Sightseeing Lake Mead | Top Places to Anchor Your Boat
There is nowhere in the world quite like Lake Mead. This manmade lake appears to be an oasis in the desert. There are few places where the red rock canyons juxtapose crystal blue waters. Instead of making your visit to Lake Mead a quick day trip, you can rent one of the houseboats at Callville Bay Resort and Marina. This allows you and your travel party to relax onboard one of our luxurious vessels and appreciate the 360-degree beauty that this lake has to offer.
While there is plenty of time to play in the water and soak up the views, you will also want to spend some of your vacation sightseeing Lake Mead. These are a few places to stop along the shore:
Lake Mead Visitor Center
If you are planning to spend any amount of time on Lake Mead or in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, then the first place you need to stop is the Lake Mead Visitor Center. The visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday and is the perfect place for travelers to connect with park rangers and guides. They can provide you with customized advice that will help you make the most out of your time on Lake Mead. In addition to checking out the exhibits at the visitor center and getting a few tips for exploring the area, you can also hike the trail that is located just outside the visitor center. This trail provides you with a glimpse into the local region and gives you a taste of what you can expect from the rest of your Lake Mead adventure.
Echo Bay
If you rented one of the houseboats from Callville Bay Resort and Marina in hopes of spending your week catching fish, then you will want to head toward Echo Bay to anchor your boat. Echo Bay is where fishermen’s dreams come true on Lake Mead. You might get lucky and catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or crappie in this area.
After a couple of hours of fishing, you can head on shore to explore this area of Lake Mead. There is a courtesy dock available at Overton Arm, and some of the most popular nearby attractions include the town of St. Thomas and Valley of Fire State Park. You can also have a quick picnic lunch at the beautiful Redstone Picnic Area, which features panoramic waterfront views of the region.
Boulder Beach
For families that are renting a houseboat on Lake Mead, Boulder Beach is one of the best places to anchor your boat. Those who have young children who want to play in the sand and enjoy the surf all day will love setting up on this one-mile stretch of beach. People can often be seen setting up a canopy and unloading their cooler so they can spend endless hours together playing in the sunshine.
Another added bonus of this beachfront spot is the fact that several easy trails begin around Boulder Beach. This is perfect for families with children of all ages because they can take a hike together that is not too long, strenuous, or dangerous.
Even if you don’t want to spend the entire day on the beach, you can still anchor at this spot and have a picnic lunch with your family members or friends. The easy access of Boulder Beach makes it a favorite spot for sightseeing on Lake Mead.
The Hoover Dam
Perhaps the most iconic tourist attraction near Lake Mead is the Hoover Dam. This is a favorite destination among adults and children alike. The Hoover Dam is one of the best representations of The New Deal and was fundamental in helping the United States come out of the Great Depression. To this day, the dam provides the region with access to the freshwater it needs to grow and thrive.
Visitors at the Hoover Dam can enjoy a variety of experiences. There are two tours available — the Visitor Center Tour and the Power Plant Tour. In addition, travelers are able to explore the Memorial Bridge Plaza and Walkway. Those who want to add an extra element of adventure to their Hoover Dam experience can hike along the Historic Railroad Trail.
Temple Bar
Lake Mead is a happening place, and sometimes you want to get away from it all while you are on vacation. Those who are renting houseboats and searching for a peaceful, quiet day on the water can anchor their boat in Temple Bar. Temple Bar is a quiet portion of the lake where most people can be found relaxing on the decks of their boats. It is one of the best places on Lake Mead to soak up the desert vistas and view the colorful rock formations that define the canyon.
Anyone who wants a break from the houseboat can rent a kayak in this area and explore the shallow confines of the bay. It’s a wonderful way to get up close and personal with the desert landscape and its wildlife.
South Cove
South Cove is a hidden gem on Lake Mead. Most visitors completely overlook the opportunity to head toward the eastern edge of the lake. However, if you make time for this excursion, you will not regret it. South Cove is the spot where the Colorado River bends away from the Grand Canyon and begins to form the waters of Lake Mead.
If you head to this part of the lake, be sure to anchor your boat and explore the many different coves. It is one of the best places to enjoy peace and privacy during your Lake Mead houseboat vacation.
If you take a day trip to Lake Mead, you may visit one or two of these places. But, if you rent one of the houseboats from Callville Bay Resort and Marina, you will be able to enjoy a fulfilling trip on Lake Mead where you can do all of the sightseeing you want. You won’t have to limit yourself to a quick tour of the Hoover Dam and a few hours at the beach. Rather, you can hike, play, and splash in the water every day of your vacation.
For more information about places to stop at Lake Mead and to book one of our fabulous houseboats, contact Callville Bay Resort and Marina today.
