Phoenix may be Arizona’s sprawling desert metropolis, but neighboring Scottsdale has long supported the argument that size doesn’t matter, especially when you visit the ‘mini bar’ of my favorite stomping grounds, Giligin’s.
As a Californian, seeing Arizona plates on our roadways is a tell-tale sign that the tourist season is in full force.
Come summer, Arizonians tend to leave the sauna-like conditions of their home state and flock to our shores, but sometimes, we like to return the favor, driving our ‘green’ vehicles into the land of red sand.
While Scottsdale may be the most notable name, one of Californians’ favorite retreats is none other than under-hyped Lake Havasu – and it should be yours, too, regardless of where you live.
Offering cheaper stays and down-home charm in its quaint downtown district, along with spectacular outdoor activities, it’s not too late for a dose of winter sun in Arizona’s budget-friendly lake town.
Arizona Has Beaches?!
Turns out George Strait was right. There is indeed ‘oceanfront property in Arizona’, and it’s a lot more affordable than my neck of the woods.
While Lake Havasu’s calm shoreline certainly doesn’t draw realistic comparisons to Southern California, hordes of Californians come here for a reason – because it’s a blast!
Winter makes for a great time to visit as temperatures are splendid with consistent 70-degree days, something that isn’t even consistent in San Diego this time of year.
Lake Havasu boasts vivid, deep blue waters and several popular beaches to lounge around or use a springboard, take a dip, rent a kayak, or let the captain do all the work on a scenic boat tour.
Lake Havasu State Park ($15 admission) is your best bet for the most sought-after beaches like Windsor State Beach, known for its gleaming white sand and serene surroundings.
You can also book cozy cabins for $119 and start your day off right by fishing, boating and swimming in one of the region’s most idyllic settings.
Conversely, free-to-enter London Bridge Beach is where you’ll find the action. Anchored by the lake’s most famous site, historic London Bridge has stood the test of time despite a collective effort of Fergie and children everywhere to break its spirit.
Now serving as Havasu’s main hub where good times galore, you’ll see this landmark awaken during summer, but winter still sees boaters, kayakers, and beachgoers enjoying the scenic waterfront.
Great Stays With Affordable Rates
GoBankingRates recommends setting aside a hotel budget of $84 per night. Yeah, try that in Scottsdale…
Lake Havasu has a wide selection of great stays circling back to the State Park’s cabins and leveling up to lakeside resorts and casinos, too.
Almost perfectly aligning with GoBankingRates assessment is Havasu Landing Resort & Casino, priced this winter at $83 per night and located on the California side as Lake Havasu is a shared treasure likened to Lake Tahoe’s Nevada and California ties.
Sticking to the Arizona side, these are TripAdvisor’s top 3 resort recommendations (sorted by Best Value)
Since there is no airport within 2 hours, RV resorts are popular here too, as you can imagine.
The Islander Resort is beloved by road trippers, where one recent guest claimed, “It’s like coming home each time I stay here. Wonderful staff. The place is spotlessly clean. And very safe”.
Lake Havasu’s Astounding Nature: Get Out And Explore!
With such mild winters, it may be tempting to spend all your time lakeside, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice not exploring Lake Havasu’s array of astounding natural sites.
Topping the list might just be the area’s mini “Grand Canyon” known as Topock Gorge, followed by secret coves crossing both state lines dotting the Colorado River, such as Sadie’s Cove and another lakeside retreat often overlooked, Cattail Cove State Park teeming with untouched nature accessible by numerous trails.
Lastly, arguably the most tranquil escape is Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (where you’ll find Topock Gorge).
Here, you’ll discover a nature lover’s dream with serene waterways, ample hiking trails, and frequent wildlife sightings.
Check out their guided tours running through April.
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