Getting there and parking
Drive US-93 southeast from Las Vegas, 35 miles to the dam. Traffic is worst 10am to noon. Park in the dam's paid garage ($10) on the Nevada side; the free lots on the Arizona side add a 10-minute uphill walk. The Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, opened 2010, carries the highway 900 feet above the river. Walk out for the view, it is free.
Rideshare from the Strip runs $50 each way. Bus tours run $60 to $110 depending on lunch inclusion.
The tours
Three options: the Visitor Center only ($10), the Powerplant Tour ($15, 30 minutes, walk-up available), or the Dam Tour ($30, 60 minutes, no reservations, first-come from 9am). The Dam Tour goes into passageways drilled through the dam's core; you feel the vibration of the turbines. Kids under 8 are not allowed. Bring photo ID.
The overlook and the outside of the dam are free to walk. Skip the tour if you are short on time; the exterior tells most of the story.
Combine with Lake Mead
Lake Mead National Recreation Area starts at the dam. The Historic Railroad Trail from the Alan Bible visitor center is a flat 3.7 miles one-way through five old railroad tunnels, easy walking with lake views. Free with the $25 recreation area entry, which also covers the dam parking area. Boulder City, 8 miles back toward Vegas, has lunch options; the Coffee Cup Cafe does a $15 breakfast that Guy Fieri put on TV.
Good to know
Can I walk across Hoover Dam?+
Yes, the road across the top of the dam is open to pedestrians 5am to 9pm and it is free. The state line between Nevada and Arizona runs down the middle.
Do I need a reservation for the Hoover Dam tour?+
No, tours are first-come, first-served on the day. Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid a 90-minute wait.
Is Hoover Dam worth visiting?+
For engineering fans, absolutely. For casual visitors, the bridge viewpoint and 30 minutes at the visitor center is enough.
How long does a Hoover Dam day trip take?+
Half day, 4 to 5 hours round trip from the Strip including the tour. Add 2 hours if you also do the Historic Railroad Trail.