Arizona's 5 Best Beaches To Escape The Cold This Winter, According To Visitors

Arizona is known for its natural wonders, including massive canyons, vast desert landscapes, and magnificent cacti. It rarely comes to mind as a destination for beach outings given that it is entirely landlocked and in the arid Southwest. Yet, while much of the U.S. struggles with freezing temperatures through the winter, some areas of Arizona near Tucson and Flagstaff stay warm enough to hit the beach. December 2025 saw a winter heatwave in the low 80s, and previous years have been unusually high as well. Without access to expansive ocean shores, the state instead offers an array of beautiful lakeside beaches that provide clear waters, lakeside retreats, scenic backdrops, and great boating.

Here are some of the best beaches in Arizona, according to travelers and visitors looking to escape winter and enjoy sunny, waterside days: Windsor Beach, Pebble Beach, Willow Beach, River Island State Park, and Cattail Cove State Park. These standout options were chosen by examining numerous rankings of the top beaches in the state, prioritizing those best for winter visits. These beaches were then analyzed through visitor feedback on Tripadvisor, Google, and Yelp. Some are well known, and others are hidden local gems. Take a dip into the state's best watering holes, according to visitors.

Found within the stunning Lake Havasu State Park, which might have some of the prettiest waters around the world, Windsor Beach lies approximately 195 miles northwest of Phoenix along the flowing Colorado River. This location makes it accessible for those in the central part of the state looking for a quick escape. Visitors come to Windsor Beach for its expansive, soft sand that stretches on and invites all to lounge and play. The beach views are complemented by the blue waters against the rocky mountainous background. It is an ideal setting for dipping into refreshing swims, with calm swimming areas perfect for families or solo relaxation. Beyond the beachfront, the site features shaded pavillions for escape from the sun, barbecue setups for meal gatherings, and pet-friendly policies that allow leashed companions to join in on the fun.

Visitors consistently rave about Windsor Beach's allure. On Tripadvisor, many visitors highlight the seamless blend of natural beauty with practical facilities, noting how easy it is to launch waterfront and enjoy nearby cultural draws. "I was pleasantly surprised to see what a great Skate Park Lake Havasu City has," wrote one reviewer. "It is right on the beach where you can see the water and palm trees and beachgoers and boaters." 

A nomination by USA Today as a leading lakefront destination underscores Windsor Beach's reputation for superior fishing, boat outings, and swimming. It is a must-visit beach for its pristine beach and welcoming vibe. Trails like the Mojave Sunset path wind through botanical displays and interpretive signs about the local flora and fauna. The park offers multiple boat launches, tent camping, and overnight stays in rustic lodges, while the beach's proximity to landmarks like the London Bridge adds a touch of novelty and a chance to double dip on experiences. 

Pebble Beach is just 35 miles north of Phoenix within the expansive Tonto National Forest. It rests along the banks of the lower Salt River and offers a quick escape for urban dwellers. Pebble Beach brings in the crowds for its role as a prime location for leisurely water activities, like floating down the calm river on inner tubes. This popular day-use area features covered structures for escaping the sun, picnic tables, and a quaint beachfront. It is best visited early in the morning to secure a parking spot on the weekends. The natural greenery that creates a lush and peaceful haven is not a secret. 

On Google, visitors emphasize its wonderful suitability for group outings with children, thanks to the calm waters and lovely views of the mountains beyond. It's also a great spot for wildlife spotting. One visitor, Brittany, wrote, "We saw horses while floating the river!! They were even crossing and almost tipped over a guy on his paddleboard! Very cool experience." Bird enthusiasts can spot much avian diversity, including towhees, warblers, wrens, and hummingbirds, especially during winter migrations. There are rental services for flotation devices nearby, and a modest daily entry fee of $8 is required.

Located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area along the Colorado River, Willow Beach is carved into the dramatic and beautiful Black Canyon region. It's about an hour's drive southeast from Las Vegas. Its appeal lies in its extensive waterfront, which spans hundreds of miles, mixing terrains of fine grainy sand and polished stones. Willow Beach is a fantastic spot for paddling adventures that lead to numerous exciting discoveries, like hidden thermal pools, cascading waterfalls, and even a hidden cave with emerald water. Beachside grilling stations and picnic tables encourage extended hangs and excellent lounging. You can rent water equipment like canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards to navigate the water trails that lead to the geothermal sites or narrow gorges. Boating enthusiasts will find a launch and enough space to explore the natural wonders of the area too.

Travelers leave rave reviews on Tripadvisor. "Kayaking at Willow Beach was, without question, one of the most incredible experiences my partner and I have ever had," wrote one visitor. These testaments highlight the awe-inspiring quality of the area, with other users highlighting vivid landscapes, transparent depths of the waters, and the peaceful setting. Yelpers agree, stating the untouched serenity and striking visuals are wonderful, recommending it as an excellent nearby water refuge from the urban heat.

Also found on the bank of the Colorado River, just south of Lake Havasu State Park, sits River Island State Park. About 170 miles from Phoenix, this gorgeous park delivers a scenic journey in desert terrain and a lovely swimming cove to cool off in. The park is compact and attracts those seeking a quieter riverside experience. It bestows a protected inlet for safe wading and swimming, as motorized boats are separated from the main swimming hole for extra swimming safety. This park is a year-round draw for beachside observations of the river's gentle pace. 

Visitors on Tripadvisor commend the captivating views and wonderful waterside camping spots, with one reviewer writing, "This small but scenic park is one of Arizona's nicest places to camp and enjoy water sports. Too small for to big a crowd, your family will enjoy the beauty of the lake and some great camping." Yelp visitor feedback highlights the spotless beach sand, with strong endorsements for its calm ambience and aesthetic appeal. Google visitors mirror this, noting its excellence for water enthusiasts and its impeccable upkeep.

In addition to the beach itself, the park is a great place to kayak or fish for bass and catfish. Short paths like the Overlook Trail add easy strolls for panoramic views and link to adjacent park trails. More ambitious explorers can connect to the nearby reserves through historic routes of former extraction sites. River Island is low profile compared to Lake Havasu's bustle and ensures a less crowded atmosphere. 

Cattail Cove State Park is found south of Lake Havasu State Park on the Colorado River's edge, the park occupies the lower reaches of Lake Havasu, providing a nearby alternative for those exploring this region of Arizona. Cattail Cove spans a large preserve of about 2,000 acres, providing pristine shorelines and beach access, and serves as a laid-back spot to hang out when the temps are warm. The park features courts for games, boat launches, and a dedicated dog park for furry friends. 

Google reviewers give it an average of 4.7 stars from over a thousand personal experiences, with acclaim for pet-friendly zones, positioning it as a top choice for heat relief at the beach for the whole family. Tripadvisor visitors also give it high praise, noting that the tidy beach is enhanced by its palm trees and well-groomed landscapes. "This was our first experience with an Arizona State Park campground. The bar has been set very high," wrote reviewer Karen R. Yelp reviewers also appreciate its spacious swimming areas, big enough for shared enjoyment without feeling overly crowded.

Beyond the beach, Cattail Cove State Park has great fishing, a boat launch, and the 1-mile McKinney Loop Trail, an easy route that dips through the valley before returning to the parking lot with views of the Colorado River from above. Four other paths provide more hiking trails and exploration of the area. Cattail Cove is an excellent spot to hit the beach for relaxation and an underrated desert gem year-round.

To create this list, we reviewed a large range of curated compilations of the best beaches in Arizona, with an emphasis on those that were viable over the winter. These findings were then cross-referenced with visitor reviews from various travel hubs like Tripadvisor, Google, and Yelp. Other travel forums, personal blogs, and travel discussions were considered to prioritize the beaches that consistently came up with positive endorsements from visitors.