7 Best Lakeside Towns in Arizona
The Grand Canyon State is a fascinating place filled with history and intrigue. While you may think of it as mostly desert, in truth, Arizona is home to many large bodies of water. The state's lakeside communities blend desert beauty, outdoor recreation, and thriving culture. From high mountain reservoirs to sprawling desert lakes, Arizona offers many unique waterfront destinations that are not only intriguing to visit but make idyllic permanent homes. In 2025, these seven lakeside towns are calling out to anyone who wants to experience Arizona's surprising water landscapes. Whether you're drawn to the cool pine forests surrounding Show Low or the iconic red rocks and blue waters of Page, there’s a lakeside gem here for every lifestyle.
Page
Perched dramatically above Lake Powell on the Colorado Plateau, Page offers access to some of the Southwest's most spectacular water-meets-desert landscapes. This planned community, originally built to house workers constructing the Glen Canyon Dam, now serves as a gateway to the vast blue waters of Lake Powell with its iconic red rock formations and hidden side canyons.
Antelope Canyon, with its famous light beams streaming through narrow sandstone walls, draws photographers from around the world. Nearby, Horseshoe Bend provides one of the Southwest's most photographed river scenes. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area surrounds the town, offering endless exploration opportunities from house boating on Lake Powell to discovering remote beaches and unusual rock formations accessible only by water.
Downtown Page has grown beyond its practical origins. You'll find excellent dining options like Big John's Texas BBQ and Birdhouse serving genuine Southwestern food with desert views. Meanwhile, for history the John Wesley Powell Museum showcases the area's geology and history in fascinating detail.
Lake Havasu City
Beneath the transplanted London Bridge, Lake Havasu City has evolved from a snowbird haven into a year-round community with distinctive appeal. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Havasu stretch for 25 miles along the Colorado River, creating a playground for boaters, kayakers, and swimmers. The city's waterfront district buzzes with activity. You'll find an eclectic mix of restaurants and shops in the famous English Village. The picture postcard-perfect small replica of an English town is ideal for a day of waterfront shopping, complete with the iconic bridge that industrialist Robert McCulloch moved stone by stone from London in 1968.
Beyond the water and town, the surrounding desert offers exceptional hiking, off-roading, and wildlife viewing in the neighboring wildlife refuges. SARA Park provides mountain biking and hiking trails minutes from downtown, while the "Slot Canyon" trail delivers dramatic desert landscapes without long drives to more famous formations. Housing options range from luxury waterfront properties to more affordable neighborhoods slightly removed from the lake. The growing year-round population has brought more and more amenities, with new restaurants and breweries like College Street Brewhouse, as well as fun events like the annual Lake Havasu Balloon Festival.
Show Low
At 6,400 feet elevation in the White Mountains, Show Low provides a cool lakeside escape from Arizona's famous desert heat. This pine-forest community centers around Show Low Lake and the nearby Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. These beautiful mountain lakes offer 250 acres of water surrounded by tall ponderosa pines where fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching create a perfect mountain retreat. Outdoor recreation extends well beyond the lakes. Winter brings skiing at nearby Sunrise Park Resort, while summer temperatures stay 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix or Tucson, making outdoor activities pleasant year-round.
The town's unusual name comes from a legendary card game where the winner "showed low" with the two of clubs to win the ranch that would become the town site. This frontier spirit remains visible in the historic downtown district, where buildings from the early 1900s now house local businesses ranging from charming antique shops to modern craft breweries like Pinetop Brewing Company. Show Low hosts numerous events throughout the year, making it a fun place for people of all ages to live. The Show Low BBQ Throwdown and the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra in nearby Lakeside are just a few festivities that put this town on the traveler's map.
Bullhead City
Directly across the Colorado River from the casino lights of Laughlin, Nevada, Bullhead City combines riverside living with stunning mountain backdrops. The Colorado River Recreation Area provides miles of pristine shoreline, where the deep blue water creates a striking contrast against the surrounding desert mountains.
The city serves as a central hub for water enthusiasts exploring Lake Mohave to the north. Nearby, Katherine Landing offers a full-service marina, comfortable lodging, and waterfront dining at the southern edge of Lake Mohave. Similarly, Davis Dam creates excellent fishing spots directly in town, with many anglers catching impressive striped bass and rainbow trout.
You'll find plenty to do away from the water as well. Nearby trails lead into the rugged Black Mountains and Mohave Mountains. The Bullhead City Farmers Market connects residents with local farmers and artisans, and the Colorado River Nature Center preserves vital riverside habitats for wildlife viewing and environmental education.
Pinetop-Lakeside
These twin communities in Arizona's White Mountains blend together so seamlessly that many visitors never realize they're separate towns. Together, they provide access to multiple lakes and waterways in a cool, pine-forested setting. Rainbow Lake, Scott Reservoir, Woodland Lake, and several smaller lakes create diverse opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching in beautiful mountain settings.
For entertainment, Hon-Dah Casino offers gaming, dining, and frequent live performances. The local restaurant scene has something for everyone, from Red Devil Restaurant (established 60 years ago and famous for Italian classics) to newer upscale establishments like Salt Restaurant & Wine Bar that would feel at home in much larger cities.
Activities extend far beyond the lakes. The surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers extensive hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails through towering ponderosa pine forests. Winter transforms the landscape with opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while nearby Sunrise Park Resort provides downhill skiing and snowboarding on multiple peaks.
Meadview
Meadview offers plenty of small-town desert charm at the far northwestern corner of Arizona. This unassuming retirement community sits on a high elevation called Grapevine Mesa. The town is a few miles south of Lake Mead, which is the largest man-made lake in the United States. The town's elevated position showcases the lake's striking turquoise color against the stark landscape for a view that captures the essence of the American Southwest.
Access to Lake Mead comes primarily through South Cove, where a boat launch provides entry to the eastern portion of the lake. Here, you'll find excellent fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish in waters less crowded than the lake's busier western sections near Las Vegas. The area also serves as a gateway to the stunning Grapevine Canyon with its ancient petroglyphs and seasonal waterfalls.
Meadview's remote nature creates a tight-knit community atmosphere centered around the Meadview Civic Association, which maintains recreation facilities, including a swimming pool, community center, and picnic areas. Local establishments like the Fisherman's Landing Bar serve hearty meals and drinks to both residents and visitors exploring the area. The famous Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West lies just a short drive away, offering one of the region's most spectacular viewpoints.
Cottonwood
Located in the Verde Valley, Cottonwood makes an ideal base for exploring the Verde River and its associated lakes and waterways. Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers fishing lagoons, river access, and camping facilities along the picturesque Verde River. The Verde River Greenway preserves miles of lush riverside habitat where you can spot wildlife and enjoy peaceful nature trails just minutes from town. Those here for the lakeside fun adore Pecks Lake, a quaint body of water perfect for a short break in town.
Old Town Cottonwood has transformed dramatically in recent years. Historic buildings that once stood empty now house tasting rooms showcasing the Verde Valley's burgeoning wine industry. You'll also find craft breweries like The Public Taproom and excellent farm-to-table restaurants such as Crema Craft Kitchen. Nearby, the Verde Canyon Railroad takes passengers through spectacular riverside scenery in vintage train cars, while Tuzigoot National Monument preserves ancient Sinagua pueblo ruins perched above the verdant Verde Valley.
Final Thoughts
Arizona’s lakeside towns defy expectations, offering more than just desert vistas and saguaro silhouettes. From the pine-fringed shores of Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside to the dramatic red rock backdrops of Page and Cottonwood, these communities blend natural beauty with a strong sense of place. Whether you’re searching for cool summer escapes, thrilling outdoor recreation, or laid-back retirement havens, each town brings its own unique charm to the water’s edge. With scenic landscapes, tight-knit communities, and increasing amenities, these Arizona towns are not only fantastic for weekend getaways—they're also places you just might want to call home.
