While winter has set in throughout much of the northern US and Canada, Lake Havasu City is still enjoying mild temperatures.
Located on Arizona’s western border with California, Lake Havasu City enjoys daytime temperatures during the winter that are the envy of snowbound folks. In fact, evening lows are often times still warmer than the daytime highs in northern cities. As a result, Lake Havasu City hosts numerous visitors from Canada, the upper Midwest and northern eastern United States.
Canadians flocking to Lake Havasu City, Arizona: Golf, Fishing, Sailing and More!
“We see a tremendous influx of visitors from the colder climates this time of year, and it’s very easy to see why,” said Char Beltran, CEO of the Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Day time temps are forecasted to be in the 70’s for the next ten days with clear skies, and the outlook for beyond continues to present beautiful weather.”
Golfing in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
The comfortable climate this time of year fuels a lot of outdoor activities. Many people come to Lake Havasu City to enjoy some of their favorite past times that have gone out of season back home. “The golfers are very pleased with their recent experiences,” said Kirby Scharmann, general manager of The Refuge Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer signature designed course that offers exceptional play as well as stunning views.
The mild temperatures this time of year allow for verdant greens and fairways and lush, decorative foliage throughout the city’s three public courses, making for a memorable round. “They have come to Lake Havasu from the colder climates for a visit or they may be here full time, either way they have shared with us compliments on the condition of the golf course and their experience,” he said. In addition to The Refuge, Lake Havasu City is also home to 36 more holes of public play at London Bridge Golf Course and 18 more at Havasu Island Golf Course. A total of 11 championship quality courses are within an hour’s drive of the city, making it a popular place for people to stay and play.
Golf in Lake Havasu City is also more affordable than many other popular southwest retreats. Golf will cost no more than $75 at any facility here, while comparable courses in Phoenix will be at least double that.
Fishing in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
On the water, fishing is a popular year round pastime that enjoys additional participation during the winter months. “When people ask me if they should still come out to fish this time of year, I say absolutely,” said Jim Ocker, a local guide who has been fishing on Lake Havasu for 16 years. “Striper fishing can be extremely good during the winter months, with a lot of larger than normal fish,” he said.
Sailing in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
The winter months also bring out sailing enthusiasts. The summer months see a lot of performance boat action, but with many of those stored for the winter, the water ways are free for those who prefer their speed come from nature. “The best thing about this time of year is trying to figure out if it’s cold enough to have to wear socks,” said Jim Liesen, a long time Lake Havasu City resident and avid sailor.
“I have a lot of friends that come down from Alberta and Colorado. They come down here because their lakes are frozen over until the spring thaw, so they’re grateful just to have water,” Liesen said.
While the warmer days are a huge draw, Liesen said his friends also cite another reason they choose Lake Havasu City. “They also tell me they enjoy the hospitality here, it’s a friendly town. They’ve said Lake Havasu City is a lot friendlier than other cities in the region they have gone to.”
Boating in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Of course motor boats are still popular on Lake Havasu this time of year. Owning a boat isn’t necessary either, as numerous rental agencies can provide someone looking for quality time on the water in anything from a personal watercraft on up to a fully decked out houseboat. In fact, many people choose the houseboats for vacation as they combine every creature comfort found in a well appointed home with the fun and adventure of hitting the lake.
Off-Roading and Nature Excursions in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Back on shore, the winter months are also favorite times of year for off road enthusiasts. “We see everything from motorcycles and ATVs on up to UTVs and Jeeps,” said Diane Williams with the Bureau of Land Management. BLM controls hundreds of miles of off road trails in the area.
In addition to a thriving desert ecology home to countless plants and animals, Williams said the trails can bring out the explorer in anyone. “There’s a waterfall just outside of Lake Havasu City, old mining camps, ghost towns and unique rock formations all along the trails around Lake Havasu City,” she said. “It’s a great place for an outdoor adventure.”
Of course visitors can’t spend all of their time outdoors, they will have to come in to eat and sleep. Lake Havasu City offers a whole host of restaurants offering just about any type of cuisine one could want, and hotels that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the unique scenery or the London Bridge. Plus each of the hotels is located mere moments away from everything the city has to offer. “Lake Havasu City really does have an amazing variety to offer visitors,” Beltran said. “That’s one of the things that keep our winter visitors coming back every year, they never get bored.”
For more information on Lake Havasu City, including hotels, restaurants, boat rentals, golf and more, log on to www.golakehavasu.com.