Best Day Activities to Beat the Heat During Las Vegas Summer
Given its desert location, it is no surprise that Las Vegas can get quite hot in the summer. Nevertheless, despite the rising temperatures this time of year, there are plenty of cool Las Vegas activities that you can enjoy throughout the season. Whether you want to stay close to city limits or venture out further for the day, there are many excellent areas to explore and fun activities around Las Vegas.
Outdoor Activities
Even when temperatures reach the triple digits, there are still many fun outdoor Las Vegas activities to participate in. If you’re looking for a way to stay active despite the heat, Las Vegas kayaking is a fine option. You will also find lakes, man-made and natural attractions, and hiking spots to visit during the summer.
Kayaking
If you have not yet gone kayaking in Vegas, you’ve been missing out on one of the best natural experiences in the area. Blazin’ Paddles offers a Vegas kayak tour for everyone, with a list of tours ranging from several hours to full-day adventures. Guided and self-guided tours are available to meet the needs of kayakers with all levels of experience. A Las Vegas kayaking trip with Blazin’ Paddles is a perfect way to see some of the most iconic wonders in the country, including the Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead Recreation Area.
The tours will take you down the Colorado River, which has stunning views of the Southwestern landscape. Wildlife sightings of Big Horn Sheep, Bald Eagles, hawks, and other animals are common. Going out with a guide is recommended for those who enjoy history, as you’ll learn all about the human and natural history of the region and the Colorado River. You can also see specific sights, such as the Emerald Cave kayak tour, which includes a stop at the Emerald Cave, a small but stunning cave on the Colorado River. The Emerald Cave is famous for its spectacular green hues. Remember to either pack or wear a bathing suit, as chances are good you’ll have the opportunity to swim at least once during the tour.
Hoover Dam
There are many fine options for outdoor activities in Las Vegas that are close to the city but offer a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hoover Dam is one. Hoover Dam is one of the most well-known attractions in the Southwest. The Hoover Dam generally receives over one million visitors every year. The dam is nearly 100 years old, and construction began in the 1930s during the Great Depression. While the dam was necessary for human populations and agricultural practices in the area, it also contributed greatly to the local economy. At a time when the rest of the country was struggling financially, the Hoover Dam gave jobs to workers locally and from across the country. Today, the Hoover Dam is one of the most famous historical attractions in the country. It has a visitor’s center with air conditioning and educational dam and power plant tours.
Lake Mead
Lake Mead is another good choice for a water-based summertime activity in Las Vegas. Lake Mead is a man-made lake with options for hiking and boating. Paddle boats are popular for people to rent at the lake, and there are also great hiking trails around the Lake Mead Recreation Area. A boat ride on the Desert Princess with dinner and wine is a perfect way to end the evening as you watch the sunset in the desert.
Lake Mohave
Another popular water attraction in the vicinity is Lake Mohave. Lake Mohave is a bit farther from Las Vegas, with a two-hour drive each way. However, the drive is worth it for all the lake offers. Lake Mohave is a man-made lake that was created in 1951. Although it is called a “lake,” Lake Mohave is technically a reservoir. The lake sits on the Colorado River, named after the Mohave Native American tribe, the area’s original inhabitants. Lake Mohave covers about 70 miles from Hoover Dam to Davis Dam. In total, the lake has about 237 miles of shoreline. Most of the year, there’s plenty of sunshine for enjoying recreational activities at the lake, including boating and fishing.
Mt. Charleston
Although it is not a water-based destination, Mt. Charleston is one of the coolest activities you can enjoy in Las Vegas during the summer. Mt. Charleston is usually about 25 to 30 degrees cooler than the temperatures in Las Vegas on any summer day. Mt. Charleston is a big ski destination during the winter, but it transforms into a spectacular hiking spot during the summer. The mountain has over 50 miles of trails that range in difficulty and length. There are also four campgrounds on the property and remote areas for dispersed camping. The mountain also has over a half-dozen picnic areas.
Duck Creek
Duck Creek is three hours from Las Vegas, so it’s a good destination for a weekend trip. Duck Creek is enjoyable any time of the year, but it makes a perfect retreat in the summer with all of its amenities. Horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking are just a few activities you can enjoy at the creek. Within Duck Creek is the Duck Creek Village, which is considered a gateway to other nearby attractions, including five national monuments, three national parks, and several national forests.
Museums
If an air-conditioned establishment sounds more appealing than an outdoor activity in the middle of summer, you are lucky, as Las Vegas has many great museums within its city limits. One of the most spectacular museums is the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The gardens at the Bellagio contain some of the most beautiful and iconic plant and flower species in the world. The exhibits also rotate seasonally, so you can always look forward to a new exhibit if you visit every few months. Special events are popular at the botanical garden, including a unique celebration for the Lunar New Year. The garden totals 14,000 square feet, so there is no shortage of opportunities to simply walk around and gaze at the spectacular sights.
The Nevada State Museum is another fun place to visit with the entire family. The museum includes a live animal exhibit with species ranging from tortoises to gray foxes. The museum also has a butterfly habitat where you can check out some of the most beautiful and iconic butterfly species.
Now that you know about all the fun and cool outdoor activities in Las Vegas that you can participate in, it’s time to contact Blazin’ Paddles to get started. You can easily book your Las Vegas kayaking trip through Blazin’ Paddles and inquire about all the other fun outdoor activities in the area.
