Dad’s Day Weekend Getaway Ideas: Things To Do Around Lake Mead

May 18, 2023

If you’re looking for a unique Father’s Day gift idea, a getaway to Lake Mead and the surrounding area offers the perfect blend of relaxation and fun. Surrounded by stunning scenery but close to the excitement of Las Vegas, with endless things to do for those who like to explore the outdoors, Lake Mead is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

At Lake Mead Mohave Adventures, we believe an outdoor adventure is the ultimate gift for a nature-loving dad. From a surprise day trip to Valley of Fire State Park to renting a houseboat for the weekend, there’s so much you can do to guarantee a memorable experience you both will cherish for years to come. Pass on the “Best Dad” coffee mug this year and consider some of these dad’s day weekend getaway ideas.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Nothing says dad’s day like exploring nature together as a family. Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada covers 1.5 million acres of stunning mountains, canyons, valleys, hiking trails and two lakes. For those dads who love to explore the outdoors, it’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of modern life. There are a variety of activities to suit all tastes and fitness levels, with an emphasis on adventures in nature; you’re guaranteed to find something the dad in your life will like.

Lake Mead sits within the National Recreation Area and is one of two reservoirs connected to the Colorado River. The lake’s construction began in 1935, a year before the completion of the Hoover Dam. Lake Mead is surrounded by the nine wilderness areas which make up the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. These include:

Black Canyon Wilderness
Eldorado Wilderness
Ireteba Wilderness
Nellis Wash Wilderness
Bridge Canyon Wilderness
Spirit Mountain Wilderness
Jimbilnan Wilderness
Muddy Mountains Wilderness
Pinto Valley Wilderness

The Lake Mead Visitor Center is a great place to start your journey. The center has exhibits and displays that provide information about the area’s history and wildlife and is an excellent source of advice and guidance on the local area.

Water-Based Activities

Lake Mead is heaven for dads who are boating enthusiasts — with over 550 miles to explore, you’ll never run out of places to visit. Whether you’re into fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding or just lounging on a houseboat, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. You can rent a boat from one of the marinas on the lake or arrange a guided tour and let someone else take charge for the day.

Lake Mead has several marinas, most of which offer houseboats, boats and watersports equipment to rent. Each marina has a unique charm and feel, varying in size and the types of houseboats available.

Hiking and Biking Trails

For those dads who prefer dry land, try the many hiking and biking trails in the region. From the beautiful River Mountains Loop Trail to the stunning Redstone Dune Trails, you’ll find something for every ability. You can also rent a bike and enjoy a relaxing ride along the shoreline or, if you really want an adventure, hire horses and spend your time riding the many trails that cross the Nevada landscape.

Some of the most famous trails include:

The Historic Railroad Trail takes you through five old railroad tunnels with stunning views of the lake.
If you’re up for a challenge, the Goldstrike Canyon Trail offers a strenuous hike through narrow canyons and over boulder fields, leading to a hot spring.

Fishing on the Lake

If your dad is a fishing enthusiast, he’ll love the variety of fish species in the lake. These include largemouth bass, rainbow trout and striped bass. You can rent a fishing boat or equipment and spend a day on the water with your old man casting your line and reeling in some big catches. If you’re booking this type of adventure, make sure to check you have all the necessary permits and permissions.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

For a more exhilarating experience on the water, consider kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Equipment can be rented from the marinas on the lake, allowing you to paddle through serene coves and inlets, taking in the beautiful views along the way.

Scenic Drives

If you’d like to take in the stunning scenery of Lake Mead from the comfort of your car, consider taking a scenic drive. Whichever route you take offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding desert, and there are several pull-off points where you can stop and take photos. Alternatively, The Valley of Fire, connecting Lake Mead to Las Vegas, is an awe-inspiring drive through the red sandstone that covers the state of Nevada.

Camping in the Great Outdoors

For a truly immersive experience, try camping. Several campgrounds are located along the lake’s shoreline, offering washing facilities and the chance to return to nature. Pitch a tent, build a campfire and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.

Visiting Hoover Dam

Just a short drive from Lake Mead, you’ll find Hoover Dam, one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Take a tour of the dam, learn about its history and construction, and marvel at the engineering feat that it represents. Close by is the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge which offers spectacular views over the Dam and the Valley. The bridge spans the Colorado River and connects Nevada and Arizona. Located approximately 30 miles from Las Vegas and opened in 2010, it’s well worth visiting if you’re heading to the Dam.

Las Vegas

For those who want to experience a bit of city life, Las Vegas is only an hour’s drive from Lake Mead. The city is known for its glitz and glamour, with world-renowned casinos, shows and restaurants. While Vegas may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s worth visiting at least once. You can stroll down the famous Las Vegas Strip, explore museums and art galleries or take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.

Visit Lake Mead and Forget Your Cares

There’s so much to see and do near Lake Mead that we think a weekend is not enough! Whatever you choose to do, visit us at Lake Mead Mohave Adventures, where we’ll take care of you so you can relax and explore. Call us today at 1-855-918-5253 or fill out the contact form on our website to begin your adventure!