Utah is a beautiful state full of stunning landscapes. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, definitely check out the beaches in Utah, where you can find a sandy shore, calm waves, and plenty of sunshine. Many of them are also surrounded by majestic mountains, which makes them even more beautiful.
Best Salt Lake City, Utah Beaches
Although Salt Lake City has no beaches, it is surrounded by numerous exciting escapes. You have many alternatives, from the typical white sand beaches to more amazing locations like salty lakes and mountain views. Here are some of the best beaches in Utah near Salt Lake City.
Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island is very famous among locals and visitors from around the U.S. and worldwide. It is the largest island in Utah’s Great Salt Lake and has one of the most beautiful beaches in Utah.
This beach is exceptional, with an extensive network of high-quality paved roads that wind around the island’s coastline. The abundance of hiking trails, pathways for biking, and riding horses lead to beautiful locations with breathtaking scenery.
The salty water of the Great Salt Lake is famous for swimming. People can float on the surface due to how salty it is. Sailboats, motorboats, and kayaks are also accommodated at marinas. Everything on this beach makes it stand out among other Utah beaches.
Great Salt Lake State Park
One of the top tourist beaches in Utah is the Great Salt Lake. The lake is now landlocked and has saltwater since it is a relic of the enormous prehistoric Lake Bonneville.
As a result of the water’s salinity and buoyancy, you can easily float while swimming. Additionally, there are freshwater showers for you to rinse off after swimming.
Great Salt Lake Park provides a fantastic opportunity to explore one of the greatest beaches in Utah to kayak with 10,000 miles of shoreline.
Numerous locations near the lake, including Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area and Bear River Bird Refuge, are renowned for bird watching. Some places permit duck and geese hunting. This state park is one of the things that Utah is known for.
Zephyr Cove Beach Lake
Zephyr Cove Beach is a well-kept location renowned for its calm, blue alpine water. Its mile-long sand shoreline makes it one of the most ideal Utah beaches close to Salt Lake, with countless options for enjoyment in the sun and water.
The beach at Zephyr Cove Resort is a complete retreat with a cafe, beach bar, grill, and gift shop. You can grab some tasty Utah food, relax in the sun or take a dip in the cold, tranquil waves.
You can participate in many events at Zephyr Cove Resort, such as volleyball competitions, parties, and other social gatherings.
In addition, the resort is where the M.S. Dixie ll Paddlewheeler conducts narrated tours to Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. Though it isn’t in Utah itself, it is just as relaxing as other beaches in Utah and is near enough to Salt Lake City.
Wayne Bartholomew Park
Wayne Bartholomew Park is an excellent beach for kids to play in because of its soft waves and rockless waters.
This park also features many amenities and has one of the most scenic settings among the best Utah beaches. It offers pavilions, volleyball courts, public bathrooms, and large open areas that are ideal for everyone.
This Springville park is a hidden gem tucked away among the foothills. It features five sizable pavilions with space for up to 40 people. There are also restrooms, a volleyball court, and a snack shack, all of which open around Memorial Day each year.
The pond is more than three acres in size, and the clear, pure water makes it one of the most ideal beaches in Utah for various aquatic activities.
Bear Lake State Park
Bear Lake is a large body of water that stretches 20 miles long and 8 miles wide. Half of the lake is in Utah, and the other half is in Idaho.
Its striking blue hue gives it the name ”The Caribbean of the Rockies”, and its sizable swimming area puts it among the most fantastic beaches in Utah.
This beach park has unlimited relaxation and fun outdoor choices, with three excellent recreation areas: Rendezvous Beach, Bear Lake Marina, and East Side.
This location is one of our favorite lake beaches in Utah near Salt Lake City. Bear Lake features calm waters that perfectly complement the relaxed pace and culture of the many little villages around the shore.
Ice fishing for the Bonneville cisco, an exclusively North American species, is possible in the winter for those who love fishing.
Where To Stay In Salt Lake City
To catch the many beautiful sights in Salt Lake City you can also find the best hotel accommodations, including Grand America Hotel, Tru by Hilton, and Little America Hotel. You can be sure of superb services, friendly staff, and pocket-friendly prices.
Best Provo, Utah Beaches
There are many beautiful beaches in Utah near and around Provo. The city is also home to the famous Provo Beach. This indoor entertainment facility offers over 50,000 square feet of fun and adventure. There’s a place for everyone here.
Deer Creek State Park
About a half hour from Provo, Deer Creek State Park is easily reachable from the Wasatch Front. Locals and visitors can enjoy a day of camping and relaxation at this location on one of the best beaches in Utah.
The Deer Creek Reservoir was built by the Bureau of Reclamation in the late 1930s. You can go fishing, zip lining, windsurfing, and boating on its chilly waters.
The state park also has numerous campgrounds with amazing sights on Mount Timpanogos. You can spend the day swimming and the evening camping beneath the stars at one of the most amazing Utah beaches.
Rockport State Park
Rockport State Park is ideal for anyone and everyone. Its recreational facilities make it stand out among other beaches in Utah. And the reservoir in the state park is well-liked by many.
The launch ramp on the reservoir’s East side is perfect for boat launching. Its lake is famous for summer swimming, tubing, and waterskiing. It is also a good fishing spot; trout and bass are popular catches in this area.
Many wildlife species live in Rockport, including badgers, chipmunks, foxes, jackrabbits, yellow-bellied marmots, and weasels. There are so many sights on/around the beach. It’s among the most significant beaches in Utah for a reason.
Utah Lake State Park
With a surface area of around 148 square miles, Utah Lake is among the most extensive freshwater beaches in Utah and offers a range of recreational opportunities.
The lake is a great place to go swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Fishing lovers can also have a good time fishing for different species, including walleye, bass, panfish, and channel.
Like other Utah beaches, many activities are available for day use and something for everyone to enjoy. Two marinas are located in Utah Lake State Park. Both marinas have boat ramps, leasing, fueling, courtesy docks, and rentals for motorized and non-motorized equipment.
Liberty Park
One of Utah’s oldest and most well-known beaches is Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. Liberty Park was established in 1882 and has been a popular open space refuge for many.
It is a great spot for families. Liberty Park has facilities for lawn games, barbecuing, biking, and running. It is one of the ideal beaches in Utah for swimming, sitting under pleasant shade trees, or taking in the fresh mountain air.
As suggested by the park’s name, everyone is welcome to visit Liberty Park to take in the freedom and natural beauty of a vast, historical environment.
Jordanelle State Park
Out of the numerous Utah beaches, Jordanelle State Park offers some of the best hiking, boating, and fishing that you’ll find in the state. Whether you intend to stay for a day or more, you can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and camping in Jordanelle Park.
Three separate recreational sites, Hailstone, Rock Cliff, and Ross Creek, provide various recreational options along the banks of Jordanelle Reservoir.
Jordanelle Park is one of the best beaches in Utah for a reason. Some of the top attractions Utah has to offer are within a short drive from the park. You can go skiing, watch a movie at the renowned Sundance Film Festival, or visit some iconic venues from the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
Where To Stay In Provo
If you plan to be in Provo for a while, consider staying in Provo Marriott for excellent service or Hyatt Place for their consistency and luxury. You can also check out Microtel Inn & Suites, about 7 miles from Provo, for a comfortable experience.
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Best Utah Beaches For Families
The best Utah beaches are the ones that offer something for everyone: kids, moms, dads, and even grandparents. These Utah beaches have plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Here are our 5 favorites!
Sand Hollow State Park — Hurricane
One of the most popular beaches in Utah is Sand Hollow. Its red rock, red sand, and warm, blue water are some of its most notable features.
The warm water makes it ideal for the whole family to have a splash and engage in other water sports. While the kids have fun splashing around or building sand castles, parents can fish for bass, bluegill, catfish, or crappie.
The whole family can also camp in any of two campgrounds; Sandpit Campground and Westside Campground. Both sites have fire rings, picnic tables, and showers. A day at one of the best Utah beaches will surely be remembered.
Visitors love Comfort Inn & Suites, and we believe you’ll love it too. It’s less than 2 miles from the city center.
Lake Powell – Southern Utah
Lake Powell is one of the most well-liked beaches in Utah, especially by families. Its immaculate beach and beautiful scenery give it an otherworldly appearance.
With 1,900 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is simply a sight to behold. There are amenities for swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing, and many other water activities.
You can’t leave this beach out when looking for the best beaches in Utah for families. In addition to various family-friendly facilities, it provides multiple outdoor activities like hiking and camping. You can also rent a houseboat and enjoy the picturesque views while exploring this artificial reservoir.
You won’t run out of luxury suites in the Southern part of Utah. One of our favorites is Ramada by Wyndham. They provide comfort and luxury worth every penny you spend.
Pineview Reservoir – Huntsville
You can find three excellent and beautiful Utah beaches at Pineview Reservoir. Pineview offers unique facilities for swimming and fishing. It has a distinctive variety of trophy-sized sports fish.
In addition, water skiing and wakeboarding are perfect here since the reservoir is in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains. This means there is little wind, and the water is typically calm and clear.
The reservoir boasts lovely sandy beaches, like Anderson Cove. Pineview Reservoir has everything you need for a great family getaway.
Best Western Plus is about 11 miles from Huntsville, but it’s worth the trip. You can be sure of lovely staff, beautiful rooms, and exceptional amenities.
Manila Creek Pond – Pleasant Grove
Manila Creek is ideal for families that enjoy fishing and swimming. Its calm, shallow waters and roped-off swimming area make it one of the most kid-friendly pond beaches in Utah.
However, you will need to bring a portable shade and towels to enjoy a day at Manila Creek since it doesn’t have natural shades. Also, this park’s absence of a cleaning area to wash off the sand is one of its shortcomings.
Hyatt House has everything to make you enjoy your stay in Pleasant Grove, and it’s pet-friendly.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir – Daggett County
Flaming Gorge is a large reservoir, mainly in Wyoming and partially in Utah. It is the largest reservoir in Wyoming and one of the most extensive Utah beaches. It is a favorite for locals and visitors due to its calm waters, even during the Sumner.
This reservoir offers fantastic opportunities for skiing, jet skiing, boating, and other water sports. Launching, storage, and maintenance areas are provided by three full-service marinas.
Additionally, the lake is renowned for its trophy trout fishing, which can produce fish up to 40 pounds. In addition, it is popular for the stunning red granite mountains surrounding it. We’re sure your family will love a day at one of the best Utah beaches.
Check out Holiday Inn Express Springville for excellent services and beautiful facilities. If you’re staying near Flaming Gorge for a day, the Flaming Gorge Resort is a good location.
Other Popular Beaches In Utah
Quail Creek State Park – Hurricane
Quail Creek State Park is situated not far from St. George. This small reservoir lake boasts cold, clean water. Its reddish sand makes it one of the most ideal Utah beaches for many.
Despite being a small lake, it has boat ramps and is an excellent area for waterski.
The on-site concession offers rentals for Jet Skis, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and water carpets. There is no lack of options for fun when chilling at the best beaches in Utah.
Many people love Sleep Inn & Suites for their comfortable rooms and great staff. Some even rank it a perfect score!
Huntington State Park – Huntington, UT
One of the finest beaches in Utah may be found in this little park close to Huntington. It’s an excellent location for floating or playing water football because the water is shallow.
It also has an ample grassy space with trees that is ideal for a Frisbee game. A quick stroll along the beach will allow you to take in the vistas from the point at the northern end.
Huntington Park is among the numerous beaches in Utah, with covered picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers. You can go camping with family and friends or enjoy a meal.
For a longer stay, you should consider Abbey Inn in Cedar City, UT. It’s beautiful, comfortable, and even provides an airport shuttle!
Yuba Lake State Park – Levan
A little-known beautiful location in Utah, Yuba Lake State Park, is about two hours south of Salt Lake City. Yuba Lake offers a lovely sandy shoreline and mild water with brilliant green tints in July and August.
The beach at Yuba Lake is among the best in Utah. Still, it isn’t popular since it’s less convenient to get there and has fewer amenities than other Utah beaches. However, visiting this undiscovered Utah beach beauty is worthwhile for a day trip.
You can check out this location close to Levan. Or you can take a 3-hour and 49minutes drive to Springville and opt for something more luxurious, like Holiday Inn Express.
Highland Glen – Highland
Highland Glen Park is a must-visit if you’re in the region because it’s another undiscovered treasure in the heart of Salt Lake City. It’s also one of Utah’s most well-known fishing beaches.
It features a tranquil ambiance and water. It also provides a wide variety of entertaining activities. Both children and adults can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear, emerald waters.
Beyond the lake, you can stroll through the park and experience nature, unlike other beaches in Utah. It is so beautifully, lushly landscaped.
You won’t miss out on any of the fun at Hyatt Place. The modern rooms and exquisite services are only two of the best things about this location.
Fish Lake – Central Utah
Fish Lake is renowned for its stunning, lush, evergreen mountainscapes and forestry. It features make it one of the most unforgettable beaches in Utah.
The lake is always beautifully blue and quiet, and the mountains here are some of the tallest. Rafting, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and ATV riding are all popular and well-known activities at Fish Lake. The Aspen landscape’s beauty can be enjoyed with friends and family.
Black Rock Mountain Resort is an excellent location in Park City, Central Utah, for you, your family, and your pets. It’s luxurious and liked by many.
Enjoying The Best Beaches In Utah
Utah is a beautiful state and home to some fabulous beaches. There are also many natural landmarks in Utah that makes it attractive for nature lovers. The summers offer great weather; and it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors!
The best beaches in Utah are great for a day trip or an extended weekend. Whether you’re an avid surfer, a sunbather, or a history buff, you’ll find something to love among the magnificent Utah beaches.
