Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Havasu, AZ

It amazes me how many people I have met who live in Arizona or the surrounding areas who have never been to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The deserts of Southern California and throughout Arizona offer numerous outdoor activities including hiking, off-roading, and beautiful scenery. But in my opinion, Lake Havasu City is one of the hidden treasures of Arizona, USA.

Located off I-40 on Hwy 93, about 2 ½ hours south of Las Vegas Nevada, is where this desert playground is located. Lake Havasu was formed when Parker Dam, located south of Lake Havasu City, was built in the 1930s, creating the lake now known as Lake Havasu. Robert McCullough, the godfather of Lake Havasu, bought London Bridge for $2.5 million and spent another $7 million to dismantle it and ship it from England. What used to be just a peninsula is now an island after a channel was dug for the bridge. And yes, the song “The London Bridge is Falling Down” is about the Lake Havasu London Bridge.

The following list includes some of the greatest attractions Lake Havasu has to offer that only a few connoisseurs know about. So to fully enjoy every minute of your stay, do yourself a favor and be sure to schedule time to accommodate everyone. Lake Havasu can be enjoyed year-round, but the best times of the year are during the spring and summer months; especially if you plan to play in the water. Winter and fall are ideal if you don’t plan on swimming, boating and skiing.

So don’t let the heat from May to September stop you. Just buy SPF 150 plus sunscreen and have fun.

1. London Bridge – Remove the bridge first. This is obvious. If you go to Lake Havasu and don’t see the bridge, then there’s a chance you already have heat stroke. English Town circles the bridge to give it the feel of London, except it’s surrounded by desert. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great, but for some unknown reason, the English Village doesn’t measure up to its crown jewel, London Bridge. Some really cool shops and attractions are long gone, but it’s still worth picking up an ice cream cone and some souvenirs. Don’t forget to come back at night.

2. Spring Break: College-age kids love it, and the locals hate it. In my opinion, Lake Havasu is the West Coast’s best kept secret when it comes to spring break spots. If you can pull it off, try making reservations at the Nautical Inn on the island or at the London Bride Resort located on the canal next to London Bridge. Not to mention, Lake Havasu’s hottest nightclub, Kokomo’s, is also located there.

3. Water Sports: This is Havasu’s bread and butter. Swimming, boating and water skiing is what Lake Havasu is all about. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding boats for hire under London Bridge. If you’re traveling in a group, consider renting a houseboat for the day. Be sure to visit the sandbanks located north of the city. Ask the locals, they will point you in the right direction. Check out the swimming holes in the area too. Rotary State Park, located at the end of Smoketree Ave, and The State Beach, located on the island, are great places for kids and families. There are numerous swimming holes on the island if you like privacy, but be sure to wear shoes. Lake Havasu doesn’t have the luxurious sandy beaches like Southern California, and the rocks will crush your feet.

4. Fishing – If you’re a fisherman, you’ll have a blast at Lake Havasu. Striped bass, catfish, and bluegills populate the region, just to name a few. Lake Havasu is known for its countless coves and inlets that just cry out to be fished. It is also not necessary to have a boat. So if you just want to grab a lawn chair and relax, the island has plenty of places to fish. Don’t forget to buy a license.

5. The island at night – This is what it’s all about. Most Lake Havasu homes can see the lake due to their design. So when you are by the lake you can see the whole city. And, at night it is absolutely beautiful. Clear nights give way to the heavens – you get a clear view of the stars in all their glory. Make sure you go to the end of the island near Site Six. Just follow McCullough Blvd over the bridge until you reach the end and stop anywhere to find a good spot. But be careful, there are many dangerous ravines, and if you don’t pay attention it can get ugly. You’ll see what I’m talking about once you’re there. You can hear wild burros on some nights across the lake in California, or boaters having fun. I can’t even tell you how many nights I spent there throwing a few cold ones down my throat and taking it all in.

6. Copper Canyon: Havasuans have always known about this hot spot, but MTV brought this little cove to Hollywood. Made famous by MTV’s 1994 Spring Break visit, Copper Canyon is now a must-see if you have a boat and like to party and cliff jump. During spring break, the packed boats form a floating walkway. This also applies to Labor Day, the 4th of July, and Memorial Day weekend. If crowded isn’t your thing, you may want to experience the Copper Canyon at another time of year.

7. Boat Tours – If you just want to relax and hang out for a couple of hours, and see all the sites, then you might be interested in a boat tour. The narrators give you a step-by-step, play-by-play experience that is truly second to none. See wildlife, dine or relax; the choice is yours.

8. Bison Blvd: I’m about to annoy the neighbors, but the desert view from Bison Blvd through Kiowa is too good not to tell you about. The pavement will only take you so far though, a car will do the trick if you drive very slowly; We recommend using only one truck if possible. Bison is located at the base of the mountains behind Lake Havasu. See the city from the other side, and just like the island, there are incredible views of the cosmos. During the day, the desert is a paradise for off-road neophytes; this is where the desert really opens up.

9. Cliffs – If you like to jump off cliffs then this is the place for you. Located north of Lake Havasu City off I-93 in the desert foothills are the cliffs that range from 15 to 150 feet in height. This is not a park and parking is limited unless you access this area using an ATV or boat. The water is deep enough, but you have to be very careful if you plan to jump from the big ones. Again, just ask the younger locals for exact directions.

10. Off Road – The desert is open north, south, and west of Lake Havasu. There are numerous buggy rentals in the area to choose from. But like I said, be prepared with water, a GPS device, a cell phone, and a spare tire. Rent a dune buggy and hit the open trails of the desert. Just be careful, because if you do get into trouble during the summer months, the Arizona heat is not very forgiving.