Explore Arizona’s Best Beaches for Water Activities
It’s true that Arizona is best known for its dramatic desert landscapes, but these arid regions also boast hundreds of miles of riverbanks and lakeshore beaches, where you can sunbathe on pristine white sand or water ski past stately saguaro cactuses. Moreover, adventure seekers can discover unspoiled swimming holes cloaked by forests and hot springs bubbling up amid box canyons. Here are our seven favorite beaches in Arizona ideal for water-bound activities.
Horseshoe Bend
Best beach for rafting
As an iconic Arizona photo opportunity, this 270-degree bend carved 1000ft deep into the Colorado River near Page garners significant attention. Although most visitors simply admire Horseshoe Bend from the overlook in Glen Canyon Recreation Area, the ultimate way to experience its allure is by rafting the river through the canyon with its sandstone walls rising 700ft around you.
A number of outfitters in the region provide half-day excursions traveling approximately 15 miles on the Colorado River. Tours commonly stop at a swimming beach that includes a trail leading to Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs before continuing towards Horseshoe Bend.
Bull Pen
Best beach for cliff jumping
If you’re inclined to jump off a cliff into clear water, the Bull Pen day-use area on West Clear Creek in Camp Verde is your destination. This secluded swimming hole, located 27 miles south of Sedona, is great for lounging on the pebbly shore or wading in the refreshing water. Accessing this unspoiled nature spot involves driving to the end of Bull Pen Road, followed by a one-mile walk. It also serves as a jumping-off point for hiking trails through pinyon-juniper forests.
Alongside its year-round mild weather, Camp Verde has curious facts: it is the geographical center of Arizona and features ancient volcanic formations called fumaroles formed approximately 700 million years ago.
Slide Rock State Park
Best beach for swimming
Sedona is renowned for its ancient monoliths, but it also features a natural waterslide at Slide Rock State Park. Here, visitors can glide down an 80ft chute into Oak Creek’s cool waters. Even if the stone slide isn’t your idea of fun, shaded areas provide perfect spots for relaxation at this family-friendly park.
This park, once part of a historic homestead and apple orchard, offers stunning landscapes and nature trails that are home to 140 species of birds, as well as larger wildlife like black bears.
Saguaro Lake
Best beach for boating
Giant cactuses standing tall against shimmering waters perfectly illustrate Arizona’s unique landscape. Saguaro Lake, located about 45 miles from Phoenix, in Tonto National Forest, is one of the Salt River’s four reservoirs. Shaped after the Stewart Mountain Dam was completed in 1930, it’s a great location for water skiing and picnicking.
Visitors can launch their boats from one of the two marinas or land a good fishing spot along the shoreline. Overnight camping under the stars among the saguaros can be done at Bagley Flat, which allows camping for free for up to 14 days.
Arizona Hot Springs
Best beach for adventurers
The journey to discover the steaming pools along the Arizona Hot Spring Trail demands effort, but the result is rewarding: hot pools at around 111°F to soothe weary muscles post-hike. The trail leads through an otherworldly slot canyon that features splashes of vibrant flora like sagebrush and bright-orange globe mallow.
Patagonia Lake State Park
Best beach in the desert
Surprisingly, Patagonia Lake State Park emerges as a high-desert oasis located 75 miles south of Tucson. This park boasts boat ramps, camping sites, and a nearby market, making it an excellent spot for waterskiing and fishing.
Visitors can enjoy views of white-tailed deer and great blue herons while exploring this beautiful area, filled with history tied to the mining industry.
London Bridge Beach
Best beach for families
London Bridge Beach in Lake Havasu City is an iconic family destination situated along Havasu Lake’s 400 miles of shoreline. This remarkable location features sandy beaches, inviting waters, and its unique namesake bridge, described as “the world’s largest antique.”
The bridge, shipped over from England in 1968, has become a focal point for family fun, equipped with facilities for basketball, sand volleyball, and covered playgrounds. For those seeking a quiet escape, renting a kayak to explore the tranquil waters can be an ideal way to relax.
