This Road Trip Will Give You The Best Kentucky Beach Days You've Ever Had
By Andrea Limke|Published May 21, 2018
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
When planning a beach vacation, Kentucky may not be the first destination that comes to mind. It’s true that we do not have oceans with crashing waves, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have beautiful beaches and charming waterfront towns and restaurants that are perfect road trip destinations! If you’d like to experience the beaches of the Bluegrass State, along with other nearby attractions, then just follow this road trip guide that will give you the best Kentucky beach days you’ve ever had.
Stop #1 - The Beach at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
This epic beach road trip begins at the whitest, most pristine stretch of sand in Kentucky. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs is a fun-filled park that is especially scenic in the summer with its beautiful beach. The sandy shore is open to the public and we suggest you head here in the morning to begin your trip. Bring your towels, sunscreen, a beach ball, a packed lunch, and let the clear water and surrounding scenery relax you into vacation mode. You can learn more about this favorite Kentucky beach from our previous article here.
Address: 20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd., Dawson Springs, KY 42408
After a day spent with your toes in the sand and splashing around in the sun, you'll definitely be hungry for the freshest catch around. Pack up and drive about an hour west to the town of Benton and pay a visit to Catfish Kitchen. This local favorite serves up the tastiest catfish around and the lakeside atmosphere is perfectly relaxing.
Even if you have to wait for a table, enjoy the lake and your patience will pay off with a view like the one above. Order the catfish and your favorite sides and reminisce about your first day at the beach.
Catfish Kitchen is located at 136 Teal Run Cir., Benton, KY 42025 and you can learn more about this tasty restaurant here.
After dinner, drive just a few minutes to your overnight destination: Big Bear Resort at Kentucky Lake. This lakeside resort offers a wide variety of accommodations, from tent camping sites to lovely cabins. You can visit their website here to check out all they offer and pick one that works best for you. No matter which one you choose, be sure to head to the lake at sunset for one of the most beloved views in our state.
The next morning, wake up feeling refreshed and head to the lakeside beach at the resort. You can spend the day swimming and relaxing at yet another beautiful Kentucky beach.
After a few hours at the beach, head back into the town of Benton for a cheeseburger and ice cream from the Benton Drive-In. This local gem just has that vacation feel to it, and their classic menu items will surely hit the spot on a hot summer day.
You can't visit Kentucky Lake without spending time in the enchanting town of Grand Rivers! There's quite a bit to experience here, and even just walking along the lake and marinas is an ideal way to spend an afternoon.
Check out more of the fun Grand Rivers offers in our previous article here.
For one last beachy experience, have dinner at the Thirsty Turtle Tavern within the Green Turtle Bay Resort in Grand Rivers. This lakeside gem serves delicious food (the pizza is especially tasty) and you can enjoy it right on the water. You may luck out with some live music, but you'll always find a laid-back dining experience that is the perfect ending to your beach days road trip throughout Kentucky. You can learn all about the Thirsty Turtle Tavern here.
Address: 265 Nautical Dr., Grand Rivers, KY 42045
This beach road trip in Kentucky may just be the most relaxing getaway you can take in the state. Does this little trip sound like fun to you? Would you add anything? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
And for even more beach fun in Kentucky, check out our hidden beaches road trip here.
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