Duration: 2 day stay
Best For: Families, water lovers, history buffs, outdoor adventurers
Start & End: Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Welcome to Lake Havasu City—Arizona’s premier waterfront escape nestled along the banks of the Colorado River. Known for its sunshine, sparkling lake, and iconic London Bridge, Lake Havasu blends outdoor recreation with small-town charm and global history. Whether you're cruising the lake, exploring desert trails, or dining by the water, this desert oasis offers something for everyone.
Launch your Lake Havasu experience at the city’s most iconic landmark—the London Bridge. Originally built in the 1830s and relocated from England to Arizona in 1968, the bridge now spans a man-made channel connecting the mainland to a vibrant island filled with beaches, shops, and restaurants. Stroll across the bridge, take in the views, and snap some photos of this piece of British history in the heart of the Arizona desert.
Afterward, head to London Bridge Beach or Rotary Community Park to soak up the sun. Both spots offer family-friendly amenities like volleyball courts, playgrounds, shaded pavilions, and paddleboard rentals. If you're looking to explore the lake, this is the perfect time to rent a jet ski, paddle board or boat from one of the nearby marinas. Once you're out on the water, enjoy the freedom of cruising through the Bridgewater Channel, where boaters often anchor and socialize, or venture across Lake Havasu to Havasu Landing on the California side. Accessible by private watercraft or ferry, Havasu Landing offers a marina, resort casino, casual dining, and a relaxing beach—a great cross-border detour during your day on the lake.
For your overnight stay, Lake Havasu City offers a variety of lodging. You can choose from waterfront resorts, casual hotels, or cozy vacation rentals.
Explore the city’s story at the Lake Havasu Museum of History, where exhibits cover Native American heritage, regional geology, and the extraordinary relocation of the London Bridge from London to Arizona. The story of founder Robert P. McCulloch’s vision of a city in the desert is especially inspiring.
Next, it’s time for a little retail therapy. Lake Havasu offers an inviting mix of boutique shops, galleries, and local outfitters on McCulloch Boulevard. Browse for souvenirs, desert-inspired jewelry, lake apparel, or handmade crafts. You’ll also find art galleries featuring Southwest and local artists, plus specialty shops. Stroll the palm-lined sidewalks, enjoy the relaxed pace, and maybe stop for a cold drink or sweet treat from a local café.
In the afternoon, take a short drive to Sara Park for a desert hike with sweeping lake and mountain views, or visit one of the many Lake Havasu lighthouses, charming miniature replicas of historic U.S. lighthouses placed along the shoreline.
As the sun sets, consider booking a sunset or dinner cruise to wind down your day with beautiful views, a relaxed atmosphere, and some live entertainment on the water. Rather stay on land? Lake Havasu City offers a variety of dining options overseeing the Bridgewater Channel.