Summertime is all about relaxation – whether we’re staying cool in the A/C or spending time in the water to cool down while soaking up the sun. While we might not live in a coastal state, we certainly have access to some absolutely breathtaking beaches throughout Pennsylvania that provide the perfect way to spend a summer day. Here are just seven of the best beaches in Pennsylvania.

1. Laurel Hill State Park – Somerset
Facebook/Laurel Hill State Park Complex
Escape to the sandy beach at Laurel Hill State Park, home to the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake. The 1,200-foot sandy beach offers plenty of space to drop your beach towel or chair. Spend the day relaxing in the sun and swimming in the cool lake. You can bring your own picnic, too, or buy goodies from the concession stand. Find more information on the official website of Laurel Hill State Park.
2. Poe Valley State Park – Coburn
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Flanked by Bald Eagle State Forest, Poe Valley State Park promises a day of relaxation. Wade in the cool water of the 25-acre Poe Lake, or just kick back on the sandy beach. The lake’s just five feet deep, providing the perfect spot to cool off. Bring along a picnic, or stop by the snack bar. Learn more on the official website of Bald Eagle State Park.
3. Raccoon Creek State Park – Hookstown
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park
Cool down in the 100-acre Raccoon Lake at Raccoon State Park. The park is home to a cozy 500-foot sand beach that leads right into the cool water. While you can swim all day long during the summer season, take precautions as there are no lifeguards on duty. Change in the bathhouse, and grab a bite to eat at the snack bar. Get all of the details on the official website of Raccoon Creek State Park.

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4. Beltzville State Park – Lehighton
Trip Advisor/mbdogmama
At nearly 950 acres, Beltzville Lake features a 525-foot sandy beach, perfect for having a snooze in the sun or reading a good book. The beach also features showers and a snack bar. Visit the official website of Beltzville State Park for more information.
5. Parker Dam State Park – Penfield
Facebook/Parker Dam State Park
Slip into the cool water of Parker Dam, which spans 20 acres and reaches a depth of just five feet. While the state park offers a full menu of things to do, you’ll definitely want to check out the sandy beach on a hot summer day. The park is home to both a seasonal snack shop and camp store. Find more information on the official website of Parker Dam State Park.
6. Cowans Gap State Park – Fort Loudon
Facebook/Friends of Cowans Gap State Park
A blissful day awaits at Cowan Gap State Park, home to a cozy sandy beach that leads into the 42-acre lake. Grab a spot on the sand or in the grass, where you can set up your beach towel or chair and relax before heading into the water. You can also go on the lake to do a little kayaking or boating. Stop by the official website of Cowans Gap State Park for more information.
7. Bald Eagle State Park – Howard
Google Local/Patricia Wright
Bald Eagle State Park provides the perfect backdrop for a summer day under the sun. In addition to its sandy beach and the cool water of the lake, the park boasts a playground, changing rooms, and a concession stand. Head over to the official website of Bald Eagle State Park for more information.

What do you think are the best beaches in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for a quick road trip, set off on this two-hour waterfall road trip in Pennsylvania that will take you to 12 sensational waterfalls.

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Best Beaches In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | April 06, 2022

What are some of the best Pennsylvania beaches to visit?

It’s probably safe to say that the most well-known and popular beaches are those that sit along Lake Erie in Presque Isle State Park. The 13 sandy beaches draw countless beachgoers from Pennsylvania and beyond all summer long. While they certainly warrant a visit, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the other lesser-known beaches in Pennsylvania, too, that are tucked in state parks. Black Moshannon State Park in Rush Township is home to a quaint, sandy beach that’s perfect for sunbathing then cooling off in the water. For an old-fashioned beach trip, plan a getaway to the darling town of Mount Gretna. There is an admission fee to Mount Gretna Lake & Beach, but it’s well worth it to spend the day jumping in the water, tubing, and lounging on the beach. The popular summer destination also features a restaurant and tables that are perfect for having a picnic.

How do I find out if there are any beaches near me?

Chances are that no matter where you live in the state, you aren’t too far from one of its many sandy beaches. Some of the best beaches in Pennsylvania are at its many state parks, including Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset. The 1,200-foot sandy beach, which is perfect for relaxing on a simmering summer day, leads into the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake. Parker Dam State Park in Penfield is perfect for the whole family as the swimming area of the lake tops out at five feet. Relax on the beach, and grab a bite to eat or a drink from the seasonal snack shop. Cowans Gap State Park in Fort Loudon offers a sandy beach and a 42-acre lake that is popular for swimming, kayaking, and boating.

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Featured Addresses
Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Poe Valley State Park, 136 Poe Valley Rd, Penn Township, PA 176832, USA
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Beltzville State Park, 2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235, USA
Parker Dam State Park, 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849, USA
Cowans Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA
Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA