Touch a piece of history with a tour of the world-famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. — Photo courtesy of Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Lake Havasu City, also known as Arizona’s West Coast, provides the perfect backdrop for a spring getaway: fabulous lake beaches, ample boating and hiking, and the allure of historic London Bridge. Where else can you lie on a desert beach, just a stone’s throw from an authentic piece of London history? Escape to cool waters, sunny skies, and unbeatable recreational opportunities with a visit to this top spring break destination.
Lounge on Sandy Desert Beaches
Who knew that landlocked Arizona had such fabulous beaches? Lake Havasu, a large fresh water reservoir situated behind Parker Dam on the Colorado River, is home to Arizona’s only sandy beaches. Visitors enjoy clear, fresh water with little or no waves and water visibility in the range of 20 to 25 feet deep–perfect for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving. Lake Havasu Park, located near the famous London Bridge, offers three boat ramps, 47 campsites, picnic area, special events area, and a beach area. The Mohave Sunset Trail (1.75 miles), which winds along the lake’s scenic shore land, is a popular path for hikers and nature-lovers.
Take a Tour of Historic London Bridge
Head to the Lake Havasu City Visitors Center for a 45-minute walking tour of London Bridge. You’ll see strafing scars from damaged incurred during World War II on the bridge’s granite surface. Take a leisurely stroll over Bridgewater Channel and enjoy the view from this iconic bridge. The tour is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Contact the Visitors Center at (928) 855-5655 to schedule your tour.
Launch into a Desert Sunset
There’s no better way to explore the hidden coves and beaches of Lake Havasu than by boat. There are 16 launch ramps that provide access to the lake, as well as eight fueling docks. Bring your own boat, or rent one from one of the several boat rental companies in the city. Most rental companies offer a wide range of watercraft to choose from–everything from high-performance race boats to cruising pontoons–and will even launch the boat for you.
Explore Lake Havasu City’s Shopping Districts
Lake Havasu City is home to several shopping districts and specialty gift shops. Island Fashion mall, just across the London Bridge, is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. Have lunch at one of the mall restaurants and enjoy great view of scenic Bridgewater Channel. Waterfront shopping at the London Bridge Shops, situated just under the historic bridge, offers the perfect excuse to hunt for souvenirs and enjoy a romantic alfresco lunch. For the best in boutique shopping, head to Main Street/Uptown District shopping area for local fine art, jewelry, gourmet food, and other unique specialty shops. Finally, The Shops at Lake Havasu features national retail chains such as JC Penney and Dillard’s in a pleasant outdoor mall setting.
