So you’re heading to Vegas for some fun in the sun and want to hit the beach while you’re there. Who knew Vegas even had a beach, right? Well, the good news is Vegas does indeed have some great beach options where you can lounge the day away, go for a dip to cool off, and even do some watersports. The man-made beach in Las Vegas resort pools have everything you need for a perfect beach getaway. No need to trek to the coast, you can have an amazing beach experience right on the Vegas strip.
Whether you want to go wild at a hopping day club, relax at a more laidback beach club, or splash around with the kids at a family-friendly pool, Vegas has you covered for any beach vibe you’re after. Read on to discover all the details on the hottest Vegas beach clubs and pools so you’ll be ready to dive in as soon as you arrive. This insider guide will give you the lowdown on everything from hours of operation to dress codes to the best spots for drinks and dining. Your Vegas beach adventure awaits!
Overview of Beaches in Las Vegas
Long Beach to Las Vegas may be in the middle of the desert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch some waves. The city actually has a few beach options where you can soak in the artificial surf.
Mandalay Bay Beach
This 11-acre beach at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino aims to recreate a tropical beach paradise. It has a wave pool, lazy river, a beachside casino, and cabanas you can rent. Admission fees start at $25 for non-hotel guests.
- The wave pool generates head-high waves every few minutes for surfing and boogieboarding.
- The lazy river lets you float around the beach in an inner tube.
- Private cabanas provide shade, seating, TVs, and mini-fridges.
Cowabunga Bay Beach
This beach-themed water park about 20 minutes from the Strip has waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a splash pad for little kids. General admission starts at $39.99.
- Six waterslides including the ‘Cowabunga’ with a 60-foot vertical drop.
- The ‘Surf-A-Rama’ wave pool produces waves up to five feet high every few minutes.
- The ‘Wild Surf’ lazy river floats you along a tropical-themed course.
- ‘Kahuna Cove’ splash pad with fountains, jets, and water features for children.
A beach getaway in the desert may sound too good to be true, but Las Vegas makes it possible with some man-made waves and a festive beach vibe. Make a splash at one of these lively beach attractions for a fun break from the casino scene.
Top 3 Public Beaches in Las Vegas
Las Vegas may be in the middle of the desert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some beach time. Check out these top 3 public beaches where you can soak up the sun, go for a swim, and relax.
Lake Mead Beach
Just a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Mead Beach offers over 100 miles of shoreline and pristine blue waters. Pack a picnic, rent a boat, go fishing or swimming, then find a secluded spot to lay out your towel and work on your tan. With the lake surrounded by desert scenery and picturesque red rock formations, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to your own private oasis.
Boulder Beach
Also located on Lake Mead, Boulder Beach is a popular spot for water sports and beach activities. You’ll find picnic areas with grills, a playground, and a campground if you want to extend your beach getaway. The scenic cove offers natural shade, making it ideal for those extra-hot Vegas days. Go kayaking, paddle boarding, or just splash around – with the stunning backdrop, Boulder Beach is the perfect place to chill out in the Vegas sun.
Willow Beach
About an hour from Vegas, Willow Beach is a hidden gem on the Colorado River. The secluded beach is only accessible by boat or via a mile-long trail, so crowds are minimal. You can rent jet skis, kayaks, or boats and explore the scenic coves and inlets along the river canyon. The beach area has picnic tables, BBQ grills, and camping spots if you want to overnight under a canopy of stars. For a quiet beach escape near Vegas, Willow Beach is a best-kept secret worth discovering.
Best Beach Clubs and Pools on the Strip
Las Vegas is known for its lavish beach clubs and enormous pools, many with DJs, bars, and lounges. If you want to feel like a celebrity for the day, head to one of these popular spots on the Strip.
Encore Beach Club
Encore Beach Club at the Wynn is one of the hottest day clubs in Vegas. Surround yourself with palm trees, cabanas, and three-tiered pools while world-class DJs spin. Encore Beach Club features 26 cabanas, a full-service bar, and unparalleled views of the Strip. So, open Friday through Sunday.
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Wet Republic
Located at the MGM Grand, Wet Republic Ultra Pool is a sprawling day club with saltwater pools, cabanas, and a full calendar of events with electronic and hip-hop DJs. Get there early to stake out a prime spot, then spend the day dancing, drinking, and mingling with other partygoers. Open Thursday through Sunday.
Marquee Dayclub
The Cosmopolitan’s Marquee Dayclub, with three lavish pools, cabanas, and a roster of renowned resident DJs, reigns as one of the premier daylife destinations in Vegas. So, lounge in a cabana, bob along to the music in the main pool, or cool off in the secluded Library pool. Marquee Dayclub is open daily during the summer months.
Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub
Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub, located on the rooftop of The Cromwell, seamlessly transitions from a high-energy beach party by day to an exclusive nightclub after dark. Drai’s features two pools, cabanas, bungalows, and panoramic views of the neon Strip. So, resident DJs and special guests provide the soundtrack daily.
With so many amazing options, the hardest part will be deciding which hot spot to hit first. Slather on some sunscreen, don your hottest swimwear and get ready to party from dawn to dusk at one of Vegas’ premier beach clubs. Your celebrity lifestyle awaits!
Tips for Enjoying the Beach in Vegas
When visiting the beach in Las Vegas, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make the most of your experience.
Come prepared
Bring essentials like a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and flip-flops. The desert sun is intense, even in the late afternoon, so lather up that SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply regularly. Staying hydrated is also key – pack a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the nearest bar or restaurant.
Don’t forget beach-friendly clothes, a cover-up, and maybe even a sun hat. While bikinis and swim trunks are popular, Vegas pool parties are all about showing off, so make sure you feel comfortable with whatever you choose to wear.
Arrive early
Beat the crowds by getting to the beach around 10 or 11 a.m. Not only will you get your pick of lounge chairs and cabanas, but you’ll be able to enjoy the cooler morning temperatures before the heat sets in. Many pools don’t open until 11 a.m., so double-check the hours of the beach you want to visit.
Explore the options
Las Vegas has several beach and pool options to choose from. Mandalay Bay Beach has a huge wave pool, lazy river, and sandy beach. So, the Cosmopolitan’s Chelsea concert venue features live music and DJs. For an over-the-top party vibe, check out Encore Beach Club. Smaller, more relaxed choices include the pools at Venetian/Palazzo, Flamingo, and Planet Hollywood. With so many unique experiences, you may want to visit a few different beaches during your trip.
Stay late
Most Las Vegas pools stay open until 6 or 7 p.m., but many of the nightclubs and bars at the resorts are open into the late evening. Post up at a lounge chair or cabana, order some cocktails and small bites, and enjoy the neon lights sparkling on the water. An after-hours beach party is the perfect way to end a fun day of sun and swimming in the desert.
FAQs
Las Vegas beaches may be in the desert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a beachy getaway. So, here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your Las Vegas beach vacation.
Are there natural beaches in Las Vegas?
No, Las Vegas does not have any natural coastlines or beaches. All the beaches are man-made using imported sand and palm trees. So, the two most popular beach clubs are Mandalay Bay Beach and Encore Beach Club at the Wynn.
Are the Las Vegas beach clubs open year-round?
The beach clubs are only open seasonally, usually from March to October. They close for the winter since temperatures drop significantly. The pools may remain open for events, but the full beach club experience is only available during the summer.
How much do Las Vegas beach clubs cost?
Admission to the beach clubs typically starts around $20-$30 for women and $40-$60 for men. So, cabanas and daybeds usually have a rental fee on top of the admission charge. Prices vary but you can expect to pay $200-$500+ to rent a cabana for the day depending on the season and events. Many clubs offer drink packages to save money if you plan to spend the whole day there.
What should I wear to a Las Vegas beach club?
The dress code at Las Vegas beach clubs is swimwear – bikinis for women and board shorts for men. Leave the T-shirts, tank tops, and baseball caps behind. Flip-flops or comfortable sandals are also suggested. The clubs want guests to have a stylish, upscale poolside experience so make sure your swimwear is trendy and fashionable.
Can I get bottle service at a Las Vegas beach club?
Yes, most Las Vegas beach clubs offer exclusive cabanas and daybeds with bottle service. So, bottle service at the beach clubs includes chilled bottles of premium alcohol like champagne, vodka, tequila, and rum along with mixers and garnishes. Bottle service ranges from $500 to $10,000+ depending on the alcohol selection. So, it’s a great way to elevate your Las Vegas beach club experience.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about hitting the beach in Las Vegas. Who knew there were so many options right in the desert? From massive party pools to secluded sandbars, Vegas has a beach scene for every mood. The summer sun is hot but the water is cool, the drinks are flowing, the music is bumping, and the people-watching is prime. Get your crew together, pick your vibe, pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, and get ready to make a splash in Sin City. You’ll be riding the waves, catching some rays, and making memories that will last long after you leave the shore. Vegas baby!
