In and out of the water

How to get there

From L.A., the most scenic route is Interstate 10 east to California 62 past Joshua Tree National Park. It will take you to Parker, Ariz., where you can follow Arizona 95 north to Lake Havasu.

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A sampling of highlights:

Lake Havasu City

The London Bridge

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but Lake Havasu City almost was. Still, some like to say that this landmark dates the town back to AD 43. On McCulloch Boulevard

Nautical Inn

Get your tan on and go waterskiing with the barely legal crowd at the beach near this resort. 1000 McCulloch Blvd., (928) 855-2141

Boat and ATV rentals

The Lake Havasu Convention & Visitors Bureau has a list at golake

havasu.com/recreation.html

Kokomo

Have a few Cuervo shots and dance next to the pool. The producers of MTV’s “The Grind” couldn’t have done better than this nightclub. London Bridge Resort, 1477 Queen’s Bay, (800) 624-7939

Stagger Lee’s Bar

Get away from the spring breakers at this no-frills roadhouse on the northern edge of town, where the tap is a kitchen fridge behind the bar full of Coors. 3428 N. London Bridge Place, (928) 764-2042

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Party with a different kind of wildlife on this refuge that protects 300 miles of shoreline from Needles to Lake Havasu City. From Interstate 40, look for exit No. 1 (Havasu NWR), near the state line. Follow the signs. (760) 326-3853

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Parker

Nellie E Saloon (Desert Bar)

You’ve got to navigate a dirt road to reach this family-friendly saloon. Open from noon to sunset Saturdays and Sundays, Labor Day weekend through Memorial Day weekend. Located five miles off the Cienega Springs Road exit from Arizona 95, five miles north of Parker. Desert_[email protected]

Daniel’s Best Jerky

There are a number of small diners in Parker, but a good breakfast option is this cured beef hut. 1312 California Ave., (928) 669-0026

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Cliffs and a cattail-filled marsh make this a spot for naturalists -- and a haven for migratory birds. From Parker, take Highway 95 North; between mileposts 160 and 161. (928) 667-4144

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And beyond ...

Oatman Hotel

Little has changed in 65 years, when Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned here. 181 Main St., Oatman, (928) 768-4408

Gold Road Mine Tours

Ever wanted to be a grizzled old nugget hunter? Here’s your chance to go underground. Located 2 1/2 miles east of Oatman on Route 66, (928) 768-1600; www.goldroadmine.com

Route 66 Fun Run

The three-day desert automotive trek ends in Topock on May 1 this year. www.azrt66.com/funrun.htm

Gen. George S. Patton

Memorial Museum

If you saw the movie, you know that “America loves a winner.” Find out how “Old Blood and Guts” whipped his boys into shape. Take Chiriaco Summit exit off I-10; eight miles east of Joshua Tree National Park entrance. (760) 227-3483

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-- James Verini