5 beaches near Las Vegas: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf

It may sound crazy to even think about heading to the beach from a desert oasis city like Las Vegas. But like the Eiffel Tower, the New York Skyline, and so many other attractions, Las Vegas brings the world to the city. Beach clubs are one of the most popular features of a Las Vegas resort, and it makes sense. The blistering heat, the sun, and the indoor nature of most casino experiences all make lounging poolside all the more enticing. There are multiple beaches in Las Vegas resorts that are the perfect place to get some sun, play some beach volleyball, party, or relax. 

There are also multiple beaches near Las Vegas that you can drive to for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re taking an elevator from your hotel down to the beach club or taking a road trip out to the coast, you’ll need to plan your day out. If you’re heading out of town and need a place to put your bags, there are multiple convenient luggage storage locations in Las Vegas that you can use. But first, you need to pick your beach. 

Here are the best beaches near Las Vegas:

Hermosa Beach, California 

Hermosa Beach is a beach town located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. It is popular for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and superb surfing conditions. Hermosa has that iconic California beach vibe, complete with surfers, beach bums, and everything you’d expect. 

The beach is the main attraction in Hermosa Beach, offering plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. There is a paved walkway called The Strand that runs along the beach and offers great views of the Pacific Ocean. The pier, which is located at the end of Pier Avenue, is also a popular spot for fishing and sunset strolls.

Hermosa Beach has a solid downtown area filled with boutique shops, trendy restaurants, food trucks, and bars. The nightlife scene in Hermosa Beach is lively and offers plenty of options like nightclubs, breweries, and wine bars. 

Distance from Las Vegas

Hermosa Beach is located in California, and it is approximately 270 miles southwest of Las Vegas. The drive between the two is typically around four hours, depending on traffic entering Southern California. Hermosa is ideal for a full weekend trip from Las Vegas. 

Activity recommendations

Hermosa Beach is known for its beautiful sandy beach and crystal-clear water, making it a great place to swim, surf, or sunbathe. Swimming conditions can be difficult when the waves get big, but usually, children and beginners have an easy time swimming at the beach. On land, The Strand is a paved bike and pedestrian path that stretches along the beach for miles. It is a great way to see the beautiful coastline and take in the ocean views.

Hermosa Beach Pier has stunning views of the ocean and surrounding areas. You can walk along the pier, go fishing, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants on the pier. Biking is a popular activity in Hermosa Beach, and there are many bike rental shops in the area, including the ever-trendy E-bikes. You can ride along the beach or explore the surrounding neighborhoods.

The weather is great almost any time of year, but there are frequent events hosted near the beach that you should look out for. The Fiesta Hermosa is a fun street fair that takes place twice a year over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. It features live music, food, and vendors selling handmade crafts and artwork. There are also concerts in town, with a few venues located a short walk from the water. The Hermosa Beach Playhouse is a historic theater that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and musicals.

Lake Las Vegas 

Lake Las Vegas is a man-made lake located in Henderson, just outside of Las Vegas. While there is a waterfront area around the lake, it is not a traditional beach with sand and waves. There are a ton of water-based activities available, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. The area also has several hotels and resorts, like Westin Lake Las Vegas, with pools and other amenities. So while technically, there is no beach at Lake Las Vegas, there are still plenty of opportunities for soaking up the sun and spending time on the water. 

Distance from Las Vegas

Lake Las Vegas is only about 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The drive is typically around 30 minutes, depending on how much time you spend in traffic on the Strip.

Activity recommendations 

While beach-y pastimes like sunbathing aren’t on offer at Lake Las Vegas, there’s still plenty to do. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Lake Las Vegas for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. It’s a more active scene, but definitely worth visiting.

There are also several hiking trails in and around Lake Las Vegas, including the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which offers scenic views (and epic Instagram opportunities) of the desert landscape.

If you've brought your clubs, there are several golf courses in the area, including the Jack Nicklaus-designed Reflection Bay Golf Club. Many people come to the Lake Las Vegas area to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The area’s resorts and hotels offer spas and wellness centers, which are perfect after a long day of hiking or kayaking. 

The best time to visit Lake Las Vegas is typically in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these seasons, the temperatures are usually comfortable at 70-80°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, and water sports. Summer can be extremely (even dangerously) hot, with temperatures often reaching well above 100°F, making it almost impossible to enjoy outdoor activities during the day. If you're visiting during the summer, plan your activities early in the morning or in the evening when the temperatures are cooler.

Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay is one of the most iconic Las Vegas beach resorts, with its Moorea Beach Club pool. It's an expansive Tahitian-themed pool complex that features a sandy beach, a lazy river, and several pools. The Mandalay Bay beach club also hosts various concerts and events throughout the year, so there's always something going on.

Distance from Las Vegas:

This Las Vegas hotel is located on the famous Las Vegas Strip. The beach area is located on the south side of the property. The beach club is easily accessible from the resort's main entrance and is open to both hotel guests and non-guests. It’s perhaps the closest beach to the Las Vegas Strip.

Activity recommendations

This Tahiti Village resort has a wave pool. Enough said. The beach features a 1.6-million-gallon wave pool that creates up to six-foot waves, allowing guests to feel like they're at the beach. The lazy river is a 1/4 mile long, and guests can float along in inner tubes as they enjoy the scenery. For relaxing, the beach club offers private cabanas and daybeds for guests who want to relax in a more secluded setting. You can even get a poolside massage. 

Of all the eccentric Las Vegas beaches, Moorea has to be the most infamous. Their most unique feature is its "toptional" dress code, which means that guests are allowed to go topless if they choose. However, it's worth noting that this may not be suitable for all guests (there are no kiddie pools, anyway), and there are strict rules in place to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and respected.

Las Vegas is great just about any time of year except the ultra-hot summer. However, the beach club frequently hosts concerts, events, and famously rowdy DJ sets from superstars like Tiesto. So check the calendar.

Manhattan Beach, California

Even with a lengthy drive from Las Vegas, Manhattan Beach in California is definitely worth visiting. It's a beautiful coastal city that offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, including a beautiful sandy beach, scenic ocean views, hipster(ish) restaurants, and excellent shopping opportunities.

The beach itself is one main reason to visit Manhattan Beach. It's huge, with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and playing volleyball. The beach also has a boardwalk that's perfect for strolling, jogging, or biking while enjoying the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and, of course, people-watching.

Distance from Las Vegas

By car, the fastest route from Las Vegas to Manhattan Beach is via Interstate 15 South and Interstate 405 South, which takes around four to five hours, depending on traffic conditions near the beach. You can take a flight from McCarran International Airport, but that’s tough if you’re trying to keep costs down.  

Activity recommendations 

The Manhattan Beach Pier is a great spot for fishing, strolling, and taking in the sunset. There are also several restaurants and shops on the pier, but they are usually swamped with crowds. Manhattan Beach is known for its excellent surf. You can take a surf lesson or rent a board and hit the waves.

Downtown Manhattan Beach is a charming area with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to stroll around and people-watch. Manhattan Beach also has a solid dining scene, especially for the city’s size. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to hit after an afternoon on the beach. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood at upscale spots like the Strand House or Fishing With Dynamite, authentic Mexican cuisine at Esperanza Cocina de la Playa, or trendy fusion at Manhattan Beach Post, you're sure to find something delicious just off the water.

For curious travelers and families, you can visit the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium. This educational attraction features marine life exhibits and interactive displays. 

If you are interested in enjoying the beach and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is during the summer months, between June and August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel rates. Plus, if you're in Las Vegas in the summer, heading to California offers a less desert-like climate.

Voodoo Beach at the Rio Hotel and Casino

Voodoo is a popular beach club pool complex located at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It features multiple pools, waterfalls, hot tubs, and a white sandy beach area, all surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. Perhaps the best feature of Voodoo Beach is the unique setting, which is designed to resemble a secluded tropical paradise, but on a roof. It also features a swim-up bar, where guests can order drinks without leaving the pool, and cabanas that offer a more private and luxurious experience.

Distance from Las Vegas

Voodoo Beach is located at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, which is well-situated just off the Las Vegas Strip. The Voodoo Beach pool complex is located on the hotel's rooftop and is accessible via elevator from the casino floor.

Activity recommendations 

The swim-up bar is a unique feature of Voodoo Beach, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite drinks without having to leave the pool. For a more private and luxurious experience, consider renting a cabana at Voodoo Beach. These come equipped with a TV, mini-fridge, and comfortable seating. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself! 

Voodoo Beach has a huge beach volleyball court where guests can play a game with friends or join a pickup game. You can also take the game into the water for some pool volleyball. 

Voodoo Beach is known for its lively pool parties, which feature live music, DJs, and special promotions. Check the calendar and plan your trip around a poolside rager.

Conclusion

Whether you live in Las Vegas or are one of the millions of tourists that descend upon the city every year, you have plenty of amazing beaches to choose from. You can plan your hotel stay around which has the best beach club, or you can plan a weekend trip from Las Vegas and head out to one of the many incredible destination beaches in California or Nevada.

When you need to do Vegas on a budget, the city's man-made beaches and pools can be quite affordable. There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach when the sun is shining, especially given how hot it is in Las Vegas. So join the beach bums and head to the best beaches in (or near) Las Vegas.