Missouri may be landlocked, but it offers some incredible beaches nestled around its many lakes and rivers. Whether you're seeking a serene spot for a family picnic, a place to catch some rays, or an active day of water sports, Missouri's beaches have something for everyone. From the expansive shores of the Lake of the Ozarks to the scenic beauty of Table Rock Lake, let’s dive into the best beaches that the Show-Me State has to offer.
1. Grand Glaize Beach, Lake of the Ozarks
Grand Glaize Beach is one of the most popular destinations at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s largest state park. This beach offers a vast sandy shoreline where families and friends can relax under the sun, take a dip in the clear waters, or enjoy a leisurely picnic under the shade of towering trees. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming, especially for families with children.
The beach is well-maintained with facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and picnic areas. There's also a nearby marina for those who wish to explore the lake further. The beach is part of a larger recreation area, so visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and boating in addition to beach activities. If you’re looking for a well-rounded day at the beach with plenty of amenities and activities, Grand Glaize Beach is a top choice.
Review Beach Rating: Grand Glaize Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for families with children, offering safe swimming areas and shaded picnic spots.
- Accessibility: 9/10 🚗 Easily accessible with ample parking nearby.
- Amenities: 8/10 🏖️ Well-equipped with essential facilities like restrooms and picnic areas.
- Water Activities: 8/10 🚣 Ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing.
- Scenery: 8/10 🌅 Beautiful lake views surrounded by nature.
- Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹 Generally well-maintained, with clean sands and clear waters.
- Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Can get crowded, especially on weekends.
- Camping Facilities: 7/10 ⛺ Nearby campgrounds available for those looking to stay overnight.
- Parking Availability: 9/10 🅿️ Ample parking space, though it can fill up quickly on busy days.
- Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕 Pets are allowed in designated areas.
- Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️ Close to hiking trails and other recreational activities.
- Safety: 9/10 🦺 Lifeguards on duty during peak times.
- Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️ Some dining options nearby, including picnic-friendly areas.
2. Moonshine Beach, Table Rock Lake
Located near Branson, Missouri, Moonshine Beach is a gem along the shores of Table Rock Lake. Known for its crystal-clear waters and expansive sandy shoreline, Moonshine Beach is a perfect getaway for those looking to relax or indulge in water-based activities. The beach is well-suited for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Moonshine Beach features all the necessary amenities, including restrooms, picnic shelters, and a boat launch area. The surrounding area offers stunning views of the Ozark Mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for your day at the beach. For those who love fishing, Table Rock Lake is renowned for its bass fishing, and you might just catch your dinner!
Review Beach Rating: Moonshine Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦 Safe swimming areas make it great for families, though there are no lifeguards on duty.
- Accessibility: 9/10 🚗 Easy access with plenty of parking available.
- Amenities: 8/10 🏖️ Includes restrooms, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
- Water Activities: 9/10 🚣 Excellent for swimming, boating, and fishing.
- Scenery: 9/10 🌅 Stunning views of the Ozark Mountains and the lake.
- Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹 Well-maintained and clean.
- Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Popular, so it can get crowded during peak season.
- Camping Facilities: 6/10 ⛺ No direct camping facilities, but campgrounds are nearby.
- Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️ Ample parking, though it can fill up on weekends.
- Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕 Pets are allowed in certain areas.
- Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️ Close to Branson's many attractions, including Silver Dollar City.
- Safety: 8/10 🦺 No lifeguards, so swim with caution.
- Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️ Limited dining nearby; most options are in Branson.
3. Long Branch Beach, Long Branch State Park
Long Branch Beach is a serene spot in Long Branch State Park, located near Macon, Missouri. This beach is perfect for those seeking a quiet day out in nature. The beach sits on the shores of Long Branch Lake, offering a peaceful environment with clear waters and a sandy beach. It's an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or a picnic in a less crowded setting.
Long Branch Beach is well-maintained, with clean facilities and plenty of shaded areas. The park also offers other recreational activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. With its tranquil surroundings and scenic beauty, Long Branch Beach is an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.
Review Beach Rating: Long Branch Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦 Quiet and safe, with calm waters perfect for young children.
- Accessibility: 8/10 🚗 Easy to reach with ample parking.
- Amenities: 7/10 🏖️ Basic facilities available, including restrooms and picnic areas.
- Water Activities: 7/10 🚣 Great for swimming and fishing, with a boat launch nearby.
- Scenery: 8/10 🌅 Beautiful, peaceful setting surrounded by nature.
- Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹 Clean and well-kept.
- Crowd Levels: 8/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Generally uncrowded, offering a peaceful experience.
- Camping Facilities: 7/10 ⛺ Nearby campgrounds available within the state park.
- Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️ Sufficient parking space available.
- Pet-Friendliness: 8/10 🐕 Pets allowed on a leash in designated areas.
- Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️ Close to hiking trails and fishing spots.
- Safety: 8/10 🦺 No lifeguards, so supervision is advised.
- Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️ Limited dining options nearby; best to bring your own food.
4. Stockton Beach, Stockton Lake
Stockton Beach, located on the shores of Stockton Lake, is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. This beach is particularly popular for sailing and windsurfing, thanks to the lake’s steady breezes. The beach itself offers a clean and sandy area for sunbathing and swimming, with clear and refreshing waters.
The surrounding area of Stockton Lake is known for its natural beauty, with rugged bluffs and serene coves. The beach provides basic amenities, including restrooms and picnic areas, making it a comfortable spot for a day trip. With plenty of space and less crowding, Stockton Beach is perfect for those looking to enjoy Missouri’s great outdoors.
Review Beach Rating: Stockton Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 7/10 👨👩👧👦 Safe and spacious, though water sports can be the focus.
- Accessibility: 8/10 🚗 Accessible with parking close to the beach.
- Amenities: 7/10 🏖️ Basic amenities like restrooms and picnic areas available.
- Water Activities: 9/10 🚣 Excellent for sailing, windsurfing, and swimming.
- Scenery: 8/10 🌅 Scenic lake views with rugged bluffs.
- Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹 Generally clean and well-maintained.
- Crowd Levels: 8/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Less crowded, offering a peaceful environment.
- Camping Facilities: 8/10 ⛺ Several campgrounds around the lake.
- Parking Availability: 7/10 🅿️ Parking available but can be limited on busy days.
- Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕 Pets allowed in designated areas.
- Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️ Focus on natural attractions and water activities.
- Safety: 8/10 🦺 No lifeguards, so caution is advised.
- Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️ Limited dining; best to pack a picnic.
5. Wakonda Beach, Wakonda State Park
Wakonda Beach, located in Wakonda State Park, is a great option for those looking for a quiet and less commercialized beach experience. The park is home to six small lakes, with the largest being the main attraction for beachgoers. Wakonda Beach offers a sandy shore perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing. The calm waters make it a safe environment for children to play, and the natural setting provides a peaceful backdrop.
The park offers amenities like restrooms, picnic shelters, and grills, making it easy to plan a full day at the beach. The nearby hiking trails and opportunities for bird watching add to the appeal of Wakonda Beach as a destination for nature lovers.
Review Beach Rating: Wakonda Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦 Safe and serene, with shallow waters ideal for kids.
- Accessibility: 7/10 🚗 A bit remote, but parking is available close to the beach.
- Amenities: 7/10 🏖️ Basic facilities like restrooms and picnic areas provided.
- Water Activities: 7/10 🚣 Good for swimming and fishing, but no major water sports.
- Scenery: 7/10 🌅 Peaceful, natural setting with plenty of greenery.
- Cleanliness: 7/10 🧹 Well-maintained with clean waters.
- Crowd Levels: 8/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Usually not crowded, offering a quiet experience.
- Camping Facilities: 7/10 ⛺ Camping available within the state park.
- Parking Availability: 7/10 🅿️ Adequate parking available.
- Pet-Friendliness: 8/10 🐕 Pets allowed on a leash.
- Local Attractions: 6/10 🏞️ Focus on nature activities like hiking and bird watching.
- Safety: 8/10 🦺 No lifeguards, so supervision is advised.
- Local Dining: 5/10 🍽️ Limited options; plan to bring your own food.
6. Public Beach #2, Lake of the Ozarks
Public Beach #2, located within the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. This beach offers a long stretch of sandy shore with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach games. The calm, clear waters of the lake are perfect for a refreshing swim, making it a favorite spot for families.
Public Beach #2 is well-equipped with amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas with grills. There’s also a nearby marina where you can rent boats, jet skis, and other watercraft for a day of fun on the water. With its convenient location and range of activities, Public Beach #2 is a great choice for a day of sun, sand, and water.
Review Beach Rating: Public Beach #2
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦 Ideal for families with its shallow swimming areas and open space.
- Accessibility: 8/10 🚗 Easy access with ample parking, though it can get busy.
- Amenities: 8/10 🏖️ Well-equipped with restrooms, showers, and picnic facilities.
- Water Activities: 8/10 🚣 Great for swimming, with boat rentals nearby.
- Scenery: 7/10 🌅 Scenic lake views, though it’s more developed than other beaches.
- Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹 Generally well-maintained and clean.
- Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Can get crowded during peak season.
- Camping Facilities: 7/10 ⛺ Camping available within the state park.
- Parking Availability: 7/10 🅿️ Parking is available but fills up quickly on weekends.
- Pet-Friendliness: 6/10 🐕 Limited areas for pets.
- Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️ Close to the state park’s hiking trails and other recreational activities.
- Safety: 8/10 🦺 Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
- Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️ Some dining options nearby within the park.
7. Columbia Bottom Beach, Missouri River
Columbia Bottom Beach, located at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, offers a unique beach experience just outside of St. Louis. This beach is a hidden gem, perfect for those who enjoy a quiet, natural setting. The sandy shorelines along the Missouri River provide a peaceful spot for relaxation, picnicking, or fishing.
The surrounding Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is great for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see birds, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. While the beach itself is relatively undeveloped, it offers a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Review Beach Rating: Columbia Bottom Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 7/10 👨👩👧👦 More suited for older children and adults due to the natural setting.
- Accessibility: 7/10 🚗 A bit remote, with a small parking area nearby.
- Amenities: 5/10 🏖️ Minimal amenities; best for those who prefer a rustic experience.
- Water Activities: 6/10 🚣 Good for fishing and wading; swimming is not recommended.
- Scenery: 9/10 🌅 Beautiful natural views of the river and surrounding landscape.
- Cleanliness: 7/10 🧹 Generally clean but can be affected by river conditions.
- Crowd Levels: 8/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Typically uncrowded, offering solitude.
- Camping Facilities: 5/10 ⛺ No direct camping facilities; camping is available in nearby areas.
- Parking Availability: 6/10 🅿️ Limited parking available, but sufficient for the low visitor numbers.
- Pet-Friendliness: 8/10 🐕 Pets allowed on a leash.
- Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️ Great for hiking and wildlife viewing within the conservation area.
- Safety: 7/10 🦺 No lifeguards or safety features; caution advised.
- Local Dining: 5/10 🍽️ No dining options nearby; bring your own food.
8. Riverfront Park Beach, Washington
Riverfront Park Beach, located in Washington, Missouri, along the Missouri River, is a charming riverside beach offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. The sandy beach is a popular spot for families and couples looking to relax by the water, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the scenic views of the river.
The park itself is well-maintained with walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. The beach is located near Washington’s historic downtown, where visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Riverfront Park Beach offers a laid-back experience with the convenience of nearby amenities.
Review Beach Rating: Riverfront Park Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦 Great for families with its safe swimming area and nearby playground.
- Accessibility: 9/10 🚗 Easily accessible with ample parking.
- Amenities: 8/10 🏖️ Well-equipped with restrooms, picnic shelters, and nearby playgrounds.
- Water Activities: 7/10 🚣 Good for wading and fishing; swimming is possible but with caution.
- Scenery: 8/10 🌅 Picturesque views of the Missouri River and surrounding area.
- Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹 Well-maintained and clean.
- Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Can be moderately busy, especially during community events.
- Camping Facilities: 6/10 ⛺ No camping facilities directly at the park.
- Parking Availability: 9/10 🅿️ Plenty of parking space available.
- Pet-Friendliness: 8/10 🐕 Pets allowed on a leash.
- Local Attractions: 9/10 🏞️ Close to Washington’s historic downtown and cultural sites.
- Safety: 7/10 🦺 No lifeguards; swimming should be done with caution.
- Local Dining: 9/10 🍽️ Numerous dining options nearby in downtown Washington.
9. Sandy Beach, Mark Twain Lake
Sandy Beach at Mark Twain Lake is a must-visit for those seeking a spacious and scenic beach setting in Northeast Missouri. This beach features a large stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or enjoying a family picnic. The waters of Mark Twain Lake are calm and inviting, making it a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.
The surrounding area is rich with history, named after Missouri’s most famous author, Mark Twain. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Mark Twain State Park, which offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and historical sites. Sandy Beach is a well-rounded destination for a fun and educational family outing.
Review Beach Rating: Sandy Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for families, with shallow waters and plenty of space.
- Accessibility: 8/10 🚗 Easily accessible with parking available close to the beach.
- Amenities: 8/10 🏖️ Equipped with restrooms, picnic areas, and nearby campgrounds.
- Water Activities: 9/10 🚣 Great for swimming, boating, and fishing.
- Scenery: 8/10 🌅 Scenic lake views with surrounding nature.
- Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹 Well-maintained and clean.
- Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️ Can get busy during summer weekends.
- Camping Facilities: 9/10 ⛺ Excellent camping facilities nearby within Mark Twain State Park.
- Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️ Sufficient parking space available.
- Pet-Friendliness: 8/10 🐕 Pets allowed on a leash.
- Local Attractions: 9/10 🏞️ Close to historical sites and hiking trails in Mark Twain State Park.
- Safety: 8/10 🦺 Lifeguards are on duty during peak times.
- Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️ Some dining options within the park and nearby towns.
Missouri’s beaches may not be oceanfront, but they offer an incredible range of experiences from tranquil lakeside retreats to bustling beach spots perfect for water sports. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly location, a serene getaway, or an active day on the water, Missouri's beaches have something to offer. Each of these destinations showcases the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make the Show-Me State a hidden gem for beach lovers.
Stay tuned for more waves of beach bliss and sun-kissed adventures at Review Beach!
#MissouriBeaches #LakeOfTheOzarks #TableRockLake #FamilyBeaches #NatureGetaway
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