Family Adventures in Lake Havasu, Arizona: Top Things to Do

Last week we took a family vacation to Lake Havasu, Arizona. It was a restful break filled with great food, beautiful lake views, and much-needed quiet time together.

We rarely take a true family vacation; most of our past trips have been tied to work or conferences. Earlier this year, when we visited Nashville, Mr. N had to work while the girls and I explored the city, so that trip didn’t feel like a full family getaway.

So we were thrilled to finally have a trip where everyone could relax, have fun, eat well, and enjoy the lake and pool without agendas.

About Lake Havasu

We stayed in Lake Havasu City, which sits on a large reservoir formed by Parker Dam on the Colorado River at the California–Arizona border. Lake Havasu is one of Arizona’s most-visited lakes and draws many visitors for boating, swimming, and scenic views.

The city is also known for the historic London Bridge, one of Arizona’s notable attractions after the Grand Canyon. An American buyer once purchased the original masonry of London Bridge in the United Kingdom, had it shipped to the U.S., and reconstructed the bridge in Lake Havasu City to create a distinctive desert attraction. Walking along the bridge and the Bridgewater Channel is a popular activity for visitors.

Road Trip From Southern California To Arizona

Because Arizona borders Southern California, our drive took only about four hours. Compared with longer road trips we’ve done—like the 24-hour drive to Minnesota a few years ago or the seven-hour trip to San Jose last month—four hours felt easy.

The drive was straightforward with wide-open views of mountains and flat land. The roads were relatively quiet, likely because we traveled on a Tuesday rather than a busy weekend.

First Impressions of Arizona

Arizona is hot—very hot. When we stopped at a gas station in Parker to grab snacks, the air felt like a powerful hair dryer. If you prefer milder weather, aim for the cooler months to visit.

Parker and Lake Havasu City both have a small-town, peaceful atmosphere that we enjoyed. Driving around the city offered nice vantage points of Lake Havasu from different angles.

Our hotel, the Nautical Beachfront Resort, sat close to the lake, and its greenish-blue water was a welcoming sight. For our first meal in town we found a highly rated spot called Juicy’s, “The Place With Great Food.” The food there was hearty and delicious and set a great tone for the trip.

Food In Lake Havasu Arizona

We enjoyed a variety of meals around Lake Havasu, and several restaurants stood out for their flavors and service.

• Juicy’s The Place With Great Food – Their mozzarella sticks were exceptionally crunchy and flavorful, with a fresh-tasting cheese that reminded me of homemade Italian cooking. The Strawberry Salad, with spring mix, seasonal berries, tangerines, and grilled chicken, balanced sweet and savory beautifully. Their ranch dressing was particularly memorable. We also returned to Juicy’s for our last meal and enjoyed a classic eggs Benedict that was outstanding.

• Scoops Homemade Ice Cream – I had Butter Brickle in a homemade waffle cone. The ice cream was creamy and not overly sweet, and the cone itself was so good I could’ve eaten it on its own. I also picked up a giant chocolate chip cookie that I tried to stash for myself until one of my daughters found it.

• Makai Café – I tried a savory ham, egg, and cheese crepe that was hearty and satisfying—an enjoyable switch from my usual sweet crepes. My daughter loved the Chicken Fried Steak. The servers were very friendly, and because Makai is right on London Bridge, outside seating offers lovely lake views (though it was too hot for us to sit outdoors that morning).

• Havasu Landing Restaurant – We took a ferry to an island where this restaurant is located. The setting felt special and the staff were kind. My rack of ribs was decent and the mashed potatoes were buttery, though slightly under-seasoned. The kids enjoyed the fries and the waterfront dining made the meal feel memorable.

• Cha-Bones – This was the most upscale meal of our trip. The mussels in tomato broth with ciabatta were incredible and opened our appetites. For my main course I chose a filet mignon cooked to a well-done yet juicy finish, paired with perfectly sautéed vegetables. I tried crème brûlée and pineapple upside-down cake here—both delicious and beautifully presented. Dining here was a treat, though it can be pricey for a family of seven.

• Peggy’s Sunrise Café – A standout breakfast spot, Peggy’s serves fluffy omelettes with creative fillings. I loved the Sunrise Omelette with Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese so much that I made a cheesy omelette at home the next morning.

We sampled many other bites—shaved ice from a stand near the Bridgewater Channel was a lifesaver on a hot day. As someone who enjoys food and writes about it, trying these meals was inspiring and a highlight of the trip.

Water Fun In Lake Havasu

Our hotel had a lovely infinity pool, which felt perfect after walking around London Bridge on hot days. The pool even had a bar; I enjoyed a frozen strawberry piña colada-style drink that was refreshingly fruity.

Because our hotel sat right on the lake, we also spent time floating in Lake Havasu. I don’t yet swim, but wearing a life jacket and drifting on the water was peaceful and freeing.

I tried paddle boarding for the first time and mostly wobbled my way around—Mr. N helped steer me in the right direction. That experience sparked a desire to learn paddle boarding and kayaking more seriously.

Walking along the lake and dipping my toes in the water was simple and calming. We had hoped to take a sunset boat cruise, but after finding one tour fully booked and another canceled due to a storm, we were happy to take a ferry ride instead.

Inspired and Refreshed

On our last morning I finally woke early enough to watch the sunrise from our balcony. Seeing the sun lift over the lake, hearing birdsong, and feeling the quiet of the morning was a beautiful way to close the trip.

I’m grateful we could take this family vacation—time in nature and a break from routine did us all good. Thank you for joining me on this recap. I’ll be back Friday with a new recipe to finish out the summer.

Stay inspired!

Precious