If you’re craving sunshine, scenic views and a little bit of adventure with your girlfriends, Lake Havasu City might just be the perfect getaway! Set along the Colorado River in western Arizona, it blends relaxation and fun effortlessly. I recently returned from an epic trip with a group of women, filled with iconic waterfront views and unforgettable desert experiences.
- Stay Central: Make London Bridge Resort your home base for its central location, wide array of restaurants and fun amenities.
- Curate Your Vibe: Discover the best activities for every group—from sunset cruises, beach time and paddleboarding to wine tastings and off-road desert adventures.
- Travel Stress-Free: Enjoy easy access from California, Las Vegas and Arizona for a fun, stylish and uncomplicated escape.
- Plan Like a Pro: Get practical tips for planning your escape, including the best time to visit, what not to miss and firsthand insider advice.
- Getting There: Drive in effortlessly—it’s an easy road trip from Southern California, Las Vegas or Phoenix, making it ideal for a long weekend with friends.
Editor’s note: Go Lake Havasu hosted the author for this trip.
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Where to Stay: London Bridge Resort
For this trip, we stayed at London Bridge Resort in Lake Havasu City. It is located right on the waterfront steps away from the famous London Bridge and the English Village.During our stay, I loved how easy it was to explore without constantly getting back in the car.
- Resort Features: London Bridge Resort backs right up to the water and features several great restaurants, as well as two pools and a waterslide.
- Walkable Attractions: From the resort, we could easily walk to London Bridge, The English Village, waterfront restaurants and bars, boat tours, the beach and lakeside walking paths.
- Stress-Free Home Base: The resort atmosphere feels fun and social while still being relaxing, making it a great home base. I really appreciated being able to park the car and leave it there for much of the weekend. We walked to dinner, wandered through the English Village, caught our boat tour and even strolled across London Bridge without worrying about driving.
- Why Stay Here: Between the resort’s pools, waterfront views, great restaurants and central location, it’s easy to see why this is a great place to stay for a Lake Havasu getaway.
Best Things to Do on a Lake Havasu Girlfriends Getaway
1. Have Dinner and Martini Flights at Martini Bay
Start your girls trip with a fun dinner at Martini Bay, located inside the London Bridge Resort. We had dinner at Martini Bay the first evening after checking into the hotel. The menu balances elevated comfort food with fresh seasonal ingredients, making it a great first-night dinner spot after arriving in town. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over cocktails and ease into vacation mode.
- Creative Cocktails: This waterfront restaurant is known for its creative martinis, including dessert martinis that are practically made for Instagram.
- Main Entrées: I had the Wild Caught Salmon and my friends ordered the Chilean Seabass and Black Truffle Chicken Alfredo. All were fantastic!
- Happy Hour Sharing: The restaurant is also known for its Pub Appetizers, which are offered at half price during happy hour. We were able to order a bunch and share at our table. The Coconut Shrimp, Arancini de Riso and Blueberry Flat Bread were stand-out favorites!
2. Check Out London Bridge
No trip to Lake Havasu City is complete without seeing the world-famous London Bridge. It’s easily the city’s most iconic attraction and one of the most unique landmarks in the American Southwest. Walking across it, especially at sunset, is one of the best ways to soak in the atmosphere of Lake Havasu.
- The London Auction: In 1962, the City of London decided to auction off the 130-year-old bridge after it began sinking into the River Thames.
- Reconstructed Stone by Stone: In a move that helped put Lake Havasu on the map, city founder Robert P. McCulloch purchased the bridge in 1968 for $2.46 million. The massive structure was then carefully dismantled, transported to Arizona and reconstructed stone by stone.
- Top Arizona Attraction: The bridge was officially rededicated on October 10, 1971 and today it remains one of Arizona’s top attractions.
3. Walk Around the English Village
Located next to the London Bridge, the English Village is a waterfront district featuring shops, restaurants, walking paths and beautiful views of the channel. Your group can browse souvenir shops, grab drinks or simply enjoy the scenery.
- English Village Charm: There’s a lovely fountain and even a red British phone booth that’s great for photos, plus this is the spot where you can hop on a boat tour or rent equipment.
- The Chair Restaurant: One of my favorite spots in the English Village was The Chair. This colorful restaurant combines waterfront views with great food in a casual, fun atmosphere.
- Island-Inspired Vibe: The menu includes island-inspired cocktails, tacos, burgers, poke bowls and shareable appetizers. It is the type of spot where you can relax after a busy day and enjoy the lively energy around the lake.
4. Take a Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Havasu
One of the absolute highlights of a Lake Havasu girls trip is getting out on the water. A sunset cruise offers a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the lake while learning a bit about the area’s history and scenery.
- Sunset Charter & Tour Co.: We took the Sunset Experience boat excursion with Sunset Charter & Tour Co. (the city’s #1 boat tour company).
- The Route: It was a relaxing, three-hour, 24-mile narrated journey aboard Serenity Now, a custom-built pontoon boat. The tour travels through Bridgewater Channel and into Thompson Bay, through coves, inlets and canyons.
- Golden Hour Views: As the sun starts dipping behind the mountains, the entire lake glows golden. Bring a light jacket, your camera and maybe a drink for one of the prettiest evenings of your trip.
5. Beach Time
One of the cool things about Lake Havasu is that you can enjoy a traditional beach day right in the middle of the desert. There are a number of public beaches around the lake, including one that was just steps away from our hotel.
- Beach Amenities: Many public beaches offer sandy shorelines, designated swimming areas, picnic tables, calm water and beautiful mountain views.
- Year-Round Beach Days: Lake Havasu’s warm weather makes beach days possible during much of the year.
6. Enjoy Water Sports on Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu isn’t called “Arizona’s Playground” for nothing. Much of the fun here happens on the water, where you can enjoy everything from paddleboarding and kayaking, to full-on boating adventures.
- Paddleboarding Favoring: We rented paddleboards from Nautical Watersports, but there are several spots in Lake Havasu that will hook you up with equipment. This turned out to be one of my favorite activities.
- Morning Calm: The water was surprisingly calm during the morning, making it easy even for beginners and it gave us a completely different perspective of Lake Havasu than we had from shore. It’s also a fun way for groups to mix relaxation with a little adventure.
- Other Options: If your group prefers something more adventurous, you can also rent jet skis, pontoons or take guided boat tours along the Colorado River.
7. Go Off-Roading Through the Desert
If your group wants a little adventure, an off-roading tour through the desert is one of the most exciting things to do in Lake Havasu. Even if you’ve never gone off-roading before, this experience is surprisingly approachable and such a fun bonding activity for a group. Expect lots of laughs, incredible scenery and a little dust along the way.
- Guided UTV Tour: We did a guided tour with Wet Monkey Rentals and it was fun and exciting! I definitely recommend a guided tour over renting a vehicle if you are not familiar with the roads.
- Desert Overlooks: Guided rides take you through rugged desert landscapes, scenic trails and incredible lake overlooks in high-powered UTVs. It gave us a completely different perspective of the area beyond the lake itself.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
8. Hike the Crack in the Mountain Trail at SARA Park
For groups that enjoy getting active, hiking at SARA Park is one of the best outdoor experiences in the area. The Crack in the Mountain Trail is especially popular thanks to its unique slot canyon section and scenic lake views. The hike feels adventurous without being overly difficult, making it accessible for many fitness levels.
- Slot Canyon Experience: The trail passes through a narrow slot canyon before opening to beautiful lake views. Kids often enjoy squeezing through the rock formations and exploring the canyon environment. It was challenging and very fun!
- Hydration Tip: Just be sure to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Hike early in the morning to avoid the heat. The trail does not have a lot of shade and the sun gets strong.
9. Enjoy Craft Beer and Pizza at Mudshark Brewery
After a morning outdoors, refuel at Mudshark Brewery. Known for its house-brewed craft beer and casual atmosphere, this local favorite serves everything from brick-oven pizza to sandwiches and salads. The relaxed vibe makes it a perfect midday stop, especially if your group wants something low-key before heading into more afternoon activities.
- Solar Powered: Mudshark Brewery was recently recognized as the #1 solar powered brewery in America.
- Table Games: I loved that in addition to great food and beers, Mudshark Brewery has board games you can borrow and bring to your table.
- Local Favorite: It is easy to see why Mudshark Brewery is considered one of the best restaurants in Lake Havasu.
10. Visit the 1000 Goddesses Labyrinth
Lake Havasu has a surprisingly peaceful and spiritual side as well. The 1000 Goddesses Labyrinth is considered one of the area’s vortex sites and offers a quiet space to slow down and take in the desert scenery.
- Peaceful Space: Offers a quiet space to slow down and take in the desert scenery.
- Wellness Focus: Whether you’re into wellness experiences or simply want a calm moment during your trip, this stop adds a unique element to a Lake Havasu itinerary.
11. Visit Siddhartha’s Garden
Siddhartha’s Garden offers a peaceful escape from the typical restaurant scene. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but its location makes it all the more special! Named after Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), the café reflects a philosophy centered on mindfulness, wellness and balance.
- Fresh & Nourishing Menu: After spending time in the desert sun, a lighter meal can really hit the spot. Siddhartha’s Garden focuses on fresh, nourishing food including smoothie bowls, wraps, juices, soups and whole food meals.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: The restaurant has a little outdoor seating area, where you can dine surrounded by greenery, shade and a calm, tucked-away atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy waterfront area.
- Healthy Balance: It’s a nice balance to some of the livelier bars and restaurants in Lake Havasu and a great option for a healthy lunch during your getaway.
12. Sip Wine at Foundry
Wind down your trip with a wine tasting experience at The Foundry Plates & Spirits. Their “Sippin’ with the Somm” experience offers curated wine flights in a relaxed setting that feels upscale without being overly formal.
- Sommelier-Guided Flight: The experience features a curated flight of four wines and easy conversation with a local sommelier.
- Trip Highlight: We tried this experience and it was one of the highlights of our trip!
- Girls-Night Toast: It’s the perfect girls-night activity before dinner and a fun way to toast to your desert escape.
Logistics: Getting There & Getting Around
Planning a trip to Lake Havasu City is straightforward, whether you’re driving in from nearby hubs or flying into the region.
Flying In
- Nearest Major Airports: Fly into Las Vegas (LAS) (about a 2.5-hour drive) or Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) (about a 3-hour drive).
Go Lake Havasu - Rental Cars: Pick up a rental car at either airport for a scenic desert drive right into Lake Havasu.
Driving Times
- From Las Vegas: ~150 miles | 2.5 hours
Go Lake Havasu - From Phoenix: ~200 miles | 3 hours
www.golakehavasu.com - From Los Angeles / SoCal: ~300 miles | 4.5 to 5 hours
www.golakehavasu.com
Getting Around Town
- Walkability: If you stay at London Bridge Resort, you can walk to the bridge, English Village, boat rentals and several waterfront spots.
- Driving & Rideshares: You’ll want a car or local rideshare for spots farther out, like SARA Park, Mudshark Brewery or desert UTV trailheads.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Lake Havasu Girls Getaway
Lake Havasu City is best known for the famous London Bridge, its beautiful lake scenery, boating culture and outdoor recreation. It’s often called “Arizona’s Playground” thanks to its mix of water sports, desert adventures, nightlife and sunshine year-round.
Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit thanks to warm temperatures and sunny weather without the intense summer heat. March and April are especially popular for outdoor activities and lake days.
Absolutely. Lake Havasu works really well for girls’ getaways because it offers a little bit of everything — relaxing resorts, fun nightlife, outdoor adventures, scenic boat tours, spa opportunities and great restaurants all within a fairly compact area.
A long weekend of about three to four days is perfect for experiencing many of the top activities Lake Havasu has to offer, while still leaving time to relax by the pool or enjoy leisurely meals with friends.
Definitely. While boating is popular, there are still plenty of things to do without renting one. Visitors can enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, off-roading tours, restaurants, sunset cruises, shopping near the London Bridge and relaxing at waterfront resorts.
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