Lake Havasu, Not Just for Spring Break

Lake Havasu City, about 200 miles west of Phoenix, sees its share of bikinis and fake IDs during spring break, but when the kids leave town the city returns to normal and is a great getaway for adults.

Winter is a great time of the year to visit with temperatures similar to those in the Valley.  Cruising on Lake Havasu and taking in the breathtaking scenery is a peaceful experience.

London Bridge, the main focal point of the town, has been there since 1968, when Lake Havasu City’s founder, Robert McCulloch, bought it for about $2.4 million.  It was taken apart piece by piece, shipped to Arizona from London and reassembled.  It’s not unusual to hear a gondolier singing Italian songs as he passes under the bridge at night.

The town is a water lovers paradise full of activities including Jet Ski rentals, kayaks, boats, parasailing and paddle-wheel boat tours.  These various watercraft can be rented from booths along the English Village and from shops around town.  If you prefer to have someone else man the boat, catch the ferry ride to Havasu Landing Resort and Casino just across the lake in California or camp on the beach at Lake Havasu State Park where you can take advantage of boat ramps, picnic tables, and hiking.  Admission is $15 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and $10 on other days of the week.

To explore the more remote areas on land, take the desert experience tour on the Sunset Havasu Boat Tours and hike into slot canyons or up to scenic vistas overlooking the Colorado River.  It’s an opportunity to travel by boat to experience the Sonoran Desert at its best.  Reservations in advance are recommended.

When you’re hungry stop by Makai, for a breakfast croissant ($7.99) with canadian bacon, fried egg and cheddar served with fried potatoes.  BBQ Bill’s Big Easy Bistro serves up great cajun burgers, bbq pork sandwiches and the best in Southern cooking.  The grilled shrimp tacos ($15.99) at the Javelina Cantina are slathered in guacamole and pico de gallo and the open-faced shrimp quesadilla ($15.99) are great lunchtime snacks.  For some unique IPA brews, enjoy a cold one at Barley Brothers Brewery with a margherita pizza ($10.99) on whole-wheat dough.

For overnight accommodations, the London Bridge Resort is right on the lake.  The rooms have kitchenettes and living areas in addition to the bedroom and bath.  You know you’re on vacation when the kitchenette has a dishwasher, refrigerator and a margarita blender.

Their restaurant and bar, Martini Bay, is quite popular with the locals.  Start off with one of their famous Tapasizers, such as Chicken Wings, Coconut Shrimp, or Beef Skewers.  Their dinner menu is a nice mix of entrees like the cedar-plank roasted salmon with honey-bourbon sauce ($19.95) and short ribs braised in red wine ($18.50).  Martini Bay turns into a nightclub as the evening progresses with a younger crowd taking over the dance floor and patio.  If you’re looking to escape the crowd, the lower level outdoor patio has seating with fireplaces.

In addition to many chain hotels, Lake Havasu City also offers The Heat Hotel located on the other side of the lake with great water views.  This ultra-modern hotel also has a restaurant/bar and is within walking distance of several other watering holes.

Whatever your pleasure, Lake Havasu City is a relaxing getaway with a variety of water sports, shopping and nearby gambling that will entertain anyone in your group.  Soar above the water by parasail or cruise the lake on a gondola, the possibilities along with the amazing sunsets are endless.

Photo courtesy of flickr