11 Gorgeous Beaches in Arizona That You Must Check out This Summer

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 (and it won't), 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

With all of this, can you believe that hiding in a remote portion of the lake is also a fabulous swimming hole called the Toilet Bowl? Lake Powell is one of my favorite lakes in the state. Not only is it gorgeous, but there are endless ways to enjoy it, from boating to swimming and hiking. Come to Page and enjoy one of the best lakes in Arizona, and dine at the largest floating restaurant on the continent while you're here.

2. Bartlett Lake, Rio Verde

Bartlett Lake Marina is located in the heart of Tonto National Forest, less than one hour from downtown Phoenix. It offers one of the best Arizona beaches. You can also rent a boat here if you'd like.

3. Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu City

While there are many beaches to explore along the Colorado River, enjoy Lake Havasu State Park's pristine, white sand. Lake Havasu is arguably one of the best lakes in Arizona and attracts visitors from around the world.

4. Cattail Cove State Park, Lake Havasu City

Here is another one of the "best beaches near me: Found along the pretty Colorado River, Cattail Cove State Park offers camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Spend an entire day enjoying this lake among the vast desert landscape Arizona is known for.

5. Apache Lake, Roosevelt

Have fun on the pontoon boats, paddleboards, jet skis, and kayaks available for rent. The lake also features walk-in beaches for one of the best day trips in Arizona.

6. Willow Beach

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. You can also take a kayak tour that ends at Willow Beach.

7. Tempe Town Park, Tempe

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. You may even want to book a bike tour that takes you between Tempe Town Lake and Papago Park.

8. Butcher Jones Recreation Site, Fort McDowell

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 wild horses.

9. Centennial Beach, Yuma

This pretty beach with plenty of sand along the Colorado River is located on the lower bench of the West Wetlands Park in the country's sunniest city. What a great place to spend the day!

10. Patagonia Lake State Park, Nogales

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

This fun park has a beach, a campground, cabana sites, a boat ramp, hiking trails, a picnic area, and a playground. Buckskin Mountain State Park also has a restaurant, an arcade, and a park store for your convenience.

What other beaches in Arizona have you visited? Is your favorite on the list? If not, fill out our nomination form, and maybe you'll see it featured in a future post!

To discover more natural areas with beaches in Arizona, check out the National Park Service's website. And if you don't have a National Parks Pass yet, I urge you to buy one as soon as possible!