Warmer weather means only one thing on Arizona: time to hit the beaches and the lakes. The boating lifestyle in the Grand Canyon state is as timeless as, well the Grand Canyon itself. The metropolitan Phoenix area boasts scores of lakes with sailing, diving, cruising, skiing and wave running activities, making it the most popular recreational destination in the Southwest.

Up at Bartlett Lake Marina , one can spend time traversing the more than 32 miles of shoreline. One of the most beautiful lakes in the state, its proximity to the Phoenix metro area is its greatest draw. Bartlett boasts two offerings: rental of main deck party boats, which accommodate 30 people and is great for corporate events, birthday parties and just about any celebration. The other attractive item of note is the Marina Boat Club which allows people to join and get a feel for the boating lifestyle. It's a wonderful way for families to spend time and get a break from the summer heat, sailing on the cool waters of Bartlett. Bartlett Lake also has a full service marina with big house boats for those who want a cabin on the water. On site, the Marina has a store for boating accessories, bait and tackle, food, gas for cars and boats and, of course, rentals. It's a great way to get away and have a home away from home with fish swimming at your feet.

Over at Lake Pleasant, on the road from Carefree to historic Wickenburg, Pleasant Harbor , plays host to all the usual popular activities from boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, and scuba diving. For those of you seeking a little more adventure, experienced instructors take guests parasailing. If walking and hiking is your thing, there are miles of trails and natural scenic beauty, to compliment a beautiful view of the pristine waters. There, among the ‘wild," you'll see wild burros, families of javelinas, and soaring hawks and eagles who call Arizona and the lake area ‘home.' Located 35 minutes from downtown Phoenix, it's a short drive for an escape for the weekend or the day. For the avid RV-er, Pleasant Harbor caters to you with a full RV resort, awarded 5 stars with more than 250 full hookups.

For the serious water skier who's ready to take the plunge, so to speak, with their own boat, MasterCraft Boats of Arizona is the perfect place to start. Located in a beautiful showroom and building, measuring a third of an acre, the folks at MasterCraft not only sell ski boats, but also service then and get them ready for their new owners. For almost two decades, MasterCraft Boat Compny has had the distinction of being in the Top 10 of boat dealer and was honored by the industry ‘bible,' Boating Industry magazine for their service and boating expertise. They know that the skiing industry has moved to the new wave of skiers-waveboarders and surfers- and the many lake areas here in Arizona and elsewhere provide the perfect environment and getaway for those who enjoy life on the water.