Hoover Dam is off I-93 at the Nevada-Arizona border. There's no street address (look for the big cement thing blocking the river!) Visit the Web site for driving directions.
6. Go for a Hike
© Wendy Zarganis
Take advantage to Las Vegas' proximity to spectacular natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon (17 miles west of the Strip), Mount Charleston (35 miles northwest) and Valley of Fire State Park (50 miles northeast). Just be sure to drinks lots of water and be smart about sun exposure.
7. Waste Away At Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Photo courtesy of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
It's loud, but if you focus on the variety of margaritas, and their soothing effect on a hot summer day, not much will bother you. The food's okay, but the margaritas are the star attractions. No cover charge and great live entertainment make Margaritaville a must-stop on your summer agenda.
Margaritaville at the Flamingo Resort, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd South, (702) 733-3333.
Margaritaville at the Flamingo Resort, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd South, (702) 733-3333.
8. Music and Mayhem at Sparks in the Park on the 4th of July
Formerly known as Red, White & Boom, Sparks in the Park hosts top rockers and up-and-coming local bands for a summer celebration. In addition to the many food and craft vendors at the venue, the two-day event is topped off with an outstanding fireworks display. 2008 dates and venue TBD.
9. Relax at Reggae in the Desert
This year's carefree, Caribbean extravaganza takes place on June 14th at the Clark County Amphitheatre. Enjoy food, drink, art, shopping and amazing music at Las Vegas' largest reggae event. The 2008 line up includes: Barrington Levy Judy Mowatt, Wailing Souls, The Mighty Diamonds, Michael Black and The Jah Guide Band and DJ Ramma.Clark County Amphitheatre, 500 Grand Central Parkway, (702) 455-8200.