Boulder City and Downtown Las Vegas

Wake up and take an elevator down to the second level of the Cosmopolitan, where you'll find Eggslut. The restaurant, originally a Los Angeles food truck, specialises in gourmet egg sandwiches and other fast-casual breakfast bites. Limited seating is available, but you can always bring a takeaway order back to your hotel room. All eggs are cage-free, and the hash browns are made with duck fat for extra flavour. Make sure to order a buttermilk biscuit with honey butter on the side.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

After breakfast, you'll check out of the Cosmopolitan and head southeast to Boulder City, a small community outside Vegas that doesn't allow gambling, but is full of natural beauty. Your first stop is the Historic Railroad Trail, a paved beginner-level hike that follows that path once used by trains to supply the workers who built the Hoover Dam.
You'll maximise your time by avoiding the beginning of the hike near the Lake Mead National Recreation Area entrance. Instead, park in the east lot of the Hoover Dam Lodge Hotel & Casino, which has its own clearly marked trailhead entrance.

The hike passes through four railroad tunnels carved in the mountainside, but the best reward is the spectacular view of Lake Mead. Take a few minutes to snap some photos and consider the official overlook (identified by posted signs) as your official turnaround point.

After walking back to the Hoover Dam Lodge, you'll want to step inside to use the restrooms, enjoy the cool breeze of the air conditioning, and rest up with some water before heading out on the next part of your journey. Just be aware of the time. You've got a cruise to board by noon.

Pay a small free to enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and follow the signs to the Lake Mead Marina. You'll board a vintage-style paddleboat with Lake Mead Cruises for a 90-minute tour on the largest man-made reservoir in the United States.
The ride is relaxing and informative, even if it's sometimes hard to hear the prerecorded tour guide on the sound system. The boat pulls up to the opening of the Colorado River to view the north side of the Hoover Dam before turning around.
Seating is available in the main cabin or on the rooftop deck. Enjoy lunch while on board with a choice of burgers, wraps, and salads at an affordable price. There's also a bar for cocktails and other drinks.
Midday cruises depart at noon five days a week (Wednesday–Sunday). It's always a good idea to reserve a spot by purchasing tickets in advance online.

Time to see what the Hoover Dam is really all about. The iconic landmark helped build modern Las Vegas as the architectural marvel that closed off the Colorado River, creating Lake Mead. You'll enter the Visitor Center and take part in a guided tour that explores the tunnels underneath the dam and the power plant that generates electricity from the rushing waters.
Tours last up to an hour, but you'll want to also visit the exhibits at the Visitor Center, which includes a dramatic viewing platform for fresh air and spectacular photos.
Reserve tickets online.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday – Sunday: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

While driving back from the Hoover Dam to Las Vegas, stop by Hemenway Park, which sits on a 10-acre slope facing Lake Mead. The fresh green grass regularly draws bighorn sheep from the nearby foothills, so stick around for a few minutes and enjoy a rare, up-close look at Nevada's official state animal. Just keep some distance and don't try to feed or pet them.
The park also has a playground, picnic tables, basketball courts, and other amenities to help relax and recharge before continuing with your road trip.

You've already seen the Strip, so it's time to visit Downtown Las Vegas, home to the classic casinos and marquees of Fremont Street. However, you'll be checking into Circa, the newest, tallest resort in the area. The property opened in late 2020 and boasts a two-level casino with a large sportsbook, Stadium Swim rooftop pool deck, and the Legacy Club, a cocktail lounge on the 60th floor with views of both the Strip and Downtown.
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You can't visit Las Vegas without having at least one classic steakhouse dinner, so head downstairs for a meal at Barry's Downtown Prime (the only part of Circa that's open to all ages). The dining room is large, cavernous, and mysterious, blending modern style with old-school charm. The menu by chef Barry Dakake offers a wide selection of aged charcoal-grilled cuts, but regulars swear by the signature rib eye cap, marinated in shallots, garlic, and olive oil. The wine selection is one of the best in Downtown Vegas.
Barry's Downtown Prime has lots of tables throughout several different rooms, but you'll definitely want to make a reservation well in advance online or by calling +17027265504.
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

If you're not quite ready to go to bed, step outside and wander the Fremont Street Experience, a five-block pedestrian mall with the world's largest digital-screen canopy overhead. You'll see vintage marquees and signs above the entrances to iconic casinos, as well as Vegas Vic, the famous smoking cowboy.

Walk back to Circa, head upstairs to your room, and rest up for another busy day.
An important note: Circa is 21 and over. So, if you're traveling with youngsters, opt for the Golden Nugget or Downtown Grand, two nearby hotels that have a similar contemporary feel.
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If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions in this link.