Lake Mead National Recreation Area

The United States' first national recreation area, straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona, is one of the best day trips from Arizona for water sports enthusiasts. The recreation area is made up of two reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, which were formed when the Colorado River was dammed by the Hoover and Davis dams, respectively. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity, so it's no surprise that aquatic activities abound here.

Boating is, predictably, one of the most popular activities in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There are over 290 square miles of waterways in the recreation area, and marinas rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards if you didn't bring your own paddle craft. Fishing, swimming, tubing, waterskiing, and freshwater scuba diving are among the other aquatic activities available in this desert oasis.

There's also a lot of fun to be had on land. Trails and backcountry roads offer miles of terrain for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, but remember to plan your trip around the weather. Avoid scorching summer temperatures by visiting between November and March, when hiking is most popular. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the wildlife around you, which could include bighorn sheep, tortoises, or even migrating American bald eagles.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/lake/
• Admission: Daily Vehicle $25, Daily Motorcycle $20, Daily Individual (walking, cycling) $15
• Location: Arizona