20 Arizona Beaches

The state of Arizona is entirely landlocked, so it isn’t the first place most people think about when discussing beaches. But when you factor in its lakes, rivers and reservoirs, Arizona has more coastline than all the states on the west coast combined.

Now that’s good news as with the blistering temperatures of the Grand Canyon State, you’ll look forward to cooling off when visiting Arizona. As there are different types of beaches in locations across the state, no matter where you are, you’ll be able to find beaches in Arizona to meet your needs. These are our picks of the top 20.

Lake Powell is home to some o the best Arizona beaches and some incredible scenery. Pictured here is Lone Rock.

20 Beaches In Arizona

1- Body Beach

Body Beach is one of the popular beaches in Arizona for watersports and it also has a nudist section.

Covering half a mile (.8 km) of the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, body beach is a beautiful stretch of sand, equally ideal whether you want to spend a relaxing day topping up your tan or enjoying activities like boating or jet skiing.

Mature visitors may even like the designated nude section of the beach, where you can enjoy a relaxing time away from children, getting a golden bronze tan without any lines.

Body Beach is at Lake Havasu City, 86406.

2- Cattail Cove State Park

Cattail Cove State Park in Arizona has an incredible beach.

Cattail Cove State Park is a stunning 2,000-acre (810 ha) park on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, complete with 61 campsites, fishing areas and boat ramps.

Perhaps its crowning feature, though, is its amazing, white-sand beach.

Whether you’re interested in boating, swimming or just enjoying the fabulous weather and natural surroundings, Cattail Cove State Park is a serene getaway from the city.

Cattail Cove State Park, Arizona State Route 95, Lake Havasu City, 86406.

3- Lake Havasu State Park

A relaxing way to chill on a sunny day on the beach at Lake Havasu, Arizona.

In the northwest corner of Lake Havasu City, Lake Havasu State Park contains not one but a collection of fabulous, white sand beaches.

With different areas dedicated to water sports, boating, relaxing, families, and even dog walking, you will always have plenty of options.

If your mood changes or a beach is a little too busy, take a quick stroll and find yourself back in the perfect setting.

Lake Havasu State Park is at 699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, 86403.

4- London Bridge Beach

Sunset over a colourful cloudscape at twilight over the beach at Arizona’s Havasu Falls.

London Bridge Beach is to the south of the historic London Bridge, which was transported to Lake Havasu City from London, England and rebuilt brick by brick in the 1970s.

The beach is on a small island to the southeast of Lake Havasu City, which is connected to the mainland by London Bridge.

It’s the ideal spot for those who want a beach close to civilisation, where they can enjoy views of the city and a historic monument as they lay back and laze on the sand.

1340 McCulloch Boulevard North, Lake Havasu City, 86403.

5- Rotary Park Beach

Enjoy the sunset over Lake Havasu, where you will find some of the best beaches in Arizona.

The Rotary Park Beach is a small beach in Rotary Park, best known for its collection of volleyball courts.

A popular spot with younger visitors and families, it isn’t an ideal choice for a serene afternoon.

However, if you want to enjoy the warm sand and water in an energetic location or play or watch a volleyball game, Rotary Park Beach is an option you have to consider.

Rotary Park Beach is in Rotary Park, 1400 South Smoketree Avenue, Lake Havasu City, 86403

6- Windsor Beach

Windsor Beach is one of the beaches in Arizona where you will see dramatic sunsets.

Windsor Beach is an isolated beach on the southern outskirts of Lake Havasu State Park.

Its sprawling sands are usually considerably less populated than the other nearby beaches, making it an excellent beach in Arizona to relax and enjoy the stunning view of the mountains across Lake Havasu.

With areas dedicated to water sports, fishing, and even off-roading, Windsor Beach is perfect for those who like plenty of options with very few people.

Windsor Beach is in Lake Havasu City, 86403.

7- Centennial Beach

Summer fun at one of the beaches in Arizona is likely to involve building some sand castles.

Considered one of the best beaches in Arizona, Centennial Beach is a city beach in Yuma on the Colorado River’s southern bank.

With more than 1800 tons of sand to relax on, the adjacent 110-acre (45 ha) West Wetlands Park to explore, and various playgrounds and picnic spots, as well as stunning views and wildlife to take in, Centennial Beach allows you to embrace nature without ever having to leave the city.

Centennial Beach, Yuma, 85364.

8- Gateway Park Beach

In the northeast corner of Yuma, Gateway Park Beach is set beneath the Kumeyaay Highway bridge, so it’s considerably more shady than the vast majority of beaches in Arizona.

Its location is perfect for relaxing, swimming, picnicking and fishing without ever worrying about getting burned by the blazing heat of the Arizona sun.

Gateway Park Beach is in Gateway Park, East 1st Street & South Gila Street, Yuma, 85364.

9- Buckskin Mountain State Park

Buckskin Mountain State Park has several beaches to explore.

Buckskin Mountain State Park is an isolated location to the south of the Parker Dam on the Colorado River.

Open year-round, visitors can enjoy facilities like picnic and camping spots and dining and boating facilities, as well as incredible mountain views, at any time.

Those seeking a more active visit can even make the most of the countless hiking and wildlife trails that stretch out from the beach into the rest of the park.

Buckskin Mountain State Park is at 5476 Arizona State Route 95, Parker, 85344.

10- River Island State Park

River Island State Park is located immediately to the east of Buckskin Mountain State Park, so it offers similarly beautiful beaches, views and stretches of shoreline.

It has similar features, such as grassy areas, hiking trails, picnic and camping spots and plenty of wide-open spaces.

However, what sets these two neighbouring state parks apart is the fact that River Island State Park is a little more built up.

This makes the combination of the destinations the perfect choice for those seeking the best of both worlds.

On the beach itself, companies offer you the opportunity to participate in boating, water skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Then, to the rear of the beach, you will find a great collection of shops and places to pick up food and drink.

River Island State Park is at 5200 Arizona State Route 95, Parker, 85344.

11- Wahweap Beach

A sprawling beach on Wahweap Bay, on the Arizona – Utah border, Wahweap Beach has golden sand and crystal-clear water, perfectly backdropped by views of incredible rock formations and mountains.

Its isolated location means visitors are few and far between, making it a great choice for those seeking a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing with stunning scenery.

Wahweap Beach, Unnamed Road, Page, 86040.

12- The Chains / Lake Powell

One of the quiet Arizona beaches on Lake Powell.

The Chains is a scenic, isolated location just to the north of Glen Canyon Dam, which cuts off the Colorado River and forms Lake Powell.

While not known for its sandy beaches, there are plenty of patches of soft sand and smooth rocks to lie on.

What makes this such a fabulous beach destination is Lake Powell itself, the second-largest man-made reservoir in the United States.

Its clean, crystal-clear waters are a perfect spot to enjoy a swim and cool off from the rays of the blistering Arizona sun without worrying about the tides or currents of oceans or rivers.

The Chains is at Lake Powell, Chains Road, Page, 86040.

13- Patagonia Lake State Park

Patagonia Lake State Park is a stunning park centred around the 265-acre (107 ha) man-made Patagonia Lake.

A popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, camping, boating, hiking and picnicking, the number of beaches around the lake means you have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the facilities and clear water in peace.

Patagonia Lake State Park is at 400 Patagonia Lake Road, Nogales, 85621.

14- Roper Lake State Park

A small park on the southern outskirts of Safford, Roper Lake State Park is a quiet destination, rarely troubled by the mobs of tourists commonly seen at other more crowded Arizona beaches.

While relatively basic in terms of views or amenities, it is ideal for those who want to enjoy a swim, picnic or spot of sunbathing or camping in a completely relaxed destination without travelling too far.

Roper Lake State Park is at 101 East Roper Lake Road, Safford, 85546.

15- Tempe Beach Park

Tempe Beach Park is one of the busiest, most popular beaches in Arizona, so perhaps it isn’t ideal for those seeking isolation or relaxation.

However, with a splash playground, boating facilities, baseball and athletic fields and countless trails, while hosting festivals and events throughout the year, Tempe Beach Park is a top choice for those seeking a vibrant Arizona beach within easy reach of the city.

Tempe Beach Park is at 80 West Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 85281.

16- Boat Beach

Boat Dock on the Colorado River is a lovely beach in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park.

Boat Beach is near the Phantom Ranch, on the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

It is the perfect destination for a hike and is between 7 and 10 miles 11 to 16 km) from almost any of the park’s inhabited areas, depending on which trail you take.

You will get to explore the Grand Canyon and take in all of its incredible sights before cooling off in the water and relaxing on the beach.

Alternately, you could also take a boat and make this an excellent pit stop on an aquatic adventure.

Boat Beach is on the Phantom Ranch River Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, 86023.

17- Football Beach & Owl Beach

A curve in the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon reveals a hidden beach in Arizona.

Football Beach and Owl Beach are a pair of isolated beaches on the Colorado River, deep in the Grand Canyon.

These Arizona beaches are so isolated that most people have not even heard of them.

This is due almost entirely to the fact that they cannot be accessed on foot, meaning you need a boat to reach them.

However, this is also their greatest selling point.

Those who decide to take a boat trip to visit these Arizona beaches will be met by tranquil stretches of sand.

You can swim, sunbathe and relax without worrying about being disturbed by anyone else.

Football Beach and Own Beach are in Grand Canyon National Park, 86023.

18- Pebble Beach Recreation Area

On the outskirts of Phoenix, the Pebble Beach Recreation Area is a fabulous destination for those interested in water activities.

While the pebbly beach itself isn’t ideal for sunbathing, the main draw of this beach in Arizona is that motorised boats and equipment are not allowed in the water.

It’s a prime destination for those interested in activities like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing to enjoy some time in the water without constantly worrying about keeping an eye out for traffic.

Pebble Beach is in Mesa, 85215.

19- Diamond Creek Beach

Diamond Creek Beach is in a remote destination on the Colorado River, on the outskirts of the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

While this means you will need a permit to visit it, the beach is more than worth the hassle of obtaining one.

Whether you want to relax in peace and quiet on an isolated beach, go for a swim in tranquil waters, soak in the views of the stunning waterfall and the Grand Canyon in the background, or enjoy an activity like white water rafting just a short way down the river, Diamond Creek Beach has everything you could want and then some.

Diamond Creek Beach, Peach Springs, Havasupai Indian Reservation, 86434.

20- Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is in an Indian reservation near the Grand Canyon with a stunning waterfall and small beach.

Havasu Falls is less of a traditional beach and more of a desert oasis.

Located deep in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls features crystal clear waters and a stunning waterfall, surrounded by palm trees and iconic imagery.

Relatively quiet, due to its isolated location that requires a lengthy walk to reach, it is an ideal beach in Arizona for those who want to step into a scene straight out of a dream and enjoy a relaxing day away from others.

Havasu Falls is in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, 86435.

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