Where is the Closest Beach from Phoenix?
It’s summer and feels like an oven in Phoenix, so you may be wondering where is the closest beach from Phoenix and how long does it take to get there?
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Beaches Near Phoenix Arizona
Where is the closest beach from Phoenix? The answer is going to depend on your definition of beach.
- Sandy Beaches
- Artificial Beaches
- Lakes
- Rivers
Sandy Beaches Near Phoenix
Lake Havasu
If you’re looking for a fresh water beach, the Colorado River in Lake Havasu has the best beaches in Arizona. It’s where the desert meets the water. You’ve got multiple beachy spots to pick from:
- London Bridge Beach – Family-friendly with volleyball courts, picnic tables, and plenty of sand
- Lake Havasu State Park – Gorgeous mountain views with boat access
- Body Beach – Quieter, great for swimming
- Cattail Cove State Park – A bit farther south but less crowded and equally pretty
It is about a 3.5 hour drive to Lake Havasu from Phoenix.
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Rocky Point, Mexico
If you’re looking for a sandy beach with salty water the closest beach is located in Puerto Penasco, Mexico or Rocky Point as it is generally referred to. It’s a super popular destination for Arizonans, and it’s surprisingly accessible.
You can park your RV, rent a beachfront condo, or stay in one of the many resorts dotting the coast. It’s ideal for a longer weekend.
Playa Bonita Beach is around a 4 hour drive from Phoenix. You will need to stop at the border crossing between Mexico and Arizona, so this may add time to your commute. Don’t forget your passport.
San Diego Beaches
Nothing beats San Diego., California for iconic beach towns. Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, or even the more serene Torrey Pines in about 5.5 hours. Of course, traffic can alter these drive times.
Yes, it’s a longer drive, but once you hit the coast and smell the salty breeze all the stress melts away.
Beaches in Phoenix
If you’re looking for a beach in the Phoenix area, you will be disappointed because we don’t have any. While two man-made beaches are currently being constructed in the Valley, Phoenix doesn’t have any beaches to speak of. Two large-scale projects are bringing artificial beaches to the Valley: Cannon Beach in Mesa just opened and VAI Resorts in Glendale is expected to open soon.
Where can you Cool Off?
What? No beaches, where do Phoenicians cool off? Luckily, we have the Salt River, Colorado River, and several large lakes near Phoenix. Cities also have public pools and splash pads.
Arizona Lakes
The most popular lake near Phoenix is Lake Pleasant.
Lake Pleasant is big, beautiful, and surrounded by rugged desert hills. It’s a popular spot for jet skiing and boating. Now, don’t come expecting a soft sandy beach you won’t find one. The shoreline is mostly rocky and rugged.
It’s not a lounging-on-the-sand kind of place, but if you’re out on a boat or anchored in a peaceful cove, it absolutely hits the spot.
Lake Pleasant is one of the largest lakes in Arizona, however it doesn’t have a beach well at least not what most would consider a beach.
Many people cool off in the lake around the coves found in Lake Pleasant, but the water is very deep in many of these areas and rocky so it isn’t anything like a beach. Despite the lack of beach, we love Lake Pleasant.
From the center of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant, is about 40 miles and is a really great lake for water sports just don’t expect a sandy beach. Visit our post on Lake Life at Lake Pleasant in Peoria.
Salt River
The Salt River is a popular summer destination and there are areas along the river you can set up a shade tent, lay out your beach towels and splash in the water. Some popular spots to cool off are Phon D Sutton and Coon Bluff Recreation area.
Colorado River – Paria Beach
Arizona has a beautiful beach on the Colorado River near Page, Arizona. It is in a pretty remote area, but I would rate it as the best beach I’ve been to in Arizona. It’s sandy and peaceful.
