Lake Mead and Hoover Dam are the most-visited sites within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area , which encompasses 110-mile-long Lake Mead, 67-mile-long Lake Mohave and many miles of desert around the lakes. The excellent Alan Bible Visitors Center , on Hwy 93 halfway between Boulder City and Hoover Dam, has information on recreation and desert life. From there, North Shore Rd winds around the lake and makes a great scenic drive.
Straddling the Arizona–Nevada border, the graceful curve and art-deco style of the 726ft Hoover Dam contrasts superbly with the stark landscape. Don't miss a stroll over the new Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge which features a pedestrian walkway with perfect views upstream of Hoover Dam. (Not recommended for anyone with vertigo.) Visitors can either take the 30-minute power plant tour or the more in-depth, one-hour Hoover Dam tour .
Tickets for both tours are sold at the visitor center . Tickets for the power plant tour only can be purchased online.
For a relaxing lunch or dinner break, head to nearby downtown Boulder City, where Milo's serves fresh sandwiches, salads and gourmet cheese plates at sidewalk tables outside the wine bar.
