Top Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Lake Havasu

Vacations don't have to be expensive, especially in an area like Lake Havasu City that's bustling with affordable activities all year. It's where visitors can enjoy maximum fun while preserving their budgets.

Havasu 95 Speedway delivers maximum action and thrills without denting your wallet

Some ways to do this? Save when you 1. Take a Hike midweek and off-season during the winter, fall and early spring. The cooler months offer a welcome reprieve from extreme heat and boating crowds. Also, consider packing snacks and beverages instead of buying them while out and about. This saves time and money and ensures you get exactly what you want.

To create memories for a lifetime without breaking the bank, we've compiled a list of 12 ideas for budget-friendly things to see and do in Lake Havasu City.

Take a Hike

Pack a picnic or a few snacks and enjoy a hike with some of the best scenery in Arizona. If you're an experienced hiker and want to exercise, check out Cupcake Mountain Trail. This strenuous hike rewards hikers with spectacular views from atop an iconic mountain. And if you prefer to take it easy, stroll along Shoreline Trail or enjoy the incredible views and picnic tables on a hike along Mockingbird Wash Trail.

Visit the Lake Havasu Museum of History

Check out the Lake Havasu Museum of History and acquaint yourself with the area's fascinating historical heritage. Entrance to the museum is donation-based, so you can pay what fits your budget. With rotating exhibits and free weekly educational programs each Saturday, there's always something new to learn. Located inside the museum, the Havasu Rocks! store offers an array of affordable items highlighting the fascinating worlds of geology and mineralogy.

See the Stars

With no streetlights in any residential area and 290 clear days a year, Lake Havasu City is a great place to observe the night sky. You don't need any fancy stargazing apparatus––just a blanket and maybe some binoculars and a low-cost stargazing app. Many areas offer great views, but we are especially fond of Yonder Park, SARA Park trailhead and the scenic pull-out just south of mile marker 171 on Highway 95.

Tour London Bridge

The world-famous London Bridge is the largest tourist trap ever to cross an ocean. In the 1960s, the iconic bridge was imported brick-by-brick from rainy London to the dust-dry Mojave Desert. Today, London Bridge is one of the most visited attractions in Arizona. Take a free self-guided tour and be fully present while experiencing the past.

Explore Lighthouses

When people think of lighthouse locations, a landlocked state like Arizona never seems to come to mind. But Lake Havasu City is home to more lighthouses than any city in the U.S. 28 lighthouses line Lake Havasu's pristine shoreline; all are functioning replicas of famous lighthouses across the country. Download the lighthouse map and take a free walking tour of the nation's most fantastic navigational aids.

Bowl at Havasu Lanes

When was the last time you went bowling? For most of us, the answer is high school. It's time to stretch out your arm and prepare for some friendly competition at Havasu Lanes. As with most activities, bowling is cheaper during off-hours, so see if your sweetheart or the family is up for a game or two before dinner.

Canoe at Lake Havasu

Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and other non-motorized water activities on Lake Havasu's calm waters. Just be sure to wear a properly fitted personal floatation device! If dropping your line in the water is more your style, Lake Havasu is one of the top 100 places to fish (license required) in the U.S. (Game & Fish, March 3, 2021).

Vacations are great times to try something new, even if you're unsure you'll be very good at it. Why not rent paddle boards and see who can stand up the longest? The friendly and helpful folks at Lake Havasu City's rental facilities can get you out on the water at a price to meet your budget.

Race at Havasu 95 Speedway

A family-run local business, Havasu 95 Speedway delivers maximum action and thrills without denting your wallet. You'll thrill to watch powerful stock cars as they fly around an oval-shaped track. After the final lap, you can even head down to the pits and get a closer look at these well-oiled machines. Races run from September through May.

General admission is only $12 per person. Family admission (2 adults/2 children) is a bargain at $25.

Play Pickleball

Have fun playing pickleball together. It's the nation's fastest-growing sport, and two Arizona cities landed among the top 10 Best Cities for Pickleball. Lake Havasu Community Center's open gym schedule has days and hours set aside for pickleball. Why is pickleball so popular here in Arizona? For starters, we have great weather and many places to play.

Eat Cake & Ice Cream

Go straight for dessert and make date night unconventional. After all, it's about spending quality time together, right? Head over to Scoops or Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery in Downtown Havasu for a sweet treat that won't break your budget. Similarly, morning coffee and donuts at Donut Post is another way to get out and spend time together without wearing the strip off your credit card.

Ride at Cycle Therapy

Cycle Therapy is one of many local companies renting all varieties of land-based rentals. Biking is a great way to exercise and explore Thompson Bay, SARA Park and many other points of interest around town. Pack some snacks and water in a backpack and take a leisurely ride, stopping often to chat and enjoy the views. You can control the cost by determining the length of your adventure.

Check Out Antique Shops

While antiquing might only sometimes be family-friendly, budget-friendly or a typical date idea, the randomness and unpredictability of antique shops is what makes visiting local shops like Bucky's Rare, Odd & Unusual or Lookie Loo's a great idea. Unless you find something perfect, you don't have to spend a dime––but all the oddities will give you lots to talk about.

For more unusual finds, check out the eclectic collection of locally sourced antiques, collectibles and vintage items at Show Me Your Junk—the latest business venture of Storage Wars star and Lake Havasu City resident Darrell "The Gambler" Sheets.

And Finally… Be Spontaneous

If you need some last-minute inspiration, check out the many events in Lake Havasu City year-round. Not only does the city host exciting annual events, but visitors can also enjoy various fun ongoing events held throughout the year at little or no cost. Annual event favorites include the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair, Bluegrass on the Beach Music Festival, Gem & Mineral Show and IJSBA World Finals—attracting over 500 of the world's best personal watercraft racers.

In Lake Havasu City, there's always something afoot that will dazzle without destroying your budget!

Author

Alison Hoover in Partnership with Go Lake Havasu

Alison loves to spend her time traveling, baking, and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad and flower gardens with her mom.