The strange Colorado River settlement of Lake Havasu City is a tempting detour in the US South West. Here’s how to get there from Las Vegas.
A detour to Lake Havasu City from Las Vegas
Lake Havasu City in Arizona is one of the strangest places in the United States. It is home to London Bridge, which was transported brick-by-brick from the UK then rebuilt. In winter, Lake Havasu attracts snowbirds and hikers. In the roasting hot summers, it’s a party town, with people hiring boats and standing around in the channel near London Bridge to cool off.
The vibe of Lake Havasu City is somewhere between British pastiche and MAGA booze haven. It’s odd, it’s distinctive, and it’s arguably worth a visit on a trip around the US South West.
Why book the sunset cocktail cruise on Lake Havasu’s paddle wheeler?
- 🌅 Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over Lake Havasu
- 🍹 Sip delicious cocktails on a classic paddle wheeler
- 🎶 Relax with live music and a laid-back atmosphere
- 🛥️ Cruise past iconic sights including the London Bridge
- 📸 Capture memorable moments on this unique evening experience
Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City distance and driving time
There are two routes from Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City. One cuts through California, the other stays mostly in Arizona. The California route via US-95 S is shorter – the Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City distance is 153 miles, with a driving time of two hours and 30 minutes.
Go via US-93 S through Arizona and the distance is 166 miles, with a 2h35m driving time.
Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City drive via Needles, California
Both routes leave Las Vegas and head southeast along the I-11 S through Henderson. The California route, however, turns off before Boulder City. The US-95 S passes a historical marker for Eldorado Canyon, the head of steamboat navigation in Nevada. Take the turn-off here, and you can visit the Nelson ghost town and go on a tour down the old Techatticup Gold Mine.
But this drive is mainly wide open space, with dry, dusty mountains on the horizon.
The highlight is following the railway line through the desert for a while. Get lucky, and you’ll see some enormous trains ploughing across the parched landscape. There’s a true Wild West feel to the drive.
Once out of Nevada and into California, the only town of any note is Needles. It’s just off the Colorado River on US-40. But this old Route 66 town is frankly a bit bleak and depressing. Refuel, get something basic to eat, and move on into Arizona.
Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City via the US-93 S
The Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City route through Arizona is a little bit longer, but arguably more appealing. Most of it is still desert scenery, but there is more to see on the way.
The Arizona route from Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City passes Lake Mead, where you can take a cruise to see Hoover Dam from the water. You can also, of course, take a tour inside Hoover Dam on the Las Vegas to Kingman leg of the drive.
What to do in Kingman, Arizona
Beyond Boulder City, Kingman is the most attractive town on the Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City drive. It’s by no means amazing, but it does have a few solid cafés and some fun, large-scale street art murals to enjoy.
You can dose up on kitsch at the Arizona Route 66 Museum, while Kingman is also a decent base for tours. Experiences from Kingman include a day trip to the Grand Canyon and the historic Joshua tree forest. Another links together the Oatman mining village, adorable burros and classic Route 66 views. A third Kingman tour focuses on desert wineries, distilleries and breweries.
If searching for Kingman accommodation, try the Wayfarer’s Inn and Suites or the La Quinta.
After Kingman, it’s a desert schlep towards Lake Havasu City.
Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City: Which route to take?
You can make arguments for both routes from Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City. The California route is shorter, quicker and arguably has the most atmospheric desert scenery. The Arizona route, however, only takes five minutes more. It also has by far the best attraction and best pit-stop town on the way.
Where to stay in Lake Havasu City
Top accommodation options in Lake Havasu City include the London Bridge Resort, which has a lakefront location, three pools and bizarrely unexpected royal carriage. For something less central, but quieter and more relaxing, try the Havasu Dunes Resort.
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