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Towns like Kingman hark back to the glory days of the old Route 66, and the ghost towns of Chloride and Oatman bear testament to the mining madness that once reigned in the region. Water-sports fans, or those who just want to laze on a houseboat, enjoy Lake Havasu, where you’ll find the misplaced English icon, the London Bridge, and Lake Mead, one of the best fishing spots in the state.
Kingman
200 miles northwest of Phoenix, 149 miles west of Flagstaff via I–40.
The highway past Kingman may seem desolate, and the city itself doesn’t have a ton of attractions, but the mountains that surround the area offer outdoor activities in abundance, especially along the Colorado River. Water sports play a big part in the area’s recreation because about 1,000 miles of freshwater shoreline lie within the county along the Colorado River and around Lakes Havasu, Mohave, and Mead—all of which are within a one-hour drive of this major stopping point for fishing and boating aficionados. And for those interested in the region’s mineral wealth, the nearby “ghost” towns of Chloride and Oatman offer a glimpse of the Old West.
Getting Here and Around
Most visitors to the region arrive by car, which is by far the best way to explore Kingman and area sites. Additionally, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief stops daily in Kingman, and the town’s small airport has regular service on Great Lakes Airlines from Los Angeles and Denver.
Essentials
Transportation Contacts
Kingman Transportation Services. | 928/753–1222 for taxi service | www.kingmantransportation.com.
Exploring
Top Attractions
Grand Canyon Ranch.
Sprawling at the base of Spirit Mountain, this historic 106,000-acre working cattle ranch about a 75-minute drive from Kingman takes guests on an adventure to the Old West. Corriente cattle still roam the hills and their cowboy caretakers guide horseback tours and horse-drawn wagon rides through the rugged countryside. Tap Duncan (a member of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang) lived here, and Andy Devine supposedly spent some time working here. The ranch now offers rustic cabins, home-cooked meals, horseback riding, wagon rides, and a helicopter tour of Grand Canyon West. Located just 14 miles southwest of Grand Canyon West, the ranch is a popular stopping-off point for day-trippers seeking spectacular canyon views in this remote region. Call ahead to arrange your visit and obtain directions. Several activities packages are available, with or without meal plans. | 3750 E. Diamond Bar Ranch Rd. | Meadview | 702/736–8787, 800/359–8727 | www.grandcanyonranch.com | Reservations essential.
Fodor’s Choice | Hualapai Mountain Park.
You haven’t truly hiked in northwestern Arizona until you’ve hiked in Hualapai Mountain Park. A 15-mile drive from town up Hualapai Mountain Road leads to the park’s more than 2,300 wooded acres, with 10 miles of developed and undeveloped hiking trails, picnic areas, ATV trails, rustic cabins ($50 to $135 per night), teepees ($35 per night), and RV (full hookups) and tent areas. Along the park’s trail system you’ll find a striking variety of plant life such as prickly pear cactus and Arizona walnut. Abundant species of birds and mammals such as the piñon jay and the Abert squirrel live here, and pristine stands of unmarred aspen mark the higher elevations. Any of the trails can be hiked in about three hours. The Hayden Peak Trail is a branch of a 16-mile trail system, which links with many other trails at a high elevation. The popular Aspen Peak Trail is shorter, 2 miles one-way. Keep in mind the terrain in the park ranges from 5,000 to 8,500 feet above sea level, and snow—sometimes heavy—is common in winter. | 6250 Hualapai Mountain Rd. | 928/681–5700, 877/757–0915 for cabin reservations | www.mcparks.com | $7.
Off the Beaten Path: Chloride.
The ghost town of Chloride, Arizona’s oldest silver-mining camp, takes its name from a type of silver ore mined here. During its heyday, from 1900 to 1920, some 60 mines operated in the area: silver, gold, lead, zinc, molybdenum, and even turquoise were mined here. Around 370 folks live in and around Chloride today; there’s a restaurant, saloon, convenience store, two RV parks, and a smattering of old buildings.
Western artist Roy Purcell painted the large murals on the rocks on the east edge of town—10 feet high and almost 30 feet across, they depict a goddess figure, intertwined snakes, and Eastern and Native American symbols. To reach the murals, follow signs from the east end of Highway 125 along the unpaved road—it’s a slow, twisting drive best attempted with four-wheel-drive vehicles. Outdoors enthusiasts can take advantage of the miles of hiking trails and explore the mineral-rich hills with excellent rockhounding opportunities.
Mock gunfights in the streets mark high noon on Saturday (only the first and second Saturdays of the month). In October, the entire town turns out for Old Miner’s Day—the biggest event of the year featuring a parade, bazaar, bake sale, and family-friendly contests (St. Patrick’s Day is also a big to-do here).
The marked turnoff on Highway 125 for Chloride is about 12 miles north of Kingman on U.S. 93. WARNING Give wide berth to abandoned mine entrances and shafts, which are often unstable and can cave in without warning. Experts believe there are more than 200,000 abandoned mines in Arizona, many in the rich mineral regions such as the one surrounding Chloride. | Chloride | www.chlorideaz.com.
Worth Noting
Bonelli House.
History buffs should check out the 1915 Bonelli House, an excellent example of Anglo-territorial architecture, featuring a facade of light-gray quarried stone and whitewashed-wood accents, a very popular style in the early 1900s. It is one of more than 60 buildings in the Kingman business district listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains period pieces including a large wall clock that was once the only clock in Kingman. Because of the narrow hallways, only 10 visitors are allowed to tour the property at a time. | 430 E. Spring St. | 928/753–3175 | www.mohavemuseum.org/bonel.html | $2 | Weekdays 11–3, last tour at 2:30.
Desert Diamond Distillery.
Located at the Kingman Airport Industrial Complex, this distillery in an unassuming red building pours samples of its award-winning barrel reserve–aged rum and popular agave rum (along with two other rums and a vodka). You can sample all five types for about $10, which is refunded if you make a purchase in the gift shop. Tours of the distillery explain the process of converting blackstrap molasses into fine spirits. | 4875 Olympic Dr. | 702/630–3360 | www.desertdiamonddistillery.com | $5 for tour | Mon.–Sat., call for hrs.
Kingman Railroad Museum.
Developed by Kingman’s active legion of railroad aficionados, the Whistler Stop Railroad Club, this museum is set inside the town’s vintage 1907 Santa Fe Railroad depot and contains vintage model-train layouts from the 1940s through the 1960s, plus additional memorabilia chronicling the region’s rail history. | 400 E. Andy Devine Ave. | 928/718–1440 | www.whistlestoprailroadclub.org | $2 | Wed.–Sun. 9–5.
Mohave Museum of History and Arts.
This museum includes an Andy Devine room with memorabilia from Devine’s Hollywood years and, incongruously, a portrait collection of every president and first lady. There’s an exceptional library collection of research materials related to the region. There’s also an exhibit of carved Kingman turquoise, displays on Native American art and artifacts, and a diorama depicting the mid-19th-century expedition of Lt. Edward Beale, who led his camel-cavalry unit to the area in search of a wagon road along the 35th parallel. You can follow the White Cliffs Trail from downtown to see the deep ruts cut into the desert floor by the wagons that came to Kingman after Beale’s time. | 400 W. Beale St. | 928/753–3195 | www.mohavemuseum.org | $4, includes admission to Historic Route 66 Museum and the Bonelli House | Weekdays 9–5, Sat. 1–5.
Powerhouse.
The Powerhouse building is a great first stop for visitors. The Kingman Visitor Center (928/753–6106 or 866/427–7866 | www.gokingman.com), in a converted 1907 electrical plant, has the usual brochures to acquaint you with local attractions. Pick up a walking-tour map, which highlights more than two dozen historic sights, including Locomotive Park—home to the 1928 steam locomotive Engine No. 3759.
Inside the visitor center, the Powerhouse Route 66 Museum (928/753–9889 | $4, includes admission to the Bonelli House and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts) provides a nostalgic look at the evolution of the famous route that started as a footpath followed by prehistoric Indians and evolved into a length of pavement that reached from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Memory Lane, also inside the Powerhouse, is a store crammed with kitschy souvenirs.
The first weekend of May each year, the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona holds the three-day Route 66 Fun Run, a 40-mile drive that attracts classic-car buffs. Admission to the Historic Route 66 Museum also includes a visit to the nearby Mohave Museum of History and Arts and the Bonelli House. | The Powerhouse, 120 W. Andy Devine Ave. | 866/427–7866, 928/753–6106 | www.gokingman.com | Daily 9–5.
En Route: Traveling north from Kingman, keep an eye out for the strange-looking namesakes of the Joshua Tree Forest (Yucca brevifolia). This native of the dry Mojave Desert isn’t a tree, but actually a member of the lily family. Standing as tall as 40 feet, the alien-looking plant can be recognized by its gangly limbs ending in dense clumps of dark-green, bayonet-shape leaves. Mormon emigrants traveling through the area in the mid-19th century named the towering plants after the biblical figure Joshua. From February through March, Joshua trees bloom in clusters of creamy white blossoms. The trees don’t branch until after they bloom, and, because they rely on perfect conditions to flower, they don’t bloom every year—you’re most likely to see blossoms following a rainy December or January.
Where to Eat and Stay
El Palacio.
$ | MEXICAN | Set in a century-old building in the heart of Kingman’s historic downtown, this regional chain (there are also locations in Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, and Laughlin) is a reliable choice for well-prepared Mexican favorites and Southwest specialties—and what many believe are the best chiles rellenos in the area. Other notable options include machaca con huevos (scrambled eggs with shredded beef and vegetables), carne asada tacos, sopa del mar (seafood stew with cilantro and lemon), and chicken mole poblano. A comprehensive drink menu includes a selection of Mexican beers, guava and banana margaritas, and fruity sangria. | Average main: $11 | 401 E. Andy Devine Ave. | 928/718–0018 | www.epfamilyrestaurants.com.
Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner.
$ | AMERICAN | This popular spot serves up road food with a ‘50s flair for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Even Oprah and Gayle King stopped here on their cross-country adventure several years ago.) The jukebox spins favorites, and tributes to Elvis and Marilyn Monroe adorn the walls in this old-fashioned diner decked out in bright turquoise and hot pink. Expect low prices and large servings of your favorite burgers, milkshakes, and more substantial fare (chicken-fried steak, baby back ribs) at dinner, plus root beer made on the premises. | Average main: $10 | 105 E. Andy Devine Ave. | 928/718–0066 | www.mrdzrt66diner.com.
Redneck’s Southern Pit BBQ.
$ | BARBECUE | Drop by this unassuming storefront eatery in Kingman’s historic downtown for tender, perfectly seasoned and smoked barbecue. Pulled pork sandwiches, Cajun-style andouille sausage platters, and sides of mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans, and chunky potato salad are favorites among the lunch crowd. At dinner, dig into hefty platters of juicy ribs or smoked bone-in chicken breasts. There’s also an ice cream shop on premises—all the easier to enjoy that homemade peach cobbler a la mode. | Average main: $10 | 420 E. Beale St. | 928/757–8227 | www.redneckssouthernpitbbq.com | Closed Sun. and Mon.
Best Western Plus–King’s Inn & Suites.
$ | HOTEL | Conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 40 and U.S. 93, this hotel has clean, spacious rooms and is a good base for visiting Hualapai Mountain Park, Laughlin, and the ghost towns of Chloride and Oatman. Furnishings are Southwest-inspired with tasteful, earthy color schemes and plush bedding as mid-priced motels go. The minisuites offer comfy beds and a sitting area. Pros: several restaurants are within walking distance; nicely kept rooms; hot breakfast included. Cons: traffic can be heard from the highway. | Rooms from: $89 | 2930 E. Andy Devine Ave. | 928/753–6101, 800/750–6101 | www.bestwesternarizona.com | 101 rooms | Breakfast.
Ramada Kingman.
$ | HOTEL | This lively hotel just off of Interstate 40 pays tribute to the Mother Road with nostalgic art in the common areas, a Route 66 road emblem at the bottom of the swimming pool, and the front end of a vintage pickup in its Canyon 66 Restaurant and Lounge. Pros: only hotel in Kingman with an on-site restaurant; live music in the bar on weekends. Cons: noise from train and road. | Rooms from: $99 | 3100 E. Andy Devine Ave. | 928/753–6262 | www.kingmanramada.com | 120 rooms | Breakfast.
Nightlife
Fodor’s Choice | Diana’s Cellar Door Wine Bar.
With more than 20 wines by the glass (priced at a very reasonable mark-up) plus a noteworthy selection of imported and craft beers, this wine bar provides a sophisticated but low-key after-dark option in historic downtown Kingman. There’s live music many evenings, and you can accompany your wine-sipping with a few well-prepared small plates, from cheese platters to bruschetta topped with tomatoes and mozzarella. There is also a retail wine shop here. | 414 E. Beale St. | 928/753–3885 | www.the-cellar-door.com | Closed Sun.–Tues.
En Route: Oatman.
A worthwhile if hokey stop between Kingman and Bullhead City, the ghost town of Oatman lies along old Route 66. It’s a straight shot across the Mojave Desert valley for a while, but then the road narrows and winds precipitously for about 15 miles through the Black Mountains. Oatman’s main street is right out of the Old West; scenes from a number of films, including How the West Was Won, were shot here. It still has a remote, old-time feel: many of the natives carry sidearms, and they’re not acting. You can wander into one of the three saloons or visit the shabbily endearing Oatman Hotel, which now contains a restaurant but no longer rents overnight accommodations. Several times a day, resident actors entertain visitors with mock gunfights on the main drag.
More than 20 curio shops and eclectic boutiques line the length of Main Street. The burros that often come in from nearby hills and meander down the street, however, are the town’s real draw. A couple of stores sell carrots to folks who want to feed these “wild” beasts, which at last count numbered about a dozen and which leave plenty of evidence of their visits in the form of “road apples”—so watch your step. For information about the town and its attractions, contact the Oatman Chamber of Commerce (928/768–6222, www.oatmangoldroad.org). | Oatman | www.oatmangoldroad.org.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
In 1938 the 2,400 miles of roadway connecting Chicago and Los Angeles was declared “continuously paved.” U.S. Route 66 had been transformed from a ragged string of local lanes connecting isolated small towns into an “all-weather” highway that eased travel. Just as the road crews changed what had been a string of rutty dirt roads into a paved roadbed, Route 66 changed the social landscape as communities adapted to the new road. The needs of travelers were met by new concepts, such as the gas station, the diner, and the motel. Nostalgic remnants from this retro road-tripping culture still exist along this stretch of the “Mother Road.”
Most of old Route 66 has been replaced by the modern interstate system, but at Exit 139 from Interstate 40 you’ll find yourself at the beginning of the longest remaining continuous stretch of the original Route 66. This 160-mile journey leads through Seligman, Peach Springs, Truxton, Valentine, Hackberry, Kingman, and Oatman, and on to the Colorado River near Topock.
Although Route 66 is accessible year-round, spring and fall are the best times to explore roadside attractions or partake of nearby hikes. Note that Route 66 is no longer an officially recognized U.S. highway—it hasn’t appeared on maps or atlases since 1984, except for certain sections that have been designated as special historic routes.
Lake Havasu City
60 miles southwest of Kingman on I–40 to AZ 95.
If there’s an Arizona Riviera, this is it. Lake Havasu has more than 45 miles of lake shoreline—it’s actually a dammed section of the Colorado River—and the area gets less than 4 inches of rain annually, which means it’s almost always sunny. Spring, winter, and fall are the best times to visit; in summer, temperatures often exceed 100°F. You can rent everything from water skis to Jet Skis, small fishing boats to large houseboats. The lake area has about a dozen RV parks and campgrounds, more than 120 boat-in campsites, and hundreds of hotel and motel rooms. There are golf and tennis facilities, as well as fishing guides who’ll help you find, and catch, the big ones. This city of about 53,000 has grown rapidly over the past couple of decades, and downtown has become steadily more upscale—at least compared with the rest of northwestern Arizona.
Learn about the purchase and reconstruction of London Bridge at the exhibit showcased at the Lake Havasu City Visitor Center, which is also a great place to pick up other information on area attractions.
Getting Here and Around
You can explore downtown and the lakefront easily on foot, but most visitors arrive by car—the city lies about 25 miles south of Interstate 40 via AZ 95, and about 100 miles north of Interstate 10 via AZ 95. In town, call Amore Shuttle & Sedan Service for local taxi service. Aloha Airport Express offers service from Lake Havasu to several Laughlin casinos and then on to McCarran Airport in Las Vegas.
Essentials
Transportation Contacts
Aloha Airport Express. | 928/854–5253, 888/948–3427 | www.azaloha.com.
Amore Shuttle & Sedan Service. | 928/854–7744.
Visitor Information
Lake Havasu City Visitor Center. | 422 English Village | 928/453–3444, 800/242–8278 | www.golakehavasu.com.
Exploring
Top Attractions
Fodor’s Choice | Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
Situated between Needles and Lake Havasu City, this spectacular 37,515-acre refuge is home to wintering Canada geese and other waterfowl, such as the snowy egret and the great blue heron. More than 315 species have been observed resting and nesting here. | Off Oatman–Topock Hwy. | Topock | Take exit 1 off I–40 at CA/AZ border, then follow signs to refuge entrance | 760/326–3853 | www.fws.gov/refuge/Havasu | Free.
Fodor’s Choice | London Bridge.
Remember the old nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down”? Well, it was. In 1968, after about 150 years of constant use, the 294-foot-long landmark was sinking into the Thames. When Lake Havasu City founder Robert McCullough heard about this predicament, he set about buying London Bridge, having it disassembled, shipped more than 5,000 miles to northwestern Arizona, and rebuilt, stone by stone. The bridge was reconstructed on mounds of sand and took three years to complete. When it was finished, a mile-long channel was dredged under the bridge and water was diverted from Lake Havasu through the Bridgewater Channel. Today, the entire city is centered on this unusual attraction. Walking tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11 am from October through April; the cost is $10 per person, and reservations are required. These guided strolls leave from the Lake Havasu City Visitor Center at the east base of the bridge, where you’ll find a colorful re-creation of an English Village that houses a few curio shops and restaurants and offers good views of the channel of cool blue water flowing under London Bridge. On the west side, you’ll find a handful of more urbane restaurants as well as the hip Heat Hotel. | 1550 London Bridge Rd. | 928/855–5655 for tours.
Worth Noting
Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.
This 6,055-acre desert oasis contains the largest surviving cottonwood-willow woodland in the region. The refuge is a favorite byway of neotropical migratory birds such as the flashy vermilion flycatcher and the brilliant summer tanager. | 60911 AZ 95, between mile markers 160 and 161, 23 miles south of Lake Havasu City | Parker | 928/667–4144 | www.fws.gov/refuge/bill_williams_river | Free.
Lake Havasu Museum of History.
This museum takes an in-depth look at the history of the region with exhibits on the Chemehuevi Indians, London Bridge, Parker Dam, the mining industry, and historic steamboat operation. | 320 London Bridge Rd. | 928/854–4938 | www.havasumuseum.com | $5 | Oct.–Apr., Tues.–Sat. 10–4; May–Sept., Tues.–Sat. 10–2.
Off the Beaten Path: ‘Ahakhav Tribal Preserve.
The 1,253-acre preserve, which includes a 3½-acre park and 250 acres of aquatic habitat, is on the Colorado Indian Tribes Reservation and is a top spot in the area for bird-watching and hiking. Some 350 species of migratory and native birds live around the region or visit on their annual migrations. The best bird-watching is along the shoreline of the backwater area branching off the Colorado River. The 4½-mile hiking trail has exercise stations along the way, and a trail extension will lead you to the tribal historical museum and gift shop. From AZ 95 in Parker, which is at the southern end of Lake Havasu, head west on Mohave Road for about 2 miles. When you reach the “Parker Indian Rodeo Association” sign, continue ½ mile farther and turn left at the “Tribal Preserve” sign at Rodeo Road. | Rodeo Rd., off Mohave Rd. and AZ 95 | Parker | 928/669–2664 | www.crit-nsn.gov/crit_contents/tourism | Free | Daily dawn–dusk.
Where to Eat
Barley Brothers Restaurant & Brewery.
$$ | AMERICAN | In the little Island Mall on the west side of London Bridge, Barley Brothers is most acclaimed for its microbrewed ales on tap, especially Bighorn IPA and the Kickstart Oatmeal Stout. The casual cooking is hearty and filling, including such tasty morsels as wood-fired shrimp flatbread and German sausage from the comprehensive appetizer menu. For dinner, the standard salads, rotisserie chicken, burgers, and sandwiches are complemented by specials such as baby back ribs, Jamaican barbecue salmon, and savory peppercorn top sirloin. Barley Brothers is part of the Shugrue’s regional restaurant family, as is popular Javelina Cantina across the street and two other restaurants in town, Makai Cafe and Maddogs Bar & Grill. | Average main: $17 | 1425 McCulloch Blvd. | 928/505–7837 | www.barleybrothers.com.
Fodor’s Choice | Cha-Bones.
$$$ | AMERICAN | Fiber-optic lighting, mod hanging lamps, and water sculptures create a contemporary vibe at this hip, elegant restaurant a short drive north of London Bridge. Superbly prepared steaks and seafood are the key draw, from 24-ounce porterhouse cuts to cioppino in a saffron-tomato broth, but also consider the barbecue ribs and linguine with chicken and poblano chiles. There’s also an extensive tapas list, including yam fries with honey–key lime sauce and seared ahi, and a great selection of wine and cocktails. | Average main: $22 | 112 London Bridge Rd. | 928/854–5554 | www.chabones.com.
Chico’s Tacos.
$ | MEXICAN | This always-hopping taquería in the nondescript Basha’s Shopping Center serves reliably good Mexican food. It’s not fancy, but the clean and comfortable short-order joint turns out tasty tacos, enchiladas, flautas, burritos, and fajitas served with chicken, grilled fish, carne asada, and other meat and veggie options. Six different salsas at the salsa bar add a bit of spice to the mix. | Average main: $6 | 1641 N. McCulloch Blvd. | 928/680–7010.
College Street Brewhouse.
$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Although it’s in a somewhat industrial area a short drive north of downtown, this lively, high-ceiling restaurant and microbrewery with an enormous patio enjoys nice views of the lake. The craft beers, especially the crisp but balanced IPA and refreshing unfiltered American wheat, are reason alone to stop by, but the kitchen also turns out consistently tasty, artfully presented comfort food that pairs well with the brews. Worthy starters include lump crab–stuffed fried avocados and green-chile mac ‘n’ cheese. Entrées include hefty sandwiches (note the first-rate pastrami burger topped with cabbage chow-chow and Swiss cheese), pizzas, and several Cajun-influenced dishes, with scallop-and-shrimp jambalaya topping the list. | Average main: $14 | 1940 College Dr. | 928/854–2739 | www.collegestreetbrewhouseandpub.com | No credit cards.
Juicy’s River Café.
$$ | AMERICAN | This downtown locals’ favorite moved into a cheerful new space in 2014 and remains popular—it fills up fast, especially for breakfast. The chicken-fried steak with biscuits and eggs is legendary. The varied menu of lunch and dinner standards includes burgers with barbecue sauce, cheddar, and smoked bacon; meat loaf; pot roast Stroganoff; and homemade soups and desserts. Great service is paired with reasonable prices. | Average main: $13 | 42 S. Smoketree Ave. | 928/855–8429 | No lunch | Reservations not accepted.
La Vita Dolce.
$$ | ITALIAN | This informal, bustling, family-run restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating serves reliably tasty, straightforward Italian fare, from classic pastas and grills—spaghetti and meatballs, portobello-mushroom ravioli, veal piccata—to a small but creative selection of thin-crust pizzas. The Maui Waui with capicola ham, sweet pineapple, and marinara sauce is a local favorite. Appetizers are half-off and beer and wine are discounted during the daily happy hour (3–6 pm). | Average main: $15 | 231 Swanson Ave. | 928/208–4138 | No credit cards.
Shugrue’s.
$$$ | AMERICAN | This attractive space set on a bluff overlooking London Bridge has one of the best wine lists in town, plus consistently well-prepared steaks, seafood, and other traditional American and international dishes. Highlights include flatbread with Havarti cheese, portobello mushrooms, and olive-tomato tapenade for a starter and baked Dijon-garlic-crusted halibut with sea scallops and tomato concasse as a main course. Be sure to request a table with a bridge view. | Average main: $24 | 1425 McCulloch Blvd. | 928/453–1400 | www.shugrues.com.
Where to Stay
Havasu Springs Resort.
$ | RESORT | On a low peninsula reaching into Lake Havasu, this moderately priced resort 15 miles north of Parker comprises four motel buildings, each with different attributes and many with expansive views of the water or desert. Those looking for a central location can book a room at the Poolside Motel. For longer stays and larger families, Vista Suites features full kitchens, one- and two-bedroom suites, cozy yards, barbecue facilities, and excellent views of the lake and the outer harbor. In addition to standard hotel rooms, the resort also offers suites and apartments, a large RV park, and a number of vacation rentals. Pros: comprehensive dining and recreation; affordable; nice lakeside beachfront. Cons: the most economical rooms have dated and spartan furnishings; RV traffic; 30-minute drive from Lake Havasu City; limited Internet access. | Rooms from: $75 | 2581 AZ 95 | Parker | 928/667–3361 | www.havasusprings.com | 38 rooms, 4 suites, 3 apartments | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Heat Hotel.
$$ | HOTEL | The hip rooms at this sleek, angular boutique hotel on the west side of London Bridge capture the see-and-be-seen playfulness of Vegas, making it a hit with well-heeled, stylish visitors. Rooms have private balconies or patios overlooking Bridgewater Channel and are done in muted color schemes with soft Anichini linens, H20 bath products, low-slung contemporary furniture, and plenty of creature comforts—flat-screen TVs and microwaves. Although there’s no pool, an outdoor bar facing the water has cushy private cabanas with daybeds—this area is a sea of tanned and toned bodies during busy periods. It’s the most interesting—and luxurious—hotel in town. Pros: stylish and posh decor; steps from London Bridge and many restaurants; swanky bar and cabana area. Cons: might be a bit too trendy and modern for some tastes; bar and pool area can be a scene on weekends and during spring break; no on-site restaurant. | Rooms from: $169 | 1420 McCulloch Blvd. | 928/854–2833, 888/898–4328 | www.heathotel.com | 17 rooms, 8 suites | No meals.
London Bridge Resort.
$ | RESORT | If you want to be close to the bridge, this hotel is a dependable choice with plenty to see and do on site. Rooms aren’t fancy, but they have new furniture, carpets, flat-screen TVs, and kitchen appliances. It’s a considerable improvement over the previous and rather odd Tudor-meets-Southwest look. Entertainment options at the resort include a marina; Martini Bay restaurant, which serves tapas and upscale but fairly ordinary American fare; Kokomo Havasu, a popular nightclub; and an outdoor swimming pool. Pros: great views of London Bridge; suites come with sleeper sofas for extra guests; nightlife and business center. Cons: limited availability during the busy summer months; sales pressure from the resort’s time-share options; in the middle of ongoing renovations. | Rooms from: $139 | 1477 Queen’s Bay | 866/331–9231, 928/855–0888 | www.londonbridgeresort.com | 4 studios, 72 1-bedroom suites, 46 2-bedroom suites | No meals.
The Nautical Beachfront Resort.
$$ | RESORT | This expansive waterfront resort on a scenic stretch of Thompson Bay is a favorite choice of families and sports enthusiasts. Boat rentals, a water park, golf (with reasonable rates), and a stunning infinity-edge pool with a bar and grill keep guests of all ages happily entertained. Rooms have patios or balconies overlooking the water and expansive sitting areas with sleeper sofas. All units have refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, and two flat-screen TVs. Larger units have second bedrooms, and a few have small kitchens. Pros: lots of on-site recreation amenities; set on a beautiful and relatively quiet section of lakefront; spacious rooms. Cons: $20 daily resort fee; 20-minute walk to restaurants and shops at London Bridge. | Rooms from: $169 | 1000 McCulloch Blvd. N | 928/855–2141, 800/892–2141 | www.nauticalinn.com | No credit cards | 138 suites | No meals.
Nightlife
Clubbing and barhopping are increasingly popular pastimes among visitors to Lake Havasu. Most of the top venues in town are located in hotels and restaurants, including Heat Hotel, College Street Brewhouse, and Cha-Bones.
BlueWater Resort & Casino.
A big nightlife draw around Lake Havasu is BlueWater Casino, 40 miles south in the town of Parker. The gaming area comprises 475 slot machines, plus blackjack, poker, and bingo, and it adjoins a full-service resort with a concert hall, bars, a movie theater, restaurants, a 164-slip marina, and a 200-room hotel. | 11300 Resort Dr. | Parker | 928/669–7777, 888/243–3360 | www.bluewaterfun.com.
Fodor’s Choice | Desert Bar.
Along a remote mining road in the Buckskin Mountains roughly midway between Lake Havasu City and Parker, the quirky Desert Bar, aka the Nellie E. Saloon, is one of the region’s most fabled curiosities. It’s only open on weekends and occasional holidays (from noon until sunset), Labor Day through Memorial Day. This cash-only, solar-powered entertainment compound is a work in progress, comprising indoor and outdoor bars, a stage with live music throughout the day, a horseshoe pit, a covered footbridge, and a nondenominational church that’s the occasional site of weddings. | Cienega Springs Rd., off AZ 95, 5 miles south of Lake Havasu City (follow signs) | Parker | www.thedesertbar.com.
Havasu Landing Resort and Casino.
Just across the Colorado River from Lake Havasu, this small but lively casino and bar, which has live music most weekends, has become extremely popular thanks to the ferry service that zooms passengers over from London Bridge between 6:45 am and midnight (until 2 am on Friday and Saturday). The cost is $2 round-trip per passenger, and the scenic ferry ride takes 17 minutes. You can also tie up your own boat at Havasua Landing’s marina. The casino has 245 slots, plus blackjack and three-card poker tables. | 1 Main St. | Havasu Lake | 760/858–4593, 800/307–3610 | www.havasulanding.com.
Sports and the Outdoors
There’s no white water on the Colorado River below Hoover Dam. Instead, the river and its lakes offer many opportunities to explore the gorges and marshes that line the shores. If you prefer to do it yourself, look into the canoe and kayak rentals available on lakes Mead, Mohave, and Havasu. Raft adventures will take you through the Topock Gorge near Lake Havasu, or you can take a trip upriver from Willow Beach 12 miles to the base of Hoover Dam. Along the way, chances are good you’ll see bighorn sheep moving along the steep basaltic cliffs, and depending on the season, you can view hundreds of different types of migrating birds.
Boat Tours
BlueWater Jet Boat Tours.
From October through May, BlueWater Jet Boat Tours takes guests on a 2½-hour narrated trip up the Colorado River to Topock Gorge in the climate-controlled Starship 2010. | 501 English Village | 928/855–7171 | www.coloradoriverjetboattours.com | From $45 | Closed June–Aug.
Canoeing
Jerkwater Canoe Co.
Jerkwater offers three different one-day canoe trips, including exploratory excursions in Topock Gorge and Black Canyon. Multiday paddling trips along several scenic stretches of the Colorado River are also available. | 13003 Powell Lake Rd., Topock | 928/768–7753, 800/421–7803 | www.jerkwatercanoe.com | From $41.
Western Arizona Canoe & Kayak Outfitter (WACKO).
This outfitter gets the outdoor adventure going with paddling trips in Topock Gorge, Lake Havasu, and the Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge. | Lake Havasu City | 928/855–6414, 888/881–5038 | www.azwacko.com | From $30.
Kayaking
Desert River Outfitters.
Kayakers can choose from several trip options, including Davis Dam to Rotary Park, half-day paddling trips along the Colorado River Heritage Trail, and all-day trips from Topock Gorge to the upper reaches of Lake Havasu. Full-day trips are for intermediate kayakers and are available only from mid-October to mid-April; the others are suitable for beginners and can be undertaken year-round. Some excursions are offered in the evening, by moonlight. | 2472 Miracle Mile | Bullhead City | 888/529–2533 | www.desertriveroutfitters.com | From $30.
Golf
The Courses at London Bridge Golf Club.
You can play on two beautifully laid-out 18-hole courses at this golf club set along the shore of Lake Havasu, with stunning views of the mountains. The Nassau course runs a bit shorter than Olde London, but both are similarly challenging, with tight fairways and demanding, relatively small greens on the former and ample bunkers and water hazards on the latter. | 2400 Clubhouse Dr. | 928/855–2719 | www.londonbridgegc.com | $65 | Nassau Course: 18 holes, 6140 yards, par 72; Olde London Course: 18 holes, 6466 yards, par 71.
Water Sports
When construction of Parker Dam was completed in 1938, the reservoir it created to supply water to Southern California and Arizona became Lake Havasu. The lake is a 45-mile-long playground for water sports of all kinds. Whether it’s waterskiing, Jet Skiing, stand-up paddling, powerboating, houseboating, swimming, fishing, or you name it, if water is required, it’s happening on Lake Havasu.
With a boat, you have more options: you can find a quiet, secluded cove or beach to swim or fish. If you have a need for speed, you can plane up and down the lake with or without a skier in tow.
Cattail Cove State Park.
On the eastern shore of the lake 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City is 2,000-acre Cattail Cove State Park, a popular spot for fishing and boating (you can rent boats at the marina). There are 61 first-come, first-served campsites ($28–$33) with access to electricity and water, and public restrooms with showers. | AZ 95, 15 miles south of Lake Havasu | 928/855–1223 | www.pr.state.az.us/parks/CACO | $10 per vehicle on weekdays, $15 on weekends | Sunrise–10 pm.
Lake Havasu State Park.
Near the London Bridge, Lake Havasu State Park has an interpretive nature garden and a level 1¾-mile trail that’s perfect for watching the sunset. With three boat ramps, extensive docking, electrical hookups, and about 45 first-come, first-served campsites ($30–$35 daily, including day-use fee), it’s an extremely popular spot in summer. | 699 London Bridge Rd. | 928/855–2784 | www.pr.state.az.us/parks/LAHA | $10 per vehicle on weekdays, $15 on weekends | Sunrise–10 pm.
Equipment and Rentals
If you don’t have the equipment or the vessel necessary to enjoy your water sport, you can rent one from a number of reputable merchants.
Arizona WaterSports.
You can rent Jet Skis, jet boats, ski boats, and pontoon boats here, as well as a variety of other water toys, from wakeboards to inner tubes, and off-road vehicle rentals. The company also has branches down at Parker Dam and at Blue Water Resort & Casino, in Parker. | 655 Kiowa Ave. | 928/453–5558, 800/393–5558 | www.arizonawatersports.com.
AZ Built Sports.
In addition to kayaks and bikes, AZ Built Sports offers stand-up paddleboards, which have become an extremely popular way to play and exercise on the lake. Rentals can be delivered to Rotary Park. | 191 Swanson Ave. | 928/505–8669 | www.azbuiltsports.com.