Beaches in Pennsylvania?? Although Pennsylvania is a landlocked state in the United States, it has plenty of grand lakes with beautiful family-friendly beaches, including Erie Lake.
During the developing era of the United States, Pennsylvania held a key position geographically, economically, and politically. And that’s why it is nicknamed the “Keystone State.”
Now, are you going to compare oceanfront coastlines with Pennsylvania beaches? Please wait; these beaches are picturesque and offer you fun water activities like fishing, boating, motor boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc. So, no need to waste extra fuel.
The most popular beaches are Black Moshannon State Park Beach, Beltzville State Park Beach, Bald Eagle State Park Beach, and Kohler Beach.
Here’s the list of the best and fun beaches in Pennsylvania. Just add them to your summer bucket list.
Beaches in Pennsylvania
1. Beaches in Pennsylvania: Black Moshannon State Park Beach, Philipsburg
Black Moshannon State Park spreads for 3,480-acres in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The most attractive thing in this park is obviously its stunning 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake. A dam on Black Moshannon Creek formed it.
And this lake features the most beautiful Pennsylvania beach too. Surrounded by lush forests, this coastline is perfect for a relaxing summer vacation with family.
If you are into water activities, this beach is suitable for all kinds. Ex: kayaking, pontoon boating, swimming, cruising, etc.
After doing plenty of water activities, you can explore the beautiful lush surrounding of this park. There are many hiking trails suitable for families. You can pick blueberries, spot carnivorous plants, and diverse wildlife while hiking.
Or, if you are dreaming of reading your favorite novel while sitting on a quiet and scenic beach, there’s no better place in Pennsylvania than Black Moshannon State Park.
Usually, families visit this park for summer camping. Then, they have fun on the beach, do water activities, hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, and enjoy campfires.
Address: 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, United States Phone: +1 814-342-5960
Looking for the best beaches near Orlando?? Here’s the list.
2. Beaches in Pennsylvania: Beltzville State Park Beach, Lehighton
Opened in 1972, Beltzville State Park is a 2,972.39-acre park in Pennsylvania. Thousands of visitors are attracted to this park annually. Especially for its wonderful swimming lake.
Since the park is home to Beltzville Lake, it features 525 feet of a sandy shoreline named Beltzville State Park Beach.
And this beach is famous for fun water activities for the whole family. Ex: paddle boating, boating, swimming, jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, etc.
Or, if you are into a relaxing sunbath, this soft sandy beach is perfect for that too.
And if you have a dream to go on a nice vacation with your elderly parents, Beltzville State Park Beach is one of the best places for that. Since the beach is ADA accessible, you can plan for a family picnic with them. Isn’t it great?
Beltzville State Park Beach usually opens from late May to mid-September. And no need to worry about facilities as the beach contains a concession stand, a bathhouse, and showers. That’s why it considers one of the best family beaches in Pennsylvania.
Address: 2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235, United States Phone: +1 610-377-0045
Beaches in Pennsylvania
3. Beaches in Pennsylvania: Bald Eagle State Park Beach, Howard
Being one of the largest state parks in the state, Bald Eagle State Park spreads within 5,900-acres of land. And it is home to the 1,730 acres of Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir constructed by damming Bald Eagle Creek and other streams in the park.
And this wonderful reservoir features the small but beautiful sandy Bald Eagle State Park Beach. Also, it offers you breathtaking views of Bald Eagle Mountain in the front.
Are you looking for unlimited outdoor activities? Here’s the best place for that.
Especially when it comes to water activities, you can swim, kayak, boat, sunbathe, and fish with kids. (Don’t worry, there are clean restrooms and changing areas near the beach).
Also, there’s a playground for kids and snack bars with delicious foods too.
Aside from that, you can try nearby 11 miles of hiking trails while birdwatching and spotting diverse wildlife. These trails also attract cross-country skiers during the winter.
The best time to visit Bald Eagle State Park Beach to grab all these experiences is autumn. Take your pet too.
Address: 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, United States Phone: +1 814-625-2775
Beaches in Pennsylvania
4. Presque Isle State Park Beach, Erie
Spreading for 3,112-acres of land, Presque Isle State Park is a sandy peninsula that extends into Lake Erie. So, obviously, the park features several beaches along Lake Erie. That’s why it calls Pennsylvania’s only “seashore.”
Actually, Presque Isle State Park has 11 wonderful, family-friendly beaches. So, these beaches attract thousands of locals and tourists, especially during the summer.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, scuba diving, beach walking, sunbathing, kayaking, boating, and fishing-like water activities. But, keep in mind, swimming is allowed only at guarded beaches when lifeguards are on duty.
Aside from that, Presque Isle State Park features scenic picnic areas, hiking trails, biking trails around the park.
After grabbing all these experiences, do not forget to visit the old Presque Isle Lighthouse located on the Presque Isle State Park.
Address: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, United States Phone: +1 814-833-7424
Beaches in Pennsylvania
5. Beaches in Pennsylvania: Kohler Beach, Erie
As mentioned above, Presque Isle State Park has 11 beautiful beaches. Kohler beach is one of them with some special features. It is the most sheltered, safest, calmest, and kid-friendly beach in the park and the state.
If you are expecting to travel with young children, Kohler Beach is perfect. Its broad and flat shoreline, gentle and shallow waters, little waves, and on-duty lifeguards make Kohler Beach safer for families with kids.
And most importantly, there are no sudden drops near Kohler Beach. Again it proves the safety for kids and families.
Do you worry about beach amenities?
Kohler Beach features an awesome kids’ playground and food stalls with delicious snacks and beverages. So, do not hesitate to plan the Kohler Beach tour with your family.
Address: Coast Guard Rd, Erie, PA 16507, United States Phone: (717) 787-2869
Beaches in Pennsylvania
6. Conneaut Lake Park Beach, Conneaut Lake
Conneaut Lake Park features scenic Conneaut Lake, the largest natural glacier lake in Pennsylvania. Also, it is a perfect beach destination for the whole family too. Therefore, it attracts a lot of recreational boaters, beach lovers, and families.
Conneaut Lake Park Beach is suitable for any kind of water activity, including swimming, water skiing, sunbathing, boating, kayaking, and many other.
If you are into a relaxing beach vacation, just take a walk along the beach or on the park’s historic boardwalk while enjoying breathtaking views of Conneaut Lake.
Also, there’s Kiddie Cove, a water park for younger children.
And best of all, its campground is just a few steps from Conneaut Lake Park Beach. So, you can plan for a fun camping weekend with the family too.
Address: 10 – 110 Lake Front St, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, United States
Beaches in Pennsylvania
7. Beaches in Pennsylvania: Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, Mt Gretna
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach is a family-owned and operated fun destination in Pennsylvania. So, obviously, you have to pay a fee to enter this place.
Since it has a gorgeous beach that is perfect for holding birthday parties, day camps, and other outdoor events, it attracts thousands of visitors every year. Especially, it gets heavily crowded for swimming and picnics during the summer.
But, still, they maintain a safe, clean, and courteous recreational environment making Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach a perfect summer day trip getaway for anyone.
Its gorgeous sandy beach stretches for 8 acres and features a well-maintained recreation lawn and a picnic grove near mountain stream-fed Lake Conewago.
Teenagers would love to visit Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach since it offers many outdoor activities. For example, jumping from dive boards, diving off the high dive platforms, riding the overwater swing, and many other adrenaline-pumping things.
On the other hand, Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach features a separate children’s dock as well. Since it is located away from all the extreme activities and contains much shallower waters. Also, there are lifeguards on duty too. So, no need to keep a special eye on kids.
Things you can do in Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach with your kids include making sandcastles with them, taking lots of pictures, playing children’s play area, riding floaties with them, water tubing, swimming in the lake, canoeing, kayaking, and many more.
Are you ready to have fun with your kids?
Address: 130 Lakeview Drive, Mt Gretna, PA 17064, United States Phone: +1 717-964-3130
Beaches in Pennsylvania
8. Poe Valley State Park Beach, Penn Township
Poe Valley State Park is located in Penn Township and stretches for 620-acres of land. And it features the 25-acre Poe Lake with an attractive beach.
Surrounded by the lush Bald Eagle State Forest with a mountain valley, this park is perfect for nature lovers.
Poe Valley State Park Beach is flat and has little waves, shallow waters, soft powdery sand, and an on-site playground. That means it has all the kid-friendly features making it one of the best beaches in Pennsylvania for kids.
Kids would love to make sandcastles, forts, and sculptures with you on this beach.
Swimmers can swim in Poe lake from late May to early September from 8 a.m. to sunset. Aside from that, visitors can kayak, canoe, boat, paddleboat, fish, and sunbathe. (There’s a rental shop and concession stand too)
If you love to stay another day near Poe Valley State Park Beach, there’s an excellent campsite as well. So, if you have an RV, it is better to bring one.
Also, this beach is perfect for family events like kids’ birthdays, anniversaries, and family get-togethers. And you can rent the nearby Pavillions for that.
Address: 136 Poe Valley Rd, Penn Township, PA 176832, United States Phone: +1 814-349-2460
Beaches in Pennsylvania
9. Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach, Jim Thorpe
Surrounded by the gorgeous Flagstaff Mountain, Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach is one of the most popular family vacation destinations. It attracts over 150,000 visitors annually.
What are things to do in Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach?
Visitors can do camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, boating, biking, and many other fun outdoor activities while viewing breathtaking views of Flagstaff Mountain. Since there are attentive lifeguards, it is safe for anyone.
Especially, Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach is perfect for a camping weekend with your kids. But, it is heavily crowded on weekends. So, you can try on weekdays too.
No need to worry about amenities, as there’s a shop near the campgrounds that sells anything you may need. Ex: firewood, yummy snacks, camping supplies, etc.
Aside from that, Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach also features a beach pavilion, a playground for kids, boats rental shop, and a concession stand.
So, just plan for a camp with your kids.
Address: 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States Phone: +1 570-325-3669
10. Beaches in Pennsylvania: Laurel Hill State Park Beach, Somerset
Laurel Hill State Park is a 3,935-acre park located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It features the 63-acre man-made Laurel Hill Lake. Surrounded by a lush forest, Laurel Hill Lake has a nice 1200-foot sandy beach that is perfect for families with kids, couples, and solo travelers.
Laurel Hill State Park Beach is perfect for swimming, row boating, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and overnight camping.
If you dream of reading your favorite book sitting on a stunning beach, you should visit Laurel Hill State Park Beach. It will be one of the most unforgettable tours of your life.
Address: 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, United States Phone: +1 814-445-7725
Beaches in Pennsylvania
11. Harvey’s Lake Beach, Harveys Lake
Harveys Lake is the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania. And it offers you a pristine beach that features stunning backdrops.
If you are looking for a fun place to enjoy water activities with your family, Harveys Lake Beach is the best place. You can swim, water ski, kayak, scuba dive, boat, and do many others.
Not into water activities? Then, you can build creative sandcastles, sunbathe, eat snacks, participate in beach carnivals, art shows, and glass painting events with your kids. Yes, of course, Harveys Lake Beach normally holds many fun events like that.
Address: Route 415, Harveys Lake, PA 18618 Phone: (570) 639-2113
12. Gouldsboro State Park Beach, Gouldsboro
Gouldsboro State Park is a 2,880-acre park in Pennsylvania. Its most highlighted thing is the stunning 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake. And the lake is t is more famous for its soft sandy beach, fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities.
Especially, Gouldsboro State Park Beach has all the facilities like rustic restrooms, five wooded picnic areas, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and picnic pavilions. So, what else do you need for a fun family picnic?
Come along with your family to play volleyball or whatever you like. And also, since there’s sufficient space and facilities, you can prepare your meals yourself.
After that, if you like to get some fresh air while hiking, Gouldsboro State Park Beach features two hiking trails as well. The Old Route 611 trail is suitable for beginners, while the Prospect Trail is suitable for experts.
Address: Pennsylvania 435, Gouldsboro, PA 18424, United States Phone: (570) 894-8336
Beaches in Pennsylvania
13. Beaches in Pennsylvania: Raccoon Creek State Park Beach, Hookstown
Are you ready to di in cool waters?
Raccoon Creek State Park is a 7,572-acre nature park in Pennsylvania. Its Raccoon Creek is the most stunning attraction in this park.
Raccoon Creek features a stunning 500-foot sandy beach that is suitable for families with kids. And it is suitable for picnicking, fishing, boating, and kayaking. Be careful when you swim since there are no lifeguards. But, that doesn’t mean it is too dangerous for a family.
Actually, many families visit Raccoon Creek State Park Beach to swim, picnic, hike, and boat with kids. So, just add it to your list too.
Address: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, United States Phone: +1 724-899-2200
Beaches in Pennsylvania
14. Palmyra Township Public Beach, Hawley
The Palmyra Township Public Beach is the only public beach at Lake Wallenpaupack. And it is one of the best spots in Pennsylvania to soak up plenty of sunshine, swim, and relaxing along the shore.
Since the water is shallow, warm, and calm, even your little ones can swim. If you need to teach swimming for kids, there are instructors on this beach for affordable charges.
And also, there’s a volleyball court for teenagers.
The Palmyra Township Public Beach features some scenic picnic areas and an on-site snack bar as well. Therefore, many families visit this beach during the summer.
The whole family can get together on the beach and watch the stunning sunset at the end of the day.
The Palmyra Township Public Beach opens from Memorial Day to Labor day, so plan it this summer.
Address: 2512 Lake Wallenpaupack Rd Hawley, PA 18428, United States Phone: (570) 226-9290
Beaches in Pennsylvania
15. Beaches in Pennsylvania: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Beaches, Gardners
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a protected area that features 25-acre Laurel and two-acre Fuller Lakes. That means you have two stunning beaches to visit in this park.
Fuller Lake considers one of the coldest lakes in Pennsylvania. And if you like to swim in it, obviously you can since it has lifeguards, no need to worry about safety. But boats are not allowed in Fuller Lake.
Fuller Lake Beach is scenic and perfect for a relaxing beach day with your family.
On the other hand, Laurel Lake is also cold and opens for swimmers, boaters, and kayakers. Since there are no lifeguards, be careful.
Laurel Lake Beach is a nice family beach with a scenic background. So, surely visit it and experience plenty of water activities there.
Address: 1100 Pine Grove Rd, Gardners, PA 17324, United States Phone: +1 717-486-7174
Beaches in Pennsylvania
- Black Moshannon State Park Beach, Philipsburg
- Beltzville State Park Beach, Lehighton
- Bald Eagle State Park Beach, Howard
- Presque Isle State Park Beach, Erie
- Kohler beach, Erie
- Conneaut Lake Park Beach, Conneaut Lakeshore
- Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, Mt Gretna
- Poe Valley State Park Beach, Penn Township
- Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach, Jim Thorpe
- Laurel Hill State Park Beach, Somerset
- Harvey’s Lake Beach, Harveys Lake
- Gouldsboro State Park Beach, Gouldsboro
- Raccoon Creek State Park Beach, Hookstown
- Palmyra Township Public Beach, Hawley
- Pine Grove Furnace State Park Beach, Gardners
Beaches in Pennsylvania
