Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, though landlocked, offers several beautiful beaches along its lakes and reservoirs that are perfect for family outings. Here are the top 10 beaches in Pennsylvania, along with their pros and cons, distance from popular cities, and monthly weather patterns.

1. Presque Isle State Park

Why It’s the Best:
Presque Isle State Park, located on Lake Erie, features 11 sandy beaches with various amenities such as parking, lifeguards, and restrooms. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports[3][4].

Pros:

• Multiple beaches with diverse amenities.
• Offers activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.

Cons:

• Can be crowded during peak season.

Distance from Popular Cities:

• Erie: 5 miles
• Pittsburgh: 130 miles

Weather:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold with average highs of 32°F to 38°F.
• Spring (Mar-May): Mild with highs of 45°F to 65°F.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm with highs of 75°F to 80°F.
• Fall (Sep-Nov): Cool with highs of 55°F to 70°F.

2. Black Moshannon State Park

Why It’s the Best:
This park offers a serene beach experience surrounded by Pennsylvania’s largest bog. It’s perfect for those looking to relax in nature[3][5].

Pros:

• Quiet and less crowded.
• Beautiful natural surroundings.

Cons:

• Limited amenities compared to larger parks.

Distance from Popular Cities:

• State College: 30 miles
• Harrisburg: 120 miles

Weather:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold with snow; highs around 30°F.
• Spring (Mar-May): Cool with highs of 50°F to 65°F.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm with highs of 75°F.
• Fall (Sep-Nov): Cool with highs of 50°F to 65°F.

3. Bald Eagle State Park

Why It’s the Best:
Home to the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, this park offers a large sandy beach and various water activities[3][5].

Pros:

• Ample amenities including a playground and snack bar.
• Boat rentals available.

Cons:

• Limited swimming season (Memorial Day to Labor Day).

Distance from Popular Cities:

• State College: 25 miles
• Harrisburg: 110 miles

Weather:
Similar to Black Moshannon State Park.

4. Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach

Why It’s the Best:
This family-run facility offers a charming beach experience with inner tubes and picnic areas[3][5].

Pros:

• Lifeguards on duty.
• Great for family gatherings and picnics.

Cons:

• Admission fee required.

Distance from Popular Cities:

• Harrisburg: 25 miles
• Philadelphia: 90 miles

Weather:
Similar to Bald Eagle State Park but slightly warmer in summer.

5. Poe Valley State Park

Why It’s the Best:
Offers a peaceful beach setting with a man-made lake perfect for swimming at your own risk[3].

Pros:

• Scenic beauty.
• Snack bar available.

Cons:

• No lifeguards on duty.

Distance from Popular Cities:

• State College: 40 miles
• Harrisburg: 130 miles

Weather:
Similar to Black Moshannon State Park.

6. Beltzville State Park

Why It’s the Best:
Features a sandy beach perfect for water sports like kayaking and paddle boating[3].

Pros:

• Offers showers and snack bar.
• Water sports available.

Cons:

• Can get busy during weekends.

Distance from Popular Cities:

• Allentown: 30 miles
• Philadelphia: 85 miles

Weather:
Similar to Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach but slightly cooler in winter.

7. Lake Wallenpaupack

Why It’s the Best:
A large lake offering various recreational activities including boating and fishing[6].

Pros:

• Large area for various activities.
• Scenic views.

Cons:

• Some areas require permits for activities like fishing.

Distance from Popular Cities:

• Scranton: 30 miles
• New York City: 100 miles

Weather:
Similar to Beltzville State Park but cooler due to elevation.

8. Smithfield Beach

Why It’s the Best:
Located in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, it provides a natural setting for relaxation[1][6].

Pros:

• Beautiful natural surroundings.
• Access to hiking trails.

Cons:

• Limited facilities on-site.

Distance from Popular Cities:

• Stroudsburg: 10 miles
• Philadelphia: 100 miles

Weather:
Similar to Lake Wallenpaupack but slightly warmer in summer.

9. Conneaut Lake

Why It’s the Best:
Offers a family-friendly environment with nearby amusement park attractions[5].

Pros:

• Nearby attractions for kids.
• Campground close by.

Cons:

• Can be noisy due to nearby attractions.

Distance from Popular Cities:

• Pittsburgh: 90 miles
• Cleveland: 100 miles

Weather:
Similar to Presque Isle State Park but slightly cooler in winter.

10. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Why It’s the Best:
Located near Jim Thorpe, it provides a quiet retreat with opportunities for hiking and picnicking[1].

Pros:

• Scenic location near historic Jim Thorpe.
• Hiking trails available. Cons:
• Limited swimming season. Distance from Popular Cities:
• Allentown: 35 miles
• Philadelphia: 90 miles Weather:
  Similar to Beltzville State Park but slightly cooler year-round.

These beaches provide diverse experiences ranging from bustling parks with numerous amenities to quiet retreats surrounded by nature. Each offers unique features that make them ideal for family visits throughout the year.

Sources
[1] Best Family Friendly Beaches In Pennsylvania – Sandee https://sandee.com/list/best-family-friendly-beaches-in-pennsylvania
[2] Long Range Outlook – EPAWA Weather Consulting https://epawaweather.com/long-range-outlook/
[3] These Are The Best Beaches In Pennsylvania – Only In Your State https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nature/pennsylvania/pa-beaches
[4] Erie, PA Beaches – VisitErie https://www.visiterie.com/things-to-do/beaches/
[5] Top 10 Beaches in Pennsylvania – RVshare https://rvshare.com/blog/top-10-beaches-in-pennsylvania/
[6] 11 Best Lakes and Beaches in the Pocono Mountains, PA https://www.poconomountains.com/blog/post/lakes-and-beaches-in-the-poconos/