The Ultimate Guide to Discovering the Best Beaches in Pennsylvania
As summer approaches, everyone starts planning their trips to the beach. Pennsylvania may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but it has some hidden gems that are worth exploring. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best beaches in Pennsylvania, including where to find the bluest water, family-friendly spots, and much more. Let’s get started!
Discovering the Hidden Gem: Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is known for its 11 sandy beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The park is located in Erie, Pennsylvania, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
One of the most popular beaches at Presque Isle is Beach 6, which is located near the park’s entrance. This beach is known for its calm waters and soft sand. It’s perfect for families with young children who want to swim and play in the sand. Beach 11 is another great option, with plenty of parking and lifeguards on duty.
If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, Beach 8 is a hidden gem. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but it’s worth it for the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere. No matter which beach you choose, you’re sure to have a great time at Presque Isle State Park.
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach: A Vintage Summer Experience
For a unique and vintage summer experience, head to Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. This beautiful spot offers a sandy beach in Pennsylvania, diving boards, tubing, and picnic tables. You’ll have to pay an admission fee to enter, but it’s worth it for the old-fashioned charm and family-friendly atmosphere.
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach is located in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and is a great spot for families with children. Kids will love jumping off the diving boards and tubing down the lake’s gentle rapids. The beach is also a great place to relax and soak up the sun while enjoying a picnic lunch.
Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park is close by Pennsylvania’s biggest bog and its picturesque shoreline can be enjoyed from mid-May to mid-September. Bring your beach blanket to the sandy beach and lay it out on the grass or the sand.
Raccoon Creek State Park: A Cozy Beach Getaway
Raccoon Creek State Park is another great option for beaches in PA. The park boasts a cozy sand beach that leads straight into the cool water of Raccoon Lake. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Raccoon Creek State Park is located in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and offers plenty of other activities besides swimming and sunbathing. You can go fishing in the lake, hike on one of the park’s many trails, or have a picnic in the shade. It’s a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the great outdoors.
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach
Events such as birthday celebrations and day camps are held at Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach. The cost of admission is a small fee, yet the time spent there is worth every penny. You can take a dip or float leisurely on an inner tube, enjoy the diving boards, or have a picnic in the shade of the trees.
Bald Eagle State Park
At Bald Eagle State Park, one finds the Joseph Foster Sayers Reservoir. This large lake covers an area of 1,730 acres and features a lovely 1,200-foot sandy beach. Enjoy a snack bar, restrooms, changing rooms, and a playground all located on the beach for your convenience. Relax and take in the beautiful view.
Poe Valley State Park
Poe Valley State Park boasts Poe Lake, which was constructed during the Great Depression. Though no lifeguards are on duty, the deepest section of the lake is five feet deep. An eatery with hot and cold food items is available nearby. Normally, the beach is open from the weekend of Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, making it one of the premier lakes in Pennsylvania with beaches.
Harvey’s Lake
This is the biggest natural lake in the state – Harvey’s Lake. Unfortunately, the access to the lake is only granted to private beach goers.
Beltzville State Park
The 949-acre Beltzville Lake is a hot spot for tourists, both from within Pennsylvania and from elsewhere, particularly during the summer season when the lake’s sandy beach draws large crowds.
Where to Find the Bluest Water in Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for the bluest water in Pennsylvania, look no further than Lake Arthur. Nestled in Moraine State Park, this massive lake boasts two sandy beaches. Pleasant Valley Beach is the larger of the two, at 1,200 feet, while Lakeview Beach tallies 550 feet. Both beaches offer the opportunity to relax in the soft sand and cool down in Lake Arthur.
In addition to swimming, Lake Arthur is a great spot for water sports like sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can even set off on a lakeside hiking trail for a scenic workout.
Family-Friendly Summer Fun in Pennsylvania
Beaches in PA are a great place to spend the summer with your family, and there are plenty of family-friendly spots to cool down. One of the most popular water parks in the state is Camelback Mountain Water Park. It’s the largest outdoor water park in Pennsylvania, with 37 water attractions, including a lazy river.
The 1,000-foot lazy river is an ideal spot to relax, soak up the sun, and cool down. If you prefer a bit more excitement, head to the wave pool or one of the thrill slides. Camelback Mountain Water Park is located in the Pocono Mountains and is a great spot for families with children of all ages.
Exploring Pennsylvania’s Lakeside Beaches
In addition to its sandy beaches, Pennsylvania is home to some stunning lakeside beaches. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the most popular lakes in the state, with plenty of spots to swim, fish, and relax. The lake is located in the Pocono Mountains and offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.
Another great lakeside beach to explore in Pennsylvania is Lake Nockamixon. This beautiful lake is located in Bucks County and offers a sandy beach, swimming, fishing, and boating. It’s a great spot for families with children who love spending time in the great outdoors.
The Best Beaches for Outdoor Enthusiasts
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love exploring the beaches of Pennsylvania. Presque Isle State Park is a great spot for hiking, with plenty of trails to explore. The park is also home to a lighthouse and a nature center, making it a great spot for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Another great beach for outdoor enthusiasts is Lake Erie Bluffs. This beautiful park offers stunning views of Lake Erie and plenty of hiking trails to explore. It’s also a great spot for fishing and bird watching.
Pennsylvania’s Best Beaches for Relaxation
Sometimes, all you need is a quiet spot to relax and unwind. Pennsylvania has plenty of beaches that offer just that. One of the best spots for relaxation is Lake Naomi Club Beach. This private lake in the Pocono Mountains is only accessible to members and their guests, making it a great spot for a quiet day at the beach.
Another great spot for relaxation is Beltzville State Park. This beautiful park offers a sandy beach, swimming, and plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the sun.
Pennsylvania’s Secret Beach Spots
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Pennsylvania, there are plenty of secret beach spots worth exploring. One of the best is the Delaware River Beach Club. This private club offers a sandy beach, swimming, and plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Another great hidden gem is the Lackawanna State Park Beach. This cozy beach offers a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the sun, with plenty of picnic tables and shade trees to keep you cool.
PLAN A TRIP TO PENNSYLVANIA BEACHES
The Best Beaches In Pennsylvania Are Not That Far Away!
Pennsylvania may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but it has plenty of hidden gems worth exploring. From sandy beaches to lakeside retreats, Pennsylvania has something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen, grab your beach towel, and head out to discover the best beaches in Pennsylvania!