Lake Havasu is an amazing vacation destination in and of itself, but while you're in town you can also plan a day trip or two to further explore this gorgeous region. If you're planning a vacation to Lake Havasu, consider adding one of these locations to your itinerary, all close enough to explore and be back at your vacation rental by bedtime.
Oatman, Arizona
Step back in time to the Old West with a visit to Oatman, only about an hour away. It is a quirky ghost town nestled in the Black Mountains. Known for its wild burros (descendants of the donkeys that worked in the mines) wandering the streets, Oatman feels like something straight out of a Western movie.
You can stroll through the historic main street lined with shops, saloons, and old-timey buildings or watch a daily reenactment of a Wild West shootout. If you have kids who are in their cowboy era, they will love this.
Visitors can also feed the friendly burros (just be sure to use approved burro food!). Oatman is as charming as it is unique, so plan a day to explore the town’s mining history and grab a souvenir from one of the local shops.
London Bridge Jet Boat Tour to Topock Gorge
About 30 minutes from Lake Havasu, you can book a jet boat tour to cruise through the Topock Gorge’s red rock canyons and crystal-clear waters. While Lake Havasu itself is famous for its boating scene, the nearby Topock Gorge offers a scenic and serene escape just down the Colorado River that's worth the drive.
You will marvel at ancient Native American petroglyphs etched into the gorge’s rock walls, spot wildlife like desert bighorn sheep and soaring eagles, and relax on the beaches at Pirate Cove Resort in nearby Needles, California. This is a day trip you will remember for years to come.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a can’t-miss destination for animal and nature lovers, about 30 minutes away. The sprawling 37,000-acre refuge along the Colorado River provides a peaceful escape if you want to spend a day of your vacation in quiet or reflection.
Explore the refuge by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to immerse yourself in its quiet waters. If you'd rather stay on land, you can walk along scenic trails and take in stunning views of the wetlands and surrounding desert. For a great fishing spot, stop by the Topock Marsh.
Parker, Arizona
The nearby town of Parker sits along the Colorado River and offers a mix of recreation, dining, and laid-back vibes only 45 minutes away. Perfect for a quick day trip, Parker is a great spot for boating, water sports, and relaxation on the riverfront.
Spend the day on the Parker Strip, a 16-mile stretch of river perfect for boating, fishing, and jet skiing. If you're feeling lucky, check out BlueWater Resort & Casino for entertainment, dining, and stunning views of the river. You can also grab lunch at one of the local waterfront restaurants, like Pirate’s Den or Roadrunner Floating Dock Bar, or take a short drive to the Parker Dam, the deepest dam in the world, for a photo-worthy stop. Parker offers plenty of ways to enjoy the river and makes for an easy, fun-filled day trip with kids, adults, or a mix of both.
Route 66 and Kingman, Arizona
No visit to the region would be complete without exploring a stretch of Historic Route 66. Head east to Kingman, a charming town that celebrates its Route 66 roots and boasts plenty of history, art, and dining options. Visit the Route 66 Museum in the Powerhouse Visitor Center to learn about the history of America’s “Mother Road” or take a self-guided walking tour of Kingman’s historic downtown, where you’ll find murals, vintage shops, and cafés.
The whole family will love a stop at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner for a nostalgic meal in a 1950s-style atmosphere. Kingman is only an hour from Lake Havasu and it's worth the stop.
Accommodations in Lake Havasu
The vacation rental you choose makes all the difference, especially at the end of an exciting day trip. If you're traveling to Lake Havasu, you've got to check out The Place. Our luxury Lake Havasu vacation rental has it all, including:
- 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
- Garage converted to game room with pool table, air hockey, jukebox and arcade games
- 25 foot pool with water slide and hot tub
- Luxury kitchen and spacious dining area
- Outdoor BBQ and pizza oven
- Cornhole, Bocce ball, and a putting green
- HDTVs with streaming in every room
Ready to book your trip to Lake Havasu? Check the availability of The Place today.