Beaches aren’t exactly abundant here in The Grand Canyon State, but we do have more than you might think. Summer was made for relaxing, and these sandy oases in Arizona will help you do just that. The dog days don’t have to get you down; get ready to experience the six best beaches in Arizona! This hidden beaches road trip in Arizona will show you the state like never before. Get in the car, buckle up, and let’s go:
Google Maps Explore these Arizona beaches by following along this map here.
- Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area (Globe)
Flickr/Al_HikesAZ Widely regarded as Arizona’s “second Grand Canyon,” the Salt River is lined with pristine beaches that few people even know exist. Only accessible via watercraft, these remote oases will make you feel like you’ve traveled to an exotic island paradise. Consider taking a trip with Salt River Rafting so as not to waste time locating the beaches yourself. This beach has the clearest water in Arizona.
For more information, check out our previous feature article of Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area in Arizona. Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area, Globe, AZ 85501, USA
- Butcher Jones Cove (Fountain Hills)
Flickr/William Herron Located about 20 miles east of Fountain Hills at Saguaro Lake, Butcher Jones is one of Tonto National Forest’s most visited places. It features a nature trail and beach with picnic tables, so there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy all day long. Majestic wild horses can frequently be seen wading through the striking blue water. Butcher Jones Trail, Arizona 85264, USA
- The Scott Resort & Spa (Scottsdale)
Facebook/The Scott Resort & Spa Although natural beaches tend to be superior to their man-made counterparts, Arizona isn’t exactly chock full of them. Luckily, hotels like The Scott Resort & Spa offer a very close alternative. This poolside escape features white sand and several swimming areas, making it a fair compromise when you don’t feel like driving for hours. This is the perfect place to soak up some rays. Come and experience the best sandy beach in Arizona. The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort), 4925 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- Goldwater Lake (Prescott)
Flickr/Scottb211 Goldwater Lake spans a whopping 15 acres and boasts fishing docks, a boat launch ramp, sand volleyball court, hiking trails, and several seating areas. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available during the warmer months. Even though swimming isn’t allowed, this hidden gem still promises a fun-filled day for all. Goldwater Lake, Arizona 86303, USA
- River Island State Park (Parker)
Flickr/Mike W. Nestled along the Colorado River, this mountainside getaway deserves a top spot on your summer bucket list. It’s a popular spot for all sorts of water recreational activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. There’s also an on-site campground, and everyone knows there’s nothing better than a nice morning swim. This tranquil escape belongs at the top of Arizona’s beaches.
For more information, check out our previous feature article about this state park in Arizona here. River Island State Park, 5200 AZ-95, Parker, AZ 85344, USA
- Gateway Park (Yuma)
Google/Chris Williams Also on the Colorado River, Gateway Park is a little-known oasis conveniently located within Yuma’s city limits. Sand, picnic ramadas with grills, and an outdoor shower provide all the necessary beach day elements. Plus, a historic bridge provides plenty of shade to keep the fun going all day long. Gateway Park, E 1st St & S Gila St, Yuma, AZ 85364, USA
How many of these Arizona beaches have you visited? Did we miss any of your favorites? Which of these beaches to visit in Arizona are you most excited about? Be sure to let us know!
Google Maps
Explore these Arizona beaches by following along this map here.
Flickr/Al_HikesAZ
Widely regarded as Arizona’s “second Grand Canyon,” the Salt River is lined with pristine beaches that few people even know exist. Only accessible via watercraft, these remote oases will make you feel like you’ve traveled to an exotic island paradise. Consider taking a trip with Salt River Rafting so as not to waste time locating the beaches yourself. This beach has the clearest water in Arizona.
For more information, check out our previous feature article of Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area in Arizona.
Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area, Globe, AZ 85501, USA
Flickr/William Herron
Located about 20 miles east of Fountain Hills at Saguaro Lake, Butcher Jones is one of Tonto National Forest’s most visited places. It features a nature trail and beach with picnic tables, so there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy all day long. Majestic wild horses can frequently be seen wading through the striking blue water.
Butcher Jones Trail, Arizona 85264, USA
Facebook/The Scott Resort & Spa
Although natural beaches tend to be superior to their man-made counterparts, Arizona isn’t exactly chock full of them. Luckily, hotels like The Scott Resort & Spa offer a very close alternative. This poolside escape features white sand and several swimming areas, making it a fair compromise when you don’t feel like driving for hours. This is the perfect place to soak up some rays. Come and experience the best sandy beach in Arizona.
The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort), 4925 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
Flickr/Scottb211
Goldwater Lake spans a whopping 15 acres and boasts fishing docks, a boat launch ramp, sand volleyball court, hiking trails, and several seating areas. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available during the warmer months. Even though swimming isn’t allowed, this hidden gem still promises a fun-filled day for all.
Goldwater Lake, Arizona 86303, USA
Flickr/Mike W.
Nestled along the Colorado River, this mountainside getaway deserves a top spot on your summer bucket list. It’s a popular spot for all sorts of water recreational activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. There’s also an on-site campground, and everyone knows there’s nothing better than a nice morning swim. This tranquil escape belongs at the top of Arizona’s beaches.
For more information, check out our previous feature article about this state park in Arizona here.
River Island State Park, 5200 AZ-95, Parker, AZ 85344, USA
Google/Chris Williams
Also on the Colorado River, Gateway Park is a little-known oasis conveniently located within Yuma’s city limits. Sand, picnic ramadas with grills, and an outdoor shower provide all the necessary beach day elements. Plus, a historic bridge provides plenty of shade to keep the fun going all day long.
Gateway Park, E 1st St & S Gila St, Yuma, AZ 85364, USA
To read more about rafting in the Salt River Canyon, check out Few People Know Arizona Has A Hidden Second Grand Canyon.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Arizona July 25, 2019 Elisa Regulski What are the prettiest beaches in Arizona? This great state is known for its mountains, but there are still plenty of gorgeous beaches in Arizona. Among them are Yuma’s Gateway Park and Prescott’s Goldwater Lake. The Scott Resort and Spa offers a pristine beach atmosphere in the middle of Scottsdale. Visitors love sinking their toes in the sand and relaxing by the refreshing waters. What are the best beach towns in Arizona? Yuma is a scenic beach town that’s home to Gateway Park. This lovely haven is surrounded by The Colorado River, and it’s full of soft sand and scenic picnic places. The town of Globe is another popular beach destination. With its epic canyons and wilderness hikes, the Globe beach in Arizona is one-of-a-kind. What beaches have the clearest water in Arizona? River Island State Park in Parker, Arizona is home to the clearest water in the state. People love coming here to fish, kayak, and relax along the lake. Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area, located in Globe, Arizona, is another destination that boasts crystal clear water. This is the perfect place to embark on an adventurous river rafting adventure. The Scott Resort and Spa in Scottsdale also has gorgeous, clear water. This luxurious hotel will make you feel refreshed and renewed.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Arizona
July 25, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What are the prettiest beaches in Arizona? This great state is known for its mountains, but there are still plenty of gorgeous beaches in Arizona. Among them are Yuma’s Gateway Park and Prescott’s Goldwater Lake. The Scott Resort and Spa offers a pristine beach atmosphere in the middle of Scottsdale. Visitors love sinking their toes in the sand and relaxing by the refreshing waters. What are the best beach towns in Arizona? Yuma is a scenic beach town that’s home to Gateway Park. This lovely haven is surrounded by The Colorado River, and it’s full of soft sand and scenic picnic places. The town of Globe is another popular beach destination. With its epic canyons and wilderness hikes, the Globe beach in Arizona is one-of-a-kind. What beaches have the clearest water in Arizona? River Island State Park in Parker, Arizona is home to the clearest water in the state. People love coming here to fish, kayak, and relax along the lake. Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area, located in Globe, Arizona, is another destination that boasts crystal clear water. This is the perfect place to embark on an adventurous river rafting adventure. The Scott Resort and Spa in Scottsdale also has gorgeous, clear water. This luxurious hotel will make you feel refreshed and renewed.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
This great state is known for its mountains, but there are still plenty of gorgeous beaches in Arizona. Among them are Yuma’s Gateway Park and Prescott’s Goldwater Lake. The Scott Resort and Spa offers a pristine beach atmosphere in the middle of Scottsdale. Visitors love sinking their toes in the sand and relaxing by the refreshing waters.
What are the best beach towns in Arizona?
Yuma is a scenic beach town that’s home to Gateway Park. This lovely haven is surrounded by The Colorado River, and it’s full of soft sand and scenic picnic places. The town of Globe is another popular beach destination. With its epic canyons and wilderness hikes, the Globe beach in Arizona is one-of-a-kind.
What beaches have the clearest water in Arizona?
River Island State Park in Parker, Arizona is home to the clearest water in the state. People love coming here to fish, kayak, and relax along the lake. Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area, located in Globe, Arizona, is another destination that boasts crystal clear water. This is the perfect place to embark on an adventurous river rafting adventure. The Scott Resort and Spa in Scottsdale also has gorgeous, clear water. This luxurious hotel will make you feel refreshed and renewed.
