Nov 15, 2022
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The Best Places You Can Swim in Las Vegas

Willow Beach as one of the top five places to swim in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known for its bustling cityscape and desert location, so you might not think that the area offers many swimming opportunities. But you’ll be surprised — there are tons of amazing swim spots within and close to Sin City. Plus, even during the winter season, Las Vegas enjoys warmer days than the rest of the country, so it’s a perfect time to soak under the sun.

Are you ready to explore? Check out these best places to swim in Las Vegas.

The 5 Best Places to Swim Near Me in Las Vegas

Don't forget your SPF! The Las Vegas sun is unforgiving. Check out where to swim in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world.

1. Stadium Swim, Circa Resort and Casino

Stadium Swim is one of the most premium and luxurious swimming pools and sports bars in the world, earning a spot as one of the best places to swim in Las Vegas. Situated inside the Circa Hotel and Casino downtown, this is a perfect day trip for anyone looking to play and relax. 

Located on three different levels, Stadium Swim boasts six swimming pools and two swim-up bars with a view of the massive, 40-foot-tall, high-definition LED screen. These screens broadcast the biggest and most popular sports events of the day.

The stunning swimming pool overlooks the vibrant Fremont Street Experience. It can accommodate up to 4,000 people, where they can party, swim, soak, tan, or watch games. It’s open year-round, so be sure to grab one of those chaise lounges, day beds, or luxury cabanas.

Location: 8 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States

2. Emerald Cave’s Natural Pool

Emerald Cave is a small but spectacular natural cave known for its vibrant green water. Tucked into the Black Canyon water trail along the Colorado River, Emerald Cave is a great spot for swimming and mainly for kayaking trips. 

While you can always take a solo kayak trip and explore Emerald Cave on your own, it’s best to sign up for a guided kayak tour to ensure you get the full experience. Expert guides will help you navigate through the river and cave, especially during unpredictable weather patterns. Plus, having a professional will help with all the logistics before and during the tour. 

places to swim in emerald cave green waters
Kayaking Emerald Cave in Las Vegas, Nevada

Evolution Expedition offers two Emerald Cave kayaking tours. If you’re looking for a quick trip to escape the Vegas glitz, and a place to swim your troubles away, the express tour is perfect for you. Within three hours, you’ll learn about the area’s impressive history while kayaking into the natural pool of green waters. If you have more time, the deluxe tour allows you to explore the natural pool of the emerald waters and a historic site, take amazing photos, kayak, and swim, plus enjoy a catered lunch of your choice.

3. Mandalay Beach at Mandalay Bay

Think there’s no beach in Las Vegas? Think again! 

Mandalay Beach is an 11-acre aquatic swim playground that is an island oasis. Here you can hang out by three large swimming pools, ride the waves of the 1.6-million-gallon wave pool, flow with the Lazy River, or enjoy swimming in the pool club. There’s even an elevated stage built in the wave pool so you can stand thigh-deep and enjoy the live performances during the Beach Concert Series. 

If you’re looking for an area more relaxing to swim, you can lounge in a lagoon or a fancy cabana. When you’re ready to recharge, grab a bite at Beach Bar and Grill or sip some cocktails at the bar. 

Location: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States

4. Lake Mead

This national recreation area has a two-mile span of shoreline with beaches that are adjacent to one another. Located to the northwest of Hemenway Harbor, there are dirt roads to access each of these beaches. 

Boulder Beach stretches more than a mile along the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead where you can enjoy views of the basin and the iconic Fortification Hill. Beyond swimming in natural pools, you can also go boating and sailing on this beach. You can camp by the RV park, enjoy a picnic, or stroll along the trails. 

Located between Boulder Beach and Hemenway Harbor, Special Events Beach is another place you can swim along Lake Mead. As the name suggests, the beach is open to the public, but it’s mainly used for pre-scheduled special events. 

Right by the Hemenway Harbor area, Canoe/Kayak Beach allows you to explore the Boulder Basin for the day. This stretch of the beach is designed for launching hand-propelled watercraft. 

If you’re looking for one of the best places to swim near you in Las Vegas while enjoying nature, Lake Mead boasts many beaches — whether you’re looking for some peace and tranquility by swiming on the waters or planning watercraft activities. 

Location: 106 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States

5. Willow Beach

Located between Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, Willow Beach is best for anyone who’s looking for a quick outdoor escape with fantastic waterways. It’s a great place to relax, get active, and be in tune with Mother Nature. 

This beach is refreshing and perfect for memorable outdoor activities. However, swimming around Willow Beach can be tricky. Certain areas like the launch spots and marinas are prohibited, while some coves are vaster to swim than they appear. There are also no lifeguards on duty, so be sure to check for the safest swim spots and wear a lifejacket at all times. 

Location: 25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445, United States

Places to can swim and kayak in lake mead las vegas
Kayaks lined up in Lake Mead Las Vegas

As always, when swimming outdoors, first check what the weather conditions in the area will be like. Second, plan accordingly! Even during the colder months, the sun still shines with full force. Bring your sunscreen with you, wear a hat to protect your hair and scalp, and shield your eyes with sunglasses. (The glare off the water is not to be dismissed.) And for safety purposes, you should avoid swimming alone, and if you're outdoors, wear a lifejacket.

While Las Vegas is situated in a desert and is famous for its city lifestyle, it still boasts different swimming spots around the area— from action-packed and vibrant to natural and tranquil, depending on your liking. These places to swim are not to be missed when in Las Vegas. 

And if you’re looking to take it to the next level with your next big adventure, book a guided kayak tour in Las Vegas with Evolution Expeditions today. We'll help you see a side of Sin City you never knew existed.

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