Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a favorite outdoor destination for most of the Phoenix metro area, especially among locals interested in fishing, camping, kayaking, and boating—multiple marinas have beach access. The park is within easy driving distance of downtown Phoenix and can be visited in half a day, enough time for a hike and swim. Private lake cruises with live music, brunch, and dinner, depart from the Pleasant Harbor Marina.
A discovery center with exhibits about the dam project and local wildlife is on the south side of the lake near the Roadrunner Campground.
Day-use admission fees are US$3 per person. Children under 15 enter for free.
Dogs are allowed on park trails but must be kept under control.
The lake has several canoe and kayak rentals and sport fishing stores.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park is on the northern edge of the Phoenix metro area and technically in Peoria, about 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Since public transportation is limited in this area, it's best to drive. From downtown, take Interstate 17 North toward Sedona and Flagstaff. Then, take exit 223A and follow Arizona State Route 74 (SR 74)—also called the Carefree Highway—to Lake Pleasant Access Road.
The park is open daily from dawn until mid-evening most of the year, and opens and closes an hour later and earlier from November through April 30. The lake hosts fireworks displays and festivities on Fourth of July, and the Peoria Country Festival, with music and bull-riding, in October. To skip the desert heat, visit during winter from December through February, or spring from March through May. Summer and fall temperatures easily reach 100°F (38°C) and higher.
Surprisingly, this artificial lake in the desert is among the most popular inland scuba diving destinations in the western US. Divers are drawn by the underwater canyons and structures, such as an older submerged dam, and depths of up to 260 feet (80 meters). Travelers interested in diving or getting certification can book shore or boat excursions and classes at several diving centers near the lake and in Phoenix.