Lake Havasu City Arizona
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Lake Havasu City is a western Arizona vacation destination on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, best known for the historic London Bridge and its sunny desert setting along the Colorado River corridor. Established as a planned community in 1963, the city has grown into a year-round destination with waterfront parks, the English Village, historic attractions, miniature lighthouses, desert trails, off-road recreation, dining and easy access to boating and beaches on Lake Havasu.
- Lake Havasu City Quick Facts
- London Bridge
- History Of Lake Havasu City
- Best Things To Do
- English Village & Visitor Center
- Outdoor Recreation
- Lake Havasu & The Waterfront
- Best Time To Visit
- Getting To Lake Havasu City
- Lake Havasu City Map
- Lake Havasu City FAQ
Lake Havasu City Arizona Quick Facts
- County: Mohave County
- Location: Western Arizona on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu
- Established: September 30, 1963
- Incorporated: 1978
- Elevation: Approximately 735 feet
- 2025 population estimate: 59,358
- Best-known landmark: London Bridge
- Major recreation: Waterfront parks, hiking, off-roading, biking and nearby Lake Havasu recreation
- Visitor Center: English Village near London Bridge
History Of Lake Havasu City Arizona
Lake Havasu City began as one of Arizona's most ambitious planned communities. Entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch saw development potential along Lake Havasu while looking for a location to test outboard motors. Working with developer C.V. Wood, McCulloch began building a community on previously undeveloped desert land along the lake's eastern shore.
Lake Havasu City was formally established on September 30, 1963. Because road access was extremely limited in the community's early years, McCulloch used charter flights to bring prospective property buyers to the area. Between 1964 and 1978, thousands of potential buyers were flown to the new community as part of an extensive land-marketing campaign.
The purchase and reconstruction of London Bridge gave the young community international recognition, and Lake Havasu City was incorporated in 1978. The city has continued to grow as both a residential community and one of western Arizona's major tourism destinations.
London Bridge In Lake Havasu City
London Bridge is Lake Havasu City's signature landmark. Entrepreneur and city founder Robert P. McCulloch placed the winning bid for the historic bridge on April 18, 1968, purchasing it from the City of London for approximately $2.46 million.
London BridgeThe bridge's exterior granite blocks were dismantled, numbered and transported to Arizona, where they were used to clad a new supporting structure built on dry land. Bridgewater Channel was then excavated beneath the completed bridge, creating the waterway that separates the Island from the mainland.
The reconstructed London Bridge was formally dedicated on October 10, 1971. Today visitors can walk or drive across it, explore the waterfront beneath its arches and visit the nearby English Village and Visitor Center.
Best Things To Do In Lake Havasu City
- London Bridge: Walk across the city's world-famous historic landmark and explore Bridgewater Channel below
- English Village: Browse the area beside London Bridge and stop at the official Visitor Center
- Lake Havasu Museum Of History: Learn about the community's development, local history and the people who shaped the region
- Lake Havasu Lighthouses: Look for working scale replicas of famous American lighthouses around the lake and city waterfront
- Shoreline Trail: Walk the paved waterfront route between the London Bridge area and Rotary Park
- Bridgewater Channel: Enjoy waterfront views, walking, restaurants and activity around the London Bridge
- Desert Trails: Explore hiking and mountain biking routes surrounding the city during cooler weather
- Off-Road Recreation: Access extensive desert trail systems outside the city
- Lake Havasu: Add boating, fishing, beaches and other water recreation to your visit
English Village & Lake Havasu Visitor Center
The English Village sits beside London Bridge and traces its origins to the city's early tourism development. Originally created as a British-themed commercial area to complement the reconstructed bridge, it remains one of the natural starting points for exploring the London Bridge waterfront.
The Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center is located at 422 English Village, just steps from the bridge. Visitors can stop there for current maps, attraction information, event schedules and local trip-planning assistance.
Outdoor Recreation Around Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City offers much more than water recreation. Desert hiking, mountain biking, off-road driving, birding, rockhounding and stargazing provide reasons to explore the surrounding landscape as well as the waterfront.
Off-road enthusiasts have access to extensive desert trail networks, while hikers can choose everything from easy paved waterfront walks to rugged desert routes. Summer heat can be severe, however, and local tourism officials discourage normal hiking from June through August except for short, very early-morning outings by experienced hikers.
Walk The Shoreline Trail
For an easy city-level outdoor activity, the Shoreline Trail follows a paved route along Bridgewater Channel and through Rotary Park, with views of Lake Havasu, the surrounding mountains, beaches, a lighthouse and London Bridge. It is a useful option for visitors who want waterfront scenery without committing to a rugged desert hike.
Lake Havasu & The Lake Havasu City Waterfront
Lake Havasu is central to the city's identity, but the lake itself deserves its own detailed guide. From Lake Havasu City, visitors have convenient access to beaches, marinas, boat launches, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and other water recreation along the Colorado River reservoir.
For lake dimensions, boating, fishing, beaches, marinas, camping and detailed water-recreation information, see the complete Lake Havasu Arizona guide.
Best Time To Visit Lake Havasu City
- Fall: Comfortable conditions are well suited to sightseeing, waterfront walks and desert recreation
- Winter: Mild daytime weather makes Lake Havasu City popular for outdoor activities and seasonal events
- Spring: Excellent for boating, sightseeing and outdoor recreation before peak summer heat arrives
- Summer: Water recreation is popular, but extreme desert heat requires extra planning and makes normal daytime hiking inadvisable
Getting To Lake Havasu City Arizona
Lake Havasu City is located in western Arizona along Arizona Highway 95 on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu. Interstate 40 is approximately 18 miles north of the city, while Interstate 10 is reached to the south through the Parker and Quartzsite area.
Lake Havasu City is roughly a three-hour drive west of Phoenix, about 2½ hours south of Las Vegas and approximately four to five hours east of the Los Angeles area, depending on traffic and the exact starting point.
Check current navigation and highway conditions before departure rather than relying on older turn-by-turn directions, particularly when traveling during major events or desert weather conditions.
Lake Havasu City & Colorado River Area Map
Official Lake Havasu City Visitor Information
- Go Lake Havasu - Official Tourism Website
- Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center
- Official Lake Havasu Maps
- Lake Havasu City Government
Lake Havasu City Arizona FAQ
Where is Lake Havasu City Arizona?
Lake Havasu City is located in western Mohave County, Arizona on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu along Arizona Highway 95.
What is Lake Havasu City best known for?
Lake Havasu City is best known for the historic London Bridge, its waterfront setting, English Village, desert recreation and convenient access to Lake Havasu.
Is Lake Havasu City the same thing as Lake Havasu?
No. Lake Havasu City is the Arizona community on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu. Lake Havasu is the Colorado River reservoir beside the city and extending along the Arizona-California border.
When was Lake Havasu City founded?
Lake Havasu City was established on September 30, 1963 as a planned community developed by Robert P. McCulloch and C.V. Wood. The city was incorporated in 1978.
How many people live in Lake Havasu City?
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population at 59,358 on July 1, 2025.
Is the real London Bridge in Lake Havasu City?
Yes. Exterior granite from the London Bridge that crossed the River Thames was transported to Arizona and used on the reconstructed bridge in Lake Havasu City. The bridge was formally dedicated there in 1971.
What are the best things to do in Lake Havasu City?
Popular activities include visiting London Bridge and English Village, exploring the Museum of History, finding the city's lighthouse replicas, walking the Shoreline Trail, enjoying desert recreation and spending time at nearby Lake Havasu.
What is the English Village in Lake Havasu City?
The English Village is the British-themed area beside London Bridge that originated during the city's early tourism development. It is also home to the Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center.
Does Lake Havasu City have lighthouses?
Yes. The Lake Havasu area contains more than two dozen working scale replicas of famous American lighthouses that serve as navigational aids as well as visitor attractions.
Can you hike around Lake Havasu City?
Yes. Trails range from easy paved waterfront walks to rugged desert routes. Because summer temperatures can be extreme, normal daytime hiking is best avoided during the hottest months.
When is the best time to visit Lake Havasu City?
Fall, winter and spring generally provide the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and desert recreation. Summer remains popular for water activities but brings extreme heat.
Where should first-time visitors go for information?
The Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center is located at 422 English Village near London Bridge and provides maps, local information and trip-planning assistance.
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