Tips, Packing Lists & Everything You Need to Know
Heading to Lake Havasu this summer? Here's your complete planning guide — what to pack, what to expect, insider tips for the heat, and how the Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center can make your trip even better.
A summer trip to Lake Havasu City is one of the best decisions you can make — and also one that rewards a little preparation. Between the desert heat, the full days on the water, and the sheer amount of things to see and do, first-time visitors who come prepared have a wildly better experience than those who wing it.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive: what to pack, how to beat the heat, where to start planning once you get here, and the local resources that make navigating a new destination so much easier. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, a little planning goes a long way in Havasu.
First Things First: Know What You're Walking Into
Lake Havasu City is a desert destination, and summer is its boldest season. Summertime highs can exceed 105+ degrees — which sounds intense until you realize that most of what you'll be doing involves being on, in, or next to a lake. The heat is manageable when you plan around it: early mornings and evenings are ideal for exploring on foot or hiking, while the midday hours are best spent on the water where the breeze keeps things comfortable.
Locals live by a simple rhythm in summer: up early, out on the water by mid-morning, find shade and cold drinks by early afternoon, back out as the sun starts to drop. Visitors who adopt that cadence almost universally have a great time.
Book accommodations early!
Summer is peak season in Lake Havasu City, and the most popular hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals fill up fast — especially on weekends. If you have specific dates in mind, booking as early as possible is strongly recommended. The Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center can help point you toward lodging options that match your group size, budget, and preferred location.
Browse Places to Stay
Your Summer Packing List for Lake Havasu
Sun Protection! Don't skimp here
- High-SPF sunscreen — and bring more than you think you'll need. Reapplying every two hours on the water is non-negotiable. Water-resistant formulas are a must.Polarized
- Sunglasses — the glare off the lake is intense, and quality eye protection makes a meaningful difference in comfort and visibility.
- Sun hat or cap — a wide-brim hat provides meaningful protection during any time spent on land or at the beach.
- UPF-rated sun shirts or rash guards — increasingly popular for a reason. A lightweight long-sleeve UPF shirt keeps you cool while protecting your shoulders and arms during long stretches on the water.
- Lip balm with SPF — a small thing that makes a big difference after a full day outdoors.
Water Gear Essentials
- Reusable water bottle — hydration is everything in the desert heat. A large insulated bottle keeps your water cold for hours and reduces the need to constantly buy drinks. Aim to drink more water than you think you need.
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag — essential if you're going out on a boat, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Even a brief splash can damage an unprotected phone.
- Water shoes — lake entries and rocky shorelines are much more comfortable with a pair of water shoes. They also protect your feet on hot sand and pavement.
- Quick-dry towels — lightweight and fast-drying, these pack smaller and dry faster than standard beach towels — perfect for a full day of in-and-out water activity.
- Swimsuits (plural) — with multiple days on the water, having at least two swimsuits means you're never starting the day in a still-damp suit from the day before.
Comfort and Practicality
- Lightweight, breathable clothing — linen, moisture-wicking fabrics, and loose-fit cottons are your friends. Pack light colors that reflect rather than absorb heat.
- Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers — for exploring the English Village, walking the London Bridge, or strolling downtown in the evening.
- Portable cooler or soft cooler bag — if you're renting a boat or spending a day at the beach, a well-stocked cooler is one of the most valuable things you can bring.
- Cash and cards — most businesses accept cards, but having some cash on hand is always useful for smaller vendors, tips, and parking.
Health and Safety
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera — even with the best sun protection, extended outdoor days in the Arizona summer can leave skin in need of some recovery.
- Electrolyte packets or sports drinks — the combination of heat and water activity means you're losing more electrolytes than a normal day. Replenishing them keeps energy levels up and headaches away.
- Insect repellent — particularly useful for early morning and evening outdoor activities near the water.
- Basic first aid kit — especially useful if you're camping, RVing, or spending significant time in more remote outdoor areas.
Before You Arrive: Online Planning Resources
One of the smartest things you can do before your trip is spend some time on GoLakeHavasu.com — the official visitor guide for Lake Havasu City. The site is your most comprehensive and up-to-date resource for everything from lodging and dining to events, itineraries, and maps.
A few pages worth bookmarking before you go:
- Things to Do — a full directory of activities, attractions, tours, and outdoor adventures organized by category
- Dining — browse 150+ restaurants, bars, and breweries and start building your must-eat list
- Events Calendar — summer brings a packed event schedule; check what's happening during your visit
- Itineraries — pre-built trip itineraries that take the guesswork out of planning your days
- Free Guides & Maps — downloadable visitor guides and maps to have on hand during your trip
- Weather & Webcam — check current conditions and get a live look at the lake before you pack
When You Arrive: Stop by the Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center
One of the best things you can do on your first day in Lake Havasu City is swing by the Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center, located at 422 English Village — right in the heart of one of the most scenic spots in the city, just steps from the London Bridge.
The Visitor Center is staffed by knowledgeable local experts who can help you make the most of your time here — whether that's recommending the best beach for your family, pointing you toward a restaurant you wouldn't have found on your own, or helping you figure out which boat rental company is the right fit for your group.
What you'll find at the Visitor Center:
- Free visitor guides, maps, and brochures
- Up-to-date information on events, activities, and local recommendations
- Friendly, in-person guidance from people who know Lake Havasu City inside and out
- Lodging and activity referrals tailored to your interests and budget
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM
Even if you've done all your research online, there's something genuinely valuable about walking in and having a real conversation with someone local. The staff at the Visitor Center consistently go above and beyond — and they know about things that don't always make it onto websites.
Learn More About the Visitor Center
Insider Tips for a Better Summer Visit
Get on the water early!
The lake is at its most beautiful — and least crowded — in the early morning hours. If you're renting a boat or paddleboard, try to get out by 8 or 9 AM before the summer crowds and afternoon winds pick up.
Check the lake water temperature before you go.
Lake Havasu's water temperature is tracked and available on the Go Lake Havasu website, which is a useful planning detail for families with young kids or anyone sensitive to water temperature changes.
Plan your outdoor activities around the heat.
Save hiking, walking the London Bridge, and exploring the English Village for early mornings or the hour or two before sunset. Midday is for the water, the pool, or air-conditioned dining.
Make dinner reservations in advance.
The most popular waterfront restaurants fill up on summer evenings, especially Friday through Sunday. Don't leave it to chance — book ahead or ask the Visitor Center team for their current recommendations when you arrive.
Download a map before you go.
Cell service can be spotty in some of the more remote areas around the lake. Having an offline map downloaded to your phone — or grabbing a printed map from the Visitor Center — ensures you're never stranded without directions.
Respect the desert environment.
Stay on marked trails when hiking, pack out everything you pack in, and be mindful of wildlife. The desert around Lake Havasu City is beautiful — and it stays that way when visitors treat it with care.
Talk to locals.
Whether it's the staff at your hotel, a server at your favorite breakfast spot, or the team at the Visitor Center, locals are consistently the best source of current, honest recommendations. Don't be shy about asking.
Getting Here & Getting Around
Lake Havasu City is accessible by car from several major Southwest cities — it's roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix, about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, and approximately 4.5 hours from Los Angeles. The drive in from any direction offers some genuinely stunning desert scenery.
Once you're in the city, most visitors get around by car, though many of the most popular areas — including the English Village, London Bridge, and downtown — are very walkable once you're parked. Need help with Transportation? Click here for more info!
You're Ready. Now Go For It.
A summer trip to Lake Havasu City is exactly as good as it sounds — clear water, blue skies, warm nights, and a full calendar of things to do from the moment you arrive. With a little preparation, the right gear, and the right resources in your back pocket, you're set up for a trip you'll be talking about all year.
Start your planning at GoLakeHavasu.com — and when you get to town, stop in and say hello at the Visitor Center. They'll take it from there.
Go Lake Havasu is the official destination marketing organization for Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center is located at 422 English Village, open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM.
