Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu
4.5
About
Created when the Parker Dam was built in 1938, this lake is actually a Colorado River reservoir popular for water-skiing, boating and other recreational water sports.
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Top ways to experience Lake Havasu and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
126 within 5 kms
Attractions
26 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Lisa GThornton, Colorado13 contributionsHot and funLove this city. The residents, or part-time residents, are friendly and know how to have a good time. The lake is the main attraction from March through October. The city has many events, and something big is sure to be happening every weekend. Plenty of restaurant choices, a few breweries, a downtown/Main St. area, 3 or 4 main grocery stores, and 2 movie theaters. Not much in the way of clothes shopping, but do not worry about that, everyone dresses very casual. Think T-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes. Of course boating and ATVs are the most popular activities, hiking, biking, fishing are popular too. Some beaches and some swim areas, but less than you would expect.Visited March 2023Written 13 March 2023
- Stay7447868 contributionsDisappointing VisitWe traveled to Lake Havasu considering it for a retirement location, but for us, it has many strikes against it. First, the nearest major airport is 2.5 hours away and no major medical care. If you get into trouble medically, you need to have a life flight to Phoenix. Finally, it is a pretty basic little town, no real zoning in place, power lines everywhere, nice residential areas right next to industrial areas. If you are looking for an upscale area to retire, this is not for you.Visited March 2023Written 19 March 2023
- jackn128Encinitas, California33 contributionsHot spot in ArizonaSo much fun, I have been coming to Lake Havasu and the river for years. It has developed into a real Gem. So much to do year-round. Lots of things for the snowbirds in the winter and lots for River Rats in the summer. Enjoy quietness or crazy, it's all here.Visited May 2023Written 27 May 2023
- Ronald BOrem, Utah1,235 contributionsWell worth the water day activities.A great place to visit and to cool down from the LHC heat. We rented a ski boat and a SeaDoo to enhance our day. Well worth the expenditure and kept everyone busy all day long. Arriving early to Rotary Park allows a prime spot to set up for the day right next to the water and with pavilion covered picnic tables. Riding through the channel was an experience watching all the people watching all the people.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 June 2023
- TW CCasa Grande, Arizona2 contributionsGreat for a visitFamily friendly white sand beach. Many watercraft options. Plentiful shopping and restaurant choices. Only 3 hours from Phoenix. The drive between Parker and Havasu is stunning, mountains and riverVisited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 June 2023
- HansKwadendamme, The Netherlands2,912 contributionsNice cityThis city has except the lake another highlight and that is of course the London Bridge. Bought on an auction and shipped to the US. After the Grand Canyon this is the most photographed object in Arizona. The English village is nice. Most people come for the water with rented or own boats.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 June 2023
- Lord & Lady JeavonsLouth, United Kingdom325 contributionsSafe, friendly and plenty to seeWhilst on a driving tour we stayed in Lake Havasu for two nights. It has a lovely atmosphere and feel to it. You really feel like you are on vacation here. We took a four-dollar boat ride across the river which was excellent value and was scenic and fun. London Bridge and the English village were great to have a look around and we walked along the river and then sat and had ice cream. There are plenty of good restaurants, and the people here are very friendly and helpful, and it is very safe to walk around, even at night. It has a wonderful vibe and is a great place to look around. Probably the best place we went to on our tour.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
796 reviews
Excellent
470
Very good
206
Average
68
Poor
32
Terrible
20
Lord & Lady Jeavons
Louth, UK325 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Whilst on a driving tour we stayed in Lake Havasu for two nights.
It has a lovely atmosphere and feel to it. You really feel like you are on vacation here.
We took a four-dollar boat ride across the river which was excellent value and was scenic and fun.
London Bridge and the English village were great to have a look around and we walked along the river and then sat and had ice cream.
There are plenty of good restaurants, and the people here are very friendly and helpful, and it is very safe to walk around, even at night.
It has a wonderful vibe and is a great place to look around.
Probably the best place we went to on our tour.
It has a lovely atmosphere and feel to it. You really feel like you are on vacation here.
We took a four-dollar boat ride across the river which was excellent value and was scenic and fun.
London Bridge and the English village were great to have a look around and we walked along the river and then sat and had ice cream.
There are plenty of good restaurants, and the people here are very friendly and helpful, and it is very safe to walk around, even at night.
It has a wonderful vibe and is a great place to look around.
Probably the best place we went to on our tour.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret H
5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Excellent experience along Colorado River from Laughlin NV. Great scenery and excellent tour guide/owner Trevor gave great insight to history and things to look for.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hans
Kwadendamme, The Netherlands2,912 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This city has except the lake another highlight and that is of course the London Bridge. Bought on an auction and shipped to the US. After the Grand Canyon this is the most photographed object in Arizona. The English village is nice. Most people come for the water with rented or own boats.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TW C
Casa Grande, AZ2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Family friendly white sand beach. Many watercraft options. Plentiful shopping and restaurant choices. Only 3 hours from Phoenix. The drive between Parker and Havasu is stunning, mountains and river
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald B
Orem, UT1,235 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
A great place to visit and to cool down from the LHC heat. We rented a ski boat and a SeaDoo to enhance our day. Well worth the expenditure and kept everyone busy all day long. Arriving early to Rotary Park allows a prime spot to set up for the day right next to the water and with pavilion covered picnic tables. Riding through the channel was an experience watching all the people watching all the people.
Written 9 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry D
1 contribution
Mar 2023
Buyers Beware! They are selling fake "sterling silver" jewelry. I purchased a bracelet for my sisters' birthday in March while visiting Lake Havasu. She can only wear sterling or gold jewelry, otherwise she has a bad reaction to other metals. It was marked "sterling 925" and looked Native American style with turquoise stones. The price was a little high for sterling, but I bought it anyways. After wearing it for a few months, she got a nasty rash around her wrist. She took the bracelet to her jeweler, and he tested it. It was NOT sterling silver 925, but a cheap silver plated bracelet.
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jackn128
Encinitas, CA33 contributions
May 2023
So much fun, I have been coming to Lake Havasu and the river for years. It has developed into a real Gem. So much to do year-round. Lots of things for the snowbirds in the winter and lots for River Rats in the summer. Enjoy quietness or crazy, it's all here.
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny
Phoenix, AZ1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
RACISM IS REAL IN THIS CITY.
I do not recommend for any person of color.
The city and views are beautiful.
The people of the city are rude.
Family of four did a two night stay at a resort.
We are of Mexican descent. I am light skinned and my husband and kids are not.
We had one restaurant only want to talk to me and ignore my family.
We had another place refuse to serve us 1st was well we do cash only then it was well we ran out of the food you want then when asking for what I can see they clearly have it was we are closing.
My kids were singled out at resort by security person. Pool cleared out when we swam.
To see another person of color felt rare.
I do not recommend for any person of color.
The city and views are beautiful.
The people of the city are rude.
Family of four did a two night stay at a resort.
We are of Mexican descent. I am light skinned and my husband and kids are not.
We had one restaurant only want to talk to me and ignore my family.
We had another place refuse to serve us 1st was well we do cash only then it was well we ran out of the food you want then when asking for what I can see they clearly have it was we are closing.
My kids were singled out at resort by security person. Pool cleared out when we swam.
To see another person of color felt rare.
Written 10 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor B
Tucson, AZ1,071 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
It’s an awesome and pretty large lake in AZ. The town is fun with lots of shops and restaurants and of course, the legendary London Bridge - I mean the actual bridge from London England, dismantled and shipped across the pond and reassembled in Lake Havasu in 1970. You have to see it, to believe it!
VictorB
VictorB
Written 23 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thevisitor560
Pocatello, ID55 contributions
Mar 2023
Leaving the snow behind for Lake Havasu was the perfect prescription for the Idaho winter blues. With fantastic food and microbrews in Lake Havasu, coupled with the London Bridge history makes it the perfect winter destination.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tracey
Sacramento, CA1 contribution
Dogs and the lake
jackn128
Encinitas, CA33 contributions
I have a Aussie Sheppard and he loves the lake. Havasu is Dog friendly with dog runs on the Island park and Marina's. We also have several beach spots south of the Island that are safe swimming areas and he loves the water. Have fun...........
Bertha C
Camarillo, CA6 contributions
I visited Lake Havasu & went under water, swam around on a hot day in the boating area
When I returned home to Ventura County I was sick a few days later. Diagnosed with Bacterial Sinus infection.Been sick over a month. Is there dangerous bacteria in Lake Havasu?
Bertha C,
I used to work for the Az Dept of Environmental Quality
There were repeated issues in the mid 1990's involving bacterial blooms in the bay just south of the 'London Bridge'. We did a comprehensive study with a grid of gps located sampling points for water temp and bacterial analysis, backed up by a flyover of one of NASAs themal imaging planes
Long story short, we found serious issues between sewage leaching from cesspools (not from the hotel but from one or two smaller public restrooms) on the 'island' (really a sand bar that the water can pass through) , human waste from swimmers, poor water flow (under the bridge) and high water temperatures.
I would never swim there, much better to take a boat to a distant beach or deeper water for swimming. I am sure the locals will call me a liar because they want your business at the bars
How many people are expected in lake Havasu labor day Arizona
Archibald S
San Diego10 contributions
I have experienced Crazy Horse campground May 5th and extrapolate the same for other major holidays. Crowds of drunk, rude and loud people will be uncontrolled by management or police. It is the reputation of the campground. Reserve at least 3 spaces and party in between to prevent conflicts with shady neighbors. Mobs rule there.
Lotus
Golden, Canada
Are there RV parking to rent by the month?
Laura Fetty
27 contributions
There are Rv parking, and I’m sure they would rent by the month
meganfoutch
Los Angeles, CA
Are fourth of july festivities this year going to be happening the weekend before the 4th, or after this?
Planning on renting a house with a bunch of people and want to make sure we're there at the right time.
williamsmia29
13 contributions
I have been wondering the same thing. I decided to go with the weekend after.
Crispn22
Covington, WA18 contributions
Is that any place to rent tubes for the day?
Pip18Wisconsin
Ranier, MN242 contributions
Don't know.
Miamifl0rida
Miami, FL1 contribution
are there tours to havasu falls?
738Susie
Glendale, AZ21 contributions
Yes.several. Havasu Falls is a backpacking adventure . It takes 10 hours and a drop of over 2000 feet into the Grand Canyon. Be sure you do your research.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Havasu
- Hotels near Lake Havasu:
- (0.18 km) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Havasu - London Bridge, an IHG Hotel
- (0.21 km) Heat Hotel
- (0.20 km) London Bridge Resort
- (0.19 km) Kings View Spectacular Beachfront ! 15 ft from the Water #101
- (0.19 km) Kingsview Condo # 205 WATERFRONT - approx. 30 feet from beach
- Restaurants near Lake Havasu:
- (0.07 km) The Chair
- (0.17 km) Shugrue's Restaurant and Bakery
- (0.08 km) Burgers By The Bridge
- (0.19 km) Barley Brothers Brewery
- (0.15 km) Papa Leone's Pizza
- Attractions near Lake Havasu:
- (0.01 km) Rubba Duck Safari
- (0.05 km) Champion Watercraft Rentals
- (0.11 km) Sunset Charter & Tour Co
- (0.08 km) Lake Havasu City Visitor Center
- (0.15 km) Cruisin Tikis Lake Havasu