Topock Gorge on Route 66 (July 29th, 2015)

Topock is a little marina that is accessible from the Colorado River or the highway, just before you cross over into California. To get there by water you can come out of Lake Havasu on the north side and run approximately 25 miles up the Colorado river. The inlet to the marina is just past the railroad bridge on your right.  

When the girls were small we used to boat up to Topock and have breakfast in the restaurant, but we haven't done that for many years. At that time, Topock was in bad disrepair, and needed a lot of TLC. The restaurant was fun, but the docks were falling apart, and it was difficult to tie up.

Several years ago, the Topock Marina burned down, and it has since been rebuilt into a fun Route 66 stop. After spending this morning packing for our trip home, we headed to Topock for lunch.  The new Topock has a restaurant, gift shop, marina with gas pumps, an outdoor pool, and a stage with live music some of the time.  

The view of Topock from the road

The restaurant is really nice, with garage doors that can open up in nice weather. The doors were closed today, with the air conditioning running. We sat inside, in the nice cool dining room.  

The air-conditioned dining room

Between the three of us, we ordered two chopped salads and a Topock Nacho (which is made with their homemade potato chips instead of tortilla chips). It was all very good. 

When we were finished eating, our waitress told us that she would continue to serve us outside, so we headed out to grab some lawn chairs by the pool. They have a beautiful saltwater pool that is free to use for all paying customers at the restaurant or bar. Our waitress soon showed up with some rum and cokes and served us as we enjoyed the cool water of the pool. 

People come from all around to enjoy this little piece of paradise in the desert. Every detail of it is very interesting, from the beer taps at the bar (ask to see these, they're pretty cool) to the stools overlooking the marina, to the urinals in the mens room. 

A view of the restaurant and marina from the pool area

Great barstools in the shade, overlooking the marina

Their refreshing salt water pool, free to use for all paying customers

I only know about these because of Steve,  Really!

If you're traveling near Lake Havasu City on I-40, this is a stop worth making. Our entire day cost about $60, which included three meals, four rum and cokes and a +20% tip, as well as the use of the pool for the day.