Sadie's Beach

Nestled along the Salt River just east of Phoenix lies the hidden gem known as Sadie's Beach. This small urban beach sits inside Saguaro Lake Ranch County Park in Mesa, Arizona, providing a cool oasis from the intense Valley heat. Stretching approximately 200 yards in length, Sadie’s Beach has soft golden sand perfect for building sandcastles or playing volleyball. Activities enjoyed here include swimming, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, sunbathing, and picnicking along the shore.

Sadie's Beach has many amenities including free parking, barbecue grills, trash cans, pet waste stations, and clean restroom facilities. While there are no lifeguards on duty, the calm river is ideal for families with young kids. Dogs are also allowed at Sadie's Beach as long as they are leashed.

Some popular activities at Sadie's Beach include swimming and wading in the Salt River's refreshing waters. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are also favorite pastimes, with equipment rentals available on-site. Fishing is common along the shoreline, as well as from small boats on the river. Volleyball nets are set up on the sand for recreational games between friends and families. Picnicking in the shaded ramadas and sunny beach areas is ideal, with BBQ grills on site. People also enjoy strolling along the paved riverwalk that stretches for miles near the beach. Bird watching is another popular activity, given the diverse waterfowl and wildlife found along this desert river habitat. With its variety of amenities and recreation, Sadie's Beach offers fun in the Arizona sun for all interests.

Sadie’s Beach aims to provide accessibility for disabled visitors. The paved parking lot includes several designated ADA parking spaces located closest to the sidewalk leading to the beach. This sidewalk ramps down from the lot to the sandy beach, allowing wheelchair and mobility device access. Once on the beach, the terrain is mostly hard packed sand which enables maneuvering mobility devices closer to the water. There is also an ADA-compliant ramp into the calm river, along with stairs and railings, for wheelchair users to roll directly into the water for swimming and enjoying the Salt River.

Parking at Sadie’s Beach is offered in the adjoining dirt parking lot with space for around 30 vehicles. Additional street parking can also be found along Usery Pass Road. While parking is free, there is a $7 per vehicle entry fee into Saguaro Lake Ranch Park which provides access to the beach. Cash payment boxes are located at the park entrance.

Some fun facts about Sadie’s Beach include that it gets its name from a local woman named Sadie Jo Shelton who frequently swam at this spot along the Salt River decades ago. The beach was later named in her honor. Sadie’s Beach is also rumored to be home to the famous “Saguaro Lake Monster” - a mythical serpent-like creature said to inhabit the river’s waters.

Top attractions near Sadie's Beach include the iconic Saguaro Lake formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam, which offers fishing, boating and additional beaches. The Lower Salt River recreation area provides opportunities for kayaking, tubing, and birdwatching along lush desert wetlands. Popular Usery Mountain Regional Park is located just across Usery Pass Road with 29+ miles of hiking and biking trails.

Nearby restaurants include Beach Bum Bar & Grill, known for its signature fish tacos and beachy cocktails. Knockerball Az provides a unique dining experience inside life-sized inflatable human bumper balls. And Mesa favorite Worth Takeaway serves award-winning wood fired pizzas and gelato.

Lodging options near Sadie’s Beach include Saguaro Lake Guest House located just minutes from the sand, with multi-room vacation rentals featuring full kitchens and BBQ patios. Nearby Mesa Spirit RV Resort offers full hookup RV sites, pools, and proximity to attractions. And for budget-friendly stays, Knolls Residence Inn provides apartments and suites with Mesa city views.