Rivers and Lakes in Arizona are where we hold some of our fondest memories. It’s a shame that during the Gadsden Purchase, the southern Arizona border wasn’t drawn in a straight line. Otherwise, we would be able to call a portion of the beaches along the Gulf of California home. Until the myth of California falling into the ocean actually proves true, we have to settle for the river and lakeside beaches found across the state. Check out these picturesque views of what beaches in Arizona have to offer without having to drive hours to the ocean.

1. Lake Powell, Page
South Lake Powell Boulevard, S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ 86040, USA
Wolfgang Staudt/Flickr
With all of this, can you believe also hiding in a remote portion of the lake is a fabulous swimming hole called the Toilet Bowl? Enjoy one of the best lakes in Arizona.
2. Bartlett Lake, Scottsdale
Bartlett Dam Road, Bartlett Dam Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Bartlett Lake Marina, 20808 E Bartlett Dam Rd, Rio Verde, AZ 85263, USA
mggeorge/Flickr
Bartlett Lake Marina is located in the heart of Tonto National Forest, less than one hour from downtown Phoenix, offering one of the best beaches in Arizona.
3. Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu State Park, 699 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA
Mispahn/Flickr
While there are many beaches to explore along the Colorado River, enjoy the pristine, white sand of Lake Havasu State Park.
4. Cattail Cove State Park, Lake Havasu City
Cattail Cove State Park, AZ-95, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406, USA
deannabtraveling/TripAdvisor
Here is another one of the best beaches near me, along the pretty Colorado River, offering camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming.
5. Apache Lake, Roosevelt
Apache Lake Marina & Resort, 229.5 Mile Marker, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA
Allie_Caulfield/Flickr
Have fun on the pontoon boats, paddleboards, jet skis, and kayaks available for rent. The lake also features walk-in beaches.

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6. Willow Beach
National Park Service
Fifteen miles south of the Hoover Dam, and surrounded by sheer cliffs along the Colorado River, this mix of rock and sand has a few grills and picnic tables, and the scenery is why we go.
7. Tempe Town Park, Tempe
Tempe Town Lake, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Don/Flickr
While most of this hike is paved, some sandy places throughout allow visitors to enjoy a beach day. Go on a bike ride or sit and watch the kayakers go by.
8. Butcher Jones Recreation Site, Fort McDowell
Butcher Jones Recreation Site, E Butcher Jones Beach Rd, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264, USA
Local Nightguard/Google
At Butcher Jones in Tonto National Forest you'll appreciate the shade from the mesquite trees, enjoy a picnic area, walk a nature trail, and lay on a gently sloping beach at Lake Saguaro, where you might see some horses.
9. Centennial Beach, Yuma
Centennial Beach, Yuma, AZ 85364, USA
islandgurl2/TripAdvisor
This pretty beach with plenty of sand along the Colorado River is located in the lower bench of the West Wetlands Park. What a great place to spend the day.
10. Patagonia Lake State Park, Nogales
Patagonia Lake State Park, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Patagonia Lake State Park/Facebook
When someone asks, "Is Arizona near the ocean?" We say, "Does it matter?" In addition to a beach, this park has a creek trail; a campground; a picnic area with ramadas, tables, and grills; and a marina. You'll also have fun fishing here.
11. Buckskin Mountain State Park, Parker
Buckskin Mountain State Park, 5476 AZ-95, Parker, AZ 85344, USA
95markb/TripAdvisor
This fun park has a beach, a campground, cabana sites, a boat ramp, hiking trails, a picnic area, and a playground. Visit the restaurant, the arcade, and the park store.

What other lakes in Arizona have beaches that you like to visit? Tell us in the comments below. To discover more natural areas with beaches in Arizona, check out the National Park Service’s website.

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Beach Destinations In Arizona

Carolyn Harmon | May 27, 2023

What is the most scenic town in Arizona?

Lake Havasu City, Arizona, was named one of the best towns in America to visit, especially when the weather is warm. This island oasis is home to some elaborate structures, including the iconic London Bridge which has an interesting history all its own. Book a reservation on a party barge and stay all weekend at the stunning London Bridge Resort. You'll never want to leave this charming town, and you won't miss the ocean.

What is the most popular restaurant in Arizona?

Here are six lakeside restaurants in Arizona you should visit. One is Dillon’s Bayou located in four locations, including Lake Pleasant Harbor. This floating restaurant at 40202 87th Ave. in Peoria, serves some of the best barbecue in Arizona. We love the Mushroom Bonanza which is a delicious offering of hand-battered, deep-fried golden, delicious mushrooms served with a side of ancho chili sauce. Make a reservation on Dillon's Bayou's website.

What are the most well-known parks in Arizona?

One of our favorite places to visit in Arizona is Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale. Built in 1886, it comes with a significant history as it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Roam around and marvel at the landscaped gardens, and historic structures, but watch out for the free-range peacocks. Yes — can you believe a place where you can walk with these gorgeous creatures? Find out more about its fascinating history on the Arizona Memory Project's website. The park is located at 5850 W. Glendale Ave.

 

 

 

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