10 Best Family Beaches in Arizona [for 2023]
Although Arizona is commonly associated with dry and sandy desert landscapes, it is home to some of the most beautiful and idyllic beaches in the United States. These beaches provide the perfect place to spend quality time with your family, swim and play in the water and enjoy a delectable picnic.
From jet skiing and boating to fishing and kayaking, there is a plethora of activities to indulge in, making it a thrilling and enjoyable experience for all. You can also go camping and spend the night under the starry sky.
With so much to offer, Arizona’s family beaches are a must-visit destination for your next great adventure. Gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the beauty of these spectacular beaches! And pick the perfect one for your family with our list of the best family beaches in Arizona.
1. Windsor Beach, Lake Havasu
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Windsor Beach in Arizona is a great and favorite sandy beach that boasts a stunning mountain backdrop. You can enjoy a refreshing swim with your family here, go fishing, jet-skiing, or go boating in the crystal-clear waters of the beach.
And your kids can have fun building sand castles on the soft sand or playing games like catch and tag on the wide bank. It is a wonderful place to have a picnic with your family, surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains.
For those who love water sports, Windsor Beach is the perfect place to indulge in your passion. You can rent a jet ski or a boat to explore the waters, you need to note that the water can be rocky further away from shore. Hence, it is highly recommended to wear aqua shoes to protect your feet from possible injuries. Here you will nd many luxurious resorts where you can enjoy your stay and visit the beach at any time of the day.
2. Rotary Beach, Lake Havasu
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Rotary Beach is a fun and safe beach for families with young children. Located in Arizona, it has a wide beach, clear water, and many activities that children of all ages can enjoy. What makes Rotary Beach especially suitable for families with young children is that it offers three different play areas.
It offers playgrounds, two of which are perfect for kids. The beach is also known as the safest beach in Arizona, with shallow and calm waters and soft sand that is free of pebbles or rocks, making it perfect for young children to play and splash. For older kids and teens For, the beach offers many activities like volleyball and bocce ball courts and a nearby skate park.
You can access the beach here from dawn until 11 p.m., and there’s no admission fee unless you want to rent a pavilion or picnic ramada. The beach offers a safe and fun environment for children of all ages, with plenty of activities to keep them entertained during their stay.
3. Centennial Beach, Yuma
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Centennial Beach, located along the Colorado River, has recently undergone a makeover and is now a popular addition to Yuma’s waterfront destinations. This beach is a peaceful and serene beach that is family-friendly to spend quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded beaches.
On hot days, the cool waters of the beach make for a refreshing swim is perfect, while the sandy beach provides the ideal spot for sunbathing and relaxing under the warm rays of the sun. Along with this, the beach has quite comfortable picnic areas where you can enjoy your packed food in the shade, as well as on-site parking areas and restrooms for added convenience.
To make the most of your visit, be sure to check out the rest of West Wetlands Park. The park offers a range of activities including golfing at the 9-hole disc golf course and visiting the Buttery and Hummingbird Gardens, where you can get up close and personal with these beautiful winged creatures. A peaceful and relaxing beach experience in Yuma, Arizona Centennial Beach is a great option for those in love.
4. Buckskin Mountain State Park Beach, Parker
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Buckskin Mountain State Park Beach is a beach with natural beauty to enjoy a vacation with your loved ones and family. Located in Buckskin Mountain State Park, this beach has spectacular views of beautiful mountains, turquoise waters, and lush natural greenery.
The beach is filled with a variety of water activities such as jet-skiing, boating, and fishing. There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and cabanas for your families to enjoy more fun activities.
There are also waterfront campgrounds on the beach where you can enjoy a bonfire with your family. You can toast marshmallows, make s’mores, and share campfire stories while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
A helpful tip for you to make the best of a trip to Buckskin Mountain State Park Beach The time is in July when the park holds its annual Parker Tube Float Festival. During the festival, you can take a tube ride and oat down the breathtaking Colorado River, which is an unforgettable experience.
5. Patagonia Lake State Park Beach, Nogales
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Patagonia Lake State Park Beach is a highly recommended destination for those looking to spend a family vacation in the refreshing water. This beach is very popular and liked by tourists for its facilities like a kid-friendly beach with fresh and clear water, Picnic tables, ramadas, and convenient places where you can easily cook and eat your own food, and you can camp if you want.
You can immortalize your family vacation in Arizona by shooting amazing pictures on a unique and picturesque bridge near the beach. There is also a bridge to observe the marina activity which is very beautiful.
Don’t worry about accidentally forgetting to pack something like water for your vacation, for example, because Patagonia Lake State Park Beach has a lakeside market. Here you can buy any supplies you might need, as well as rent a boat for more family fun on the water. With convenient amenities, picturesque views, and amazing photo opportunities, you’re sure to Will be a memorable experience.
6. Wahweap Beach, Page
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Wahweap Beach in Lake Powell, Arizona is a thrilling and unforgettable beach that is very family-friendly. The beach offers miles of golden sand, crystal-clear water, and stunning backdrops that are sure to leave you in awe.
One of the reasons why I recommend this beach is the many activities available for the whole family. At the nearby marina, you can indulge in a variety of water sports such as skiing, tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, and boating.
These activities are perfect for adventure seekers, who love to explore and experience the thrill of water sports. If you want to enjoy a peaceful and serene experience, I suggest you beat the crowd. Arrive early in the morning.
Wahweap Beach is quite popular among both locals and tourists, so arriving early will give you more time to enjoy the beach before it gets busy. With its golden sands, clear waters, and various water sports activities, your family is sure to have an unforgettable time.
7. Roper Lake State Park Beach, Safford
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Roper Lake State Park Beach is great for a peaceful family getaway in Arizona. It is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of the city, vendors, and large crowds.
Here you can start your day with a swim in the fresh and cool water or sunbathe on the beach. The beach is quite calm, making it an excellent place to relax and unwind. Families can have picnics and play games with their children in the afternoon. The park also offers ample opportunities for hiking and fishing.
At night, you can gather with your family around a warm campfire and gaze at the stars. It is an ideal place for stargazing, as there is minimal light pollution. You must keep a close eye on your little ones here as there are no lifeguards around. Towards the shore, the water is shallower and calmer, but it is still important to ensure the safety of children.
8. London Bridge Beach, Lake Havasu
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London Bridge Beach is a beautiful beach in Arizona that offers a laid-back atmosphere for families. The beach is lined with tall coconut trees giving the surroundings a tropical vibe. The soft golden sand and pristine waters make it a great beach to relax and unwind. One of the unique features of this beach is that it has two playgrounds for children, making it a great family destination.
Plus the animated swimming area ensures the safety of children, making it an excellent choice for families with children. If you’re feeling in need of more activities to do, the beach is equipped with a beach volleyball court and Offers watercraft, kayak, and paddleboard rentals.
These activities are perfect for a fun day on the water, allowing you to explore the serene surroundings and enjoy the calm waters to the fullest. There is a picnic area complete with tables and grills for you to enjoy.
This is also where you can enjoy a delicious barbeque with your loved ones. Here you can bring your four-legged family members along. There’s a dog park nearby that offers water bowls and a re-hydrant-shaped water fountain, making it a great option for your pet. Make sure to keep your dogs on a leash when you’re on the beach.
9. River Island State Park Beach, Parker
Photo by Loren Cutler on Unsplash
River Island State Park Beach is an idyllic beach on the Colorado River known for its tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The beach is ideal for camping, as it has both tent and RV campgrounds with picnic areas and grills, making it an excellent spot for family bonding.
The beach offers a variety of water activities such as boating, kayaking, swimming, and jet-skiing. You need to note that swimming is allowed only towards the shore and rope-off areas, as many boats pass through the river.
It is important to be cautious while swimming and avoid going too far. One of the best features of this beach is its spectacular night sky view. You can lie on the beach with your family and gaze at the glittering stars above. Plus, hiking the nearby Wedge Hill is a great way to enjoy breathtaking views of the Colorado River. So, you have a charming and beautiful beach to camp, relax, and bond with your family.
10. Cattail Cove State Park Beach
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Cattail Cove State Park Beach is a hidden gem in Arizona’s Lake Havasu. The beach is not crowded, so it is an ideal beach for families to relax and enjoy the pristine waters. The beach is famous for its clear and cool water, making it one of the best swimming spots in Arizona. The soft, white sand is perfect for relaxing and sunbathing while reading a good book.
If you are a fisherman, this beach offers excellent fishing opportunities, and you can even teach your kids to sh in the rich waters. Cattail Cove State Park Beach is well maintained, and the beach The cleanliness is clear. Park rangers regularly clean the beach and surrounding areas, making it an excellent place to spend the day without worrying about litter or debris.
If you plan to camp at the beach, So making reservations at least three days in advance of your preferred date is essential, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend. The beach offers camping facilities for families or groups of friends looking for an outdoor adventure.