Recommended day trip from Planet Hollywood: Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is an easy, full-day option from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino — it’s roughly a 33-mile drive from the Strip and typically takes about 30–45 minutes each way by car. Plan to visit early (before 10:00 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 2:00 PM) to avoid peak traffic and heat.
In this guide
Overview: why Hoover Dam is a good day trip
Hoover Dam is a short drive southeast from the Las Vegas Strip and a common half- or full-day excursion for visitors based at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The site pairs historic engineering, dramatic canyon views, and nearby Lake Mead recreation.
Many guests combine a Hoover Dam stop with visits to Lake Mead, Boulder Beach, or Valley of Fire when time allows. If you prefer guided transport, several local tour operators run departures from the Strip (check with the hotel concierge).
- Estimated driving distance from Planet Hollywood: about 33 miles.
- Typical drive time: about 30–45 minutes each way, depending on traffic.
- Common day-trip combos: Lake Mead / Boulder Beach or Valley of Fire.
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Drive time | About 30–45 minutes each way |
| Best times to visit | Before 10:00 AM or after 2:00 PM to avoid peak traffic and heat |
| Combine with | Lake Mead, Boulder Beach, Valley of Fire |
Getting there from Planet Hollywood
The simplest way to reach Hoover Dam is by car or rideshare; driving from Planet Hollywood typically takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Hotel guests who prefer not to drive can ask the concierge about organized tours that depart from the Strip.
Public transit options do not provide direct service to Hoover Dam, so if you rely on buses you should expect transfers and significantly longer travel times.
If you rent a car, allow time for parking at Hoover Dam and for traffic leaving the dam during busy periods.
- Drive or rideshare: most flexible; allows stops at viewpoints and Lake Mead.
- Organized tour: convenient if you want round-trip transport from the Strip; check Planet Hollywood concierge.
- Public transit: not practical for a direct trip to Hoover Dam.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Drive / Rideshare | Flexible schedule; fastest | You handle parking and navigation |
| Organized tour | Round-trip transport; interpreted stops | Less flexibility; set schedule |
| Public transit | Lowest cost | Indirect and slow |
What to do at Hoover Dam
At the dam you can walk along the crest to take in panoramic canyon and reservoir views, stop at overlooks on both the Nevada and Arizona sides, and enjoy photo opportunities of the structure and surrounding landscape.
Many visitors combine short scenic walks with time at Lake Mead — Boulder Beach is the nearest public swimming area — or simply pause at the visitor viewpoints to watch water and power infrastructure from a distance.
- Walk the dam crest and pedestrian walkways for views.
- Visit viewpoints on the Nevada and Arizona sides for different photo angles.
- Combine with a stop at Lake Mead or Boulder Beach if you want water access or a picnic.
| Activity | Typical time needed |
|---|---|
| Walk dam crest and viewpoints | 30–60 minutes |
| Lake Mead / Boulder Beach stop | 1–2 hours (optional) |
| Guided tour (if booked) | Varies by operator |
Timing, traffic and weather tips
To avoid the busiest conditions, aim to arrive before 10:00 AM or after 2:00 PM. Midday in summer can be very hot, and traffic can slow travel times to and from the Strip.
Las Vegas weather is dry and sunny much of the year; spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor sightseeing.
- Best seasons for outdoor visits: spring (March–May) and fall (September–November).
- Summer can be extremely hot — bring sun protection and water.
- Allow extra travel time for weekday or weekend rush periods and special events on the Strip.
| Season | Notes |
|---|---|
| Spring / Fall | Most comfortable for outdoor activities |
| Summer | Very hot; plan early/late visits and stay hydrated |
| Winter | Cooler; less crowding but variable weather |
Packing and practical advice
Bring a photo ID with you; if you’re returning to Planet Hollywood the room reservation is held by a guest 21 or older at check-in. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the dam and at viewpoints.
Carry water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat in warm months. If you plan to swim at Boulder Beach or otherwise use Lake Mead, bring swimwear and towels; check conditions ahead of time.
- Carry photo ID and confirmation if you booked a tour through the hotel.
- Sun protection and refillable water bottle are essential in warm months.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a small backpack for snacks and cameras.
| Item | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Needed for travel and hotel/tour confirmations |
| Water and sunscreen | Desert climate and exposed viewpoints |
| Comfortable shoes | Uneven surfaces and walking at viewpoints |
Back at Planet Hollywood: food and comfort options
After your day trip, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino offers several on-site restaurants where you can have a casual meal or a sit-down dinner. Options include Gordon Ramsay Burger for burgers and Café Hollywood for all-day breakfast and American classics.
If you want a more formal dinner, consider Strip House Steakhouse in the mezzanine for an evening meal (opens at 5:00 PM). For quick bites, Earl of Sandwich and on-site Starbucks locations are available around the property.
- Casual: Gordon Ramsay Burger (open 10:00 AM–1:00 AM).
- All-day / breakfast: Café Hollywood (hours vary).
- Evening steakhouse: Strip House Steakhouse (opens 5:00 PM).
- Quick snacks: Earl of Sandwich (24-hour) and two Starbucks locations.
| Restaurant | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Gordon Ramsay Burger | Casual lunch or dinner |
| Café Hollywood | All-day breakfast and casual meals |
| Strip House Steakhouse | Sit-down dinner (opens 5:00 PM) |
