As the third largest state to not have an ocean coastline you may think Arizona isn’t a great place to go to enjoy a beach day. Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach, but being landlocked doesn’t have to stop us one bit here in Arizona. These five Arizona beaches make you feel like you’re at the ocean, so get your bucket list out and start adding a trip to the “ocean” in Arizona!

1. Gateway Park - Yuma
Gateway Park, E 1st St & S Gila St, 250 Prison Hill Rd, Yuma, AZ 85364, USA
Jack L./TripAdvisor
Located at the historic Yuma Crossing, just below the Ocean-to-Ocean bridge, Gateway Park is a perfect summer destination. A sandy beach, plenty of grass, fishing piers, a playground, and picnic areas offer everything you need for a full day of fun in the sun. Go for a leisurely stroll, take a dip, or just kick back, and watch the Colorado River flow.

If you are thinking about a trip to Gateway Park in Yuma, AZ, check out this aerial tour of this beautiful area from CN Aerial Production:
2. Buckskin Mountain State Park - Parker
Buckskin Mountain State Park, 5476 AZ-95, Parker, AZ 85344, USA
Tyson Willard/Google Reviews
An 18-mile stretch between the Parker and Headgate Dams, Buckskin Mountain State Park boasts one of the most incredible views around. Mountains line both the Arizona and California sides, making you feel secluded from the rest of the world. With a beach, waterfront camping, hiking trails, a boat ramp, a picnic area, a basketball and volleyball court, a playground, and a park store, the entire family will have a blast at this underrated locale.
3. London Bridge Beach - Lake Havasu
London Bridge Beach, 1340 McCulloch Blvd N, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA
compcrzy/TripAdvisor
Arguably the most "ocean-like" beach in Arizona, this popular Lake Havasu City spot parallels the famous Bridgewater Channel. A buoyed swimming area, beach, two playgrounds, fully enclosed dog park, basketball and sand volleyball courts, and a community stage invite visitors to play all day. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, lounge on the plush green grass, and get some shade in the covered picnic areas with tables and barbecues during your day trip to London Bridge Beach.

Join Adventures with Tashia as she heads to London Bridge Beach in Lake Havasu, Arizona to enjoy a day at one of the best beaches in AZ:
4. The Chains - Page
The Chains, Unnamed Road, Page, AZ 86040, USA
Malcolm/Google Reviews
Located near Glen Canyon Dam, The Chains is a day-use area characterized by its otherworldly rock sand formations. It's a renowned fishing spot due to its deep waters. That same feature can make swimming dangerous - although it is allowed. Definitely wear a lifejacket, and use caution as steep sides can result in difficulty getting out of the water. Wahweap Marina is visible to the north, and Antelope Island can be seen just across the channel. How enchanting is this hidden gem?
5. Roper Lake State Park - Safford
Roper Lake State Park, AZ, 101 E Roper Lake Rd, Safford, AZ 85546, USA
Rod R/TripAdvisor
Located in Safford, Roper Lake State Park is a quiet little escape at the base of Mount Graham. It includes a boat ramp, a beach for swimming, a picnic area, a campground, cabins, and a hot spring, plus the lake is stocked with bass and trout. There are also hiking trails!

As we head to Roper Lake State Park in this video from Adven Nature, we'll take a look at some cute cabins, scenic views, and of course some fun Arizona beaches:

Sure, there may not be an ocean in Arizona, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a day at the beach. How many of these Arizona beaches have you visited? Did we leave off your favorite spot? Let us know your thoughts with a comment. Then, check out our previous article to learn more about Roper Lake because the water is a brilliant blue at Roper Lake which makes it a refreshing roadside stop in Arizona.

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More to Explore

More Arizona beaches for summer fun

Chris Muras | May 28, 2023

What are the closest beaches to Arizona?

You may think Arizona is all desert landscapes, but there are some wonderful beaches to cool off at during those hot summer days. Here are a few of the closest beaches to you in Arizona:

  • Butcher Jones Beach, Fountain Hills, AZ: Take a trip to Saguaro Lake about 20 miles east of Fountain Hills for a delightful place to cool off. This quiet beach has a nice sandy shoreline and wonderful views of cacti in the surrounding hills and bluffs.
  • FireSky Resort, Scottsdale, AZ: Just because it is man-made doesn't mean this cool beach is any less wonderful. It is like a tropical paradise right here in Scottsdale. The sandy beaches and crystal-clear swimming area make for a pretty cool spot to soak up some sun with the added bonus of being able to jump in crisp cool water.
  • Havasu Falls, Havasu Falls, AZ: Is there anything better than a waterfall swimming hole? The beauty and nature you are surrounded with at Havasu Falls make a day at "the beach" even better. It may not have traditional sandy beaches but the pool of water at the base of the falls is pretty refreshing on a hot day.
  • River Island State Park: Spending a summer weekend camping at River Island State Park is a relaxing way to get out and enjoy nature. Even better is the sandy beach on the Colorado River that you have access to.

 

If you are looking for even more wonderful lakes and rivers that might make you feel like Arizona has an ocean, check out this list of 11 of the best gorgeous beaches in AZ.

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