How did a historic British bridge built in the 1830s end up in the Arizona desert?
It’s a story worth celebrating, especially if your travels bring you to Lake Havasu City in northwestern Arizona.
Lake Havasu locals hardly notice the London Bridge these days, but tourists still flock to Lake Havasu City to see it, and it’s a fun landmark to visit all through the year.
In fact, the historic London Bridge is the top Lake Havasu City attraction, and even though we visit Lake Havasu City often, we always take time to stroll along the London Bridge at sunset.
Want to see the London Bridge for yourself? Here’s a complete guide to visiting this historic London landmark in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
A Brief History of Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge
Lake Havasu was created long before the city — back in the 1930s when the Parker Dam was built on the Colorado River.
Thirty years later, in 1963, chainsaw tycoon and millionaire Robert McCulloch is rumored to have flown over the lake searching for a suitable location to test out his line of outboard motors.
He went on to buy 3,500 acres of desolate desert for under $75 an acre, and even though there were no major highways connecting Lake Havasu to the rest of the country, a beautiful city began to emerge out of the desert.
McCulloch began flying in prospective landowners from all over the country, hoping to sell them on the beautiful turquoise waters, rugged mountains, and never-ending sunshine.
His plan was moderately successful, but his next idea sealed the deal!
Acquiring the London Bridge for Lake Havasu City
The London Bridge in Lake Havasu City held the record for the World’s Largest Antique ever sold, and its purchase and journey from London to Arizona certainly created some excitement.
The bridge was built in 1831 to span the River Thames in London. In the early 1960s, it began sinking into the river and was put up for auction. McCulloch won the bridge for Lake Havasu City with his bid of $2,460,000.
The London Bridge was dismantled brick-by-brick over three years and slowly reconstructed in Lake Havasu City, with a total shipping cost of $240,000.
Pittsburg Point, once a peninsula jutting into the lake, was turned into an island (now called “The Island” by locals) by dredging a narrow channel under the bridge.
The London Bridge officially opened in 1971, with much celebration and fanfare. Today, London Bridge is a major tourist attraction rising out of the desert, surrounded by the thriving Lake Havasu City.
The Best Time to Visit the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City
Unless you really love the heat of the desert, it’s best to avoid visiting Lake Havasu City in the summer, between June and September, when the temperatures top 100 degrees almost every day.
The area surrounding the London Bridge is a Spring Break hot spot, with boats and young people everywhere. There’s a fair bit of drinking and partying going on, so if that’s your thing, head to Lake Havasu City any time in March.
Winter is my favorite time to visit Lake Havasu, and it’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. The Lake will be too cold for all but the bravest swimmers in the winter, but that doesn’t bother me.
In April, the Spring Break crowd departs, and families take over the beaches. The lake is warm enough for swimming and the daytime temperatures are pleasant but not stifling.
Can You Walk Across the London Bridge?
The London Bridge connects the central part of Lake Havasu City with what the locals call “The Island”, which is mainly a residential area. There are sidewalks on the London Bridge for pedestrians, and cars usually drive pretty slowly. Sunsets from the bridge are lovely, but I like sunrise even better.
Where to Stay Near the London Bridge
There are two hotels right next to the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, and both are located right on the water and close to shopping, restaurants, and beaches.
HEAT is a pet-friendly boutique hotel next to the London Bridge with direct access to the Bridgewater Channel. Rooms feature a light, modern decor and lovely balconies overlooking the water, mountains, or both.
At HEAT, you can rent bicycles to cruise around the island or rent a dock for your boat. The HEAT patio bar is a sunny indoor/outdoor lounge perfect for relaxing after a day on the water. This is a great Lake Havasu hotel for adults but it might be a bit loud for families with young kids.
London Bridge Resort is another hotel right next to the London Bridge, featuring all-suite rooms right on the water.
The property consists of 110 acres along the Bridgewater Channel. Visitors can access three swimming pools, a water slide, and numerous restaurants and bars. London Bridge Resort is centrally located in the heart of Lake Havasu City, within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, theaters, nightlife, and entertainment.
Where to Eat Near the London Bridge
There are a few great restaurants near the London Bridge, as this is where visitors tend to congregate, and can you blame them?
Just about every eatery has a gorgeous waterfront view and outdoor dining is common during nice weather. Here are a few great choices for dining out near the London Bridge.
- Shugrue’s Restaurant and Bakery: This waterfront restaurant has one of the best London Bridge views in Lake Havasu City, and the food is delicious, too! Steak and seafood are the main attractions, but there’s also a good selection of soups, pasta, and salads. Shugrue’s is very close to the London Bridge and is open for lunch and dinner with a late-night bar.
- Barley Brothers Brewery: When we visited, Barley Brothers was the only craft brewery in Lake Havasu City, and the beer was fantastic. My favorite was the oatmeal stout, at least in the winter. They feature classic pub fare but also some great vegetarian options, which were delicious. I’d recommend the wood-fired pizzas, as well as the oak-roasted vegetables. Barley Brothers is located right on the Bridgewater Channel and has great views of the London Bridge. It is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night fare.
- Makai Cafe: Makai is a great breakfast and lunch spot with a pet-friendly patio and a stellar view. The selections are pretty standard but very fresh and prepared to perfection. Makai is right below Barley Brothers on the Bridgewater Channel beside the London Bridge.
Whether you’re visiting Lake Havasu City for the day or a whole week, you have to see the world-famous London Bridge and all of the fabulous beaches, trails, and restaurants located nearby.
If you want to explore further afield, check out our post about the best things to do in Lake Havasu.
Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.