Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam: Ultimate Guide for Your Visit
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Are you planning on taking a vacation to Las Vegas? I highly suggest taking a half-day trip from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam.
Recently, my family and I drove 45 minutes from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam with our four boys to see this iconic landmark in person, and it was an experience I will remember forever!
The top two things I recommend doing here include walking across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and walking across the top of the Hoover Dam.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know for visiting the Hoover Dam with your family.
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Getting to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
The Hoover Dam is about a 45-50 minute drive from Las Vegas depending on traffic. Using navigation apps like Google or Apple maps, you will likely take Highway 215 E followed by 11 S for the fastest route.
If you want to experience the historic Boulder City, you can exit and then proceed on Boulder City Parkway to reach Hoover Dam Access Road or consider stopping through Boulder City on the way back to Las Vegas.
If you are not driving yourself, I recommend taking a guided tour to the Hoover Dam.
I personally have not taken a bus tour to the Hoover Dam but I have heard excellent reviews from Comedy on Deck Tours – Hoover Dam Ultimate VIP Tour and the Pink Adventure Tours.
Best Time to Visit the Hoover Dam
Our family visited the Hoover Dam in March, and the weather was absolutely perfect.
I would recommend visiting the Hoover Dam any time of year besides summertime. In the summer, the weather can be scorching!
Additionally, the summertime is very crowded as this is the peak tourist time. If this is the only time you are able to visit just be cognizant of both the high temps and potential for large crowds.
On our visit in March, it wasn’t busy at all! We also went during a weekday as weekends are typically a bit more crowded.
Must Know Information for Visiting the Hoover Dam
- Simply visiting the Hoover Dam and walking across the O’Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge is free.
- You will need to go through a security checkpoint when entering the Hoover Dam. Be prepared to roll down all of your windows and answer a couple of questions including inquiries about firearms and drones, both of which are prohibited.
- The O’Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge has its own parking lot separate from the Hoover Dam parking areas, and it’s free of charge. If you want to walk across the Memorial Bridge, which I highly recommend, you will come across this parking lot after going through the security checkpoint.
- Both walking across the O’Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge and the Hoover Dam, you will experience being in two states- Arizona and Nevada. We thought that was pretty cool!
- For visiting the Hoover Dam itself, parking is available on the Nevada side for a fee of $10. Alternatively, there is another parking lot on the Arizona side, also priced at $10, as well as free parking in lots 11 and 12 which are the upper lots on the Arizona side.
- The walk from the upper parking lots to the dam is fairly long and would especially feel so in the heat so make sure you can easily do this walk before parking in the free lots as well as consider bringing a stroller if you have young children.
- Also, the walk from the Arizona parking lots is on a sidewalk right next to the road. Make sure to keep your kids on the sidewalk as there may be many vehicles slowly driving by.
- Most areas of the Hoover Dam including the Memorial Bridge are accessible and stroller-friendly, making it suitable for families with young children.
- Food is available at the Hoover Dam at the Hoover Dam Cafe or if you wanted more variety, you could stop in Boulder City for lunch before or after your visit.
Things to do at the Hoover Dam
- Walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
- Take a guided tour of the Hoover Dam (note: strollers are not allowed on this tour and tour tickets must be purchased in person)
- Tour the Power Plant (note: the Power Plant IS included as part of Hoover Dam tour too and this IS stroller-friendly)
- Stroll across the top of the Hoover Dam from either the Nevada or Arizona side
- Capture some scenic selfies with the Memorial Bridge as well as Lake Mead as your backdrops
- Visit the Hoover Dam Visitor Center for historical exhibits and observation deck (Visitor Center entry fee: $10)
- Admire the sculptures on the Nevada side of the dam
- Browse souvenirs at the gift shop
- Enjoy a snack or meal at the Hoover Dam Cafe
Our Hoover Dam Experience
During our visit to the Hoover Dam, we opted for a budget-friendly adventure.
We began by parking in the lot for the Memorial Bridge Walkway. We then walked from the Nevada side of the Memorial Bridge also called the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge to Arizona and back. This is about .4 miles from the parking lot to the Arizona side so less than a mile roundtrip.
When walking across the O’Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge, one side is a railing overlooking the Colorado River and Hoover Dam and the other side of the walkway is a cement wall separating the road from the walkway.
Our boys enjoyed spotting semi-trucks as they drove by on the bridge and then would try to get the trucks to honk. They would laugh and celebrate every time they were successful. In
Next, we parked in lot 11, one of the free parking lots at the Hoover Dam. We walked across the Dam and enjoyed the stunning views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
We also visited the Hoover Dam gift shop and the boys ran around the patio area at the Hoover Dam Cafe.
Then we walked back to our car and drove to Boulder City for lunch.
Ultimately, we decided against taking any formal tours but still relished in the incredible views, learned a little about the Hoover Dam, and had a lot of fun- all at no cost!
Memorial Bridge
My Top Tips for Visiting the Hoover Dam
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is quite a bit of walking involved especially if you opt for the bridge walk or park in the further free parking lots while visiting the dam.
- Dress appropriately for the weather since you will spend most of your time outdoors.
- Especially if you are visiting in the summer, make sure to have plenty of water with you.
- Consider bringing a stroller if you have younger children. Most of the Hoover Dam area is stroller-friendly except for the Hoover Dam tour.
- Take lots of pictures of the Hoover Dam with your family.
- Arrive early and aim for a weekday visit if possible to avoid peak crowds and make the most of your experience.
Time Needed to Visit the Hoover Dam
Our visit to the Hoover Dam took a little over 2 hours including our walk across the Memorial Bridge. If you opt for one of the guided tours, coupled with a visit to the Visitor Center, plan for a minimum of 3 hours.
Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam
Our half day adventure from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam was an unforgettable experience. I highly encourage you to include this iconic landmark in your Las Vegas itinerary.
Besides the Hoover Dam, Las Vegas has so many other amazing free and budget friendly attractions for families including free shows and other day trips such as Valley of Fire State Park.
For more help planning your Las Vegas vacation read my guide to the kid-friendly side of Las Vegas.
Download my complimentary itinerary planner to add a trip to the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas travel plans.
May you LOVE your adventure! KW