Now that it’s summer time in Iowa, it’s time to hit the road and enjoy some of the state’s beach traditions! From sandbars to Nutty Bars, Iowans know how to enjoy a hot summer day. If you’re looking for an idea to create the best Iowa beach day ever, look no farther than this single-day road trip we’ve created for the beach bug in all of us!

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Start off your best ever Iowa beach day with breakfast at an Okoboji icon: the O'Farrell Sisters Diner.
Facebook / O'Farrell Sisters of Okoboji
With 9 kinds of eggs benedict, enormous pancake and cinnamon roll french toast, you'll be sure to start your day in the best possible way.
Facebook / OFarrell Sisters of Okoboji
After breakfast, head down to Terrace Park Beach to lay out on the sand and wade in the warm waters of Lake Okoboji!
Google Local / Al MRW
All that splashing and swimming will make you hungry, so head up towards Spirit Lake for a filling lunch at the Spillway Drive Inn.
Facebook / Spillway Drive Inn

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This seasonal spot serves up tasty burgers, hot dogs, tacos and more with outdoor seating and an old-fashioned vibe.
Facebook / Spillway Drive Inn
After lunch, walk off those calories with a stroll along Spirit Lakes public beach. If you're looking for swimming and wading, you'll find it here.
Facebook/ Iowa Great Lakes Association
For dinner, head down south again for a meal at the legendary McKeens Pub and Grill.
Facebook / McKeens Bar and Grill
Their grill turns out some of the best steaks, burgers and BBQ in the state.
Facebook / McKeens Bar and Grill
After your delicious dinner, you've got to follow it up with a Okoboji tradition since the 1940s - a Nutty Bar from the Nutty Bar Stand!
Facebook / The Nutty Bar Stand
This tasty ice cream treat is exactly what you need to wrap up the best Iowa beach day ever.
Facebook / The Nutty Bar Stand

If your ideal beach road trip involves a lot more ice cream than just one Nutty Bar, then you might want to set aside a day to tackle our Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Iowa That’s All You’ve Ever Dreamed Of And More – because there’s no such thing as too many sundaes!

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