Need a sun-soaked desert escape with a waterfront twist? Head to Lake Havasu City! Explore sparkling lake adventures, stroll historic London Bridge, hike scenic desert trails, and enjoy vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re seeking boating, beaches, or festivals, Lake Havasu City delivers endless sunshine and outdoor fun.
Lake Havasu City, AZ Highlights:
- London Bridge: Walk across the iconic 1830s bridge transported from England, now a centerpiece of the city.
- Lake Havasu: Enjoy boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming in this expansive reservoir on the Colorado River.
- Rotary Community Park: Relax at sandy beaches, play volleyball, or picnic at this family-friendly waterfront park.
- Lake Havasu State Park: Camp, hike, or swim along scenic beaches and cactus-dotted trails.
- Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair: See colorful hot air balloons fill the sky each January during one of the city’s biggest events.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Havasu City is during the fall through spring (October–April) when sunny days and cooler temperatures make it perfect for outdoor activities, lake fun, and festivals. Summer is extremely hot but popular for boating and beach parties.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Lake Havasu City is accessible via Arizona State Route 95, located about 2.5 hours south of Las Vegas and 3.5 hours west of Phoenix.
- By Air: Lake Havasu City Airport (HII) serves small aircraft; larger airports nearby include Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (1 hour) and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (2.5 hours).
Where to Stay
- London Bridge Resort – Waterfront all-suite resort featuring pools, a marina, restaurants, and stunning bridge views.
- Havasu Dunes Resort – Comfortable condo-style accommodations with pools and easy access to the lake and hiking trails.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Havasu - London Bridge – Modern hotel with free breakfast and a short walk to the London Bridge and the beach.
Best Things to Do
1. Walk Across History at London Bridge
Rating: ★★★★★
The world-famous London Bridge was built in England during the 12th century and spanned the Thames River in London for over 600 years, during which time it frequently fell into disrepair. In 1831, a new bridge was completed and the old one demolished, but by the time the invention of the automobile rolled around it was clear that even this new bridge wasn’t built to handle London’s heavy traffic.
In 1967, the City of London sold the historic bridge to Robert McCulloch, who dismantled it stone by stone and had it shipped and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City. Today, the London Bridge stands proudly over the Colorado River, and is the second-most popular attraction for visitors in Arizona, after the Grand Canyon. Walking tours of the bridge and its fascinating history are available from the Lake Havasu City Visitor Center.
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA, Phone: 928-855-5655
2. Swim, Sun, and Stroll at London Bridge Beach
London Bridge Beach is accessible to visitors by boat or car, with day-mooring, walk-up paths from the docks, and a non-motorized boat launch. The beach is a great place for a day out, with both grassy and sandy areas for picnics, parties, and relaxation. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on the beach and in the park.
Among the London Bridge Beach’s many features are a swimming area, an off-leash dog park, sports courts, and two playgrounds for children. Seasonal rental of paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes is also available.
1340 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, Phone: 928-453-8686
3. Venture Off-Road to the Legendary Desert Bar
The Desert Bar is a one-of-a-kind experience located in the middle of the lower Sonoran Desert, on land that was once an old mining camp. The bar is powered by solar energy and built of many unique materials, such as old refrigerator doors and swaying steel barstools.
It is not accessible by any paved roads, and it is only open on weekends from noon until the sun goes down during the months of October until April, though sometimes the owner opens and closes at his own discretion. It accepts only cash, no cards, and it never serves cheese. But visitors shouldn’t let that stop them, because a meal at the Desert Bar is a truly unforgettable experience.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Trace the Town’s Story at the Lake Havasu Museum of History
The Lake Havasu Museum of History tells the stories of the region’s rich history, from the culture and lifestyle of the Mojave Native Americans to the history of mining in Arizona. Guests can cool off from the heat outside in the museum, which offers activities and educational material for children as well as adults.
Admission to the museum is affordable for adults and free for children under 12.
320 London Bridge Road Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, Phone: 928-854-4938
5. Unplug in Nature at Lake Havasu State Park
Lake Havasu State Park is the place to go for camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and more in a sunny and beautiful Arizona nature setting. The park is open to the public all year round, 24 hours a day, with outdoor trails and beachside campsites for tents or RVs, tucked right up against the gorgeous Colorado River. Campsites are equipped with power for RVs and have easy access to restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable drinking water.
The park is a popular port of entry for boats on the river, and offers canoe and kayak rental to visitors looking for a day on the water as well as maps and guides for guests looking to explore the trails.
699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu, AZ 86403, Phone: 928-855-2784
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
6. If You Love Small-Batch Spirits, Book the Desert Diamond Distillery Tour
At the Desert Diamond Distillery Factory Tour, visitors can witness firsthand the process of turning molasses into various varieties of rum. From distillation, bottling, barrel aging, storage, and of course, tasting, guests can look into the inner workings of this award-winning distillery, home of Gold Miner spirits, which is located on the famous Route 66 in Kingman, about 70 miles from Lake Havasu City.
4875 Olympic Dr., Kingman, AZ 86401, Phone: 928-757-7611
7. Play a Scenic Round at Grand Island Disc Golf Course
The Grand Island Disc Golf Course has nine different holes, each with various different levels of difficulty. First time players can use the practice basket and seasoned lovers of frisbee golf can test their mettle on the course.
Located on Grand Island in the middle of Lake Havasu, the Grand Island Disc Golf Course is a great way to spend an afternoon with family or friends in the great outdoors, and best of all it is entirely free to the public. Visitors must provide their own discs.
8. Soar Above the Water at Hangin’ Over Havasu
Explore the Colorado River and Lake Havasu City from above with Hangin' Over Havasu in an amphibious ultra-light trike aircraft. Visitors can take control of the aircraft at 500 feet above the ground during guided flight lessons from the experienced staff.
Hangin’ Over Havasu is not a tour service, but offers lessons and training for visitors to learn how to fly a lightweight amphibious aircraft. Flight hours will be logged if guests wish to continue their training after the Introductory Flight to become certified as a sport pilot. Guests should call ahead to make a reservation.
5600 Hwy 95 N, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404, Phone: 480-299-0717
9. If You Just Want to Chill, Hit the Lake Havasu Beaches
There’s nothing quite like a sunny day at the beach, and Lake Havasu City is home to plenty of beautiful beaches where visitors can sunbathe, swim, and play. Lake Havasu Beaches are large and varied, with some offering amenities like barbecues and restrooms, and others that are pet friendly. Lake Havasu is one of the best boating lakes in the US, and whether guests have rented a boat or brought their own, they’ll find the sparkling waters of the lake and the sun in the clear blue Arizona sky to be a beautiful and welcome addition to their day. Boaters can explore some of the hidden coves of Lake Havasu to find peaceful beaches all for themselves.
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