While the London Bridge is what made Lake Havasu City, these days watersports on 45-mile-long Lake Havasu are the area’s real draw. Whether you want to go for a swim, take a leisurely pedal-boat ride, try parasailing, or spend the day water-skiing, there are plenty of places to get wet. Lake Havasu is known as the Jet Ski Capital of the World, so don’t expect much peace and quiet when you’re out on the water.
BEACHES
The best in-town beach, London Bridge Beach, is located in a county park off West McCulloch Boulevard behind the Island Inn. This park has a sandy beach, lots of palm trees, and views of both the London Bridge and the distant desert mountains. There are also picnic tables and a snack bar. There are more beaches at Lake Havasu State Park (tel. 928/855-2784), 2 miles north of the London Bridge, and at Cattail Cove State Park (tel. 928/855-1223), 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City. Lake Havasu State Park charges a $15 day-use fee ($20 Friday–Sunday and state holidays); the fee for Cattail Cove is $10 weekdays and $15 weekends and holidays.
BOATING & WATERSPORTS
You can rent boats from Arizona Water Sports, 655 Kiowa Ave. (tel. 800/393-5558 or 928/453-5558). Pontoon boats and ski boats equipped with water skis or knee boards are available; call for rates. If you're interested in kayaking or canoeing, numerous vendors located around London Bridge offer rental boats and lessons. Try Southwest Kayaks (tel. 928/680-9257) or Rentals on the Beach (tel. 928/453-8883) for starters.
FISHING
Striped bass, also known as stripers, are the favorite quarry of anglers here. These fish have been known to weigh in at more than 60 pounds in these waters, so be sure to bring the heavy tackle. Largemouth bass in the 2- to 4-pound range are also fairly common, and giant channel catfish of up to 35 pounds have been caught in Topock Marsh. The best fishing starts in spring, when the water begins to warm up, but there is also good winter fishing.
GOLF
Lake Havasu Golf Club, 2400 Clubhouse Dr. (tel. 928/855-2719), with two 18-hole courses, is the area’s premier course. Seasonal and annual memberships are available, with a 1-month unlimited pass selling for $600. Greens fees for day visitors go for $69 to $74 before noon and $53 to $58 after noon, with substantial discounts for residents and for all comers in summer, when rates fall to $25–$39 for visitors. Havasu Island Golf Club, 1000 McCulloch Blvd. (tel. 928/855-5585) is a 4,012-yard, par-61 executive course with lots of water hazards. Greens fees are $26 to $32 if you walk and $35 to $43 if you ride. The Refuge Golf & Country Club, 3275 N Latrobe Dr. (tel. 928/764-1404) offers memberships and day passes; call for rates. The 9-hole Bridgewater Links, 1477 Queens Bay Rd. (tel. 928/855-4777), at the London Bridge Resort, is the most accessible and easiest of the area courses. Call for rates and tee times.
The most spectacular course in the region is the Emerald Canyon Golf Course, 7351 Riverside Dr., Parker (tel. 928/667-3366), about 30 miles south of Lake Havasu City. This municipal course plays through rugged canyons and past red-rock cliffs, where there are views of the Colorado River. One hole even has you hitting your ball off a cliff to a green 200 feet below! Greens fees are $65 to $75 in the cooler months ($49.75 after 1pm); tee-time reservations can be made a week in advance (further out if you pay $10 per player). Also in Parker, the 9-hole course at the Havasu Springs Resort, 2581 U.S. 95 (tel. 928/667-3361) is said to be the hardest par-3 course in the state, set atop a rocky outcropping with steep drop-offs all around. Greens fees are only $12 for 9 holes, $18 for 18 holes.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
