You don’t need to be next to an ocean to soak up a summer’s worth of beach vibes. There are more than three million inland lakes in the U.S., and even though most of those are in Alaska, that still leaves plenty of freshwater spots in the Lower 48. (Only one state, Maryland, lacks even one natural lake to call its own.) So instead of trekking to the Atlantic, the Pacific, or the Gulf of Mexico, skip the sharks, slather on the sunscreen, and find your beachy happy place at one of these alluring lakeside destinations.
Sand Harbor - Incline Village, Nevada
Perched high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is the highest alpine lake on the continent. Famed for its icy blue waters and dramatic mountain views, Tahoe is also home to a soft stretch of golden sand that’s a favorite with visitors. Fringed by cedars and pines, Sand Harbor State Park's cobalt waters draw water skiers, fisherfolk and kayakers, swimmers and scuba divers who explore the interesting rock formations in the depths of the clear waves. The park has two boat ramps, restrooms, picnic areas, a visitors center with concessions and a bar and grill, and the three-mile paved Tahoe East Shore Trail, dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway.”
Beach #11 - Erie, Pennsylvania
A 3,200-acre peninsula jutting into Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park is home to the Commonwealth’s only “seashore,” and boasts a number of beaches where swimmers can frolic in the surf. The most secluded is Beach 11— also known as Kohler Beach. Its broad sands and shallow waters are kid-friendly, perfect for sand castles and boogie boards. There’s also a picnic pavilion, playground, and snack bar. Wind surfers and kite flyers congregate at Beach #10, and those looking for a livelier, more crowded scene will want to check out the sand volleyball courts at Beach #6.
Lake McConaughy - Ogalalla, Nebraska
Affectionately known as “Lake Mac,” this 30,000-acre reservoir has 100 miles of shoreline (many of them covered by white sand beaches), and is the highlight of the Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area. The lake’s cool, deep waters make it a favorite with fisherfolk, who come in search of trophy-sized walleye, catfish and bass, and the soft sand beaches make them a favored spot for camping. Windsurfing, water skiing, archery, and hunting (in season) are also popular activities.
Oak Street Beach - Chicago, Illinois
Residents of the Windy City know how to celebrate after shivering through Chicago’s harsh winters — and one of the world’s best beaches is waiting when the parkas come off and flip-flop season begins. Oak Street Beach’s glorious stretch of sand is separated from Lake Michigan by Lake Shore Drive, and located in the heart of the Gold Coast and walking distance from the hotel’s along the Magnificent Mile. In addition to an ADA-accessible beach walk, you’ll find concessions, beach chair, volleyball and bicycle rentals, and access to the Lakefront Trail via an underpass.
Beaver Island State Park - Grand Island, New York
When the snow melts, Buffalonians — also no stranger to winters — have their pick of beaches along Lake Erie when summer returns to western New York. Beaver Island State Park has an 18-hole golf course, a disc golf course, and an 80-slip marina. The half-mile beach features a roped-off swimming area and is accessed by a traditional boardwalk where a popular snack shack, The Sand Stand, serves up hot dogs and ice cream. For finer dining, check out the offerings at the V’Randa, especially the spicy Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail. The park features views of the Buffalo skyline, as well as Canada on the other side of the Niagara River.
