10 Beaches Near Tucson, AZ

Have you ever wondered if there are any lovely beaches near Tucson, AZ?

I, too, have been yearning to know whether there are any lovely beaches in the area as I plan my beach vacation.

After all, it’s the summer season and that means it’s time for the beach. But, what is the closest beach to Tucson?

Tucson is famed for its incredible fine-dining restaurants, luxury ranches, and golf courses.

A visit to this fantastic city can keep you entertained and help you unwind.

But these aren’t the only things you can enjoy while visiting the great city of Tucson.

You can spend time in the water or sunbathe on the beach.

There are several beaches near Tucson, AZ, enough for a day trip in whichever direction you decide.

Beaches Near Tucson, AZ – 10 Best Destinations for You 

Montezuma’s Well

This beach destination is approximately 3 hours away from Tucson at Camp Verde. 

It is a lake in a limestone crater once inhabited by Sinagua Indians.

The beach is not ideal for swimming but offers magnificent views and trails to hike and have fun.

The trails have guides to help you, and you can ask tons of questions.

The area’s rich history will likely keep you entertained and amazed as you hike.

Puerto Peñasco

Also nicknamed Rocky Point, Puerto Peñasco is a resort city in Mexico that is home to some lovely beaches. 

The town has grown into a popular modern-day vacation destination. 

Rocky Point is located over 60 miles from the USA border, making the seaside city a popular drive-to destination by USA visitors. 

Rocky Point is often referred to as “Arizona’s beach” because it is close to Arizona.

When visiting Rocky Point, Mexico, you will come across all the accommodations you need to make your trip on the white Sandy beaches memorable for you and your loved ones.

Sandy Beach is famous for snorkeling, and you have a fantastic night-beach experience at El-Mirador Beach.

Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake is a fantastic destination with a water body set in the desert. 

The lake is a man-made reservoir located approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tucson.

Migratory waterfowl (including Canadian geese) and raptors (including bald eagles and osprey) often use the lake during the winter and fall. 

Small isolated coves and islands offer excellent opportunities for visitors who love camping and unwinding in this unique setup. 

Both Non-Motorized and Motorized boats are permitted at Roosevelt Lake.

If you visit, you can go to the marina, rent a boat, traverse the hiking trails for magnificent views of the lake, and even go fishing.

A Lake Visitor Center offers spectacular views of the area from the rear patio.

Centennial Beach

Centennial Beach is located along the Colorado River. It is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Tucson.

Centennial Beach has salt marshes, sandy beaches, lagoons, and tidal flats. 

This beach experiences fewer crowds compared to other beaches in the Lower Mainland. 

The western part of the beach (that requires about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot/cafe area) experiences little crowds and is a fantastic place to escape the city.

The area has a variety of wildlife, including the highest wintering raptors population.

Centennial Beach has been the local “swimming hole” for many residents and visitors for many years. 

It’s an ideal place to meet friends, gather with loved ones, or relax and enjoy.

It’s advisable to exercise caution when swimming or to wade in the Colorado River because it’s wild, especially if you’re with children.

Slide Rock State Park

Initially, a homestead apple farm, Slide Rock State Park is among the most popular recreational destinations near Tucson, AZ.

The park is located in Sedona and is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes away from Tucson. 

You can choose to cool off at a natural rock slide in an area so scenic that it made it to the list by Life Magazine as one of America’s ten most beautiful swimming holes. 

Many visitors don’t consider a trip to Arizona complete without passing by Slide Rock. 

This destination has become so popular that it was designated as a park to “prevent it” from being loved to death.

For unique and quick getaways from Tucson, ensure you visit the natural water slides at the park.

This swimming hole is 80 feet long and slippery, ideal for riding tubes down.

Riggs Flat Lake

The Riggs Flat Lake is located in Willcox inside the Colorado National Forest.

It takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach this fantastic destination.

Some visitors come to fish, while others come for boat riding, and others to enjoy the magnificent beauty of this small (11-acre) lake. 

The views you get from this magnificent lake are enough reason to drop by.

There are hiking trails for hikers who would love to hit the road.

Fishing is allowed on the lake, and you can fish for different types of fish.

You can even do so from the middle of the lake in a small boat.

Visitors are advised to bring their food when visiting.

The area has several picnic tables for you to use the visitors.

Grasshopper Point

Grasshopper Point is a famous swimming hole in Sedona inside the Coconino National Forest.

It is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Tucson.

This day-use destination is popular among picnickers and swimmers alike. 

Visitors love cliff jumping from the rocks, but the management discourages it.

The swimming hole has various depths; some can be rocky, making cliff diving dangerous.

The swimming hole has a shade making it extraordinary. This shade shields the visitors from the summer heat.

Three popular trails are accessible from the point parking place: Allen’s Bend, Casner Canyon Trail, and Huckaby Trail.

The most popular activities include swimming, wildlife watching, hiking, photography, waterplay, and fishing.

Cattail Cove State Park

Cattail Cove State Park is located on the shores of Lake Havasu and is one of the best beaches near Tucson, AZ. 

This destination features a boat ramp, a beach, 61 campsites, and boat-in-campsites. 

It offers a broad array of activities for all to enjoy.

Whether you’re interested in fishing, jet-skiing, swimming, or just relaxing, this destination offers you and your loved ones an opportunity to get away and experience the tranquility of Lake Havasu. 

Lake Havasu was created when the Colorado River near Parker was dammed. 

The 45-mile-long lake is a paradise for water activities of all types. Largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, and crappie are all available to anglers. 

Sail through secluded coves on a boat, water ski, or jet ski out on the broad lake.

Roper Lake State Park

Roper Lake State Park has within it a 32-acre lake known as Roper Lake.

It is located approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes away from Tucson.

Roper Lake State Park is in Graham County, southeast Arizona, approximately 6 miles south of Safford. The park is at the base of Mt. Graham. 

There are three campgrounds with lakeside camping, fishing, bird watching, and water activities. 

This park is home to a wide range of bird species, has excellent seasonal fishing, and is close to one of Arizona’s most magnificent “Sky Island” mountain ranges. 

There are comfortable camping cabins along the coastline, and nearby Dankworth Pond State Park has hiking paths and greater water access.

Some of the best beaches near Tucson, AZ, are located along this lake.

You can go fishing or boating on the lake or hike through the Mariah Mesa loop trail in the park.

Patagonia Lake State Park

Located near the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona is a hidden gem. 

Patagonia Lake State Park was established in 1975 and is a popular place to encounter whitetail deer roaming the hills and great blue herons strolling along the shoreline. 

The park features a picnic area with ramadas, a campground, a beach, tables and grills, boat ramps, a creek trail, and a marina.

The market next to the beach offers boat rentals and other necessary supplies. 

The campground overlooks the lake, where those who love fishing catch different fish, including crappie, bluegill, bass, catfish, and trout. 

The park’s popular activities include water skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking. 

Hikers can walk along the creek trail and view birds such as the Inca dove, canyon towhee, flycatcher, black vulture, and different species of hummingbirds. 

Final Thoughts on Beaches Near Tucson, AZ

Beaches near Tucson, AZ, offer unrivaled beauty, amenities, and activities to keep you entertained.

Some of these beaches are on the lakes, offering a range of entertainment options to keep you active.

From Puerto Peñasco to Patagonia Lake State Park, there is something for everyone.

What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and check out the best beaches near Tucson, AZ!

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest beach to the city of Tucson is Centennial Beach, and it is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes away from the city.

Newport Beach is the nearest California beach to Tucson. It is only 367 miles away and is perfect for travelers who want to escape the desert heat.

Playa Bonita Beach is the closest beach to the city of Phoenix. The beach is located in Puerto Penasco, Mexico and is approximately a 4-hour drive away from Phoenix.