The Accessible Traveler’s Guide to Lake Havasu City

Lake Havasu City nestles in a nook of the Colorado River on Arizona’s west coast. It’s bookended by two wildlife refuges to the north and south and boasts stunning beaches, waterside dining, emerald-green golf courses, charming shops, relaxing parks and desert trails — plus the historic London Bridge. With so much to explore, it’s no wonder that Lake Havasu City strives to be a welcoming place for all visitors.

Case in point: Full-time staff members at Go Lake Havasu, the destination marketing organization for the city, have earned certifications as Autism Travel Professionals, ensuring that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their caregivers receive travel-related support and services while visiting Lake Havasu City.

Additionally, in 2019, the Go Lake Havasu team consulted with a stress management specialist who works with Veterans receiving services through the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify opportunities for special needs travelers to engage safely and enjoyably with all that Lake Havasu City has to offer.

Lake Havasu City is also home to Milemarkers, a one-stop-shop in Mohave County for individuals with disabilities. Launched by speech pathologist Colleen McShea, M.S. CCC-SLP, and occupational therapist Catie Sandrol more than 15 years ago, Milemarkers offers speech, occupational, physical and music therapy services for children and adults via after-school and adult day programs and habilitation and work services.

We chatted with Colleen McShea and the team at Go Lake Havasu to get an insider’s perspective on accessible travel in Lake Havasu City. Read on for their tips.

Things to Do: Accessible Activities in Lake Havasu City

No visit to Lake Havasu is complete without getting on the water. The Designated Captain program features Coast Guard-certified captains who launch and pilot boats for guests, and they’re able to accommodate people who are wheelchair users or those with sensory sensitivities. Sunset Charter and Boat Tour Co. can accommodate wheelchair users on Serenity Now, which is wheelchair accessible, and Kon Tiki Canyon Cruiser, which fits a small travel wheelchair onboard with a width up to 30 inches. Docks also have ramps to both vessels. And Go Lake Havasu and McShea both recommend the leafy and lush Rotary Community Park, a centrally located oasis with boat access, playgrounds, walking trails, bocce ball courts and picnic areas.

“The no-wake zone at the park’s buoyed swim area is a safe space for special-needs guests to decompress,” says Jason Castellucci, director of Strategic Services at Go Lake Havasu.

There’s also a cement pad for people in wheelchairs to enjoy closer shoreline access. Adds McShea: “The park also has sensory playground equipment and a wheelchair accessible glider.”

Other suggestions from McShea include:

• Aquatic Center Indoor Waterpark offers a wheelchair lift into the pool. “Plus, the wave pool and the play area in the shallow end allow for sensory play.”
• Havasu Lanes Bowling alley offers adaptive equipment.
• Kruising for a Cause is hosted by local boating company Desert Storm, this April event gives individuals with disabilities the opportunity to jet off on a thrilling boat ride.
• Lake Havasu Golf Club offers adaptive options for members, including golf and disc golf.

Where to Dine: Accessible Restaurants in Lake Havasu City

Most restaurants in Lake Havasu City offer options for appropriate-height tables, wheelchair ramps and wide-width doorways, but a few dining standouts include:

• Burgers by the Bridge “For people who use wheelchairs and want to dine with a view of London Bridge, this is one of the best locations,” says Jackie Leatherman, director of Experiences at Go Lake Havasu.
• The Chair Located at the English Village, this restaurant also showcases impressive London Bridge views. McShea likes it for its large patio and outdoor live music. “For those with auditory sensitivities, it helps being outside listening to music,” explains McShea.
• Culver’s “Our members at Milemarkers always have a positive experience here,” says McShea.
• Papa Leone’s This family-owned pizzeria welcomes neurodiverse guests, says Leatherman, and also shows off great Bridge views.

Where to Stay: Accessible Accommodations in Lake Havasu City

In addition to area hotels and accommodations offering standard accessibility amenities, McShea highlights The Nautical Beachfront Resort for its work-inclusive environment in which they employ individuals with disabilities.