Arizona is renowned for its deserts and unique rock formations, particularly those in Grand Canyon National Park and the horseshoe-shaped Colorado River. Although it’s fascinating to explore these features, travelers may be looking for ways to cool off in the intense summer heat. Are there beaches in Arizona? There are, in fact, best charming beach towns in Arizona to live
along rivers and lakes.
Surprisingly, a lot of charming beach towns in Arizona to live along the banks of lakes and rivers where tourists can go swimming and enjoy other water sports. Of course, the most well-known beaches are undoubtedly those in and around Phoenix, but there are many other fantastic beach locations in Arizona, particularly in quaint villages removed from the bustle of large cities.
In fact, there are beaches in many of Arizona’s small towns that are on par with some of the best coastal beaches in the country due to the captivating combination of huge desert areas and striking rock formations. Here are some best charming beach towns in Arizona to live, where lakeshores, river beaches, and aquatic adventures await, ranging from the banks of the Colorado River to the shores of Lake Powell.
Top 10 Best Charming Beach Towns In Arizona To Live:
- Nogales
- Cottonwood
- Safford
- Sedona
- Page
- Clarkdale
- Pinetop-Lakeside
- Parker
- Fort McDowell
- Morristown
Top 10 Best Charming Beach Towns In Arizona To Live in detail:
10.Morristown
Only an hour from Phoenix, this lakeside town offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities like hiking and camping. The unincorporated town of Morristown, which provides access to the refreshing water of the namesake reservoir in Lake Pleasant Regional Park, is located about an hour north of Phoenix. With 114 miles of shoreline, the lake can provide visitors with plenty of sun-loving activities. In addition, it’s a fantastic place to go camping, hiking, picnicking, and water sports.
This is a particularly nice place to hike, especially the 1.5-mile Roadrunner Trail that offers views of the reservoir. Lake Pleasant is the ideal getaway location at any time, whether you’re looking to get away from the bustle of the city or just want to enjoy some fun in the sun.
- The Quintero Golf Club, the Roadrunner Trail, and Lake Pleasant Regional Park are well-liked attractions.
9.Fort McDowell
Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the beaches of Fort McDowell on the Verde River offer scenic boat rides, fishing, and hiking.
Fort McDowell is a tiny, unincorporated community in Arizona that is ideally situated between two large cities. It is tucked away deep in the woodlands and provides access to several river beaches. Of these, the Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site and the Butcher Jones Recreation Site are particularly charming, with the latter being home to wild horses.
These beaches provide a convenient way to escape the intense summer heat because they are located in the stunning Sonoran Desert. In addition, guests can camp, fish, picnic, and boat.
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Four Peaks Wilderness Area, Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site, and Butcher Jones Recreation Site are some of the well-liked attractions.
8.Parker
This Colorado River town entices with its sandy beaches, aquatic activities, and the nation’s deepest dam, Parker Dam. The lovely town of Parker is situated on the Colorado River near the state’s western border and is home to some of Arizona’s best beaches. Come here to explore Buckskin Mountain State Park, which has gorgeous sandy beaches with plenty of space for swimming and other water sports.
Spend some time admiring and photographing the US’s deepest dam, Parker Dam, while you’re here. The Bluewater Casino offers a chance to try your luck if you intend to stay the night. Parker is an ideal weekend escape because of its exciting nightlife and abundance of outdoor activities.
- The Parker Dam, the Bluewater Resort and Casino, and the Parker Area Historical Society are well-liked attractions.
7.Pinetop-Lakeside
With its lakes, trails, and winter skiing, Pinetop-Lakeside, tucked away in Arizona’s White Mountains, is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The small town of Pinetop-Lakeside offers a plethora of activities for tourists to enjoy. Encircled by the breathtaking White Mountains, the town is an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Access to more than 65 immaculate lakes and streams, some with picturesque beaches, is also provided.
Hiking, biking, picnics, hunting, horseback riding, and fishing are all available to tourists. Some of the best beaches in the area can be found at Woodland Lake Park and Rainbow Lake, which are wonderful places to visit all year round. Sunrise Ski Resort is a nice place to go skiing and enjoy other winter sports for visitors arriving in the winter.
- The Mogollon Rim Trail, Spa Estique, and Woodland Lake Park are well-liked attractions.
6.Clarkdale
With its colorful artwork, historic copper mining relics, and immaculate Verde River beaches, Clarkdale is a charming little town. Clarkdale, which was once a ranching and copper mining town, has evolved into a quaint beach town in Arizona that attracts visitors who are interested in its fascinating culture and rich history. The Arizona Copper Art Museum is a great place to start learning about how copper has influenced Arizonan history. Visitors can visit Verde River to cool off after touring the Clarkdale Historic District and other local attractions.
There are plenty of opportunities to unwind and enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, cool waterways, and covered seating areas.
- Verde Canyon Railroad, Tuzigoot National Monument, and Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum are some of the well-liked attractions.
5.Page
Page on breathtaking Lake Powell highlights, including Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lone Rock Beach. Page is just one of the many quaint beach towns in Arizona that make for affordable vacation spots. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling through Arizona. Numerous well-known sites, such as Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon, and Antelope Canyon, are easily accessible from the town.
Even though this area has a lot of beaches, Lone Rock Beach is a must-see. It’s a great place to make memories with its soft and fine sand, cool water that feels refreshing, and the amazing Milky Way at night. To travel to the well-known Glen Canyon Dam via the Navajo Canyon and Antelope Canyon wall, reserve a Canyon Adventure Boat Tour. The most famous feature of the Colorado River is Horseshoe Bend, so don’t leave without exploring it.
- Horseshoe Bend, the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, and the Hanging Garden Trailhead are popular attractions.
4.Sedona
Sedona is well-known for its vortexes and sacred red rocks. Buddha Beach, with its walks, creeks, and serene mountain views, is particularly captivating. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts frequently travel to Sedona, which is consistently rated as one of the best towns in Arizona to visit. Although a lot of visitors come to Sedona to explore the holy sites and red rocks, the town also offers access to Buddha Beach, one of the best beaches in Arizona.
This beach is a fantastic choice for anyone searching for spiritual experiences in Sedona because it satisfies both the region’s reputation for natural beauty and spirituality. It is also regarded as one of Sedona’s powerful and hallowed vortexes. Families can spend fantastic vacations here swimming, hiking, and tanning.
- Cathedral Rock, Broken Arrow Trail, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross are popular attractions.
3.Safford
Roper Lake State Park in Safford is a popular destination for boating, fishing, hot springs, and balloon rides. Safford is a great place for families to vacation and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The breathtaking beauty of Roper Lake State Park will enchant many visitors. The serene and picturesque 32-acre Roper Lake offers visitors the opportunity to sunbathe on its lovely beaches as well as engage in a variety of lakeside and aquatic sports like swimming, boating, hiking, and picnicking. Swimming is permitted on the sandy beach on the west side, which makes it an excellent place to cool off away from boats.
In addition, there is a hot spring for guests seeking the purest form of leisure. Take a balloon ride to get a bird’s-eye perspective of this beach town, or explore Mexican eateries serving real Mexican food by following the well-known Salsa Trail.
- Popular Attractions: Safford Bowl, Glenn Meadows Park, Roper Lake State Park, and Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
2.Cottonwood
This little Verde River town offers swimming at Sandy Beach, kayaking, and fishing in its charming Old Town.
Situated slightly above the scorching desert and beneath the more moderate temperatures of Arizona’s highlands, Cottonwood is a charming little town well worth a visit. On the southwest and northeast sides, respectively, are the stunning vistas of Mingus Mountain and the red rocks of Sedona.
Cottonwood’s Old Town is the beginning of its charm, and it stretches all the way to the Verde River’s banks. The river offers amazing scenes with a refreshing river vibe as it winds through the browns and grays of the desert. At neighboring Sandy Beach, visitors can also go swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
- Old Town, Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria, Clemenceau Heritage Museum, and Old Town Center for the Arts are some of the well-liked attractions.
1.Nogales
Cultural Nogales, which borders Mexico, has beaches and outdoor charm at Patagonia Lake State Park in addition to shops and restaurants.
Nogales, a quaint town on the US-Mexico border, is a port for goods coming into the country from Mexico. Discover the distinct culture and visit neighborhood shops and Mexican eateries. The town has a number of open-air parks that provide chances to get in touch with nature. A lovely place to unwind in the sun is Patagonia Lake State Park. Boulder Beach is a great place for families to go swimming.
However, since there isn’t a lifeguard on duty, guests are advised to proceed with caution. In addition, there is a campground, a picnic area, and a creek trail. Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is another option for travelers to see some endangered species.
- Among the well-liked attractions are Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Patagonia Lake State Park, Nogales Plaza, Nogales Art Museum, and Nogales Mall.
