Decided to go off the beaten path and see Las Vegas without the blinking lights from a slot machine. The Lake Mead Recreation Area seemed like a good place to start. 20 minutes off the stip and you find yourself on a picturesque drive through the desert, including awesome views of the lake as you approach.
There is a $10 fee for a car and in the recreation area itself you will find beaches, a marina, boat tours and cruises, restaurants, and trails for hiking. Intresting eco-friendly reminder by the ticket lane that states styrofoam and glass are illegal in Lake Mead.
Visit the marina first where you are treated to sights of HUGE fish swimming freely in the lake (fishing is not allowed). A convenience store in the marina itself allows you to buy food for the fish (apparently, you can shell out $1.50 for a bag of popcorn and the fish would be all over you). We were also lucky enough to spot (and pet) one of their resident turtles (turtle nbr 1) who was patient enough to let us hold him for a while.
The Boat House Restaurant serves lunch and it is quite relaxing to have lunch on the outdoor patio (under a shade) while taking in the views of the marina and nearby mountains.
The beach is nothing to write home about (rocky and muddy). At least it is not crowded, and the water was wonderfully warm.
If you have half a day to spare, check out the Lake Mead Recreation area just to get away from it all. Don't forget to wear sunscreen and a hat.