Summer Vibes at Pennsylvania Beaches

Wendy Royal Summer 2022

Sick of hours of traffic heading to Maryland or Jersey shores? Not to mention crowded beaches and boardwalk shops that make a big dent in your wallet. You don’t have to go down the shore to enjoy a beach vacation. Pennsylvania offers an entirely different beach experience. More than likely, if you live in PA, you’re within an hour or two of a beach. Most of the lakefront beaches in the Commonwealth are in our pristine state parks, but you’ll find private and public beaches throughout the state. 

Thirty-five of Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks have beaches that typically open and free to the public for swimming from late-May to mid-September. Many of these beaches have a swim-at-your-own-risk policy. They are open from 8 am to sunset daily, but may have adjusted schedules due to COVID-19 concerns. 

Beltzville state Park Beach, PA

Beltzville State Park Beach, Lehighton, PA. Photo by DJ Royal

Beltzville State Park Beach

The 525-foot beach at Beltzville State Park (above) in Carbon County features a bathhouse with showers near the beach. Pack a picnic lunch or grab some food at the concession stand that is open daily, weather permitting. Other water activities, like boating and kayaking, are also allowed on Beltzville Lake.

The picturesque and historic town of Jim Thorpe is just a short 15-minute drive west of Beltzville State Park. Pleasantly situated in the breathtaking Lehigh Gorge, Jim Thorpe offers a wide range of outdoor activities as well as quaint shops, restaurants, and historic sites. (map)

Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA

Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA

Presque Isle State Park Beaches

If you want to feel like you’re at the seashore, the eleven designated beaches of Presque Isle is the place to be this summer. Lake Erie’s shores offer visitors the opportunity to surf, swim, boat, fish, or simply relax with family and friends. Most of the beaches have restrooms, changing areas, and picnic. Some have concession stands and picnic facilities, and two are ADA accessible.

Budny Beach (Beach #10), which lies between Sunset Point and Gull Point, is popular with kite-flyers and wind-surfers. If you’ve seen a spectacular photo of a Presque Isle sunset, it was undoubtedly taken from Sunset Point. 

I consider Presque Isle to be a bucket list destination in Pennsylvania. Not just because it has beautiful sandy beaches, but because of the natural habitat and ecological diversity that has garnered the status as a National Natural Landmark. The 3,200-acre peninsula is a favorite spot for migrating birds, making it a birdwatchers dream. The state park offers 11 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult, the longest just 2 miles. 

The Tom Ridge Environmental Education Center (TREC) is the gateway to the park. This 65,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art, green-designed facility encourages visitors to experience the unique history and ever-changing, diverse ecosystems of Presque Isle State Park. Admission to the interactive exhibits and 75-foot observation tower is free. TREC also serves as a research center contributing to conservation efforts. (map)

Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach, PA

Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach, Mt. Gretna, PA. Photo by Wendy Royal

Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach

Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach is a family-owned stream-fed recreation facility in Lebanon County. The swimming area is lifeguard protected with a no-step access from the beach to the lake. In addition to the 300-foot sandy beach, Gretna Lake offers a large grassy area and shady grove with picnic tables. 

If you’re like me, a day at the lake is synonymous with relaxing. Beach chair and water tube rentals are available for lounging in and around the lake. If you have younger children, it’s not likely that relaxing it in the cards for you. They will love all children’s play area and all the goodies at the snack bar. Clean and well-lit changing facilities are also available. 

The beauty doesn’t stop when you leave the beach. The small village of Mt. Gretna feels like it’s lost in time in the best way possible. Businesses like the Jigger Shop Ice Cream Parlor and the Porch and Pantry Café add to the retreat-like atmosphere. The town is just a 10-minute drive to downtown Lebanon. (map)

Bald Eagle State Park Beach, PA

Bald Eagle State Park Beach, Howard, PA Photo by DCNR

Bald Eagle State Park Beach

The 1,200-foot long sand and turf beach on the Foster J. Sayers Lake is tucked within the scenic Bald Eagle State Park in Howard, Centre County.

During the summer, the beach has a concession stand where hungry guests can find hot sandwiches, refreshments, and snacks. This family-friendly recreation area has changing rooms, public restrooms, and a playground.

Because you are in a state park, you will find ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. If you like the feel of the outdoors, but camping is too rustic for you, Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is just 2 miles from the beach. This unique inn has been voted the #1 Eco-Lodge in the nation. The 16 modern guestrooms offer comfortable accommodations and a country-style breakfast every morning. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the lake from their balcony or by the communal fire pit at the end of the day. (map)

PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Park Beaches:

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