14 Best Beaches In Pennsylvania For A Perfect Summer Day
14 Best Beaches In Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has approximately 60 miles of shoreline, although it is not on the ocean but on the lovely Lake Erie.
Lake Erie, one of the best lake beaches in pennsylvania is the world's 11th largest lake and the fourth largest of North America's five great lakes. It is also the warmest and most biologically productive of the five, with a small fraction of its 871 miles of shoreline falling within Pennsylvania.
Most visitors to the lakeshore expect it to be a small, compact space, yet due to the larger-than-landlocked ocean coverage, the coastline here offers no room for surprise.
While swimming in the United States, Pennsylvania beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but these distinct spots are well worth visiting during the hot summer months and they are packed with fun things to do as well.
Most beaches in Pennsylvania come after travelling through vast state and national forests, but once you reach the coast amidst the forests, every view makes your efforts worthwhile.
14 Best Beaches In Pennsylvania
Here are the 14 best beaches in Pennsylvania to visit when you take a vacation to Pennsylvania.
Laurel Hill State Park Beach
The 63-acre Laurel Hill State Park Beach provides access to the 1,200-foot sandy beach. The beach area is popular for fishing, swimming, dipping, boating, and kayaking, but the beach-side picnic facilities attract the majority of visitors.
Locals in the area operate snack and concession stands, so you won't have to bring those heavy picnic foods with you. Bring cash, though, because the stalls here do not accept digital payments and there are no ATMs nearby.
Sledding and snowshoeing are popular winter activities, albeit the ice thickness isn't checked and participating in the fun is entirely at your own risk. A small playground is also available at the beach.
Read more: 30 Clear Water Beaches in USA
Conneaut Lake Beach
Conneaut Lake Beach, is a lake-fed beach that appears to be an ocean beach since it cannot be seen from the other end. Conneaut Lake is also Pennsylvania's largest beach, and the ambiance here is more reminiscent of Pacific Coast beaches than anything else in the state.
The beach park also has a great entertainment area; it isn't modern, but being here seems like stepping back in time. Given that the beach is near to the amusement park, you can expect to find half the Crawford County residents enjoying their time here, so don't expect to find any peace or free space here.
On the other hand, the unique combination of beach and an amusement park under $10 is worth more than what you will pay and expect.
Beltzville State Park Beach
Beltzville State Park Beach, with 525 feet of sandy shoreline, is one of the best beaches in Pennsylvania, offering a variety of fun activities for the whole family.
It is an excellent location for you and your family to enjoy water activities such as boating, kayaking, water skiing, and paddle boating.
If you don't want to do much during your vacation, the soft sand shoreline is ideal for relaxing and sunbathing.
If you're traveling with elderly parents, don't worry; Beltzville State Park Beach is ADA accessible.
Beltzville State Park Beach is close to the Carriage House Country Club if you're looking for a comfortable and family-friendly place to stay.
It is one of Pennsylvania's best family resorts, with spacious family rooms, a sauna, and a children's playground.
After a day at the beach, you might want to check out Beltzville State Park's recreational programs, which include guided walks through scenic trails and hands-on activities for your family to enjoy.
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful beaches, has 8 acres of sandy shoreline and a well-kept lawn. It is one of the best family beach vacations in Pennsylvania.
Your teenager can participate in a variety of activities such as jumping from dive boards, riding the overwater swing, or testing their bravery by diving off the high dive platforms.
This is also one of the best beaches in Pennsylvania for children because it has a separate children's dock with shallower water and is away from all of the extreme activities.
Take lots of pictures, play with them at the children's play area, push and pull them around in the water as they ride their floaties, and build sandcastles with them while vacationing at Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach in Pennsylvania.
Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach has water tubes, kayaks, and canoes for rent to make your family vacation even more memorable.
These are inexpensive and will allow you to spend more time in the water.
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Kohler Beach
Kohler Beach, one of Presque Isle State Park's eleven beaches, is the calmest and most sheltered of them all, and one of the best toddler-friendly beaches in Pennsylvania.
When traveling with young children, I strongly advise considering Kohler Beach because it is the safest beach in the state.
This beach has a wide and flat shoreline, calm waters with few to no waves, and alert lifeguards who are always on the lookout.
Kohler Beach has some of the shallowest waters in Pennsylvania, with no sudden drops, making it ideal for your toddlers.
This coastline is also close to playgrounds that are just the right size for your children.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
At Pine Grove Furnace State Park, visitors can choose between two beautiful sandy beaches: the two-acre Fuller Lake or the 25-acre Laurel Lake. Fuller Lake, which only allows swimming, is recognized as being one of the coldest lakes in the state.
Laurel Lake, which is likewise quite chilly, is open to swimmers and boaters. Fuller Beach is the only one that has lifeguards.
The address of Pine Grove Furnace State Park is 1100 Pine Grove Rd., Gardners, PA 17324.
Poe Valley State Park Beach
Poe Valley State Park Beach, located on the man-made Poe Lake, has a child-friendly coastline.
If you want to spend your family vacation in Pennsylvania at a kid-friendly beach, Poe Valley State Park is the best option.
The beach is flat with few waves; there is a roped-off area for added safety; and the deepest point is only 5 feet.
The soft, powdery sand is ideal for building sandcastles, sculptures, and forts, and there is also a playground on-site for your children.
There are nearby pavilions that you can rent for family events such as birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, or parties. These pavilions have a capacity of 100 people.
Read more: 16 Best Swimming Beaches In Costa Rica
Harveys Lake Beach
Harveys Lake Beach, a pristine beach on the shores of Pennsylvania's largest natural lake is a local favorite with stunning scenery.
Harvey's Lake Beach is an excellent location for family activities such as water skiing, motor boating, and scuba diving.
If you don't feel like swimming, you can always spend the day on the beach tanning or building sandcastles with your kids.
This coastline has playgrounds for your children, numerous food concessions selling hot and cold treats, and boat launch sites if you decide to bring your watercraft.
Harveys Lake Beach hosts a variety of entertaining events such as carnivals, glass painting, and art shows. Check out their website to plan your vacation around a thrilling event.
Bald Eagle State Park Beach
Bald Eagle State Park Beach is a lovely coastline in the heart of Pennsylvania and has a long stretch of sandy beach and scenic views of Bald Eagle Mountain.
Aside from swimming, Bald Eagle State Park Beach is an ideal location for you and your loved ones to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as sunbathing, boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking the nearby trails.
A playground for your children's amusement, snack bars selling delectable treats, and clean restrooms and changing areas are among the beach amenities.
Visit Bald Eagle State Park Beach during the autumn season to enjoy the beach at its most beautiful.
This is the best time to go kayaking because you can take in the scenery and enjoy birdwatching. If you enjoy fishing, the best time to visit this beach is in the spring.
Raccoon Creek State Park Beach
Raccoon Creek State Park Beach is one of Pennsylvania's coziest, quietest, and least congested beaches, making it ideal for recreation and recuperation. It is a 500-foot sandy beach that surrounds Raccoon Lake, albeit the majority of it is grassy rather than sandy.
Visitors can go boating, swimming, or swimming in the lake, but the fishing experience is unquestionably the most appealing. Large and smallmouth bass, bullhead catfish, yellow perch, crappie, walleye, muskellunge, and bluegills abound in Raccoon Lake.
The entire area is very clean, and there are bathrooms, changing cubicles, refreshment stands, and several picnic tables nearby.
Read more: 15 Best Family Beaches In Miami
Palmyra Township Public Beach
Palmyra Township Public Beach, which is near Lake Wallenpaupack, has a lot to offer visitors. The Beach is the ideal summer vacation spot for you and your loved ones.
Use the grills and picnic tables to cook up a tasty barbecue together, relax on the beach and soak up the sun, or take a cool swim in the glistening ocean are some of the fun things to do in Palmyra.
The water near the shore is shallow and tranquil enough for the little ones to wade in, plus there is even a beach volleyball court where you and your family may enjoy a friendly game of competition.
Spend the evening together watching the spectacular sunset on the sandy shore. Swimming lessons are available for all ages at Palmyra Township Public Beach if you or any of your family members are not able to swim.
Black Moshannon State Park Beach
Black Moshannon State Park Beach is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing them with both the seashore and dense woodlands. This coastline will provide you and your family with a much-needed respite from your daily lives.
Rent a pontoon boat or kayak and cruise across the water, or simply sit on the calm beach and read a book while listening to the sounds of nature.
On warmer days, the water temperature is just right for a pleasant swim.
Take advantage of surrounding features like camping and horseback riding to make the most of your weekend family trips in Pennsylvania.
Black Moshannon State Park Beach is surrounded by scenic hiking trails. Hike the trails with your family, picking blueberries along the route and looking for carnivorous plants.
Gouldsboro State Park Beach
This simple coastline is one of the best beaches in Pennsylvania, providing beachgoers with a classic beach experience. Gouldsboro State Park Beach is a fantastic place to unwind and relax.
Some of the fun activities to engage in Gouldsboro State Park Beach are : Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the waters, relax on the beach and get a tan, or assist your kids in creating sand sculptures.
Bring a ball or frisbee and enjoy some fun games with your loved ones, such as tag. Teach your children how to cast a line or let them play in the cool water.
Gouldsboro State Park Beach has a number of free charcoal grills and picnic tables for you to enjoy and prepare your meals.
If you enjoy hiking, there are two options close to Gouldsboro State Park Beach: the Prospect Trail, for experienced hikers looking for a challenging trail, and Old Route 611, for beginners looking for a less strenuous hike to get some fresh air.
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Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach
Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach is a famous destination in Pennsylvania. It has stunning views of Flagstaff Mountain.
Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach is an excellent choice for families that enjoy camping and wish to camp throughout their beach vacation.
The beach has attentive lifeguards who keep a careful eye on everything, a sandy shoreline ideal for your children to play on, and clear waves.
A shop near the campgrounds sells a variety of products, including camping gear, firewood, tasty snacks, and novelty items.
To avoid crowds, I recommend visiting Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach during the week rather than on weekends.
What do you think of these beaches in Pennsylvania? Do you prefer large beaches like those at Presque Isle State Park or smaller ones tucked away in other state parks? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Beaches In Pennsylvania
What are the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania?
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but we can probably all agree that we have some of the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania. For example, Presque Isle State Park has 11 sandy beaches, some of which have lifeguards and plenty of parking.
If you're looking for an old-fashioned summer experience, head to Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, a beautiful spot (admission is required) with a sandy beach, diving boards, tubing, and picnic tables. Raccoon Creek State Park has a cozy sand beach that leads directly into Raccoon Lake's cool water.
What is there for kids to do in summer in Pennsylvania?
Summer in Pennsylvania is a lot of fun, especially for kids. If you're looking for a fun and family-friendly place to cool off, visit one of the state's popular water parks.
Camelback Mountain Water Park is the largest outdoor water park in Pennsylvania, so you can't go wrong there. The park has 37 water attractions, including a lazy river.
The 1,000-foot lazy river is an ideal place to unwind, soak up the sun, and cool off. If you want something a little more exciting, visit the wave pool or one of the thrill slides.
Where can I find the bluest water in Pennsylvania?
Visit Lake Arthur if you're looking for the bluest water and one of the best swimming spots in Pennsylvania. The massive lake, located in Moraine State Park, has two sandy beaches. Pleasant Valley Beach is the larger of the two at 1,200 feet.
Lakeview Beach is 550 feet tall. Both, however, provide the opportunity to unwind in the soft sand and cool off in Lake Arthur. If you prefer to spend your time on the water rather than in it, try sailing, kayaking, or canoeing. You can even embark on a lakeside hike.
You might also want to check out:
- 16 Best Swimming Beaches In Costa Rica
- 10 Best Things To Do In Niagara Falls, New York.
- Top 20 Dog-Friendly Beaches In Florida
Wow, what an amazing post! Thank you so much for compiling this list of the 14 best beaches in Pennsylvania. I’m a native Pennsylvanian and I’ve always loved going to the beach during the summer, so this post is incredibly helpful.
I’ve been to a few of the beaches on this list and they’re definitely some of the best. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Presque Isle State Park, so I’m definitely adding it to my list of places to visit this summer.
One beach that I think should be added to this list is Hickory Run State Park. The beach there is small, but it’s nestled in a beautiful mountain setting and the crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and fishing.
Thank you again for sharing this post. I’m sure it will be incredibly helpful to a lot of people looking to spend a perfect summer day at the beach in Pennsylvania.