St. George to Lake Havasu
The original London Bridge — moved stone by stone from England in 1971 — spans a desert island on the Colorado River in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Surrounded by warm blue water, white sand beaches, and year-round sunshine, Lake Havasu is the Southwest's most surprising water recreation destination.
I-15 South → I-40 West → AZ-95 South
240 miles
Distance
3.5 hours
Drive Time
south
Direction
October through May
Best Time
735 feet (Lake Havasu surface) elevation
Driving from St. George to Lake Havasu
Route: I-15 South → I-40 West → AZ-95 South
Head south on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge and Mesquite, continue to Las Vegas and pick up I-40 heading west through Kingman, Arizona. At Kingman, exit south on US-93 or continue to AZ-95 South into Lake Havasu City. Alternatively, from Kingman take AZ-68 west to I-40 and south on AZ-95. The Kingman route through the high desert is the most direct.
About Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu City sits on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, the reservoir created when Parker Dam impounded the Colorado River in 1938. The city is best known internationally for the London Bridge — the actual 1831 granite bridge from the Thames that city founder Robert McCulloch purchased for $2.46 million in 1968 and had dismantled stone by stone for shipment to Arizona. The stones were reconstructed over a specially dug channel, creating the island setting that has become the city's iconic centerpiece. The surrounding English Village shopping district leans into the British theme with pubs, fish and chips, and red telephone boxes.
Beyond the London Bridge novelty, Lake Havasu is a serious water recreation destination for residents of Southern Utah and Nevada. The lake stretches 45 miles along the Colorado River with warm, calm water ideal for boating, jet skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Windsor Beach State Park on the north shore and Cattail Cove State Park to the south provide sandy beaches, boat launches, and camping. The lake's warm water temperatures — reaching 85°F in summer — make it popular for swimming when Utah's desert is simply too hot for outdoor activity.
The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge north of the city protects riparian habitat along the Colorado River with excellent bird watching and canoeing through narrow, reed-lined channels known as the Topock Gorge and Havasu Creek. The Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge to the south protects one of the last cottonwood-willow riparian forests in the Southwest. For spring break crowds, Lake Havasu has been a legendary destination since the 1980s — the combination of warm weather, accessible water, and a party-friendly atmosphere draws college students from across the West. For families and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, the lake is equally welcoming year-round.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Mesquite, NV — 37 miles south on I-15 (gas, casinos, food)
- Las Vegas — 120 miles via I-15 (full services, cheapest gas on the route)
- Kingman, AZ — 185 miles via I-40 (full services — good stop for supplies)
- Lake Havasu City — 240 miles (multiple gas stations throughout the city)
Weather & Climate
Lake Havasu City is one of the hottest cities in the United States. Summer temperatures (June-August) regularly reach 110-120°F. Winter is remarkably mild (55-70°F) and attracts snowbirds from across the country. Spring and fall are ideal at 70-90°F. The lake moderates temperatures slightly but offers little escape from summer desert heat. Wind is occasional, particularly in spring.
Best Time to Visit
October through May
Fall (October-November) and spring (February-April) are ideal with temperatures in the comfortable 65-85°F range. Winter (December-January) is mild at 55-70°F — perfect for exploring without crowds. Summer is the busiest season (June-August) but temperatures exceed 110°F, making outdoor time challenging outside the water. Spring break in March is the absolute peak for crowds and prices. Many Southern Utah residents visit in November and February to escape the cold while avoiding the summer heat.
Things to Do in Lake Havasu
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
London Bridge & English Village
London Bridge
FreeThe actual 1831 London Bridge, relocated stone by stone from the River Thames to Lake Havasu City in 1971. The 930-foot granite bridge now spans a navigable channel between the Arizona mainland and the Thompson Bay island. Free to walk across and photograph at any time.
Walk under the bridge by boat for the best photos of the full span from water level
English Village
Free to exploreThe shopping and entertainment district at the base of London Bridge featuring British-themed shops, restaurants, and pubs. Year-round tourist activity, weekend markets, and events. The waterfront location makes it a pleasant place to stroll regardless of the shops.
Bridgewater Channel
Free to walkThe quarter-mile channel beneath London Bridge connects the main lake to Thompson Bay. Jet skis, kayaks, paddleboats, and swimming are all popular in this protected waterway. The channel walkway along the island side offers excellent bridge photography angles.
London Bridge Beach
FreeThe sandy beach at the base of the bridge on the island side is the most popular swimming and people-watching spot in Lake Havasu City. Free access with limited parking nearby.
Boating & Water Recreation
Lake Havasu State Park (Windsor Beach)
$15-$25 per vehicleThe most accessible public beach and boat launch area on the north side of the lake. Sandy beach, picnic areas, camping, and excellent swimming. The park provides direct access to the open lake for boats and jet skis.
Weekend mornings fill the parking lot early — arrive before 9 AM in summer
Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
$80-$500+ per dayMultiple rental operators on the lake offer pontoon boats, ski boats, and jet skis by the hour or full day. Summer weekends require advance reservations. Prices range from $80/hour for jet skis to $500+/day for a pontoon boat large enough for a group.
Weekday rentals are significantly cheaper and the lake is far less crowded
Cattail Cove State Park
$15-$35/night campingLocated 15 miles south of the city, Cattail Cove is a quieter alternative to Windsor Beach. Excellent boat camping on the water with 28 sites accessible only by boat or a short walk. The coves here are protected and calm, perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Fishing Lake Havasu
$15-$37 Arizona fishing licenseLake Havasu is one of the best warm-water fishing lakes in Arizona, with striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. The Colorado River arms north of the city hold large stripers. An Arizona fishing license is required.
Striped bass fishing is best in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October)
Topock Gorge Kayaking
Guided tours from $80-$120Paddle through a 15-mile stretch of the Colorado River between Topock and Lake Havasu through a dramatic basalt canyon. The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the gorge with abundant bird life. Best as a guided day trip or supported kayak tour.
Outdoor Adventures
Havasu Falls Trailhead (Havasupai)
$400+ per person permitWhile Havasu Falls itself is 60+ miles east, many visitors combine a Lake Havasu trip with the world-famous Havasupai waterfalls reservation. The Hualapai Hilltop trailhead is 200 miles from Lake Havasu City — a logical extension if already in western Arizona. Permits required far in advance.
Havasupai permits release on February 1st each year and sell out in minutes
Swansea Ghost Town
FreeAn eerily well-preserved early 20th-century copper mining ghost town in the desert northeast of Lake Havasu. Accessible by high-clearance vehicle on a rough dirt road. Original smelter, mine shafts, and adobe ruins are open for exploration.
A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the last 4 miles to the townsite
Mohave County River Heritage Trail
FreeA paved multi-use path running along the Lake Havasu shoreline and through the city. Perfect for cycling, walking, and roller blading with water views throughout. Connects the English Village area to state park beaches.
Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge
FreeLocated where the Bill Williams River meets Lake Havasu, this refuge protects one of the last native cottonwood-willow riparian forests in the Southwest. Excellent birding with over 350 species recorded. Canoe and kayak launches available.
Dining & Lodging
Shugrue's Restaurant
$$$Lake Havasu City's most established waterfront restaurant with panoramic views of the London Bridge and lake. Steaks, seafood, and classic American fare with a full bar. A tradition for special occasions and visitors who want the definitive Havasu dining experience.
Request a window table for London Bridge views when making reservations
Mudshark Brewery
$$The local craft brewery and brewpub with handcrafted beers, pub food, and a lively atmosphere. Popular with the boating crowd and a good choice for a casual post-lake lunch or dinner.
Heat Hotel
$150-$300/nightLake Havasu's premier boutique hotel with rooftop pool, direct waterfront access, and modern rooms. Located near the English Village and London Bridge. The rooftop bar and pool have excellent lake views.
Hampton Inn Lake Havasu City
$100-$180/nightReliable chain option with outdoor pool and close proximity to the lake. A solid value choice away from the higher prices of the waterfront properties.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Lake Havasu Drive
Spring break (March) is Lake Havasu's busiest and most crowded period — book lodging 3-6 months ahead or avoid entirely
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F — plan all outdoor activities for before 10 AM or after 5 PM
Arizona requires a boat registration and operator education for watercraft — make sure rental operators have all required documentation
The lake is enormous (45 miles long) — first-time boaters should stay in the main basin near the city rather than venturing into remote coves without navigation tools
Gas on the lake is expensive — fill up in town before launching and plan your fuel consumption carefully
Las Vegas is 2.5 hours north of Lake Havasu — many visitors combine both destinations in a single road trip from St. George
UV intensity is extreme on the water — bring reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a sun shade for extended time on boats
The Kingman, Arizona Walmart is a good stop for supplies on the drive down before prices increase closer to the lake
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Lake Havasu
How far is Lake Havasu from St. George?
Lake Havasu City is approximately 240 miles (3.5 hours) from St. George. Drive south on I-15 through Mesquite and Las Vegas, then east on I-40 to Kingman, Arizona, and south on AZ-95 into Lake Havasu City.
Is the London Bridge in Lake Havasu the real one?
Yes — it is the actual 1831 Robert Rennie-designed London Bridge that previously spanned the River Thames in London. Robert McCulloch purchased it for $2.46 million in 1968 when London needed to replace it with a stronger structure. Each stone was numbered, shipped to America, and reassembled over a newly dug channel in Lake Havasu City. It opened in 1971.
What is Lake Havasu best known for?
Lake Havasu is known for the London Bridge, spring break beach parties, world-class warm-water boating and jet skiing, and exceptional warm winter weather that draws snowbirds from cold-weather states. The lake is also highly regarded for striped bass fishing and is increasingly popular for kayaking through the Topock Gorge wildlife area.
How warm is Lake Havasu water?
Lake Havasu water temperatures range from approximately 58-65°F in winter (December-February) to 80-85°F in summer (July-August). Spring and fall see comfortable 70-78°F water temperatures. The warm summer water is the primary reason the lake is such a popular summer destination despite the extreme air temperatures.
What is the best time to visit Lake Havasu from St. George?
October through November and February through April offer the ideal combination of comfortable temperatures (65-85°F), affordable lodging, and manageable crowds. March spring break is busy and expensive. Summer is extremely hot (110°F+) but the lake provides relief. Winter (December-January) is mild and uncrowded — a great escape from cold Utah winters.
Can I combine Lake Havasu with Las Vegas in one trip?
Yes — Las Vegas is only 2.5 hours north of Lake Havasu City, making it a natural two-destination road trip from St. George. Drive south to Las Vegas (2 hours from St. George), spend a night, then continue south to Lake Havasu for 2-3 nights of boating and beach time. Return to St. George via I-40 and I-15 or the same route.
Nearby Destinations from Lake Havasu
Las Vegas
The Entertainment Capital of the World is just under two hours from St. George. Whether you want world-class shows, celebrity chef restaurants, shopping, or a quick weekend getaway, Las Vegas delivers nonstop excitement.
Mesquite
The closest Nevada city to St. George, Mesquite is a favorite quick getaway for casino gaming, affordable buffet dining, golf, and weekend entertainment — all just 35 minutes from home.
Grand Canyon (South Rim)
The world's most famous canyon view. The South Rim is open year-round with the most visitor services, iconic lodges, and legendary trails. A longer drive from St. George but worth every mile.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Lake Havasu
St. George to Lake Havasu — 240 miles, 3.5 hours Drive
Lake Havasu City sits on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, the reservoir created when Parker Dam impounded the Colorado River in 1938. The city is best known internationally for the London Bridge — the actual 1831 granite bridge from the Thames that city founder Robert McCulloch purchased for $2.46 million in 1968 and had dismantled stone by stone for shipment to Arizona. The stones were reconstructed over a specially dug channel, creating the island setting that has become the city's iconic centerpiece. The surrounding English Village shopping district leans into the British theme with pubs, fish and chips, and red telephone boxes.
The route from St. George, Utah to Lake Havasu City, Arizona covers 240 miles and takes approximately 3.5 hours via I-15 South → I-40 West → AZ-95 South. Head south on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge and Mesquite, continue to Las Vegas and pick up I-40 heading west through Kingman, Arizona. At Kingman, exit south on US-93 or continue to AZ-95 South into Lake Havasu City. Alternatively, from Kingman take AZ-68 west to I-40 and south on AZ-95. The Kingman route through the high desert is the most direct.
Things to Do in Lake Havasu
London Bridge & English Village: London Bridge, English Village, Bridgewater Channel. Boating & Water Recreation: Lake Havasu State Park (Windsor Beach), Boat & Jet Ski Rentals, Cattail Cove State Park. Outdoor Adventures: Havasu Falls Trailhead (Havasupai), Swansea Ghost Town, Mohave County River Heritage Trail. Dining & Lodging: Shugrue's Restaurant, Mudshark Brewery, Heat Hotel.
Best Time to Visit Lake Havasu
Fall (October-November) and spring (February-April) are ideal with temperatures in the comfortable 65-85°F range. Winter (December-January) is mild at 55-70°F — perfect for exploring without crowds. Summer is the busiest season (June-August) but temperatures exceed 110°F, making outdoor time challenging outside the water. Spring break in March is the absolute peak for crowds and prices. Many Southern Utah residents visit in November and February to escape the cold while avoiding the summer heat.
Travel Tips
Spring break (March) is Lake Havasu's busiest and most crowded period — book lodging 3-6 months ahead or avoid entirely. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F — plan all outdoor activities for before 10 AM or after 5 PM. Arizona requires a boat registration and operator education for watercraft — make sure rental operators have all required documentation. The lake is enormous (45 miles long) — first-time boaters should stay in the main basin near the city rather than venturing into remote coves without navigation tools.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Las Vegas, Mesquite, Grand Canyon (South Rim).