London Bridge & Lake Havasu City Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 20, 2026.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona combines one of the Southwest's most unusual historic landmarks with one of its most popular water-recreation destinations. The city's famous London Bridge, originally opened across the River Thames in 1831, was purchased by Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCulloch in 1968 and reconstructed across Bridgewater Channel, where it remains a working vehicle and pedestrian bridge today.

Beyond the bridge, Lake Havasu offers boating, fishing, kayaking, beaches, watersports, shoreline camping and desert scenery along the Arizona-California border. More than 400 miles of shoreline, numerous launch ramps and marinas, hidden coves and easy access to the Colorado River make Lake Havasu City a year-round destination for both water recreation and desert sightseeing.

• Lake Havasu Quick Facts
• London Bridge
• Boating & Water Recreation
• Beaches & Camping
• Fishing
• Wildlife & Desert Scenery
• Things To Do
• Best Time To Visit
• Visitor Tips
• FAQ

Lake Havasu City Quick Facts

• Location: Western Arizona along the Colorado River border with California
• Best-known landmark: Historic London Bridge
• Lake recreation: Boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, waterskiing and paddle sports
• Shoreline: More than 400 miles of lake and river coastline in the region
• Popular boating area: Bridgewater Channel beneath London Bridge
• Nearby natural attraction: Topock Gorge and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
• Popular accommodations: Resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, RV parks and campgrounds
• Best outdoor seasons: Fall through spring for mild weather; summer for heat-tolerant water recreation

London Bridge In Lake Havasu City

The historic London Bridge is Lake Havasu City's signature landmark. Robert P. McCulloch purchased the bridge from the City of London in 1968 after it had become inadequate for modern London traffic. Its exterior granite stones were dismantled, numbered and transported to Arizona, where they were used to face a modern reinforced-concrete bridge.

The reconstructed bridge was dedicated in Lake Havasu City on October 10, 1971. It spans Bridgewater Channel and carries vehicles and pedestrians between mainland Lake Havasu City and The Island. Visitors can walk across the bridge, view it from the waterfront or see its arches from a boat traveling through the channel.

For the complete history, see our London Bridge Lake Havasu City Visitor Guide.

Boating & Water Recreation At Lake Havasu

Boating is one of Lake Havasu City's defining attractions. The lake and adjoining Colorado River provide broad open water, sheltered coves, beaches and river channels suitable for cruising, pontoon boats, fishing boats, personal watercraft, kayaking and paddle sports.

Public and private launch ramps and marinas are available around the lake, and local companies offer boat rentals and tours for visitors who do not bring their own watercraft. Bridgewater Channel beneath London Bridge is a popular slow-speed boating area, while more open stretches of Lake Havasu provide room for waterskiing, wakeboarding and cruising.

Lake Havasu Beaches & Camping

Lake Havasu offers both developed beaches and more secluded shoreline recreation. Lake Havasu State Park provides beach access, camping, boat ramps and shoreline trails, while London Bridge Beach offers a designated swimming area, picnic facilities, playgrounds and non-motorized water access near Bridgewater Channel.

Visitors with boats can also reach numerous boat-in beaches and campsites along the lake and Colorado River shoreline. Many sites provide picnic tables, shade structures, grills or basic restroom facilities, creating opportunities to combine boating with a day trip or overnight shoreline camp.

Fishing At Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is a nationally recognized warm-water fishing destination. Anglers pursue largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, sunfish and other species throughout the lake and adjoining Colorado River.

Fishing opportunities range from shoreline areas and public fishing docks to deep-water boat fishing, rocky structure, coves and river habitat. Seasonal fish locations and depths vary, so anglers should review current Arizona or California regulations and fishing conditions before a trip.

See our Lake Havasu Fishing Guide for additional fishing information.

Lake Havasu Wildlife & Desert Scenery

The Lake Havasu region combines open water, wetlands, rugged desert mountains and Colorado River habitat. North of the city, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge protects important river and marsh habitat and is a particularly productive location for birding and wildlife watching.

The refuge has documented more than 300 bird species, while desert bighorn sheep inhabit steep canyon country around Topock Gorge. Visitors may also encounter coyotes, bobcats, foxes, waterfowl, raptors and other desert and riparian wildlife.

Topock Gorge is especially scenic from the water, with steep rock cliffs, natural river habitat and opportunities to see both wildlife and historic cultural features.

Things To Do In Lake Havasu City

• Walk London Bridge: Explore Lake Havasu City's signature historic landmark and the surrounding Bridgewater Channel waterfront.
• Go Boating: Rent a boat, launch your own watercraft or take a sightseeing cruise.
• Visit A Beach: Swim, picnic and relax at developed parks or boat-access shoreline areas.
• Go Fishing: Target bass, striped bass, catfish and other Colorado River species.
• Explore The Lighthouses: Look for working scaled replicas of famous American lighthouses around the Lake Havasu shoreline.
• Visit Lake Havasu State Park: Enjoy beaches, camping, trails and boating access near the city.
• Explore Topock Gorge: Boat through one of the most scenic natural sections of the lower Colorado River.
• Go Off-Road: Explore extensive desert roads and trails surrounding Lake Havasu City.
• Enjoy Golf & Resorts: Choose from golf, dining, lodging and resort amenities throughout the city.

Best Time To Visit Lake Havasu City

• Winter: Mild daytime temperatures make winter popular for boating, fishing, hiking, golf and sightseeing.
• Spring: Warm weather and active lake recreation make spring one of the busiest periods, especially around major events and school breaks.
• Summer: Lake recreation remains popular, but daytime temperatures can become extremely hot. Plan outdoor activities around heat and sun exposure.
• Fall: Cooling temperatures make fall excellent for boating, fishing, beaches and desert recreation with generally lighter crowds than spring.

For monthly temperatures and climate information, see the Lake Havasu Weather Guide.

Lake Havasu City Visitor Tips

• Carry drinking water and sun protection throughout the year, especially during summer.
• Check wind and weather forecasts before boating because conditions can change quickly on open water.
• Reserve boats, campsites and popular accommodations early during busy spring and holiday periods.
• Use designated swimming areas and follow posted boating rules in Bridgewater Channel.
• Remember that Bridgewater Channel is a no-wake zone with special boating rules.
• Allow time to explore both London Bridge and the lake rather than treating the bridge as a quick roadside stop.
• Check current Arizona and California fishing and boating regulations when recreating near the state boundary.

Lake Havasu City Planning Resources

• Lake Havasu City Arizona Guide
• Lake Havasu
• London Bridge History & Visitor Guide
• Lake Havasu City Map
• Lake Havasu Boat Rentals
• Lake Havasu Fishing
• Lake Havasu Weather
• Arizona Colorado River Towns

Lake Havasu City Arizona FAQ

Is The London Bridge In Lake Havasu City The Real London Bridge?

Yes. Original exterior granite stones from the 1831 London Bridge were dismantled in England and transported to Arizona, where they were used to clad the reconstructed bridge in Lake Havasu City.

What Is Lake Havasu City Known For?

Lake Havasu City is best known for London Bridge, boating, fishing, beaches, watersports, desert recreation and its location along Lake Havasu and the Colorado River.

Can You Boat At Lake Havasu?

Yes. Lake Havasu is one of Arizona's most popular boating destinations, with public and private launch ramps, marinas, boat rentals and access to Lake Havasu and the Colorado River.

Does Lake Havasu Have Beaches?

Yes. Visitors can choose from developed beaches such as London Bridge Beach and Lake Havasu State Park as well as numerous boat-access coves and shoreline campsites.

Is Fishing Good At Lake Havasu?

Yes. Lake Havasu is especially known for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass, with additional opportunities for catfish and panfish.

Can You Camp At Lake Havasu?

Yes. Campgrounds are available at several developed recreation areas, and boaters can also use numerous designated shoreline and boat-in campsites.

What Is Bridgewater Channel?

Bridgewater Channel is the waterway beneath London Bridge that separates The Island from mainland Lake Havasu City. It is a popular boating and waterfront recreation area.

What Wildlife Can You See Near Lake Havasu?

The surrounding Colorado River region supports abundant birdlife as well as desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, waterfowl and other desert and riparian wildlife.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Lake Havasu City?

Fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and desert recreation. Summer is popular for water activities but can be extremely hot.

How Far Is Laughlin From Lake Havasu City?

Laughlin, Nevada is north of Lake Havasu City along the Colorado River corridor. Driving distance depends on the route, so visitors should check current mapping and road conditions when planning a day trip.

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