Just a short drive from the bustle of Las Vegas is Boulder City, a small town full of big adventure. The quaint, welcoming destination is the perfect spot for a family vacation or day trip, with a variety of experiences to be had. From endless outdoor recreation and one-of-a-kind shopping to interactive museums and down home dining spots, your visit will be one the entire family will remember.
Where to stay
Boulder City accommodations offer a little bit of everything for everyone — and every budget — with charming inns, hotels and motels. For a fun retro stay, check in to the newly renovated Sands Motel, surrounded by historic sites and quirky local shops. The whole family will enjoy their stay at Best Western Hoover Dam, located in the heart of Downtown Boulder City, this iconic spot is pet friendly and has a heated indoor pool. The hotel is also centrally located to shopping, parks and namesake Hoover Dam.
Must-see Attractions
Boulder Bowl
Everyone in the family has different tastes in what constitutes fun but rest assured Boulder City has a variety of activities the whole crew can enjoy. Get the ball rolling with a visit to Boulder Bowl, Boulder City’s historic bowling alley. Established in 1947, these lanes offer timeless fun, perfect for the whole family. Next, scare up some fun and head over to Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum. The monstrous gallery is dedicated to the art and history of special makeup effects, and includes new exhibits and movie monster characters throughout movie history. Bet you didn’t know the historical city is also home of the history-making Fisher Space Pen Factory, the pen made famous by being the official pen of NASA manned space missions? You can visit the retail storefront and buy the same type of pen from the Apollo 7 mission in 1968. Visit Boulder City Art Guild & Gallery, which features pieces from local Southern Nevada artists.
Adventure Awaits
The ideal outdoor adventure in Boulder City begins in the water. No matter what kind of marine recreation you enjoy, from fishing and riding personal watercrafts, to kayaking and swimming, Boulder City offers endless outdoor fun. Take a family swim in the refreshing water from one of the sandy beaches at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Kick up the fun a notch and rent a watercraft or a kayak from Desert Adventures or Vegas Glass Kayaks, or feed your need for speed with a sport boat, watercraft, water skis or tube from Las Vegas Boat Harbor. After you dry off, take a family bike ride around the lake. The Historic Railroad Trail is an easy, 7.5-mile roundtrip trail in the lakeshore area along a former railroad tunnel with panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin area. If everyone is up for a longer ride, try the River Mountains Loop Trail. The 34-mile trail surrounds the River Mountains with multiple access points across Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Henderson and Boulder City. After all that exertion, take the family to one of the beautiful parks across Boulder City for some relaxation and gorgeous views. You may come across a special event happening at Bicentennial, Wilbur Square or Frank T. Crowe memorial parks. Take a swing at Boulder Creek Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 course created for golfers of all levels to enjoy.
Feed the Fam
Grandma Daisy’s Candy & Ice Cream Parlor
There is a ton of amazing restaurants to grab a bite to eat at in Boulder City, but nothing says “family meal” like pizza. For calzones, pasta dishes, stuffed crust pizza and more, head to Vinny’s Little Italian. With its kids’ menu, and gluten-free and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Serving Boulder City visitors for nearly 3 decades, Southwest Diner, has something for the whole family. Serving up home cooked classic dishes and fare all day, a few highlights on their menu are the meatloaf and pot roast with all the fixings. Satisfy your sweet tooth and cap off your dinner with a delicious dessert. For a nostalgic sugar rush, pop into Grandma Daisy’s Candy & Ice Cream Parlor for an old-fashioned ice cream sundae or banana split. And don’t miss out on the caramel apples and endless candies and homemade fudge. Or cool off in style on the vintage patio or at Chilly Jilly’z Bakery and Café’s with a Dole Whip or shaved ice. Call ahead to place your order or roll through the drive-thru to grab something to go. Not screaming for ice cream? The DAM Roast House and Browder Bookstore has you covered. Offering a variety of sweet and savory treats and beverages, the shop uses ingredients and products from several local companies, including beans from Boulder City-based Colorado River Coffee Roaster, for all its coffee drinks. Pop into the adjoining bookstore and find your next favorite read.
With its enticing array of outdoor adventures and captivating historical sites, Boulder City is a fantastic destination for families seeking unforgettable experiences. Explore places to stay, things to do and where to eat.
