15 Best Things To Do In Parker, AZ

1. Desert Bar AKA Nellie E Saloon

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This remote and bizarre watering hole is a great place to wet your whistle and learn about the vibrant and exciting old west. You’ll get a history lesson with your alcoholic drink. It’s a bit of a challenge to get to because it’s located 5 miles (8 km) down a dusty and rugged dirt road, but once you get there you’ll be glad you made the trip. This unique pit stop is entirely solar powered, and there are a wide variety of libations available. Unfortunately the bar is closed in the summer because of Arizona’s scorching heat.

Desert Bar AKA Nellie E Saloon

Address: 5 Miles down Cienega Springs Road, Parker, AZ

Website: Desert Bar AKA Nellie E Saloon

2. Buckskin Mountain State Park

Wondering what to do in Parker, AZ? Go camping at Buckskin Mountain State Park. Campers and those traveling around Arizona by RV have spoken very highly about this state park. The Colorado River is the highlight, where you can jet ski or go boating, and there are even floating bars on the water. It is truly a relaxing and fun experience in the outdoors.

Buckskin Mountain State Park

Address: 5476 N Highway 95, Parker, AZ 85344-8776

Website: Buckskin Mountain State Park

3. Emerald Canyon Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

They say Augusta on a Sunday morning is like heaven, and you could certainly use that quote to describe Emerald Canyon Golf Course, too. This is the number one golf course in the Parker region thanks to the pristine greens and amazing scenery. It’s a challenging course, but golfers of all experience levels can find something to like about this course. This is truly a jewel in the desert.

Emerald Canyon Golf Course

Address: 72 Emerald Canyon Dr., Parker, AZ 85344

Website: Emerald Canyon Golf Course

4. Parker Dam

This is one of the best views you can get of Lake Havasu. Parker Dam is downstream of the famous Hoover Dam and is situated right on the Arizona/California border. A short drive across the dam offers some of the best scenic views you can get of the majestic Colorado River and the impressive Lake Havasu. This iconic landmark, which was built in the 1930s, is not to be missed.

Parker Dam

Address: State Highway 95, Parker, AZ

Website: Parker Dam

5. Swansea Ghost Town

This former mining site is a great place to learn some history and maybe even relax and have a picnic. There are camping spots as well as BBQs for visitors to use. ATVing is also a popular activity in this area. This is a great destination if you want to see a ghost town, but also have a fun adventure.

Swansea Ghost Town

Address: Swansea Road, Parker, AZ 85344

6. Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This museum will teach you all about the tribes that have lived near the Colorado River for thousands of years. The museum is small, but it has an impressive collection of artifacts, including beadwork and baskets. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. You can even learn how Aboriginals made crafts and pottery. It’s very important to learn about how Aboriginal people lived in the region, so visiting this museum is highly recommended.

Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum

Address: 1007 W Arizona Ave, Parker, AZ 85344-5745

Website: Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum

7. Lake Havasu Ballooning

A hot air balloon ride is a quintessential and must-do activity that every traveler has to take part in at least one time in their life. When you take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning and picturesque Lake Havasu you will be creating a memory that you will never forget. The Colorado River will look even more beautiful when you are floating high above it in the air. This is a great activity for travelers of all ages. You can take a ride during the annual festival, and the cost is 200 USD. The price is a bit high, but it’s worth it. Visitors from all over the world come to Lake Havasu for the balloon festival, which runs from January 19 to 21 in 2018

Havasu Ballooning

Address: 100 W Riverside Dr, Meet at Super Wal-Mart Parking Lot, Parker, AZ 85344-5205

Website: Havasu Ballooning

8. AquaFlyboarding

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

AquaFlyboarding USA offers lessons and jetpack rentals that will make you feel like a superhero. Unfortunately, jetpacks that take you high up into the sky don’t exist yet, but AquaFlyboarding is the next best thing. The instructors are incredibly skilled and friendly. After a little bit of training you will be able to do flips and tricks. How fun is that? This is a great activity for any adrenaline junkie.

AquaFlyboarding

Address: 11300 Resort Dr, Bluewater Resort, Parker, AZ 85344-7549

Website: AquaFlyboarding

9. Play on the water with jetskis or three-seater sit-down waverunners

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Jetskis, three-seater sit-down waverunners, and pontoon boats may be found south of the BlueWater Casino at Wet And Wyld Watersports. The range of different skis and boats suit almost any requirement. The rental outfit is open all year from six in the morning until five in the afternoon. If you order in advance they can collect and deliver your rental. Have fun zipping over the water on what reviews say are reliable machines. Make a day or half day of it with the family, or rent for the duration of your vacation.

Wet And Wyld Watersports

Address: 512 W Riverside Dr, Parker, AZ 85344-5132

Website: [Wet And Wyld Watersports[(https://web.facebook.com/wetandwyld/?_rdc=1&_rdr)

10. Enjoy a meal and drinks at a floating bar on the Colorado River

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Club Roadrunner is a different type of bar and restaurant. It’s a fun place in the Parker area and the floating bar means you can dock right there. The restaurant serves breakfast, other meals, and stays open until late at night. Located next to the La Paz County Park, you can access it by car, on foot, or by boat. Try their chili cheese fries and a range of cold drinks in a fun atmosphere. Soak up the beauty of the river, make friends and party late if that’s your preference.

Club Roadrunner

Address: 7000 Riverside Dr, Parker, AZ 85344-8653

Website: Club Roadrunner

11. Have a relaxing time at Ahakhav Tribal Preserve

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Ahakhav Tribal Preserve provides its visitors with an educational yet engaging experience with all the activities it offers. If you want to spend some time in the water, you can explore different water activities such as swimming and fishing. Have a quiet afternoon and enjoy a lovely picnic with the family. The place also offers grounds perfect for outdoor activities like camping by Colorado River.

Ahakhav Tribal Preserve

Address: 25401 Rodeo Dr, Parker, AZ 85344, United States

Website: Ahakhav Tribal Preserve

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

12. Gorge on a delicious pizza at La Piazza Pizza

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have a delightful dining experience at La Piazza Pizza while you are in the area. Explore a range of food options as you scan through their menu. Try their delicious pepperoni pizza, made with their own delectable hand-tossed pizza crust topped with a generous amount of cheese and smoky pepperoni slices. You can also try their wings tossed with their famous sauce and ranch dip on the side. If it is comfort food you are looking for, this is definitely the place to check out.

La Piazza Pizza

Address: 801 W 11th St, Parker, AZ 85344, United States

Website: La Piazza Pizza

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

Nearby attractions

13. Explore the wonders of Cattail Cove State Park

If you’re looking for activities near Parker, AZ, then consider visiting this park. See nature in all its glory when you visit Cattail Cove State Park. With plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, you surely won’t run out of things to do here. See the beautiful Colorado River via a wonderful and relaxing boat ride. Explore other water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding to make your visit more exciting. Want to stay for more than a day? With numerous RVs and tents available here that are perfect for camping, you will definitely have a comfortable and relaxing adventure.

Cattail Cove State Park

Address: AZ-95, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406, United States

Website: Cattail Cove State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours

14. See the beautiful SARA Park

SARA Park features numerous beautiful sights and interesting outdoor activities that visitors love to explore when they visit. See the wonderful mountainous views and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Havasu. There are hiking and biking trails in the park, so do check them out if you are up for challenging adventures. Head over to the archery or shooting range to try something unique. This park also holds the famous waterless boat race once or twice a year on Havasu 95 Speedway, where racers drag boats behind their cars with the goal of damaging their opponents’ boats. SARA Park definitely offers plenty of thrilling activities as well as picturesque places you would not want to miss. So tour as much as you can when you are in the area.

SARA Park

Address: 7260 Sara Pkwy, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406, United States

Website: SARA Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

15. Discover giant desert figures at Blythe Intaglios

See the giant human and animal figures at Blythe Intaglios, which are about 450 to 2000 years old. The human figure has been drawn by natives to symbolize the Creator of life, known as Mastamho. Hatakulya, a mountain lion believed to have helped with the creation, was the inspiration for the animal figure. Besides these historical drawings, the area also features a hiking trail perfect for visitors looking for a moderately difficult hike to complete the trip.

Blythe Intaglios

Address: Blythe, CA 92225, United States

Website: Blythe Intaglios

Opening hours: 24 hours

Parker, Arizona is a dream destination for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies

If you love camping and relaxing on the water, then Parker is a great place to visit. You can relax on the Colorado River and Lake Havasu, or you can partake in some extreme sports like jet-skiing, aquaflyboarding or water skiing. If you want to play 18 holes there is an excellent golf course, or you can take a fantastic balloon ride over the sprawling desert region. There is never a shortage of fun in Parker.