72 Hours of Fun in Havasu for Non-Outdoorsy Folks

The desert is full of mirages—you know, those optical illusions that can make a lush oasis appear out of barren sands. As soon as they appear, they vanish. . .like mist in the wind. But there's an oasis in western Arizona that's anything but a mirage. Lake Havasu City is as real as it gets and won't vanish from your memory anytime soon.

We've partnered with CarRentals.com to give you the best three-day itinerary for relaxed, slower-paced fun in Lake Havasu City. So, if you've got three days to spare, spend them in this lakeside paradise. Enjoy yourself. Take pictures. Make your friends jealous.

It's your first day in Lake Havasu City and that's great, because that means you've got two days left. Start your first morning off with an incredible historic walking tour of the London Bridge. Yes, it's the actual London Bridge, completed in 1831, from London, England. You'll learn the history of the bridge and how it made its way to the Arizona Desert. Then make your way to the nearby English Village and spend the early afternoon enjoying a small slice of England.

When the sun sets and your appetite is raging, dinner with a view is what you need. Shugrue's offers sweeping views across Bridgewater Channel and some of the best wine and food selections in the state. Bon appetit! Lake Havasu City has 28 other restaurants with lake and Channel views. Get the full list here.

We know how addicting this town can be, but you won't hurt its feelings if you take a quick 54-mile drive north to the mining town of Oatman. This tiny settlement along historic Route 66 looks like the set of a John Wayne flick, thanks in part to the old saloons and gunfight reenactments in the streets. Duck into the Oatman Hotel and pin a dollar bill on the wall of the bar—if you can find the space. But if you really want to strike it rich, go pan for gold with a gold mine tour company. Next, head back to Havasu and get a good night's sleep, because day three is still ahead.

our final day in the Arizona desert should be a relaxing one, but not in a lounge chair by the pool way. We're thinking it'd be better spent in a giant basket suspended below a hot air balloon while the desert floor drifts by hundreds of feet below. Wanderlust Balloons is your go-to for any and all hot air balloon adventures in the area. If you look closely enough, you might be able to see your rental car.

Once you set your feet firmly back on the ground and your stomach has stopped doing summersaults, make your way to our bars and lounges. Sit on the patio of Nautical Beachfront Resort's Turtle Grille and enjoy cool cocktails and hot food while the sun sets on an amazing three days. Then head out for a night on the town, where you can enjoy Lake Havasu City's vibrant nightlife scene.

Three days in Lake Havasu City doesn't sound like much, but with this itinerary, your schedule will be packed. Plan the trip, take the ride.