Things To Do
in Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City is a small desert city in western Arizona built around the large, recreational Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. It’s famous for the transplanted London Bridge, a lively waterfront, and miles of marinas, beaches and desert landscapes. The town is a seasonal playground for boaters, anglers, RVers and winter visitors (snowbirds), with busy spring and summer activity peaks.
Despite its resort feel, it’s a quiet, compact community with easy access to water sports, hiking and off-road adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the heart of Lake Havasu City, enjoying the views of the iconic London Bridge. After breakfast, take a stroll along the waterfront, where you can admire the historical structures and vibrant gardens that surround the area. Immerse yourself in the local history at the Lake Havasu Museum, where fascinating exhibits showcase the city's rich past.
In the afternoon, grab a quick lunch at a nearby eatery before heading out on a scenic boat tour of Lake Havasu. This guided tour will take you past stunning landscapes and provide an opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. As the sun begins to dip, visit local shops and galleries to pick up unique souvenirs and crafts made by local artisans.
As the sky darkens, find a cozy restaurant along the waterfront for dinner, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties. After your meal, take a peaceful walk along the bridge, where the lights twinkle against the water's surface, creating a romantic atmosphere. Cap off the evening with live music at a local venue, experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Lake Havasu City.
Wake up early and head to the beach at Lake Havasu State Park for a day of sun and fun. Settle in on the sandy shore, soaking up the sun while sipping on your favorite morning drink. Get ready for adventure by signing up for a thrilling jet ski rental or paddleboarding session right on the lake.
After a morning of water sports, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach with some delicious sandwiches and snacks packed in a cooler. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach, building sandcastles, or enjoying the refreshing waters of Lake Havasu. If you're feeling adventurous, join a guided kayak tour to explore hidden coves and inlets around the lake.
As the sun begins to set, gather with fellow beachgoers for a beach bonfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the starry sky. Head to a local beachfront restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy classic American fare with a stunning view of the lake. End the evening with a night stroll along the waterfront, taking in the peaceful ambiance of the lake at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (mid-range) | $80-200 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3-5 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Outstanding water recreation and boating opportunities.
- Mild winters attract snowbirds and year-round outdoor activity.
- Compact, relaxed town with easy access to natural areas and parks.
- Extreme summer heat limits daytime outdoor activity and can be dangerous.
- Limited public transit and few big-city amenities; many services require driving.
- Higher prices and crowds during peak spring/summer season and events.
Places to Visit in Lake Havasu City
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic transplanted bridge over the lake — great for architectural shots, reflections on the water, and evening illumination photography.
Wide lake vistas, sandy shoreline, boats and sunsets; excellent for golden-hour and long-exposure water shots.
Panoramic views of the lake and desert—wide-angle landscapes and sunrise/sunset opportunities.
A quieter park with walking trails, shade trees and close-up shots of local life, picnickers and kayaks launching.
Rugged coves and rock formations offering dramatic foregrounds for sunset and wildlife photography.
Food in Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled carne asada tacos and Sonoran-style preparations are common — try a street-style taco with fresh salsa at a local taquería or a lakeside restaurant.
Must-Try!
Fresh or fried fish tacos are a favorite near the lake; look for locally-run spots and breweries that serve them with a crisp slaw and lime.
Smoked ribs, brisket and mesquite-flavored barbecue are popular at local smokehouses and casual diners.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal farmers market offering fresh produce, baked goods, local crafts and food stalls — a good place to sample regional flavors and pick up picnic items.
During peak season and events, food trucks and pop-up stands appear near the London Bridge and marinas serving tacos, burgers and frozen treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally relaxed and friendly—casual dress is normal. A polite greeting and basic courtesy go a long way.
Many lakeside areas are private or managed — obey signs, restricted areas and marina rules. Do not trespass on private docks or shorelines.
Take water safety seriously: wear life jackets when boating and respect posted warnings. In the desert, inform someone of your route and carry supplies.
Safety
Tipping in Lake Havasu City
Ensure a smooth experience
Follow standard U.S. tipping: 15–20% at restaurants (higher for exceptional service), $1–2 per drink for bartenders, $2–5 for valet or bell services, and round up or $1–2 for taxi / rideshare drivers when appropriate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, shops and rental outlets; contactless payments are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, tips, park entrance fees or remote areas where card coverage may be spotty.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Extremely hot and dry—daytime temperatures routinely exceed 100°F (38°C). Water activities are popular but take precautions for heat stroke and sunburn; early morning and late afternoon are best for outdoor activities.
Warm and pleasant with lower humidity; ideal for boating, hiking and outdoor festivals. Crowds taper after Labor Day, and evenings become comfortable.
Mild daytime temperatures (50s–60s°F / 10–20°C) with cool nights; a favorite season for retirees and snowbirds. Good time for off-season rates, calmer marinas and comfortable hiking.
Popular and busy due to spring break and boating season; pleasant temperatures and abundant events but expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.
Lake Havasu City at Night
Hiking in Lake Havasu City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails near the state park offer gentle to moderate hikes with overlooks of the lake and opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Shoreline paths and short scrambles around rock coves — good for exploring quieter parts of the lake and scouting secluded picnic spots.
Nature trails and observation points for wildlife and migratory birds; brings a different, quieter perspective on the river and desert ecosystem.
Ungroomed desert routes and informal trails accessible from trailheads around town for more adventurous hikers and off-road explorers—bring navigation tools and plenty of water.
Airports
How to reach Lake Havasu City by plane.
Small regional airport with limited commercial service and general aviation; convenient for private planes and some regional flights, a short drive to town.
Nearby small regional airports and airfields on the Colorado River side offer seasonal or charter flights; ground transfers or drives from these airports bring you to Lake Havasu within an hour or two depending on which you use.
Major international airport approximately 2–3 hours’ drive (depending on route and traffic); offers the most flight options and car-rental services for longer-distance visitors.
Major airport serving the Phoenix metro area about a 3.5–4 hour drive away; largest selection of flights and car rental options for travelers willing to drive or connect via regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population are seasonal or year-round retirees seeking mild winters and a relaxed lifestyle—this group shapes many local services and peak-season dynamics.
Visitors who come for boating, fishing and RV camping form a large seasonal contingent, especially in spring and summer.
Families and long-term residents who work in tourism, hospitality, healthcare and local businesses maintain the town’s year-round character.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant recreational sport—powerboat racing, skiing, wakeboarding, and jet-ski activities are widely practiced and often form the basis of local events and competitions.
Recreational fishing is common with bass and catfish tournaments and plenty of shore and boat angling opportunities.
Golf is popular among residents and visitors, with several local courses catering to casual and retired players year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lake Havasu City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large metros; choose salads, veggie tacos, grilled veggie plates and many restaurants will customize dishes. Check menus online or ask staff to make substitutions — most places are accommodating.
Vegan choices exist at cafés and some Mexican restaurants (bean, rice, salsa-based dishes) but planning helps—pack snacks or seek out places with clear vegan options or ingredient flexibility.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests (corn tortillas, grilled proteins, salads). Mention your restriction and cross-contamination concerns when ordering; smaller kitchens may have limits.