Sink Your Toes In The Sand And Make A Splash At These 6 Beaches In Missouri This Summer
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 13, 2021
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Summer’s all about savoring every sunsoaked moment we can and hitting one of the best beaches in Missouri in just about every spare moment. While we might live in a landlocked state, we certainly don’t lack gorgeous sand beaches that lead into beautifully cool water. A day at the beach is a picture-perfect way to spend a summer day, and here are a few gorgeous beaches to add to your must visit list.
You'll have plenty of space to sprawl out at Smithville Lake, just about 20 miles from Kansas City. It boasts two sandy beaches, Camp Branch Beach and Little Platte Beach, which generally welcome beachgoers from May 1 through the middle of September annually. Steps from the beach, you'll find picnic tables, and you might even want to bring an inner tube or a float to relax in the water. Stop by the official website of Smithville Lake for more information.
Soft sand leads directly into the shimmering blue water of Table Rock Lake at Moonshine Beach in Branson. Bring your beach towels, beach chairs, and beach umbrella, and stake out a cozy spot on the beach, where you can sunbathe. Then, when you get warm, take a dip in the cool water. The sand is perfect for making castles, and you might want to dig into a picnic at one of the picnic tables. Find more information on the official website of Moonshine Beach.
The Fugitive Beach in Rolla isn't your typical beach. Sure, you'll find soft sand that's perfect for relaxing. Unlike Missouri's other beaches, however, the beach featuers massive waterslides, delicious food stands, and a daily admission fee. The beach typically opens on Memorial Day weekend, and season passes are available if you plan to visit often. Stop by the official website of The Fugitive Beach for more information.
The swimming beach at Wakonda State Park is all about space - and a ton of it. Spanning 20,000 square feet, the sandy beach offers plenty of space for beachgoers to spread out and to soak up the sun. Bring along a volleyball, too, in case you're up for a game of beach volleyball. The pristine sand beach also features showers and restrooms. Check out the official website of Wakonda State Park for more information.
A picture-perfect sandy beach awaits at Long Branch State Park. Spend the day lounging in the sun, playing beach volleyball, or building sandcastles. Then head straight into the water when you're ready to cool off. Picnic tables, shaded by umbrellas, offer the perfect spot for a meal. Bring your own, or buy food and drink from the marina store. Start planning your visit on the official website of Long Branch State Park.
Spend your day staying cool in Forest Lake at Thousand Hills State Park. The sandy beach draws beachgoers all summer long, but you might want to explore beyond the beach, too. The water's popular with boaters, who meander on kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. You can also admire the shimmering blue water of the lake from your seat at the dining lodge, a picture-perfect spot for a delicious meal. Here's more information on Thousand Hills State Park.
What are your favorite beaches in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! For another fun summer day, hit the Jack’s Fork River or the Current River aboard a kayak, a tube, or a canoe with Windy’s Canoe Rentals in Eminence.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.