The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Pennsylvania Like Never Before
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
We don’t need to hop on a plane to distant places to have an amazing summer, do we? Stay within the cozy confines of Pennsylvania during the warmer months without missing any of the sun, the fun, or the adventure. Embark on this road trip that will take you to some of the best hidden beaches in Pennsylvania that boast soft sand, crystal clear water, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Ready to hit the road?
Visit our Google Maps link for directions and to customize your road trip.
Road trip! Are there any sweeter words in the English language? Get ready to spend those delightful warmer months lying on the soft sand, frolicking in the cool water, and soaking up the sun at these hidden beaches in Pennsylvania.
Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, USA
Start this epic journey at Conneaut Lake in Pennsylvania, not exactly a hidden beach but certainly one that is worthy of kicking off an epic road trip. Spend the day lounging on the soft sand at Midway Beach or by the New Conneaut Lake Park, the latter of which boasts plenty to do, including rides and games. Conneaut Lake also provides the perfect setting for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Address: Conneaut Lake, PA, 16316
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Conneaut Lake, one of the best secret beaches in Pennsylvania.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Conneaut Lake, one of the best secret beaches in Pennsylvania.
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Poe Valley Road, Poe Valley Rd, Penn Township, PA, USA
Float and swim in the cool waters of Poe Lake at Poe Valley State Park before drying off on what just might be one of the best sandy hidden beaches in Pennsylvania. The cozy state park boasts plenty to do including paddle boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The beach also features a concession stand that sells snacks, drinks, and ice cream. Address: 136 Poe Valley Road, Penn Township, PA, 16832
Learn more about Poe Valley State Park in a previous article.
Learn more about Poe Valley State Park in a previous article.
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130 Lakeview Drive, Mt Gretna, PA 17064, USA
Stop #3 takes you to the delightful town of Mt. Gretna, home to the Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach, one of the best hidden beaches in Pennsylvania. While away the day at the beach where you can sunbathe, swim in the cool water, soar on a swing over the lake, or go kayaking. Take a break for a snack at the concession stand. Address: 130 Lakeview Drive, Lebanon, PA, 17042
Learn more about Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach in a previous article.
Learn more about Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach in a previous article.
1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Throw your favorite beach towel down on a quiet spot on the 1,200-foot sandy beach at Laurel Hill State Park. Jump into the 63-acre lake that, at its deepest, is five feet. Picnic with food from the concession stand. Or, if you like old-fashioned picnics packed neatly in a picnic basket, bring your own picnic lunch or dinner. And you can rent a boat, a paddleboat, a canoe, or a hydro bike to explore the cozy lake at the beach with the clearest water in Pennsylvania. Address: 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset, PA, 15501
Read more about Laurel Hill State Park in a previous article.
Read more about Laurel Hill State Park in a previous article.
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Slip into the cool waters of Raccoon Lake at Raccoon Creek State Park or spend the day lounging on the 500-foot sandy beach. It's one of the most pristine hidden beaches in Pennsylvania. The cozy beach, which does not have lifeguards, features a concession stand, so you can cure that hunger when it strikes. Or, pack a picnic lunch. You'll find plenty of other things to do at the park, including hiking, fishing, and boating. Address: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA, 15050
Read our previous article to learn more about Raccoon Creek State Park.
Read our previous article to learn more about Raccoon Creek State Park.
225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
End your beach adventure at Moraine State Park in Western Pennsylvania. The masterpiece of the park is undoubtedly the shimmering 3,225-acre Lake Arthur that boasts two beaches: The South Shore's Pleasant Valley Beach and the North Shore's Lakeview Beach. Lounge on the warm sand or explore the expansive lake on a boat, a kayak, or on a sailboat. Address: 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA, 16051
Read more about Moraine State Park in a previous article.
Read more about Moraine State Park in a previous article.
Are you ready to embark on this road trip to the best hidden beaches in Pennsylvania? Don’t forget to pack everything you’ll need for an unforgettable adventure – a swimsuit, beach towels, a beach chair, and plenty of sunscreen. You might also want to consider hitting the road and discovering some of the most spectacular waterfalls in PA.
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More to Explore
Best Hidden Beaches In Pennsylvania
What are the prettiest beaches in Pennsylvania?
- Sink your toes into the sand at Laurel Hill State Park, the best sandy beach in Pennsylvania and certainly one of the prettiest. The 1,200-foot beach leads into Laurel Lake.
- If you prefer being surrounded by forest, visit Poe Valley State Park, flanked by Bald Eagle State Park. Poe Valley’s pristine sandy beach provides an idyllic setting for catching some sun, throwing a Frisbee, or running into Poe Lake.
What are the best beach towns in Pennsylvania?
While Pennsylvania doesn’t have beach towns like neighboring Atlantic City, New Jersey, it does boast some picturesque towns with spectacular beaches, including:
- Mount Gretna is a small walkable town, home to only 200 Pennsylvanians, that features a sandy beach, shops, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
- Erie’s a classic beach town with boardwalks, restaurants, and shops. Beachgoers can visit 11 different beaches. For breathtaking beach views (but no swimming), stop by Erie Bluffs.
What beaches have the clearest water in Pennsylvania?
- Presque Isle State Park’s beaches lay claim to some of the clearest water in the state. Beachgoers can visit one of 11 beaches, all leading into the clear waters of Lake Erie, at the popular state park.
- Tobyhanna State Park certainly lands a spot in the running for the beach with the clearest water in Pennsylvania. The 170-acre, crystal-clear lake provides an ideal setting for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. If you've been searching for the "best quiet beaches near me," you've found one.