Lake Havasu City is more than a spring break destination. It has a wealth of sunny weather and sparkling blue water, but it also has a ton of history, mysterious sites and a central location to begin dozens of adventures. I’ve spent months in Lake Havasu, and it’s one of the few places I’ll return to again.   

The major waterway in Lake Havasu is a large reservoir on the Colorado River. Still, its most famous waterway is artificial. It’s the Bridgewater Channel, it runs under the London Bridge with shops, restaurants and sandy beaches. Wait. Did I say London Bridge? Yes, I did.  

London Bridge in Lake Havasu

The original London Bridge in Lake Havasu City is one of the most unexpected landmarks in the Southwest. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Don’t get confused; it’s not “Tower Bridge.” That iconic, ornate Victorian Gothic bridge has towers and a drawbridge. It’s still in London. But this is the original London Bridge.   

How London Bridge Ended Up in Arizona   

Lake Havasu’s bridge is the original London Bridge, built in 1831 over the Thames. By the 1960s, it was sinking, and London couldn’t afford repairs.  In 1968, Robert McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu City, bought it from London for about $2.4 million. (In my next life, I’m going to be an eccentric millionaire.)

Each granite block was dismantled, numbered, shipped and reassembled in Arizona—over the Bridgewater Channel in Lake Havasu. London took the money and built a new bridge for traffic.   

What to do around London Bridge   

Lake Havasu’s bridge is walkable and drivable. It’s the most popular place in the city, and you’ll find plenty of activities around it. From the bridge, you’ll have views of Lake Havasu, the Bridgewater Channel and desert mountains.   Along the city side, you’ll find several shops, restaurants and pubs in the English Village. In keeping with the theme, it resembles an old British-style town, complete with a decorative fountain.    

Lake Havasu Visitor Center   

The visitor center is right inside the gates. Friendly staffers will help you find rentals, guides and things to do, such as:  

• Explain the bridge’s history and reconstruction.   

• Take a boat or paddleboard through the channel underneath.   

• Grab a drink or meal at a restaurant along the waterfront.    

• Visit nearby London Bridge Beach or Rotary Community Park.    

Quick tips: The bridge is free to walk or drive across. Free parking is available near the gate.    

Things to Do on the Lake Havasu Waterfront   

The best way to experience Lake Havasu may be from the lake. This is 100% a boating town. Nearly every home has two garages: one for a car or RV and another for a boat. But don’t worry, if you don’t have one, there are several places to rent or tour guides to take you on the water.    

• Boating: Powerboat and pontoon boat rentals are widely available near the bridge and marinas, making it easy to explore coves and shoreline without owning a boat.   
• Kayaking: The calmer waters of the Bridgewater Channel are perfect for kayaking, especially in the morning before boat traffic picks up.   
• Paddle boarding: Stand-up paddle boarding is popular near the beaches, where the water is typically calmer and clearer.   

Tour the Lake Havasu Lighthouse Replicas   

One of Lake Havasu’s most surprising attractions is its collection of replica lighthouses.   

The Lake Havasu Lighthouse Club has built over 25 lighthouse replicas scattered around Lake Havasu. They represent famous lighthouses across the United States. The club members build them one-third scale and model them after the originals. The lighthouses are replicas from the East Coast to the Great Lakes and beyond.   

Many are along the shoreline and can be seen on foot, but a few require a boat, kayak or paddleboard. Informational plaques give info about the real lighthouses they’re modeled after.   

Local Hiking Trails Around Lake Havasu   

Lake Havasu isn’t just about the water—the surrounding desert is rugged, scenic, and surprisingly fun to explore on foot. From quick walks to rocky scrambles, the area offers hikes that showcase the raw Mojave landscape without requiring long drives or all-day commitments.   

Several trails are only a short drive from downtown and the waterfront. Expect classic Mojave scenery: volcanic rock, desert washes, creosote bushes and seasonal wildflowers after winter rains.   

Sara Park Trails: This is the main hub for hiking and off-road exploration in Lake Havasu City. The area features trails ranging from easy desert walks to rocky routes with elevation gain and sweeping views of the city and lake.   

One of the most popular hikes in the area is Crack in the Rock. The trail leads through a narrow slot-like canyon formed by fractured volcanic rock. It includes tight rock walls, ladders, and mild scrambling. So fun!   

Lake Havasu also offers extensive off-road vehicle trails. The city is surrounded by hilly desert land, and you’ll see trail vehicles kicking up dust everywhere. Side note: don’t expect your vehicle to remain clean—ever. Many residents and visitors use off-road vehicles for transportation around town.    

Lake Havasu Vortex Sites   

If you’re looking for a more meditative adventure, I suggest you explore the vortex sites. A vortex is believed to be an area where the earth’s energy is concentrated, often associated with ley lines. These lines make up the Earth’s electromagnetic field and create paths of energy in our universe. Some believe that an energy vortex can disrupt your energy and recharge your vitality.    

I visited several of these sites, including Castle Rock Bay, Yonder Park, Take Off Point (by the Parker Dam/also worth seeing), Rotary Park swim area, and Topock Gorge. Find out more on the Go Lake Havasu site.

Things to Do Near Lake Havasu   

Lake Havasu sits across from California and just a few hours from Nevada. Its central location makes road trips within a few hours’ drive plentiful.

Desert Geoglyphs: The Blythe Intaglios   

The Blythe Intaglios are impressive and mysterious geoglyphs. Geoglyphs are large ground drawings that are best seen from above.   

Some people believe these figures—some human-shaped, others geometric or animal-like—are hundreds, possibly over a thousand, years old! For Indigenous communities, these geoglyphs are not just artwork—they are sacred cultural sites, connected to ceremonial practices, storytelling or spiritual beliefs.   

The Blythe Intaglios are west of Blythe, California, about a 90-minute drive from Lake Havasu.   

Mojave National Preserve   

The Mojave National Preserve is about 150 miles northwest of Lake Havasu City. It’s a longer day trip that pairs well with a road trip to Las Vegas, which is just a short distance away. Highlights include:    

• Lava flows, cinder cones, and tube formations reveal a dramatic geologic history.    

• The Kelso Dunes are among the largest dune systems in California, at about 650 feet tall.   

• Dense Joshua tree forests spread across broad, open valleys. You’ll find some of the oldest Joshua trees in the Mojave, creating a surreal desert landscape.   

Quartzite   

Quartzite, Arizona, is a small desert town about 90 minutes south of Lake Havasu City that comes alive in winter. Best known for its massive gem, mineral and rock shows, Quartzite—as seen in the movie Nomadland—draws RV travelers, rock collectors and desert wanderers from around the country.    

Whatever you’re into, there is a wealth of options in and around Lake Havasu. I didn’t even mention the festivals, shopping and dining, of which there are plenty of choices. But if you do nothing more than hang around enjoying the warm, dry weather, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a great place to visit.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Lake Havasu?

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