La Paz County was formed on January 1, 1983. Since then tourism and agriculture have become the leaders in the county’s economy. The towns of  Parker and Quartzsite are the main population centers, as well as the main business areas for residents and winter visitors.

 

La Paz County offers residents and visitors a combination of water and desert recreational activities. In the Parker area, water recreation is king. The 17-mile Parker Strip offers some of the best water for skiing, boating, jet skiing, wave-running, and swimming, as well as excellent fishing in the western United States. Desert rats will enjoy miles and miles of off-road trails, old mines and ghost towns, and beautiful springtime wildflower displays.

 

Quartzsite is known for its winter season gem and mineral shows. More than 1 million folks visit this community each year to take part in these shows.

 

La Paz County offers a quiet pollution free haven to winter visitors escaping the snow and ice in the Northern and Midwestern states.

 

Discover Parker: The 16-½ mile stretch of the Colorado River in La Paz County is generally referred to as the Parker Strip.  For some 50 years, this river playground has been a primary destination spot for the summer Southern California "Sun and Fun" crowd.  Recent low water levels and high volume of other waterways have made Parker a new destination spot for people from around both the Southwest and the United States.  

 

Sporting some 500,000 visitors during the warmer climate months of March to September, the Tourism of the area continues to rise, despite declining numbers in other regions.   In addition, the new PWC, (personal watercraft), restrictions have made the area even more popular.  However, there is much more to do along the river than just getting a sun tan.

 

Adjusting to the warmer season. Golfers still enjoy the use of Emerald Canyon Golf Course, which is rated as one of Arizona's "best".  The course offers a spectacular view of the river from most tees and fairways and is open at 5 a.m. each day.

 

If water sports is your choice, the Parker Area offers just about anything anyone's heart could desire.  The Parker Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Committee report that there are 21 waterfront Resorts and two Lake Havasu properties within their membership.

 

If amenities and gaming are your preference, the new BlueWater Resort and Casino offers a 164 boat slip marina, over 300 slots, bingo, 200 view rooms, three restaurants and a amphitheater that features a top line up of outdoor concerts.

 

Six riverfront restaurants and outdoor lounges stretch along the scenic waterways where boaters may just pull up to convenient water parking and enjoy their favorite food and beverages.

 

The Parker River Strip has truly gone through a transition.  From the wild and wooly days of the 70's and 80's, the river, which is serviced by the La Paz County Sheriff's, has a "no tolerance" approach to drinking and boating has turned the river into one of safest bodies of water in the Western States area.  Families clearly dominate the visitor counts, which is not by accident.  The La Paz County Sheriffs, County of La Paz, Town of Parker, Colorado River Indian Tribes and Tourism Committee have worked in harmony to market the area to a specific demographic group that seek both a safe and fun vacation get away.

 

For the sightseer, nothing beats the view from the top of Parker Dam, the worlds deepest.  For the more adventurous, a walk through Buckskin Mountain State Park walking trails or their native plant species area is sure to please.

 

If you're really an early riser, the sunrises are unsurpassed and the there are hundreds of miles of Mountain and Road Cycling areas to explore.

 

The Town of Parker also features six motels with 211 rooms, eight restaurants and most of the well known "chain style" fast food restaurants.  Most brand name gas stations are available as well as all the services of any major metropolis.

 

So it does not really matter what you seek, from the adventurous to just relaxing, La Paz County really does "have it all".