Wondering what to do in Boulder City, or where to plan a weekend getaway close to Las Vegas? This family friendly travel guide will help you plan the perfect weekend in Boulder City! From epic hikes and hot springs to art and good food, there’s something for everyone! 

If you’ve been wondering what to do in Boulder City, this guide is packed with ideas for an unforgettable outdoorsy getaway! Just 30 minutes from Las Vegas, Boulder City offers a refreshing change of pace with historic charm, scenic hikes, and unique adventures. From exploring Hoover Dam to soaking in natural hot springs and strolling through an Art Deco downtown, Boulder City is the perfect base for outdoor lovers. 

What to do in Boulder City

What you need to know before planning a trip to Boulder City, Nevada

Located just 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas Nevada, Boulder City is the perfect family adventure destination in Nevada! This charming town is the gateway to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. The downtown is walkable and includes tons of amazing food and art, as well as cozy places to stay. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about planning a trip to Boulder City, followed by our full family friendly Boulder City weekend itinerary!

How to get to Boulder City

Flying into Las Vegas is the easiest way to start your Boulder City adventure. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is centrally located, just minutes from downtown Las Vegas. From the airport, pick up a rental car, which is essential for this itinerary since Boulder City and its surrounding attractions are spread out. The drive to Boulder City from Las Vegas takes about 30 minutes and is scenic and straightforward.

The best time of year to visit Boulder City

Spring and fall are ideal for visiting Boulder City, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter brings cooler weather and fewer crowds, making it another great option. Summer, however, can be dangerously hot, especially for hikes like Goldstrike Hot Springs, so we don’t recommend visiting June through August.

Travel Tip: Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. The desert sun is intense year-round, and hydration is key.

Where to stay in Boulder City

We stayed at the Best Western Boulder City, and it turned out to be the perfect base for our adventure. The location is ideal,  just minutes from downtown Boulder City and a short drive to Hoover Dam, so you can easily access all the highlights without the chaos of Las Vegas. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was at night. When we stayed here, we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the bed was, and it was quiet, which was nice!

Family-friendly Boulder City weekend itinerary: The best things to do in Boulder City

We hope you enjoy Boulder City as much as we did! Below you’ll find a two-day Boulder City, Nevada itinerary packed with scenic hikes, historic tours, and local dining. It’s perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking for southern Nevada adventures beyond the Las Vegas Strip.

Day 1: Hoover Dam tour, Goldstrike Hot Spring, and BBQ dinner

Breakfast at Dam Roast House

Start your morning at Dam Roast House, a cozy café known for its fresh, generous portions. We ordered the avocado toast. It was piled high with creamy avocado and crisp veggies, and paired it with their strong cold brew. It was the perfect fuel for the day ahead.

Take a tour of the Hoover Dam

After breakfast, head to the Hoover Dam for a tour inside this engineering marvel! This a unique way to experience the science and history of the Hoover Dam, and to learn about how the west manages water and power.

We highly recommend the Guided Dam Tour, which takes you deep into the dam’s chambers. You’ll explore historic tunnels and ride the original elevator to the top. You’ll also walk through inspection tunnels, and even view the Colorado River through an inspection ventilation shaft. The tour also includes the Powerplant Tour, where you’ll learn how this massive structure generates hydroelectric power. If you’re making a list of what to do in Boulder City, the Hoover Dam should be at the top!

Tour tip: The Guided Dam Tour tickets CANNOT be purchased online. They are only sold on-site, in person, on a first come-first served basis. The entire group must be present at time of purchase. These tours routinely sell out, arriving early is recommended. 

Lunch at Boulder Dam Brewing Company

After your tour, head back into town for lunch at Boulder Dam Brewing Co., a local favorite. They serve hearty pub fare and craft beers in a relaxed setting. We really loved sitting on their massive outdoor patio, and they often have live music. 

Enjoy taking a hike and dip at Goldstrike Hot Springs

Next, tackle the Goldstrike Canyon Trail, one of the most unique hikes near Boulder City. This 6-mile out-and-back route descends into a dramatic canyon along the Colorado River, leading to several natural hot spring pools. Along the way, you’ll navigate short rope sections and scramble over boulders. This adds a technical element that makes this hike challenging and rewarding. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and allow enough time for the return climb. 

This trail is best in cooler months for safety, and shuts down annually during the hotter months. Please bring plenty of water, as people frequently have heat stroke and dehydration on this trail due to poor planning. This trail might not be appropriate for all kids due to the rope sections.

Use this link to get 30% off AllTrails Plus ($35.99/year) and AllTrails Peak ($79.99/year), which gives you offline access to trail routes and wayfinding.

Dinner at Fox Smokehouse BBQ

End your day with dinner at Fox Smokehouse BBQ, a local favorite for smoky brisket, ribs, and classic sides. They also offer great vegetarian options! Afterward, head back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Looking for more epic adventures in and around Nevada? Check out our 3 day family-friendly guide to the outdoorsy side of Las Vegas! I also recommend our guide to Death Valley National Park, and our Zion National Park itinerary. Both national parks are located close to Las Vegas. The Highway 395 Scenic Byway is another great option to have on your radar, and is a great drive for getting from Las Vegas to Reno.

Day 2: Classic American diner breakfast, scenic hike, UTV adventure or bike ride, and exploring downtown Boulder City 

Breakfast at The Coffee Cup

Start your morning at The Coffee Cup, an iconic Boulder City diner known for its hearty diner-style breakfasts and old-school charm. It’s a must-visit spot for classic comfort food. We really liked American breakfast classics (think omelets, burritos, biscuits and gravy, and BLTs), and their bottomless coffee! This spot is beloved by locals – we found many of the Boulder City residents enjoying it on the weekend! 

Morning Hike: White Owl Canyon Trail

After breakfast, explore White Owl Canyon via 33 Hole, a scenic trail in Lake Mead National Recreation Area featuring two slot canyons and unique rock formations. This hike is less difficult than Goldstrike but still offers plenty of desert beauty. You’ll need to pay the $15 day pass per vehicle entrance fee, or have the annual America the Beautiful Pass for free access. 

Travel Tip: Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. Even in a slot canyon, the desert sun is intense year-round, and hydration is key.

Choose your next adventure: UTV to a ghost town, ride a bike through the historic Railroad Tunnel, kayak the Emerald Cave

OPTION 1: Nevada Desert UTV tours with Adrenaline Junkies

For an adrenaline rush, book a UTV tour with Adrenaline Junkies to explore the historic Nelson Ghost Town and even venture into an old mining cave. Lunch is included with the tour. The tour is about 3-4 hours, and you’ll drive your own UTV through sandy washes and dirt roads. I would recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting very dusty, and consider wearing a mask – otherwise you’ll be breathing in a lot of dirt and dust!

OPTION 2: Bike rentals with All Mountain Cyclery

Prefer something more relaxed? Rent bikes at All Mountain Cyclery in Boulder City and ride the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail, a scenic path with sweeping views of Lake Mead. This historic path was once used during the construction of Hoover Dam, and along the way you’ll pass five massive tunnels, each towering 25 feet high! The bike ride is 8.2 miles round trip. It’s an easy, enjoyable ride that combines history with incredible desert scenery. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the trail, and be sure to reserve your bike in advance with All Mountain Cyclery to guarantee availability (they’re closed on Sundays). This ride is one of the best options if you’re wondering what to do in Boulder City that’s active but not too strenuous.

OPTION 3: Kayak to Emerald Cove

Looking for a peaceful adventure on the water? Kayak to Emerald Cave, a stunning spot along the Colorado River where sunlight turns the water a brilliant shade of green. Most tours launch from Willow Beach and paddle two miles upriver to reach the cave, passing dramatic canyon walls and crystal-clear water along the way. You’ll want to book a kayak tour to reach this unique cave! Most kayak tours last about 3 – 4 hours. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a camera… you’ll want to capture this magical view!

Tip: Please be aware that this area gets extremely hot in the afternoon!

Explore Boulder City Historic District

Spend the afternoon strolling through Boulder City’s charming Art Deco downtown. Browse antique shops, sip wine at Milo’s Cellar, and soak in the small-town vibes and unique architecture. There are also tons of beautiful murals to see!

Dinner at Cornish Pasty

End your trip with dinner at Cornish Pasty, a cozy spot serving hearty pasties and craft beer. Their food is fantastic, and they have plenty of vegetarian and meat options. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Boulder City adventure.

What to Do in Boulder City: Final thoughts, and why Boulder City should be on your travel bucket list

If you came to this post looking for what to do in Boulder City, I hope this itinerary helped you plan an unforgettable getaway! From Hoover Dam tours and natural hot springs to scenic hikes and historic downtown charm, Boulder City offers something for every traveler. This fun family-friendly travel destination offers a great mix of a walkable downtown, amazing outdoor adventures, and fun art and cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, local history, or simply slowing down, this desert town is full of experiences you’ll love. It’s a great weekend getaway from Las Vegas, and a unique off-the-beaten-path place to explore on a USA road trip or family vacation. 

Looking for more activities in and around Las Vegas? Check out our three day family-friendly, outdoorsy itinerary for Las Vegas!