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Set in the Arizona desert, Lake Havasu City provides an oasis of summer fun full of history and beauty.

Lake Havasu City is an enticing mix of sparkling water, the sizzling desert, a legendary bridge, a quaint English village, majestic mountains and heaps of fun. The city’s 45 mile long lake, on the Colorado River, was named by the Chemehueyi tribe and means “Land of the Blue Green Water”. This small town attracts millions of visitors annually with its lovely sights, exciting water sports, beautiful scenery, quaint shops and great weather.

“London Bridge is Falling Down” would be sung very differently in Lake Havasu City. Its London Bridge, a legendary structure stands tall and proud against the backdrop of the Chemehueyi Mountains. In 1968, in order to save the bridge from sinking into the River Thames, the city of London decided to sell it to the founder of Lake Havasu City, Robert P. McCullock, for 2.5 million dollars. Dismantling, shipping and rebuilding it took another 3 years and 7 million dollars. The London Bridge brings a little bit of England to Arizona and provides a backdrop for the wonderfully quaint English village that has grown around it. The village is filled with Tudor style buildings and charming shops. You can take a stroll down the tree-lined walkways, shop for trinkets at a boutique, sample a handcrafted beer at a local brewery or take a paddleboat or ferry to the California side of the lake. On the annual London Bridge Day a parade, concerts and a Renaissance Festival further celebrate the English spirit.

However, Merry Olde England is just a part of the lure of Lake Havasu City. The lake, itself, is a perfect location for a multitude of water sports and the town is known as the “Personal Watercraft Capital of the World”. Swim, water ski, rent a boat or take a scenic paddleboat cruise down the lake. Guided boat tours take you into remote canyons and historic sites where ancient people dwelt, while land tours allow you to explore the rich flora and fauna of the area. Bring along your rods and reels as the lake’s deep waters provide ideal fishing conditions for black and striped bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and trout. You can also enjoy the music festivals, jet skiing competitions and auto shows organized on the banks of the lake.

With 450 miles of beautiful shoreline and craggy desert peaks, Lake Havasu City is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer a solitary hike, an organized jeep tour, bird watching or camping, there are plenty of options that allow you to appreciate the region’s scenic beauty. You can explore the area by driving down the Parker Dam Road, a backcountry byway that highlights the scenic, natural, historic and prehistoric attractions along an 11-mile road. Spend some time at the Lake Havasu State Park, a hugely popular Lake Havasu attraction, and enjoy the wildlife, as well as some great camping, hiking, fishing and boating opportunities. So whether you are enjoying a game of golf at the London Bridge Golf Club, jet skiing down the glittering waters of the lake or enjoying a little bit of olde England while you gaze at the legendary London Bridge, your vacation in Lake Havasu city is bound to be rewarding in every way.