You don't need ocean access to spend your summer on the beach! It can get pretty hot here in Utah, but that's okay, we Utahns have plenty of nearby lakes and reservoirs with plenty of space to enjoy and relax. Going to the beach is one of the best things to do in the summer in Utah. Unfortunately, most of our beaches don't have much shade, so you'll want to wear plenty of sunscreen and an umbrella. Get in the water and relax at the best beaches in Utah!
Bridger Bay Beach (Antelope Island State Park)
Antelope Island looks like a barren wasteland from afar, but once you get there, you’ll find tons of wildlife. Watch for deer, antelope and bison, plus tons of birds. Utahns know that the salt content in the Great Salt Lake is so high that you can bob and float without sinking, but you’ll want to hose off in the showers at Bridger Bay Beach. To get there, take exit 332 from I-15 and drive about 7 miles to Antelope Island Park, then cross the causeway and drive about 2 miles around the island to get to the beach.
For more information on Antelope Island State Park, check out the Utah State Parks Department website.
Deer Creek State Park (Heber Valley)
Deer Creek is popular for boating and fishing, but if you want to just loaf on the beach, you’ll find a nice, sandy one on the northeast side. The Utah State Parks Department website will list any closures or important announcements.
Lake Powell (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area)
Lake Powell is surrounded by beaches - you’ll no doubt find several favorites. A few to check out include Good Hope Bay, east of Bullfrog Marina at green buoy 119; Lone Rock Beach, west of Wahweap Marina, and Warm Creek Bay near green buoy 17. You’ll find plenty of much smaller, more private beaches along the banks of the lake.The National Park Services website lists things you need to know before heading out and even has live webcam feeds of the area!
Pineview Reservoir (Huntsville)
Pineview Reservoir, tucked away in the Ogden Valley, has three beaches. Anderson Cove has a day area and campground. Middle Inlet is on the eastern shore, about 2 miles from Huntsville. It has a picnic structure and vault toilets. Cemetery Point Beach is just west of Huntsville.
Sand Hollow State Park (Hurricane)
Red sand beaches surround this warm, picturesque lake where you can boat, fish, camp and ride your ATV around like a madman (a beloved Utah tradition!).You'll want to check out the Utah State Parks Department website before heading out.
Rendezvous Beach (Bear Lake)
It has been dubbed the "Caribbean of the Rockies" because of the water's deep blue and green jewel tones. Hang out at Rendezvous Beach - it has picnic areas, restrooms and showers. To get there, take US 89 through Logan into Garden City. Turn right onto SR-30 and drive about 9 miles.As always, check out the Utah State Parks Department for additional information.
Starvation State Park (Duchesne)
After a day of fishing or boating, hang out on the beach at this reservoir near Duchesne. The park offers a campground, restrooms, showers and picnic areas.The Utah State Parks Department page has much more information.
There are so many options that it was tough to make a list of the beach on the best lakes in Utah. Tell us your opinions in the comments: when the weather gets hot, what are some of your favorite scenic spots in Utah? Are there any more to add to this list of the best beaches in Utah?
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