Things to Do in Lake Havasu, Arizona
Lake Havasu City is where a London Bridge ended up in the middle of the Arizona desert — and somehow it works. The city sits on the Colorado River with 60 miles of navigable waterway, 300+ days of sunshine, and water sports from jet skiing to houseboat parties that have made it one of the West’s most popular spring break and summer destinations.
Watch: Top Videos About Lake Havasu
Quick Facts: Lake Havasu City is in western Arizona, about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, 3.5 from Phoenix, and 4.5 from LA. Best time to visit: October–April for comfortable weather; summer hits 110°F+ but the lake stays packed.
Here’s everything worth doing in Lake Havasu City, whether you’re coming for a weekend houseboat party or a quiet desert escape.
London Bridge & The English Village
London Bridge — The actual 1831 London Bridge, purchased and relocated stone by stone in 1968 by Robert McCulloch when London replaced it. It spans a navigable channel of Lake Havasu and is the second-most-visited tourist attraction in Arizona after the Grand Canyon. Walking across it is free and takes about 10 minutes — the views down the channel are surprisingly beautiful at sunset.
The English Village — At the base of the bridge on the mainland side. Shops, restaurants, an English-themed pub, and the visitor center. It’s touristy in a charming way and the obvious starting point for any first visit.
Lake Havasu Museum of History — Small but well-done museum that tells the bizarre story of how the bridge ended up here, the founding of Lake Havasu City, and the area’s mining and Native American history. $5 admission and worth the hour.
Water Sports & Boating
This is what brings most people to Lake Havasu. The lake stretches 30 miles along the Colorado River with countless coves, sandbars, and beaches.
Jet Ski & Boat Rentals — Multiple rental operators line Bridgewater Channel. Half-day jet ski rentals run $200-300; ski boats and pontoons $400-700. Reserve ahead in summer and on holiday weekends.
Houseboat Rentals — The Lake Havasu houseboat experience is legendary. Multi-day rentals from companies like Forever Resorts and Havasu Springs Resort sleep 6-12 people with full kitchens, bathrooms, water slides, and roof decks. Prices range from $2,000 for a long weekend to $8,000+ for a week on a luxury boat.
Copper Canyon — A narrow slot canyon only accessible by boat, about 12 miles south of the bridge. Cliff jumping, swimming, and one of the most photographed spots on the lake. The party scene gets intense on summer weekends.
Wakeboarding & Tubing — The early morning glass-water conditions before the wind picks up are perfect for wakeboarding. Most rental boats include skis and tubes.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding — Calmer alternative to the powerboat crowd. Topock Gorge to the north has 16 miles of protected wildlife refuge water with red rock canyon walls.
Fishing — Lake Havasu is rated one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country. Striped bass, largemouth, smallmouth, and channel catfish. Arizona or California fishing license required (the lake straddles both states).
Desert Hiking & Outdoor Adventure
SARA Park — The trailhead for Lake Havasu’s best desert hiking. The 3-mile Crack in the Mountain trail winds through a natural rock fissure, opens into a hidden canyon, and ends at “Sara’s Crack” — a swimming hole at the lake’s edge. Best done in the cooler months.
Lake Havasu State Park — Beach access, picnic areas, and the Mohave Sunset Trail along the shoreline. Day use $20 per vehicle.
Cattail Cove State Park — 15 miles south of the city. Quieter beaches, hiking trails, and primitive boat-in campsites along the lake.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge — Topock Gorge and Topock Marsh attract over 300 bird species. Best viewed by kayak or pontoon boat.
Off-Roading — The desert backcountry around Lake Havasu has miles of OHV trails. Dirt Bag Tours and Outback Adventures run guided UTV trips for those without their own gear.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Lake Havasu’s nightlife centers on Bridgewater Channel and the bridge area, with most action concentrated on weekends and during spring break season.
Kokomo Havasu — The biggest nightclub on the lake. DJs, dancing, and the weekend crowd that keeps Havasu’s spring break reputation alive.
London Bridge Resort Pubs — The Hofbrauhaus, Martini Bay, and the BHC Marina bars are the after-dinner spots that anchor the bridge area.
Lakeside Tiki Bars — Several waterfront bars with boat-up access, fire pits, and live music on weekends.
Sunset Cruises — Bluewater Resort & Casino runs evening dinner cruises with live music — a more relaxed alternative to the club scene.
For a deeper breakdown of where locals drink, see our Lake Havasu nightlife and bars guide.
Restaurants Worth the Trip
Casual: Barley Brothers Brewery & Grill (lake views, house beer), Javelina Cantina (Mexican on the channel), Burger Werks (the local burger spot), Shugrue’s (steaks and seafood, a Havasu institution).
Mid-Range: BJ’s Tavern (steakhouse vibe), Mudshark Brewing Co. (gastropub with local craft beer), College Street Brewhouse (the city’s biggest patio).
Splurge: Martini Bay at the London Bridge Resort, Krystal’s Fine Dining, and the chef-driven menu at the Heat Hotel restaurant.
Breakfast: Red Onion (locals’ favorite), Bad Miguel’s, and Cha-Bones for late breakfast with a bloody mary. See more breakfast and brunch picks and full restaurant recommendations.
Day Trips From Lake Havasu
The desert and river country around Lake Havasu has plenty of options when you need a break from the water.
Oatman, AZ — A historic Route 66 mining town 45 minutes north where wild burros wander the main street. Old west gunfight reenactments, dusty saloons, and the Oatman Hotel where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned.
Parker Dam & Parker Strip — 30 miles south. The dam that created Lake Havasu and another stretch of party-friendly Colorado River.
Joshua Tree National Park — 2.5 hours west into California. Bizarre desert landscapes and world-class rock climbing. Long day but doable.
Las Vegas — 2.5 hours northwest. Easy overnight or day trip if you want a contrast to desert quiet.
Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon West — 3 hours northwest. Combine with Vegas or do as a single long day from Havasu.
For more options, check Lake Havasu day trips.
Free Things to Do in Lake Havasu
- Walk across the London Bridge
- Beach time at Lake Havasu State Park (beach is free; parking is $20)
- The English Village shopping district
- Sunset photos from the Bridgewater Channel
- Wildlife viewing at the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
- Self-guided lighthouse tour — the city has 28 replica lighthouses scattered around the lake
- Rotary Community Park (free beach access, picnic areas, playground)
Full list at our free things to do in Lake Havasu guide.
Lake Havasu Resort Stays
Lake Havasu has multiple resort and timeshare properties offering promotional stays at deeply discounted rates. These promotions typically include 4-5 nights in a resort suite for the cost of a 90-120 minute presentation about vacation ownership.
Available Resort Properties:
- London Bridge Resort — The signature property right on Bridgewater Channel with the bridge at its doorstep
- Havasu Springs Resort — South lake property with marina, golf course, and houseboat rentals
- Heat Hotel — Boutique waterfront hotel with rooftop pool
Promotional packages include resort accommodations and access to all the water activities Havasu is famous for.
View Lake Havasu Timeshare Promotions →
Vacation Deals
💰 Save on Your Lake Havasu City Stay
Qualified visitors can stay at resort-quality properties in Lake Havasu City for a fraction of the retail rate — in exchange for attending a 90-to-120-minute vacation ownership preview.
Call (888) 988-2256 — Check Availability
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a presentation about vacation ownership. No obligation to purchase. Full details →
View Lake Havasu City Timeshare Promotions →