Known for its quirky modern history and stunning beaches, Lake Havasu is a hotspot for travelers in Arizona. Whether you’re keen on water sports, feel like hitting up local breweries and restaurants, or simply want to kick back on the white sandy beaches here, you’ll love this dreamy desert destination.
Backed by scenic mountains and boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s no wonder this place is so popular. But when it comes to finding where to stay in Lake Havasu, it can get pretty hard to decide.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to help you figure out which is the perfect spot for you. Let’s get into it!
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Best Vacation Home in Lake Havasu: Cosy Island House
This stunning vacation house is perfect for groups of friends or families visiting Lake Havasu. There’s space for 8 people to sleep comfortably, and free-parking onsite. With a large private outdoor pool and a hot tub in the garden, you can spend days soaking up the sun on the terrace or snoozing in the shade.
Best Hotel in Lake Havasu: The Nautical Beachfront Resort
Serving up a selection of activities and amenities, the Nautical Beachfront Resort is an amazing place to stay in Lake Havasu. Located on the beautiful island of Pittsburgh Point, the resort provides guests with stylish rooms available in a selection of sizes, all set across manicured grounds. Amenities include a private beach, a seasonal infinity pool, a children’s water park, a pool bar and an on-site restaurant.
Best Studio in Lake Havasu: Stylish Studio with Pool
This cute casita – or small home – is an ideal place to stay for a couple in Lake Havasu. Inside the casita, the decor is fresh and contemporary, with a small kitchen and dining area. But it’s the outside that really steals the show; atop a private plateau, guests can enjoy stunning views out across the town, lake and the mountains. There’s even an outdoor pool and hot tub to indulge in.
Stylish Studio with Pool is one of our favourites in Lake Havasu but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Downtown
Situated along the winding McCulloch Boulevard between Smoke Tree Avenue and Acoma Boulevard, Lake Havasu’s Downtown district is a busy area. It’s got everything you might expect of any Downtown district, home as it is to bars, shops and restaurants.
Windsor Beach
Situated to the north of Downtown Lake Havasu, Windsor Beach sits right on the shores of the lake. In fact, it is part of the Lake Havasu State Park. Here you can find white sand beaches, picnic and BBQ areas, jetties, hiking trails and wildlife – all within easy access to the centre of town.
Pittsburgh Point
Cross the water from Downtown Lake Havasu along the storied London Bridge, and you’ll be on Pittsburgh Point – a sandy island surrounded by the glistening waters of the Colorado River.
Top 3 Neighborhoood to Stay in Lake Havasu
Boasting some of the only beaches in the entire state, this holiday destination is also where Lake Havasu State Park is situated. Here you’ll find Arizona’s best campgrounds, trails, fishing spots and plenty of coves. But, if four solid walls is what you’re after, here are the best neighborhoods in Lake Havasu.
Downtown Lake Havasu is where you’ll find its highest concentration of entertainment options, with shops, sights and nightlife on the doorstep. The selection of beaches around here is also fairly good, making it a well-rounded choice for first-time visitors.
Further along the shores of the lake is Windsor Beach. The area around here is an ideal destination for anyone traveling on a budget. Its location just outside of Downtown means accommodation here is often cheaper, but you won’t lose out on any of the surrounding natural beauty.
For a different experience, there’s the spectacularly scenic Pittsburgh Point. This man-made island is home to gated communities that have become a veritable island paradise in what was once derelict desert. With so many accommodation options and activities, this is our top pick for families.
Without further ado, let’s look at each of these areas in more detail.
Situated along the winding McCulloch Boulevard between Smoke Tree Avenue and Acoma Boulevard, Lake Havasu’s Downtown district is a busy area. Staying here means having bars, shops and restaurants right on your doorstep.
One of these includes the famed London Bridge – an 1830s bridge from London, England that was purchased, dismantled and moved to its present location in 1967. But away from the sights, Downtown Lake Havasu is a great place to stay thanks to its multiple accommodation options, with something on offer for every type of traveler.
Best Condo in Downtown Lake Havasu: Waterfront Condo
Boasting spectacular views across Lake Havasu, this equally spectacular condo is a great option if you’re in this Arizona hot spot with friends. There’s enough room here to sleep up to ten people, with two full bathrooms to boot. Guests here can enjoy the board games and indoor shuffleboard and darts, but on sunny days, it’s all about the pool. The crowning glory of this property is its huge outdoor deck.
Best Hotel in Downtown Lake Havasu: London Bridge Resort
This resort is a great place to stay for first-timers in Lake Havasu. Not only does it have a great location – just a stone’s throw from London Bridge and the beach – but it also has a whole host of amenities. In fact, this place comes with its very own nine-hole golf course, multiple restaurants, bars, a nightclub, three outdoor swimming pools and a games room. Guest rooms are modern and tastefully decorated.
Best Studio in Downtown Lake Havasu: Stylish Studio with Pool
This studio or casita (little home) in Lake Havasu isn’t just any old studio. With room to sleep two guests, this option boasts modern, stylish interiors and even its very own pool – all spread over 700 square feet. Not only is there a pool, but there’s also a private hot tub, two patios to kick back on, and private parking available. It also comes with a fully stocked kitchen and super nice views across the lake.
Stylish Studio with Pool is one of our favourites in Lake Havasu but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Downtown
- Head over to Lake Havasu Museum of History to learn about the local area and its wildlife, among other things.
- Go and catch a show at Grace Arts Live, a popular local theatre and performing arts venue.
- Spend the day chilling at Rotary Community Park and Playgrounds, a family-friendly spot with plenty of shade.
- Take a day trip and hike to Lake Havasu Overlook point.
- Have a round of gold at Bridgewater Links Golf Course, complete with views of the lake and London Bridge.
- Walk the Shoreline Trail along the coast of Lake Havasu for beautiful views.
- Tuck into the tasty vegan dishes on offer at the funky Ojala.
- Enjoy the delicious homemade family recipes served up at La Vita Dolce Italian Bistro and Lounge.
- Hop on a jet ski from Body Beach and have a blast on the water.
- Stroll around the English Village, an open-air mall with colourful English style buildings near the bridge.
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Learn More Now!#2 Windsor Beach – Where to Stay in Lake Havasu on a Budget
Windsor Beach is part of the Lake Havasu State Park. Here, you can find white-sand beaches, picnic areas, jetties, and wildlife. It’s also home to some of Arizona’s superb hikes – all close to the center of town.
A popular spot for water sports and nature enthusiasts, Windsor Beach offers a variety of places to stay. Often, these accommodations boast beautiful lake views, making this an attractive area to stay on a budget.
Best Cottage in Windsor Beach: Boho Bungalow
This casita is almost like a tiny house, and has cool and funky interiors. It’s a quaint little space, designed with a boho vibe in mind, and with room to sleep two guests. There’s also a separate bathroom and small kitchenette. One of the best parts of the property is its outdoor terrace, where you’ll be surrounded by blooming flowers and greenery.
Best House in Windsor Beach: House with Lake Havasu Views
Offering up great value for money, this Lake Havasu house has enough room to sleep six people across three bedrooms. The homey interiors create a relaxing environment, where guests can enjoy the fully stocked kitchen, or the gas grill out on the deck. Oh, and this awesome Lake Havasu home comes with its own elevator – talk about convenient.
Best Hotel in Windsor Beach: Travelodge by Wyndham Lake Havasu
This budget-friendly hotel in Lake Havasu is an all-round good option for a place to base yourself. Here, guests can choose from a selection of rooms to suit their needs; each is decorated in natural tones with contemporary furnishings and crisp white bed linens. There’s a complimentary hot breakfast served up for guests each morning, and there’s access to a sizeable on-site swimming pool.
Things to See and Do in Windsor Beach
- Go for breakfast at Peggy’s Sunrise Cafe – the portions and prices are very good here.
- Spend the day hanging out on the beach.
- Satisfy your appetite at Rusty’s Diner.
- Rent a boat or jetski and explore Lake Havasu from the water (try Havasu Adventure Company).
- Swing by Mudshark Brewery and Public House for a good selection of craft and delicious pizza.
- Take off from the jetty at Mesquite Bay in a canoe and paddle around the lakeshore.
- Pay a visit to the quaint Copper Still Distillery; the cocktails come highly recommended.
- Opt for a day trip to Crystal Beach and walk the trail around Castle Rock.
- Sit out on the patio and try the local beers served up at College Street Brewhouse & Pub.
#3 Pittsburgh Point – Where to Stay in Lake Havasu for Families
Pittsburgh Point is a sandy island surrounded by the glistening waters of the Colorado River. It only became an island in the late 1960s, to accommodate the reconstruction of the bridge.
Today, it’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway and families who like outdoor activities. Much of Pittsburgh Point is encompassed by Lake Havasu State Park, so you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery.
Best Vacation Home in Pittsburgh Point: Cosy Island House
For a vacation home in Lake Havasu that all the family will love, look no further than this place. This quiet spot is located inside a secure gated community and within walking distance to beaches, restaurants and shops. There’s a large heated outdoor pool, hot tub, a shaded terrace complete with grill and furniture. Inside, it’s spacious, with enough room to sleep up to eight guests.
Best Hotel in Pittsburgh Point: The Nautical Beachfront Resort
This fun and family-friendly resort is a great spot for a vacation together in Lake Havasu. The property comes with great views over the lake, its own private beach and a pool. There’s even a children’s water park to keep little ones suitably entertained. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant or grab a cocktail at the pool bar.
Best Lakehouse in Pittsburgh Point: Lake View Home
Boasting room for six guests, this stylish house with modern interiors is a dreamy vacation property in Lake Havasu. It’s steps away from the shores of the lake, and has trails leading down to semi-private swimming coves. Being part of a gated community, guests will also have access to a communal gym and pool.
Lake View Home is one of our favourites in Lake Havasu but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Pittsburgh Point
- Enjoy a family day out at the peaceful Grand Island Park, situated in the centre of the island.
- Head out on the water for a grill-up with a difference thanks to BBQ Donut Boats.
- Go on an underwater diving adventure at the idyllic Dive Site 5.
- Stop off for a tasty bite to eat for all the family at Boathouse Grill.
- Rent a boat and spend a day with your family jetting around on the lake.
- Hit up Barley Brothers Brewery to try out their own craft beer alongside hearty bar snacks.
- Walk the Island Trail that loops around Pittsburgh Point.
- Dine on steaks with a view of London Bridge at the upscale Lake Havasu staple that is Shugrue’s…
- … Or opt for Mexican fare instead at Javelina Cantina, which also boasts bridge views (and great margaritas).
- Make a beeline for London Bridge Beach, a scenic spot with palm trees near the bridge itself.
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Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Lake Havasu
Sometimes referred to as “Arizona’s Playground”, Lake Havasu is the ideal spot for an escape. From beaches to hiking trails, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
As for us, our favourite neighbourhood in Lake Havasu has to be Pittsburgh Point. With so much to do and a range of accommodation like this cosy island house, it won’t disappoint.
That being said, all these areas are amazing in their own ways, and you should absolutely check them out on your travels!
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