Valley of Fire + Hoover Dam

Hello Las Vegans (?). I'm coming to Vegas towards the end of May and setting my itinerary up. I was initially intrigued by the Grand Canyon, but I'm not sure I want to commit to the near 5 hours of driving each way. I've decided a day doing Valley of Fire and Hoover Dam would be a good compromise. Looking for some thoughts on this. I saw a post the other day where some people were saying they've seen snakes at VoF, and I'm deathly afraid so I'm not sure hikes would be a good idea. I have the following questions:

1) Is VoF worth it if I don't get out of my car and just drive it? Is there different routes I should follow and look out for?

2) I see Hoover Dam has three different styles of tour (self-guided, powerplant, guided dam). Which one is the best?

3) I saw some old posts searching this subreddit about how it is better to drive along Lake Mead after VoF to go to the Dam. Is this recommended, and if so, is there a fee? I assume this would be the 167 highway.

Thanks in advance!