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.
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.
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.
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.
6. Go for a Hike
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.
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.
Top rockers and up-and-coming local bands hit the stage July 3-4, 2007 at Desert Breeze Park. In addition to the many food and craft vendors at the venue, the two day event is topped off with an outstanding fireworks display. This year's bands include Social Distoration, DJMotiv8 of the Black Eyed Peas and Las Vegas band, Fletch.
Bowl yourself into oblivion at Gold Coast's high-end bowling center. Regularly voted the best bowling in Vegas, the Gold Coast sports 70 contiguous lanes as well as a bar, video arcade and disco music on the weekends. You can even get pro coaching! Bowl for a buck from midnight till 8 a.m. It's a great way to escape the heat.
This year's carefree, Caribbean extravaganza takes place on June 16th at the Clark County Amphitheatre. Enjoy food, drink, art, shopping and amazing music at Las Vegas' largest reggae event. The 2007 line up includes: The Wailers, Third World, Don Carlos, The Itals, ForTwenty Daze, Ras Indio with special guest DJ Rhamma. Past performers have included Pato Banton and Michael Franti & Spearhead.
Clark County Amphitheatre, 500 Grand Central Parkway, (702) 455-8200.
