Here are ten of the loveliest lakeside towns in Arizona, where the state’s desert beauty meets refreshing waterfront tranquility:
- Page
Overlooking Lake Powell, Page is famed for its red rock cliffs, sapphire waters, and landmarks such as Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. It is the perfect base for exploring the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, featuring boating, paddle boarding, and some of the best desert-sunset views in the country. - Lake Havasu City
Home to the reconstructed London Bridge, Lake Havasu City offers 25 miles of shoreline along the Colorado River. The town boasts lively water sports, lakeside festivals, and picturesque beaches surrounded by desert mountains. - Show Low
In the White Mountains, Show Low’s alpine climate makes summers delightfully cool around Lake Show Low and Fool Hollow Lake. The town blends outdoor adventure—fishing, kayaking, hiking—with rustic small-town spirit. - Pinetop‑Lakeside
Adjacent to Show Low, these twin communities sit among ponderosa pines near Rainbow Lake and Woodland Lake Park. They are ideal for boating, fishing, and winter snowshoeing while offering cozy mountain charm and family-friendly amenities. - Bullhead City
Bordering Nevada and sitting beside the blue waters of the Colorado River, Bullhead City gives direct access to Lake Mohave. It’s popular for jet‑skiing and fishing, with trails leading into the rugged Black Mountains nearby. - Meadview
Atop the Grapevine Mesa northeast of Kingman, Meadview overlooks Lake Mead—the nation’s largest man‑made lake. It’s a peaceful getaway with boating, fishing, and ancient petroglyphs in scenic Grapevine Canyon. - Cottonwood
Tucked in the Verde Valley, Cottonwood has riverfront charm along the Verde River. Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers fishing lagoons, while nearby wineries and historic Old Town Cottonwood make it a favorite blend of culture and nature. - Greer
A picturesque hamlet high in the White Mountains, Greer sits beside the Little Colorado River near several alpine lakes like Bunch Reservoir. It’s beloved for its peace, trout fishing, and cool summer air—perfect for mountain retreats. - Prescott
Surrounding sparkling Watson Lake and Goldwater Lake, Prescott blends Victorian charm with rich outdoor recreation. Its granite boulders, paddle trails, and forested hills create one of Arizona’s most photogenic lakeside landscapes. - Patagonia
Home to Patagonia Lake State Park, this southern Arizona town offers a lush, bird‑filled oasis ideal for kayakers and campers. Its surrounding mountains and wildlife make it a serene contrast to the state’s arid regions.
From desert‑fringed marvels like Lake Havasu to pine‑cloaked highlands in Show Low and Greer, Arizona’s lakeside towns offer unexpected tranquility, thrilling recreation, and scenic diversity across every corner of the state.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-best-lakeside-towns-in-arizona.html)
[2](https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-04-08-arizona-destination-named-the-most-popular-lake-town-in-the-state/)
[3](https://arizonajourney.org/best-arizona-small-towns/)
[4](https://azstateparks.com/arizona-lakes)
[5](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28924-Activities-c57-t162-Arizona.html)
