Lake Havasu City Lands in Fodor's Travel

Megan Arabian | July 7, 2026

From endless outdoor activities to a surprising history, this Arizona town is a gem waiting to be discovered.

You don’t have to go all the way to the United Kingdom to see the London Bridge, the Bahamas to lay beachside under palm trees or even Jordan to swim in the middle of a desert. Instead, unbeknownst to many, you can just visit Lake Havasu, Arizona.

Once known as an MTV Spring Break destination, Lake Havasu has grown beyond its party-centric reputation into the destination it has become today. It’s a place where generations return year after year, staying in the same room at the Nautical Beachfront Resort, Lake Havasu’s only beachfront resort, returning for the promise of endless outdoor adventures. With an extended recreation season stretching from Valentine’s Day through Thanksgiving, it’s easy to see why families keep coming back decade after decade.

For those with an affinity for water sports, Lake Havasu is especially worth your time. What I loved most about Lake Havasu was the myriad activities to enjoy the water (a must in 100-degree summer heat). From paddle boarding to jet skiing, swimming to kayaking, and even boating, there are countless ways to explore this freshwater lake.

Thanks to relatively stable water levels and warm temperatures, Lake Havasu has become a year-round playground for boaters. In fact, Lake Havasu played a major role in the rise of jet skiing, becoming a hub for riders and racing and industry events that helped shape the sport as it grew in popularity. But the story of Lake Havasu began long before water crafts ever hit its waters.

The name Havasu comes from the Mohave word for “blue-green water,” and the lake itself was created when the Parker Dam was completed in 1933. Then in the early 1960s, boating mogul Robert McCulloch, Sr. arrived in search of a testing ground for his outboard motors, but his vision extended far beyond business.

McCulloch saw the potential for an entire community in Lake Havasu, a vision that helped shape the city’s future. By developing the Nautical Beachfront Resort and inviting prospective buyers from across America on all-expense-paid trips to experience the area for themselves, they hoped many would choose to call Lake Havasu home. To bring even more attention to the growing city, McCulloch purchased the London Bridge—originally built in the 1830s, once spanning the River Thames—and had it dismantled in London, shipped across the Atlantic via the Panama Canal and onwards to Long Beach, California, where it was then transported to Lake Havasu and reassembled in the center of town. Today, Lake Havasu’s London Bridge remains the city’s most recognizable landmark.

Exploring Lake Havasu at sunset with Sunset Charter & Tour Co was one of my favorite experiences. As we cruised along the peaceful shoreline, I learned there are more than 100 Bureau of Land Management campsites tucked around the lake, only accessible by boat or hiking trail. It’s easy to see why so many return year after year—there’s always another cove to explore, another sunset to watch, and another day on the water waiting. Lake Havasu proves that, from mild to wild, there’s an adventure here for everyone.

Businesses to Support in Lake Havasu:

I noticed throughout my visit that Lake Havasu City places a great emphasis on supporting local businesses. From restaurants and coffee shops to tour operators and outfitters, there’s a genuine effort to support the people who call this community home. A few of my favorites were:

Barley Brothers Restaurant & Brewery

Roxy's Beach Bar & Cafe

Boat House Grill

Makai Cafe

Martini Bay