Best Beaches in Arizona: Lake Havasu Beaches & Swimming

You’d think that in a landlocked state like Arizona, the situation would be grim for beach lovers. Not so! Lake Havasu (also known as Arizona’s West Coast) serves up a supreme experience for beaches in Arizona: beautiful sandy lake beaches and clean, clear, fresh water that’s comfortable for swimming most of the year. With few or no waves, visitors come from Phoenix, California, and all over the Southwest to cool off when summer temperatures soar.

Lake Havasu's beaches are the perfect hangout spots for families – you can truly relax in the warm sand without worrying about dangerous fish or riptide currents. If you're a boater, pristine private beaches are plentiful and perfect for a picnic or sunbathing in solitude.

Nearly every part of Lake Havasu is swimmable except the Bridgewater Channel; but that doesn't mean you can't get wet, wading in the channel and staying near the shore is fine! However, swimming across the channel at any time is illegal due to the safety issues that come with swimmers and moving boats - and it's also the law! Unlike the ocean, this freshwater lake has no sharks, jellyfish, piranha, or any species of wildlife that make swimming undesirable; just beautiful, open water surrounded by the best beaches in Arizona. Water temperatures range throughout the year, so plan and dress accordingly. Averages of Lake Havasu water and air temperatures are:

Did you know? Lake Havasu City holds the all-time high temperature record in Arizona history with 128° recorded on June 29, 1994, and the city was covered in snow on December 31, 2014!