Did You Know There’s A Lake Las Vegas?

The topography of Las Vegas is associated with the desert. The only Nevada lake that out-of-town guests flying into Harry Reid Airport connect to the city with is Lake Mead. However, there’s another body of water that is more of a local gem — for the time being.

Lake Las Vegas is a site that’s far from the Strip, but well worth the trip. For a more lively Las Vegas experience, check out the Strip using our Las Vegas Strip map 2022.

History of Lake Las Vegas

Lake Las Vegas is known as “an oasis in the desert” for its splendor and luxury. Located just 20 miles away from the Las Vegas Strip, it offers serenity and a rare waterfront experience for hotel guests and residents of the many privately-owned properties.

The community and its attractions have a history that spans back decades. This manmade lake was the concept of late actor J. Carlton Adair in the 1960’s. His original vision included naming the property “Lake Adair,” but due to lack of funds, he was forced to shut the project down. Eventually, the land and water rights were reclaimed when major developer Ronald Boedekker took the project over.

In that time, investors and major casino conglomerates pooled their assets to get to work on the project. Despite being backed by major money, the area saw its fair share of closures, including a temporary shutdown in 2007 while the developers gathered funds to revamp its projects. Over time, the developments were fleshed out to create the massive acreage that is

Today’s lake experience is a visual marvel full of shops, food and relaxation. The new community of housing in Henderson has equal access to all of the resorts and their amenities. There is plenty to do between the Las Vegas Strip and Lake Las Vegas. Call a Las Vegas taxi to take you there and see all that’s on the way.

Enjoy Lake Las Vegas

Ready to enjoy one of the best man-made lakes in Nevada? Get to know the water and land surrounding it.

Location: Henderson, Nevada
Number of miles of Lake Las Vegas shoreline: 10
Gallons of water in Lake Las Vegas: approx. 1.2 billion gallons
Acres covered: 320 acres
Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 20 miles (25 minutes driving)
Can people swim in Lake Las Vegas? Yes.

Activities

Lake Las Vegas is a hub for activities year-round. Whether you’re a resort guest or a local, anyone can enjoy the events the community hosts. For more activities and attractions, read about things to do on the Strip.

Water Sports

Naturally, a wealth of water sports is available at Lake Las Vegas. Guests and locals can partake in the milder water activities that a standard lake would offer.

Paddle Boarding – Balance on boards to paddle across this serene lake.
Kayaking – No whitewater here. Explore the stretches of lake from the comfort of a single or double kayak.
Pedal Boats – Hit the gym without stepping foot inside one. Pedal boats are a great workout on the water.
Electric Boats and Yachts – Is your boat in out-of-state waters? Rent one at Lake Las Vegas for an afternoon on the dock. Visit the Lake Las Vegas marina to inquire about rentals.

On the extreme end, bold water sports fanatics can fly across the water — literally. Lake Las Vegas Water Sports offers Jetpack and Flyboard lessons that take lake goers into the sky on powerful boards that suspend several feet in the air.

During the summer, this aforementioned water sports committee hosts a Neon Paddle event. Enjoy the lake at night among the vibrant kayaks and paddlers decked out in glow accessories.

Lastly, don’t forget to keep the kids happy with the floating aqua park. Kids over 10 can enjoy the in-water bow-up structure without parent supervision.

Shopping and Dining On Lake Las Vegas

For more leisure, head to The Village. This European-inspired collective is full of shopping and dining that, in some cases, rival the Las Vegas Strip in decadence.

Most of the great restaurants on the Strip can be eclectic, but the ones on Lake Las Vegas have distinct European names and cuisines, and that’s intentional. The decor and architecture of Lake Las Vegas and its offerings was built with a Mediterranean theme in mind. Restaurants include everything from casual eateries to high-end affairs.

Mimi’ and Coco’ Bistro – This lakefront restaurant is in a prime location. Enjoy delicacies such as charcuterie boards, foie gras and homemade desserts. Mimi’ and Coco’ also hosts large groups and wedding parties, which makes for the perfect reception spot after visiting one of the many Las Vegas wedding chapels to get hitched.

Vino del Lago – Where else in the world can one pour their own wine — besides Napa Valley, maybe. Vina del Lago is a niche concept, where guests can dispense their own wine from the taps available in the shop. Choose from over 24 wines on tap, and don’t forget to stop in for the live music to accompany the vino.

Sonrisa Grill – Vegas and Henderson are known for having great Mexican food, and Sonrisa is another choice in the lineup. Don’t forget to leave a review about your favorite items — if you can pick just one.

ONE5 Lakeside – Now called the Tokyo Social House, this Asian restaurant has all of the traditional Japanese favorites with distinct American twists. Order everything from tempura to a burger and fries.

Luna Rossa Ristorante – When the menu is in Italian, you know the food is going to be both amazing. Luna Rossa specializes in the classic pasta, fish and pizza dishes, all homemade and backed by rave reviews.

Visit more Italian restaurants Las Vegas »

Le Cafe du Lac – Everyone loves a good French café. Le Cafe du Lac is one of three Las Vegas locations, naturally translating to mean “light” or “laid back” in French. Enjoy an authentic French breakfast of pastries, delicious coffee and light fare until the early afternoon. For more Parisian delights, search for your favorite French restaurant Las Vegas »

Seasons Grocery – For groceries, visit Seasons Grocery for sundries and other goods to take back to the room. It carries all of the products one would expect to find, from fresh produce to perishables. The store is in the perfect location to accommodate visitors looking to stock their hotel rooms, as well as Las Vegas residents that need supplies.

Bellalinda Gelato – To finish off a gourmet meal with something sweet, we recommend Bellalinda Gelato for some Italian gelato that’s perfect year-round. Find it lakeside in the charming teal building.

For more delicious eats in Las Vegas, check out the best Las Vegas Strip restaurants »

Hiking

When the summer heat abates, hit the trails near Lake Las Vegas. There are nearly seven miles of trails to explore, all in loops hugging the water. For anyone looking to traverse the trails off the property, there are longer trails that loop through Boulder City and areas close by in Henderson.

The best part of Lake Las Vegas? Parking is free. There is a self-parking garage at the nearby village, providing easy access to the shops, hotels and lake itself. For more tourist parking, read about free parking on the Las Vegas Strip.

Resorts at Lake Las Vegas

The lake isn’t just for recreation. Two luxury resorts bookend this gorgeous lake: The Westin Lake Las Vegas and Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa.

The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa

101 Montelago Blvd, Henderson, Nevada 89011, United States

A room at The Westin equals a luxurious getaway. Check out rooms and suites with views of the lake or the Las Vegas landscape.

Dining

For meals, The Westin Lake Las Vegas offers a collection of both fine dining and casual restaurants.

Marssa Steak & Sushi – Marssa is the property’s fine dining choice. Indulge in this sushi bar and steakhouse hybrid with gorgeous lake views.

Rick’s Café – Enjoy Rick’s if you need to take a siesta between breakfast and dinner.

Marrakesh Express – While the cuisine isn’t consistent with the theme of the grounds, the quality of flavor is. Marrakesh is a great grab-and-go spot for coffee and snacks before beginning a day on the water.

SandsaBar & Grill – Enjoy some casual seasonal dining at Sandsabar. They close down for the season after November, so grab some light meals and cocktails while the daylight hours are long.

While both hotels at Lake Las Vegas are worth the money, The Westin has a lower average room rate than its neighbor. Book rooms at The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort to enjoy the scenic side of Vegas Valley.

g Aveda spa lago

The resort spa at The Westin is one of the premier Las Vegas spas to visit when pampering is on the agenda. Enjoy a couple’s massage as well, or pamper yourself with nail and hair treatments to go that extra mile for self-care. Yes, this all includes Aveda, the nationally-recognized skin care products

Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa

1610 Lake Las Vegas Pkwy, Henderson, Nevada 89011, United States

This former Ritz Carlton is now home to a Hilton property that is one of the coveted Las Vegas hotels. Several of the suites have a lake view, while others look out over the gardens. With nearly 350 rooms and views of both land and water, visitors wanting it all, can have it all.

Hilton is one of the largest hotel branches in the world. Explore more services and resorts in Las Vegas with Las Vegas hotels on the Strip.

Spa Ravella

Spa Ravella is a nod to the hotel’s original name, The Ravella, before it was changed in early 2011. With over two dozen treatment rooms and a variety of services, there’s luxury abound to take advantage of. The serene, marble-toned spa will allow its inhabitants to wash away the stresses of daily life with some well-earned pampering.

Golf Courses

There are two championship golf courses located on the property, Reflection Bay Golf Club and the SouthShore Country Club course. Both courses were the designed by Jack Niklaus, who has been a fixture in the Nevada golf scene for well over 20 years.

Need more golf in the day? Two more golf courses are in close proximity to Hilton Lake Las Vegas, by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones. Explore all 80 golf courses in Las Vegas, and be sure to include one of these premium golf packages when planning your next stay.

Restaurants

Dine in style on the lake. The hotel features a handful of restaurants to accommodate all culinary desires.

Medici Bistro and Patio– Whether guests join for starlit bites or a quiet, scenic breakfast on the water, is open all day for morning meals and well into the evening. Plus, Medici Café is able to deliver room service.

Firenze – Any resort worth its salt will also have a high-quality hotel bar, and Firenze delivers. Enjoy a custom cocktail from the cushy lobby seating, with service running from late morning to late evening.

Lagoon Pool Bar – To echo the prior statement, a high-end pool bar is also needed to fully enjoy a Las Vegas resort. Kick back with some light bites and a super casual atmosphere.

Live on the Lake

The resort destination situated in Henderson is also home to several residential properties. Permanent residents have access to all of the nearby lake activities, golf courses and amenities. For those that want to experience the luxe private amenities of the lake — but without the tourist bustle.

There are several members-only perks that come with a The Lake Las Vegas Sports Club is one avenue for residents to have a great time. Discounts and concierge service are also part of the package, as well as entrance to private beachfront property. Read more about Las Vegas real estate to understand the market and opportunities.

Ready to stay at Lake Las Vegas? There’s only one website that offers the best in Vegas travel, and that’s OnTheStrip.com. Book a room at The Westin or Hilton today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Las Vegas