10 Ways Lake Havasu Will Surprise You (Yes, Including a British Bridge)

Rolling into Lake Havasu City with our 42-foot Alliance 5th Wheel felt a bit like landing a jumbo jet in a supermarket parking lot. My wife and I have navigated this behemoth through winding mountain roads and cramped gas stations, but nothing prepared us for the blend of desert oasis and British charm that awaited us here.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience London, beach life, and desert adventures all in one place—while hauling your home behind you—then crank your engine up.

This is Lake Havasu, and it’s anything but ordinary.

A Snapshot of Lake Havasu

Nestled on the eastern shore of its eponymous lake, Lake Havasu City is a paradox wrapped in a mirage. Founded in 1964 by chainsaw magnate Robert P. McCulloch, this city rose from the desert sands thanks to one man’s audacious idea: buy the old London Bridge, ship it over piece by piece, and rebuild it in the middle of nowhere. Because when life gives you millions of dollars and a surplus bridge, you create a tourist attraction.

The city spans 43 square miles and boasts a population of around 55,000 permanent residents. But come winter, that number swells as snowbirds migrate south, trading snow shovels for sunscreen.

Speaking of sunscreen, let’s talk weather. With over 300 days of sunshine and summer temperatures that can make a lizard sweat, hydration isn’t just recommended—it’s a survival tactic.

Lake Havasu itself is a reservoir formed by the Parker Dam on the Colorado River. The lake stretches 45 miles, offering a water playground in stark contrast to the surrounding desert.

It’s this juxtaposition that gives the city its unique charm—a place where palm trees meet saguaros, and you can boat in the morning and hike in the afternoon.

1. London Bridge

Address: 1340 McCulloch Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Approximate Price: Free to explore; boat tours $20-$30 per person
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)

Yes, the actual London Bridge resides here, and no, you’re not hallucinating from the heat. Walking across this piece of history feels surreal, especially when you realize that the only thing separating you from the original Thames River setting is about 5,400 miles and a lot of desert.

We started our day with a self-guided tour, reading the plaques that detail the bridge’s storied past. My wife quipped that we should have brought monocles and top hats to fully embrace the experience. I suggested a spot of tea, but considering the temperature was flirting with triple digits, iced beverages seemed more appropriate.

Underneath the bridge lies the English Village, a collection of shops and eateries attempting, with varying degrees of success, to emulate British charm. We meandered through souvenir shops selling everything from Union Jack flip-flops to Big Ben bottle openers. It’s kitschy, sure, but in an endearing way.

We capped off our visit with a boat tour, cruising under the bridge and around the lake. The tour guide regaled us with tales of how McCulloch purchased the bridge at an auction, thinking he was buying the more iconic Tower Bridge. Oops. Regardless, it put Lake Havasu on the map, and for that, we tip our proverbial hats.

2. Lake Havasu State Park

Address: 699 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Approximate Price: $15 per vehicle; additional fees for camping
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8/10)

Lake Havasu State Park is an oasis within an oasis. With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a desert. We parked our RV with ease, thanks to the spacious sites equipped for large rigs like ours.

Our first stop was Windsor Beach, where we set up our beach chairs and umbrella. The water was inviting, and given the heat, we didn’t hesitate to take a dip.

After drying off, we explored the Mohave Sunset Trail, a short hike that offers stunning views of the lake against the backdrop of the mountains. The trail is an easy walk, but we took our time, partly to enjoy the scenery and partly because the sun was relentless.

Along the way, interpretive signs provided information about the local flora and fauna. I tried to impress my wife by identifying a creosote bush, but she reminded me that reading the sign next to it doesn’t make me a botanist.

We ended our visit with a picnic, utilizing one of the many shaded tables. As we watched boats glide across the water, it struck me how this park encapsulates the Lake Havasu experience—natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a touch of whimsy.

3. Lake Havasu Lighthouses

Address: Scattered around Lake Havasu’s shoreline
Approximate Price: Free; boat rentals vary
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (7/10)

In a town known for importing landmarks, it shouldn’t surprise you that Lake Havasu boasts more lighthouses than some coastal cities. These 1/3 scale replicas of famous U.S. lighthouses serve a practical purpose, aiding nighttime navigation on the lake. But let’s be honest—they’re also a delightful eccentricity.

Armed with a map from the visitor center, we embarked on a lighthouse-spotting mission. Some are accessible by foot, like the East Quoddy Head replica near the English Village. Others required a boat, so we rented a small pontoon for the afternoon. My wife took the helm, channeling her inner sea captain, while I played first mate, which mostly involved applying sunscreen and pointing dramatically at distant objects.

We spotted replicas of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Split Rock Lighthouse, and even a West Quoddy Head Lighthouse adorned in its iconic red and white stripes. Each lighthouse is meticulously crafted, a testament to the dedication of the Lake Havasu Lighthouse Club.

It’s a quirky way to spend the day, and if you’re a lighthouse aficionado—or just enjoy scavenger hunts—it’s a must-do. Plus, it gives you an excuse to be out on the water, which is never a bad thing here.

Watch this video on YouTube

4. Rotary Community Park

Address: 1400 S Smoketree Ave, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Approximate Price: Free; equipment rentals available
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8/10)

Rotary Community Park is where Lake Havasu City comes to play. Spanning 40 acres, it’s a smorgasbord of recreational facilities, including beach areas, playgrounds, sports courts, and even a skate park. We parked our bikes at the entrance—yes, we carry bikes on our RV because walking is so pedestrian—and set off to explore.

The palm tree-lined pathways offer shade and a scenic route along the shoreline. Families were out in force, kids building sandcastles, teens attempting ollies at the skate park, and adults lounging with books or grilling at the picnic areas. The atmosphere was infectious.

One of the park’s highlights is the designated swim area. The water here is calm, perfect for a leisurely swim or floating on an inflatable unicorn—yes, we saw that. We settled on a bench to watch the sunset, the sky ablaze with hues of orange and pink, reflected in the tranquil waters of the lake.

5. Lake Havasu Museum of History

Address: 320 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Approximate Price: $7 per adult; discounts for seniors and students
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (7/10)

When the desert sun turns from warm embrace to oppressive glare, indoor activities become highly appealing. The Lake Havasu Museum of History offers a respite and a chance to get into the area’s rich past.

Despite its modest size, the museum packs a punch with exhibits ranging from Native American artifacts to the quirky tale of the London Bridge relocation.

A highlight was the video presentation detailing the monumental effort to move the London Bridge. Seeing archival footage of the bridge being dismantled and reconstructed piece by numbered piece was both impressive and slightly absurd. But hey, go big or go home, right?

Before leaving, we perused the gift shop, where my wife purchased a book on desert wildflowers, and I picked up a fridge magnet of—what else—the London Bridge. It was an enlightening afternoon that added depth to our understanding of this unique city.

6. Mudshark Brewery

Address: 1095 Aviation Dr, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404
Approximate Price: Pints $5-$7; food menu varies
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)

After a day of cultural enrichment, it was time for some liquid refreshment. Mudshark Brewery is a local institution, offering craft beers with a desert twist. The brewery’s name pays homage to the area’s native fish, and its commitment to sustainability—using solar power and local ingredients—is commendable.

We settled into a cozy corner of the taproom, which exudes a laid-back vibe with its industrial décor and friendly staff. Opting for a tasting flight, we sampled a range of brews. The Desert Magic IPA was a hoppy delight, while the Vanilla Caramel Porter felt like dessert in a glass.

My wife favored the Hava Blue, a blueberry-infused wheat ale that was surprisingly refreshing.

Feeling peckish, we ordered the beer-battered fish and chips. It seemed fitting, given the British theme running through our trip. The portions were generous, and the food hit the spot.

As we left, the sun was dipping low, casting a golden glow over the brewery’s outdoor patio. We made a mental note to return—after all, there’s always more beer to try.

7. Shugrue’s Restaurant and Bar

Address: 1425 McCulloch Blvd N, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Approximate Price: Entrées $15-$35; happy hour specials available
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8/10)

For a touch of elegance in the desert, Shugrue’s offers upscale dining with panoramic views of the London Bridge and the shimmering lake. After days of casual meals and campground cooking, we decided to treat ourselves.

The restaurant’s ambiance is sophisticated yet unpretentious. We were seated by a window, the perfect vantage point to watch the twilight settle over the city. Our server was attentive, guiding us through the menu with recommendations.

I opted for the Blackened Ahi Tuna, seared to perfection and served with a wasabi soy sauce that had just the right kick. My wife chose the Shrimp Scampi, garlic and butter melding into a symphony of flavors. We shared a bottle of local Arizona wine—yes, they make wine here, and it’s quite good.

It felt worlds away from the dusty trails and bustling parks, a reminder that Lake Havasu City has layers beyond its outdoor attractions. We lingered over dessert—a decadent chocolate lava cake—savoring both the flavors and the moment.

8. Hiking at SARA Park’s Crack in the Mountain Trail

Address: 7260 Sara Park Way, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
Approximate Price: Free; parking available
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8/10)

The next morning, we decided to tackle the Crack in the Mountain Trail at SARA Park—a name that promises adventure and delivers on it. The trail is approximately 3.4 miles out and back and is rated moderate, though some sections require scrambling over rocks.

Armed with water, snacks, and a questionable sense of direction, we set off. The trail begins unassumingly but soon leads you into a narrow slot canyon. The walls rise around you, textured with layers of sediment and time. At points, we had to turn sideways to squeeze through, which made for some humorous moments, especially when my backpack got wedged.

Emerging from the canyon, the trail opens up to vistas of the lake and surrounding desert. The contrast of the blue water against the red rocks is stunning. We found a shady spot to rest and enjoy the view.

Back at the trailhead, we agreed that the hike was a highlight of our trip—a perfect blend of challenge and reward.

9. Jet Skiing on Lake Havasu

Address: Watercraft rentals available at multiple locations; we used Havasu Jet Ski Rentals, 507 English Village, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Approximate Price: $80-$100 per hour; discounts for multiple hours
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)

No trip to Lake Havasu is complete without getting out on the water, and what better way than on a jet ski? We rented a pair of jet skis, deciding that marital harmony was best preserved by each having our own. After a brief safety briefing—which mostly served to remind me that I’m not as invincible as I was at 20—we hit the water.

The sensation of skimming across the lake at high speed is exhilarating. The wind whipping through your hair, the spray of water, the roar of the engine—it’s sensory overload in the best way. My wife took off like a rocket, her competitive streak in full display. I gave chase, laughing as we navigated the open water.

We explored hidden coves and even spotted some wild burros along the shoreline. At one point, we cut the engines and floated, taking in the serenity that contrasts sharply with the adrenaline-fueled ride. It was a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility.

Returning the jet skis, we were both buzzing with energy. It’s not a cheap activity, but the memories made are priceless. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to cool off on a hot day.

10. Stargazing at Cattail Cove State Park

Address: AZ-95, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
Approximate Price: $15 per vehicle; camping fees additional
Lake Havasu Vibe Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

For our final night, we sought out the celestial. Away from the city lights, Cattail Cove State Park offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the area. We arrived before dusk, setting up our portable chairs and a small telescope we occasionally lug around for just such occasions.

As darkness enveloped the park, the sky transformed into a tapestry of stars. The Milky Way was visible, a shimmering band stretching across the heavens. My wife, armed with her star chart app, pointed out constellations and planets. We took turns peering through the telescope at Jupiter and its moons.

If you do one thing in Lake Havasu, make it this. No adrenaline rush or historical landmark can match the awe of a desert night sky.

PRO TIP: Craggy Wash: Free Camping in Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Is Lake Havasu Safe?

In our experience, Lake Havasu City is as safe as any tourist destination can be. The community is tight-knit, and locals are generally friendly and helpful. We felt comfortable exploring both day and night. Of course, standard precautions apply—lock your vehicle, secure your belongings, and be mindful of your surroundings.

It’s worth noting that during peak times, such as spring break, the city sees an influx of visitors, which can lead to crowded spaces and the occasional rowdy behavior. If that’s not your scene, plan your visit accordingly. Also, nature has its own hazards here—heatstroke is a real concern, so stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing.

LEARN MORE: 7 Secrets to Prevent Vehicle Theft (That Your Parents Won’t Tell You)

Would We Explore Lake Havasu Again?

Absolutely. Lake Havasu City is a destination that defies easy categorization. It’s a place where you can hike through rugged canyons in the morning, lounge on a sandy beach by afternoon, and dine overlooking a transplanted piece of British history at night. It’s a city that embraces its quirks and invites you to do the same.

Whether you’re navigating the roads with a 42-foot 5th Wheel or just passing through, Lake Havasu offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and oddities that make for a memorable trip.