Ultimate Guide to Boulder City, NV
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Boulder City isn't just a pit stop to visit the Hoover Dam. It's a destination brimming with charm, history, and quirky attractions.
Boulder City sits just 28 miles southeast of Las Vegas, but they couldn’t be more different. It is one of only two cities in the state of Nevada with a ban on gambling. Instead, this sweet town offers a delightful mix of history, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a unique getaway, this town has something for everyone. So today we are bringing you….
17 Must-See Places in Boulder City, Nevada
1. Boulder Dam Hotel & Museum
Step back in time at the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, built in 1933 to accommodate the rich and famous visiting the Hoover Dam project (insert Hoover & the Rockefellers). Once Nevada made “quickie” divorces legal, movie stars would live in this hotel for 6 weeks to become Nevada residents and divorce their famous spouses.
Don’t need a divorce, then pass by the checkin counter and head to the back of the hotel. You will find the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum. It is a free museum with fascinating exhibits about the dam's construction and the town's origins.
2. Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail
All aboard the nostalgia express! The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail is a scenic trail that features five massive tunnels carved into the volcanic hills, built to transport materials for the construction of the Hoover Dam. Each tunnel is approximately 25 feet wide and 30 feet high, which is much larger than a typical railway tunnel. They were carved by hand and jackhammered to accommodate the large equipment needed to build the dam.
Today, it's a haven for hikers and bikers seeking stunning views of Lake Mead. This flat trail is about 8 miles round-trip. But if you want to hit the tunnels, you can shorten the hike to 4 miles round trip.
3. Nature Discovery Trail & Rock Garden
Perfect for families, the Nature Discovery Trail & Rock Garden trail features giant statues of desert animals, colorful rock gardens, and informative signs about local flora and fauna. Located in Bootleg Canyon, it's a charming spot for a leisurely walk and some fun photo opportunities. Get ready for some perfect Instagram-worthy photos!
4. Hemenway Park
Hemenway Park is the perfect spot to see wild bighorn sheep that graze on the lawns up close! It’s one of only a few places in the US that you can see bighorn sheep this close in the wild. Bring a picnic and relax on the grass or a bench and enjoy these majestic animals.
Nestled at the base of Black Mountain, this 10-acre park offers a playground, gazebos, and sports facilities. You can also enjoy a nature trail with information about the local ecosystem.
5. Nevada State Railroad Museum
You don’t have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Exhibits include steam and diesel engines, as well as historic railroad cars dating back to the 1930s. The museum provides insight into the pivotal role railroads played in building the Hoover Dam. You can tour the trains on your own or choose a self-guided tour. You can even hop on the train for a 5-mile train ride (weekends only).
6. Hoover Dam
Most people come to Boulder City to visit the Hoover Dam and for good reason. It stands at over 700 feet, was constructed during the Great Depression, and is a testament to American ingenuity. It's not just a dam; it's a National Historic Landmark and one of the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World.
We've toured the dam twice and even took a 13-mile kayak starting from its base. For those planning a visit, we highly recommend the Guided Dam Tour. This hour-long tour takes you through historic tunnels, offers a ride in the original elevator to the top of the dam, and provides a unique view of the Colorado River through a ventilation shaft. It's both fun and fascinating!
7. Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
If you are visiting the Hoover Dam, don't forget to take a walk across the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Completed in 2010, this bridge spans the Colorado River, connecting Nevada and Arizona. At 890 feet above the river, it's the second-highest bridge in the U.S. The pedestrian walkway offers panoramic views of the Hoover Dam and the surrounding Black Canyon. It's a must-see spot for capturing breathtaking photos and truly appreciating the scale of the Hoover Dam.
8. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead is America’s first and largest national recreation area, with 1.5 million acres of space and more than 750 miles of shoreline. This desert oasis is just waiting for you. You can spend the day boating, fishing, hiking, and more. We were certified to dive in Lake Mead, so there is so much you can see and do here!
But Lake Mead is more than a recreation area, it also supplies over 25 million people with fresh water every day!
9. Bootleg Canyon
Adventure seekers, rejoice! Bootleg Canyon boasts over 36 miles of world-class mountain biking trails, as well as hiking paths with stunning views of Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Valley. The trail system caters to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
10. Boulder City Art Guild & Gallery
Located in the Boulder Dam Hotel, this art gallery showcases works by local artists. It's a great place to appreciate and purchase unique pieces of art. The guild hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and events to promote the arts within the community. Stroll through after you visit the Hoover Dam museum.
11. Hangar 502
Hangar 502 is a veteran-owned and the name pays tribute to the owner's time in the Air Force. This place serves delicious handcrafted cocktails, fresh signature sandwiches, and salads. We ate here twice, and it was delicious with a great vibe.
12. Boulder City Historic District
Stroll through the historic district to admire well-preserved buildings from the 1930s, charming shops, and local eateries. It's a delightful way to soak in the town's unique atmosphere. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its significance in American history.
13. Wilbur Square Park
Wilbur Square Park is a hub for community events and a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. Its lush green spaces and historic significance make it a local favorite. The park hosts the annual "Art in the Park" festival, attracting artists and visitors from across the region. Playgrounds and shaded areas provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day.
14. Boulder City Art Walk & History walk
The history walking tour has 11 sites spread over a one-mile loop through Boulder City's historic district. The tour starts and ends at the historic Boulder Dam Hotel. It’s a great way to get to know Boulder City. You can download an app to your phone that will guide you along the loop.
The art walk highlights 30 eclectic sculptures and murals scattered throughout the town. This self-guided tour is a feast for the eyes and a testament to the city's vibrant arts scene. You can download a map on your phone or pick one up at the Chamber of Commerce
15. Boulder Beach
Located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder Beach offers a mile-long stretch of shoreline perfect for a swim, picnic, kayak, paddleboard, or just relaxing and soaking up the sun. The beach has restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue grills.
16. The Dillinger
The Dillinger is in the historic Bank of Nevada building. It is named after an infamous bank robber, John Dillinger. They are known for their gourmet burgers and ice-cold beer, which we can vouch for. Phil also loved their mac & cheese bites.
17. The Coffee Cup
The Coffee Cup Café has been around since 1994. and was highlighted on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. They are known for their peanut butter pancakes and their signature Bloody Marys. This diner is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch with locals.
Don’t Miss Boulder City, NV
Boulder City is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're into history, nature, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this charming town has something for everyone.
Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 7 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome YouTube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.
