LAKE HAVASU – SOUTHWEST VACATION OASIS

More people are discovering the Southwest’s most unique and diverseresort destination – Lake Havasu, Arizona.

Nestled amidst rugged peaks on the ColoradoRiver, Lake Havasu City is an extraordinaryconvergence of desert ecology, breathtaking shoreline and small town charm. With miles of beaches within the city limits and an average year-round warm, dry climate, families enjoy safe and easy access to swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, water skiing, sailing, and riding personal watercraft.

Visitors often take advantage of the plentiful and diverse shoreline of the Colorado River by renting a boat, packing a cooler and enjoying the solitude of Lake Havasu’s many private coves, beaches and boat-only campsites. Whether looking for a day of family fun in the sun or an evening of romantic solitude, visitors are sure to find it along Lake Havasu’s 450 miles of shoreline.

Those interested in exploring the region’s indigenous wildlife can catch a rare glimpse of waterfowl, wild burros, and bighorn sheep roaming their natural habitats in the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge and Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. Others wishing to tackle fresh water fishing opportunities in Lake Havasu will find an abundance of striper, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and rainbow trout.

Many families enjoy making a splash at the C.V. Wood Family Recreation Center and Aquatic Complex, which offers an Olympic size pool, wave pool, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, water playground, and kiddie cove. The complex also features a thrilling 257-foot water slide for the young at heart.

In addition to countless water-related activities, Lake Havasu City offers tennis, golf at four public courses, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Those on the adventurous side can enjoy off-road jeep tours, hiking adventures or supervised climbs in Havasu’s Outback, the nearby Sonoran Desert and Mohave Mountains.

Lake Havasu City’s most popular man-made attraction is the world-famous London Bridge. Purchased for $2,460,000 by city founder Robert McCulloch, the famous span of England’s River Thames was relocated to its Lake Havasu home in 1971, where it has become the scene for many weddings and romantic sunset strolls.

Lodging options are numerous in Lake Havasu City, including resorts, inns, hotels, motels, condominiums, houseboats, campsites, and RV parks. An array of shops, boutiques and restaurants offers something for everyone.

Only 5 hours from Los Angeles, CA, 3 hours from Phoenix, AZ and 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, NV, Lake Havasu offers the region’s growing number of road-minded vacationers and boating enthusiasts a full service resort destination they can drive to – without confronting crowds. “New visitors are always pleasantly surprised to realize how much we have to offer here,” explains Bonnie Barsness, president of the Lake Havasu Tourism Bureau.

Offering safe, diverse and accessible vacationing in a warm, dry climate year-round, Lake Havasu City is rapidly becoming the family recreation destination of choice in the Southwest.

Romantic Couples:
The Nautical Inn Resort - Undergoing a $7 million renovation, the Nautical is Arizona's only resort featuring entirely waterfront rooms. A full-service marina, channel-view restaurant, boat and watercraft rental facility and 18-hole golf course give couples plenty to do when they're not enjoying a sunset stroll on the beach or a late dip in the Nautical's private cove.

The London Bridge Resort:
Couples love this romantic location on Bridgewater Channel in the shadow of the world-famous London Bridge. A favorite marriage and honeymoon destination, the Resort's wedding gazebo and spacious Jacuzzi rooms are a hit with couples. Next to theEnglish Village's quaint shops, the Resort offers a romantic taste of Olde England.

Family Friendly:
The Ramada Inn - Lake Havasu's largest full-service hotel recently received a full makeover. Replete with new furniture, the Ramada Inn features parking for the family boat, a pool, spa, restaurant and lounge. Just across the road from the Aquatic Center, Havasu Movies Theater and world-famous London Bridge, the Ramada is a great place for families.

The Holiday Inn
Close to family fun at Windsor Beach State Park, Rotary Park, and London Bridge Beach Park, the Lake Havasu Holiday Inn is perfect for the family getaway. All rooms feature refrigerators, coffee makers and hair dryers. Enjoy the pool, spa, and bring the family pets - they're welcome too!