Arizona's Colorado River Beach Town Is A Hidden Gem Locals Don't Want You To Know About

Arizona is widely known for its natural marvels. While the state may be nicknamed after the Grand Canyon, an ancient natural wonder, and have well-known, mythical hills outside of Sedona, a top wellness destination according to travel experts, the secret isn't out (yet) about Arizona's hidden beach town, Parker. Located on "Arizona's West Coast," along the Colorado River, Parker is a gateway for outdoor activity, including exploring miles of trails to towering sandstone cliffs and splashing the day away on the Parker Strip.

Despite being in the middle of the desert, the Parker Strip has several sandy beaches and clear water, making it a great destination for a lazy day or a high-adrenaline afternoon of fun in the sun. In the peak spring and summer seasons, hop on a boat or an inner tube and enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon, letting the river do all of the work. During the cooler seasons, visitors can relax and marvel at the scenery and starry desert skies with few others around.

You'll need a car to reach Parker, which is located on the Arizona-California border, about 150 miles from Phoenix and Palm Springs, the nearest major cities with commercial airports. If you're on a road trip through the magnificent Southwest, Highway 62 runs between town and Joshua Tree National Park. Note, though, that this stretch of the highway is incredibly remote. Another option is to take I-10 most of the way and head north from Quartzsite. 

If you're visiting Parker, you'll likely want to go local and get out on the water — it is a beach town, after all. In the heart of town, Parker Watercraft Rental has a range of boats and watercraft for rent and delivers to a nearby public boat ramp. Farther up the Parker Strip, Parker Boat Rentals rents out jet skis, deck boats, and pontoons on the river for cruising around and relaxing in the sun. It's recommended to reserve your toy ahead of time during the summer. Once you're out on the water, don't be surprised to see other boaters kicking back and letting the river's current do all the work. For travelers who don't mind steering themselves, Parker Paddle Rental provides paddleboard and kayak rentals and delivery for visitors.

Outside of town along the Parker Strip, you'll find some of the area's most popular beaches in local parks. The low-key La Paz County Park has a sandy beach and a day area with ramadas, restrooms, and two boat launches. The day-use fee is $15 per vehicle, as of this writing. A few miles up the road are two of the Parker Strip's main gems, Buckskin Mountain State Park and River Island State Park, both well known for their scenic views, hiking trails, and day areas. All three parks have campgrounds near the beach for visitors looking to spend a night under the dark desert skies. Across the river in California, the scenic Bullfrog Day Use Area has the bare essentials for a day on the river including a shady picnic area, restroom facilities, and a sandy beach.

Parker was founded as a post office hub and has a deep connection with Native American history. For thousands of years, the Mohave and Chemehuevi peoples lived and farmed near Parker along the Colorado River, long before the area was part of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation and named for Ely Parker, the first Native American Commissioner of Indian Affairs. The tribes own and operate the riverside BlueWater Resort and Casino and offer opportunities for visitors to connect with local Native American cultures at the Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum.

Outside of Parker, you'll find several unique types of accommodations. For starters, the Parker Strip has its own unique set of "keys," or small islands, with several types of accommodation on the water. Stay in a short-term rental property or at JT's on the Keys, a well-regarded riverside motel where you can step off your boat and be feet from your room. The nearby Pirate's Den RV Resort and Marina oozes family-friendly Caribbean vibes in the desert, complete with white-sand beaches and sunset views on the bank of the Colorado River. And, if being surrounded by land is more your style, there is a Best Western and a Hampton Inn in town.

Being in Arizona, you'll have plenty of options for delicious Mexican cuisine. Ruperto's, Lily's, and El Sarape are all popular spots. Parker is just one of many hidden gems in the Southwest. If you're looking for another destination within reach, check out these five cool and affordable U.S. desert towns.