Lake Havasu City- A Little Bit of London in Arizona

Not too many people realize, but there is a little bit of London in Arizona. The actual London Bridge once spanning the River Thames in England is right here in Arizona. The London Bridge was dismantled and brought to Lake Havasu City, Arizona over 50 years ago.

Let’s explore what makes Lake Havasu City such a unique destination and why it should absolutely be on your Arizona adventure list.

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Where is Lake Havasu City & How to Get There

Lake Havasu City is in western Arizona near the California state border. It is just over three hours or about 190 miles west of Phoenix.

Lake Havasu City sits in western Arizona, hugging the Colorado River and cozying up to the California state line. From Phoenix, it’s about a three-hour drive 190 miles of open road, desert views, and that iconic big-sky feeling the Southwest is known for. If you’re driving in from California, you might cross the river and suddenly find yourself in this vibrant little oasis, surrounded by desert mountains and the unmistakable sparkle of water.

Where to Stay in Lake Havasu City

This city might be small, but it offers something for every type of traveler. Want to kick back in comfort? You’ll find plenty of hotels and lakeside resorts with pools and palm trees. Prefer a more outdoorsy vibe? There are RV parks and scenic campgrounds nearby too. We stayed at the Islander Resort. It is a really beautiful setting with boat docks and lots of amenities like a pool, hot tub, bocce ball, and a putting green.

Where to Eat in Lake Havasu City

Choose from local diners, lakefront cafes, and laid-back restaurants offer everything from burgers and tacos to fresh-caught fish. If you want dinner with a view head to one of the waterfront spots near the London Bridge where you can sip a drink while watching boats cruise by. We enjoyed eating at The Chair near the lake.

Things to Do in Lake Havasu City

Lake Havasu City is a popular Spring Break destination.

Lake Havasu

Nothing attracts a crowd like water. So, it is no surprise that the biggest attraction in Lake Havasu City is the lake itself. With 16 boat launching ramps and several great beach areas, the lake attracts a big crowd especially during Spring Break and Summer.

The London Bridge

The London Bridge you see in Lake Havasu is not just a replica. It’s the actual bridge that once spanned the Thames River in England. Built in 1830, it stood in London for over a century. But in the 1960s, when the City of London decided it was time for a new bridge, they put the old one up for auction.

A wealthy entrepreneur, Robert McCulloch, purchased the bridge at auction from the city of London. He was one of the original founders of the city and thought the bridge would attract new residents. So he bought the bridge. Dismantled it. Shipped it across the ocean and had it rebuilt in the middle of the desert. It was brought to Lake Havasu City in 1971.

His idea worked. Lake Havasu City was officially incorporated in 1978, and the London Bridge helped put it on the map.