When July rolls around and the temperatures creep up over the 100 degree mark, it is important to have places you can cool off. That is why I love summer days on Lake Mead!
Admission to Lake Mead National Recreation Area is $10 per carload, per visit. However if you plan on making multiple trips, an annual pass can be purchased for $30.
If you do not own a watercraft, boats and jet skis can be rented at the marinas. There are cheaper places in town to rent though, if you have the means to transport the boat/jet ski you can save some money by doing so. Having a boat or jet ski is really the best way to enjoy the lake.
Personally I prefer crossing through the 'narrows' and spending my time on the Arizona side of the lake. It takes a bit of a drive to get there from the Boulder Beach and Hoover Dam areas that most people seem to stay around, but it's worth it for nice smooth water to enjoy.
One of my favorite aspects of the lake is the wildlife... I have seen deer drinking out of the lake on multiple occasions, and even big horn sheep! It's such a refreshing change from the glitzy lights and dingdingdings of the Strip.