Yours to Explore

Arizona’s communities are full of rich history, adventure and exploration — all within reach from Southern California.

Yuma
One of America’s sunniest towns, Yuma is just past the California border, a short four-hour drive from the Los Angeles area.

On March 10 and 11, revel in the 13th Annual Yuma Lettuce Days. It’s a culinary festival celebrating local agritourism with cooking demonstrations, chef challenges and farm tours. Adults can sip wine and microbrew beers while little ones enjoy the children’s Ag-tivities Arena with interactive games.
Make a date to experience the Yuma Taco Trail on March 2 or 16. Showcasing the city’s fresh field-to-table produce, the tour highlights authentic Mexican cuisine and locally themed cocktails. Stops include local favorites like Las Palapas and Ironwood Steakhouse.

And since clouds are a rare occurrence in these bright skies, this year, any time the sun isn’t shining, participating hotels will be treating their guests to a free meal of their choice, or a certificate to a local participating restaurant.

Lake Havasu City
Arizona’s aquatic playground has 60 miles of pristine navigable waterways ideal for boating and other adventures. A favorite spring break destination, half of Lake Havasu lies along California’s state line.
Jam sessions at the 2012 Bluegrass on the Beach Festival happen both on- and offstage, so pack your favorite instrument. Beginning March 2, this toe-tapping three-day event is perfect for locals and visitors. Settle in for some open-air music, food and drink.

Travel to Lake Havasu City for the Hobie-McCulloch Cup. This series of racing and social events will take you back to a fun time in the city’s history when sailors would regularly gather along Lake Havasu’s shoreline. With entrants from the Western United States and Canada, this boating event takes place March 10 and 11.

“Movies in the Park” takes place every Saturday night. This family-friendly event features showings displayed on a large inflatable screen. And no trip to Lake Havasu City is complete without a day on the lake. With sparkling blue water and crystal-clear skies, it’s an oasis in the Arizona desert.

Route 66
Arizona may be known for its sweeping sunsets and warm climate, but the offbeat culture along Route 66 is a can’t-miss. Travelers of all types can “get their kicks” along the historic trail.

Once a mining town, Oatman is full of Old West intrigue. Relive history at the Oatman Hotel. Built in 1902, this legendary hotel is said to be haunted. A favorite of Hollywood’s elite crowd, it’s also the place where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned. But Oatman’s real claim to fame is the “wild burros” that roam the streets and make friends with any traveler willing to share a snack.

Seligman’s collection of quirky drive-ins will take you back to a simpler time. It’s the birthplace of Historic Route 66 and the only place in the world where a trip to the hardware store is a must. Say goodbye to your schedule and check in at the iconic Route 66 Motel or visit the Mustang Gas Station for a buffalo burger.

Once a gathering place for pioneers headed to California’s gold mines, Quartzsite has some magnificent gems to share. Even modern miners are drawn to Quartzsite to test their luck. Many even find nuggets of gold dust and quality gold-bearing quartz. Stop by the Quartzsite Museum for a wonderful lesson in the town’s history.

Find your next adventure at 866.236.1519 or Arizonaguide.com.