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Life’s a Beach in Arizona
Nautical Beachfront Resort
by Dave Shultz
George Strait once sang… I got some ocean front property in Arizona.
By the way, they do have a private boat launch for guests to use and
there’s never a line. The resort also features a 32 slip marina and
offers overnight parking for a fee. There is a seasonal water park open from April through Labor Day for kids
and adults that has more fun than an E ticket ride at Disneyland including
water slides, trampolines and the Jumbo-Jo Mountain Climber.
If you do go out for some fun, consider taking the Dreamcatcher Ferry to
the Havasu Landing Resort Casino on the western side of the lake. The
ferry runs from 6:45 in the morning to midnight on weekdays and 2 am on
weekends. It’s a 22 minute trip to the resort and runs all day long.
The resort offers state of the art electronic gaming as well as a lounge and
card room. If you are there at sunset, be sure to visit the dining
room for the view and prime rib.
If you go:
Nautical Beachfront Resort
Sunset Charter & Tour Company Havasu Landing Resort Casino Where to Dine
Angelina’s Italian Kitchen |
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If he had been staying
at the Nautical Beachfront Resort in Lake Havasu City, he wouldn’t have been
far from wrong. They have the beach and while it may not be the sea,
it is just as beautiful and the Golden Gate Bridge is still in California
but the London Bridge is in Arizona and you get to drive over it on your way
to the only beach in Arizona.
The resort is undergoing
renovation both inside and outside and the property is elegant and
comfortable at the same
time. The new pastel colors and the palm trees really give the
property a Caribbean feel so grab an exotic drink from the new ‘Wet’ bar and
dig your toes in the sand for a relaxing day at the beach.
There are plenty of things
to keep you busy at Nautical Beachfront. Watersports is at the top of
the list. The brand new infinity edge pool is the best place to start.
It’s the largest infinity pool in Arizona and the Palapa bar and grill
offers a tantalizing menu of food and drinks. There are private
cabanas available as well around the pool. The pool overlooks the cove
and there’s always something interesting going on in the cove. Boats
come and go and the cove has become a real hot spot for locals and tourists
alike.
If
you have your own boat, you’re set for lots of fun but if not, the Nautical
offers rentals of ski boats, pontoon boats, houseboats, jet skis, kayaks,
skis and wakeboards. They have a complete water sports center on the
property and the gift shop has a huge selection of anything you might need
for water fun. Just bring your toothbrush and come on!
When
it’s time to refuel, the best place is the Turtle Grill, a full service,
Island style, restaurant and lounge with a surprising menu with something
for every taste. It overlooks the Turtle Beach Bar that really feels
like Captain Morgan might drop in at any moment. The thatched hut bar
and beach umbrellas are perfect when you order a signature bucket drink like
Painted Turtle Tai, Pina Pond Turtle, Beached Banana Turtle or Strawberry
Snapping Turtle. 
There
are so many things to do at the resort but the lake is usually the main
attraction. If you want to get a really good overview of the lake and
its history, I would suggest a tour with Sunset Charter and Tour Company.
Captain Kenny Samp built a special boat just for touring the lake and the
experience will leave you wanting more. He knows every inch of the
lake and shoreline and is very entertaining. He’ll pick you up and
deliver you back right at the Nautical Beachfront dock so there’s no excuse
for not enjoying a sunset cruise.
In
case you have never been to Lake Havasu City, a little history is in order.
The city was founded by Robert P. McCulloch of the McCulloch Chainsaw fame.
He built it as a planned community in 1963. He enlisted the aid of
C.V. Woods who was also the chief developer of Disneyland and Six Flags.
So now, Robert has this great new city but he needs a hook to get the word
out to prospective residents. What does he do, he buys the London
Bridge! He dismantles the bridge, ships it to the desert of Arizona
and reassembles it in one of the greatest publicity campaigns ever seen in
the state. It worked and is still working to bring people to the city.
When
you go to the visitor’s center at the bridge, do yourself a favor and take
the guided walking tour of the bridge. The history of the bridge is
fascinating and I promise you, you will not be bored. For instance,
the light poles on the bridge are made from Napoleon's canons that were
melted down after his defeat. Bet you didn’t know that! That’s
just one of the little jewels you will get from the tour. Our guide
Jon was incredibly knowledgeable about the bridge and anything else having
to do with the city. Well worth the time. 
There are lots of events
that take place year round on and around the lake. Way too many to
mention but if you go, plan your trip around one of the special events to
make it even more memorable. Of course, the best place to stay for any
visit to Lake Havasu City is The Nautical Beachfront Resort. Why go to
the lake unless you can enjoy the beach and they have the only beachfront
property in Arizona. Somebody needs to tell George Strait.
Lake Havasu City
Visitor’s Center