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Lake Havasu City is a desert resort city of about 57,000 people on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, a reservoir on the Colorado River in western Arizona. It was founded in 1964 by chainsaw magnate Robert P. McCulloch, who famously bought the 1830s London Bridge from the City of London in 1968 and had it shipped stone by stone and rebuilt here, opening in 1971.
The bridge spans the Bridgewater Channel, a man-made waterway lined with beaches, boat traffic and the English Village shopping area. The city also claims more lighthouses than any other in the country, with scaled-down replicas of famous American lighthouses built around the shoreline. Boating is the main event: houseboats, jet skis and pontoons crowd the lake in summer, and spring break draws big crowds.
Beyond the water, hikers head to the Crack in the Mountain trail in SARA Park, paddlers explore the red-rock walls of Topock Gorge to the north, and families relax at Lake Havasu State Park and Cattail Cove. Winters are mild and sunny, making it a favorite with snowbirds.
The 1830s London Bridge, bought from the City of London in 1968 and rebuilt over the Bridgewater Channel in 1971 with its original granite facing. Walk across it, stroll the paths underneath and read the plaques about its journey. It is lit up at night and especially photogenic at sunset.
The man-made channel beneath London Bridge that links the main lake with Thompson Bay, lined with a sandy beach, walking paths and docks. On summer weekends it is a lively parade of boats and swimmers. Rent a kayak or simply watch the action from the shore near the bridge.
More than two dozen scaled-down replicas of famous American lighthouses, built by a local lighthouse club as working navigation aids around the shoreline of Lake Havasu. Several can be reached on foot near the channel and Rotary Park; many more are best seen by boat. Ask locally for a lighthouse map.
A small themed shopping and dining area beside London Bridge with English-style storefronts, gift shops, a visitor center and lakeside restaurants. It is the natural starting point for a bridge walk and boat tours. Pick up maps and tour information at the visitor center.
A state park along the lakeshore north of the bridge, with Windsor Beach, boat launches, campsites, cabins and the Mohave Sunset Trail through desert scrub. It is a top spot for swimming and launching boats. There is a day-use fee per vehicle; arrive early on summer weekends.
A smaller state park about 15 miles south of the city with a sheltered sandy beach, a marina, campsites and boat-in campsites along the shoreline. It is calmer than the busy beaches in town. Bring a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coves and rocky shoreline nearby.
A large city park on the lake south of the bridge with a swimming beach, playgrounds, sports courts, picnic shelters and a skate park. Several replica lighthouses stand along the shore nearby. Admission is free, making it a favorite with families on hot days.
A popular desert hike from SARA Park down a dry wash and through narrow slot canyons to a cove on the Colorado River, where boaters often stop too. The route is about 5 to 6 miles round trip with some scrambling. Go only in cool months, start early and carry plenty of water.
A scenic stretch of the Colorado River in the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge north of the lake, where the river winds between jagged volcanic cliffs. It is best explored by kayak, canoe or guided boat tour, with chances to see bighorn sheep, herons and petroglyphs. Plan a full day and pack water.
A narrow, rocky cove on the Arizona shore north of the city, reached only by boat, known for its cliffs and a famously lively party scene on summer weekends. On weekdays and in the off season it is much quieter and good for swimming. Anchor carefully and watch for crowds.
A local museum telling the story of the area from the Chemehuevi people and Parker Dam to the founding of the city and the moving of London Bridge, with photos, models and artifacts. It is a good rainy-day or midday escape from the heat. Check opening days, which are limited.
An annual winter festival with hot air balloon launches over the lake, evening balloon glows, a fair, food and live music. It usually takes place in January at Lake Havasu State Park. Arrive at dawn for the mass ascensions, and dress warmly, as desert mornings are cold.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Hammersoft, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Dorian Wallender from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: joedecruyenaere, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
