Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Things to Do

Lake Havasu City offers a wide range of recreational activities and attractions, including:

– Boating and water sports: Lake Havasu is a popular destination for boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and other water activities.
– Fishing: The lake is home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and catfish.
– Beaches: The city has several public beaches along the lake, including London Bridge Beach and Rotary Community Park.
– London Bridge: The historic London Bridge, which was relocated from London to Lake Havasu City in the late 1960s, is a popular attraction and a unique piece of history.
– Hiking and off-roading: The surrounding area offers numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading, with options for all skill levels.

Attractions and Points of Interest

Some of the top attractions and points of interest in Lake Havasu City include:

– Lake Havasu State Park: This state park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching.
– Lake Havasu Museum of History: This museum showcases the history of Lake Havasu City and the surrounding area, with exhibits on the London Bridge, Native American history, mining, and early settlers.
– Havasu National Wildlife Refuge: The wildlife refuge covers over 37,000 acres along the Colorado River and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, while offering opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and boating.
– Sara Park: This large park features hiking and biking trails, a dog park, sports fields, and a BMX and motocross track.

Places to Stay

Lake Havasu City offers a variety of lodging options to suit all budgets and preferences, including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and RV parks. Some popular accommodations in the area include:

– London Bridge Resort: A waterfront resort offering spacious suites, three swimming pools, and a 9-hole golf course.
– Hampton Inn Lake Havasu City: A comfortable hotel with amenities such as free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
– The Nautical Beachfront Resort: A lakeside resort featuring a private beach, boat rentals, and an on-site restaurant and bar.

Government Structure

Lake Havasu City operates under a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and six council members elected by the city’s residents. The city council sets policies and ordinances, while the city manager oversees the daily operations and administration of Lake Havasu City’s government services.

Some key departments and services provided by the city include:

– Lake Havasu City Police Department: The police department is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing local laws and ordinances. 
– Lake Havasu City Fire Department: The fire department provides fire protection, emergency medical services, and rescue services to the city and surrounding areas.
– Public Works: The Public Works Department maintains the city’s infrastructure, including streets, water, and sewer systems.
– Planning and Zoning: The Planning and Zoning Department oversees land use planning, zoning regulations, and building permits, ensuring that development in Lake Havasu City aligns with the city’s vision and ordinances.

Golf Courses

Lake Havasu City is home to several golf courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels. Some of the most prominent golf courses in the area include:

– Lake Havasu Golf Club: This 36-hole golf facility features two distinct courses, the East Course and the West Course, offering a variety of challenges and beautiful views of the surrounding area.
– Refuge Golf & Country Club: A private, 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, featuring stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
– London Bridge Resort Golf Course: A 9-hole, par-30 executive golf course located at the London Bridge Resort.

Hiking

The area surrounding Lake Havasu City offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Some popular hiking trails in the area include:

– Sara Park Trails: Sara Park offers a network of hiking and biking trails, including the popular Crack in the Mountain Trail, which leads to a slot canyon with scenic views.
– Lake Havasu State Park: The state park features several hiking trails, including the Mohave Sunset Trail and the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden Trail.
– Havasu National Wildlife Refuge: The wildlife refuge offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation, with several trails available for exploration.

Quality of Life

Lake Havasu City is known for its high quality of life, with a warm climate, abundant recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, as well as excellent healthcare facilities and educational opportunities. The city’s relatively low cost of living and stunning natural surroundings make it an appealing destination for retirees, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Transportation

Lake Havasu City is served by the Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport, which offers general aviation services and limited commercial flights. The city is also accessible by car via Arizona State Route 95 and is within driving distance of major cities such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

Public transportation within the city is provided by Lake Havasu City’s Havasu Mobility service, which offers fixed-route bus service and on-demand paratransit service for eligible riders.

Shopping

Lake Havasu City offers a variety of shopping options, including local boutiques, national retailers, and shopping centers. Some popular shopping destinations in the city include:

– The Shops at Lake Havasu: A shopping center featuring a mix of national retailers and local businesses, including a supermarket, restaurants, and specialty stores.
– Main Street District: A downtown shopping area that offers a variety of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Art and Culture

Lake Havasu City has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several galleries, museums, and performing arts venues. Some cultural attractions in the city include:

– Lake Havasu Museum of History: A museum dedicated to showcasing the history of Lake Havasu

City and the surrounding area, with exhibits on the London Bridge, Native American history, mining, and early settlers.
– Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center: This facility offers a range of aquatic programs, including swim lessons, water aerobics, and special events.
– Lake Havasu City Performing Arts Center: A venue for performing arts, including theater productions, concerts, and dance performances by local and touring groups.
– Art Galleries: The city is home to a number of art galleries, such as Flying X Saloon Art Gallery and Blue Chair Gallery, featuring works by local and regional artists.

Climate

Lake Havasu City enjoys a hot desert climate, with warm winters and very hot summers. The city experiences more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a popular destination for those seeking year-round outdoor activities. Winters are mild, with average daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, while summers often see temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Community Involvement

Lake Havasu City boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities available for residents to get involved and give back to their community. Some of these organizations include:

– Lake Havasu City Rotary Club: A service organization that focuses on community projects and fundraising efforts.
– Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, promotes economic development, and organizes community events.
– Havasu Community Health Foundation: A non-profit organization that works to improve the health and well-being of the community through programs, events, and fundraising efforts.

Sports and Recreation

In addition to its many outdoor recreational opportunities, Lake Havasu City offers a variety of sports and recreation programs for residents and visitors of all ages. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department operates several parks, sports facilities, and community centers, providing opportunities for organized sports, fitness classes, and other recreational activities.

Dining and Nightlife

Lake Havasu City is home to a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and nightlife options, ranging from casual eateries and pubs to fine dining establishments. Popular dining options in the city include waterfront restaurants with scenic views of the lake, as well as a variety of ethnic cuisine options, such as Mexican, Italian, and Asian fare.

The city also offers several nightlife options, including bars, lounges, and live music venues, where residents and visitors can enjoy a night out on the town.

Local Festivals and Events

Lake Havasu City hosts a number of annual festivals and events, attracting visitors from near and far. Some of the most popular events include:

– Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair: A three-day event featuring hot air balloon launches, tethered balloon rides, a carnival, and live entertainment.
– IJSBA World Finals: An international personal watercraft racing competition held on Lake Havasu each year.
– Lake Havasu Boat Show: The largest boat show in Arizona and Nevada, showcasing the latest in boats, marine accessories, and water sports equipment.
– Winterblast Pyrotechnics Show: An annual event featuring a spectacular fireworks display, live entertainment, and food vendors.

Notable Residents

While Lake Havasu City may be known for its outdoor recreation and unique history, the city has also been home to a number of notable residents, including:

– Robert P. McCulloch: The founder of Lake Havasu City and the man responsible for relocating the London Bridge from England to Arizona.
– Crystal Gayle: Grammy-winning country music singer best known for her hit songs “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “Talking in Your Sleep.”
– Michael Biehn: Actor known for his roles in films such as “The Terminator,” “Aliens,” and “Tombstone.”

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

Lake Havasu City is committed to promoting sustainability and protecting the environment. The city has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact, including:

– Water conservation: The city encourages residents to conserve water through education programs, water-saving rebates, and landscaping guidelines that promote the use of low-water-use plants.
– Recycling: Lake Havasu City offers a curbside recycling program for residents, as well as recycling drop-off locations for items such as electronics, batteries, and motor oil.
– Energy efficiency: The city has taken steps to improve energy efficiency in its facilities and operations, including the installation of energy-efficient lighting and solar panels on some city buildings.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a popular activity in the Lake Havasu City area, with several stables and riding schools offering guided trail rides, lessons, and horse boarding services. The surrounding desert landscape provides a scenic backdrop for horseback rides, with miles of trails to explore.

Off-road Trips

Lake Havasu City is an off-roading paradise, with a variety of trails and terrain suitable for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, andfour-wheel drive vehicles. The surrounding desert, mountains, and sand dunes provide ample opportunities for off-road enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Some popular off-road areas near Lake Havasu City include:

– Standard Wash: An off-highway vehicle (OHV) area located south of Lake Havasu City, featuring a network of trails suitable for all skill levels.
– Cattail Cove State Park: This state park offers a designated OHV staging area, with access to miles of trails in the surrounding desert landscape.

Ranching

Ranching has a long history in the Lake Havasu City area, with several working cattle ranches still in operation today. Visitors can get a taste of ranch life by visiting local ranches that offer guest experiences, such as horseback riding, cattle drives, and other ranch activities.

Farming

Farming is an important part of the local economy in the Lake Havasu City area, with numerous farms and orchards producing a variety of crops. The city is located in a region known for its citrus production, with local farms growing oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Other agricultural products produced in the area include alfalfa, cotton, and vegetables.

Visitors can experience the local farming culture by visiting farmers markets, farm stands, and orchards that offer seasonal fruit picking opportunities.

In conclusion, Lake Havasu City is a vibrant and thriving community with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a wide range of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities. Its unique attractions, such as the London Bridge, and its proximity to Phoenix, Arizona, make it a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike. With a strong economy, quality healthcare and educational facilities, and a diverse array of clubs and organizations, Lake Havasu City offers an exceptional quality of life for its residents and visitors.

Birdwatching

With a variety of natural habitats in the surrounding area, Lake Havasu City is an excellent destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The city’s parks, nature trails, and shoreline provide opportunities to spot a diverse range of bird species, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. Some popular birdwatching locations in and around Lake Havasu City include:

– Lake Havasu State Park: The park’s shoreline and marshy areas attract a variety of waterbirds, such as herons, egrets, and ducks.
– Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge: Located approximately 25 miles south of Lake Havasu City, this refuge provides vital habitat for hundreds of bird species, including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and Yuma clapper rail.
– Cattail Cove State Park: With its diverse habitats, including shoreline, desert uplands, and riparian areas, this park is home to a variety of bird species.

Fishing

Lake Havasu is a popular destination for anglers, boasting excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish. The lake’s clear, warm waters and abundant aquatic vegetation create a productive environment for both sport and recreational fishing.

Several fishing tournaments are held on the lake throughout the year, drawing professional and amateur anglers alike. Fishing guides and boat rentals are readily available for those who wish to explore the lake’s numerous coves, inlets, and fishing hotspots.

Stargazing

With its clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution, the Lake Havasu City area is an excellent location for stargazing and amateur astronomy. The city’s parks and surrounding desert areas provide prime viewing spots for observing the night sky, with opportunities to see planets, stars, constellations, and even meteor showers.

The Lake Havasu Astronomy Club is a local organization that promotes stargazing and astronomy education in the community. The club hosts regular meetings, public stargazing events, and workshops for those interested in learning more about the night sky.

Water Sports

As a lakeside community, Lake Havasu City offers a wide range of water sports and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. With over 60 miles of navigable waterways, the lake is an ideal destination for boating, jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and paddle sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Several marinas and rental companies in the city provide boat and watercraft rentals, as well as equipment for water sports. Additionally, the city hosts various water sports competitions throughout the year, such as the IJSBA World Finals and the Lake Havasu Boat Show.

Rock Climbing

The rugged terrain surrounding Lake Havasu City offers ample opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts to test their skills. The nearby desert mountains, cliffs, and rock formations provide a range of climbing routes suitable for beginners to advanced climbers.

Climbing guides and outfitters in the area offer guided climbing trips, instruction, and equipment rentals for those interested in exploring the region’s climbing opportunities.

In summary, Lake Havasu City is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a diverse array of recreational activities, such as birdwatching, fishing, stargazing, water sports, and rock climbing. The city’s unique attractions, beautiful natural surroundings, and strong sense of community make it an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike. With its thriving economy, excellent healthcare and educational facilities, and various clubs and organizations, Lake Havasu City provides a high quality of life for all who call it home.