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)
Douglas Cootey/flikr
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)
Jeff Harmon/flikr
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)
DonDahlmann/flikr
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!

Related Stories

You'll Have A Bird's Eye View Of The Salt Lake Valley At Utah's Ensign Peak

You'll Have A Bird's Eye View Of The Salt Lake Valley At Utah's Ensign Peak

 Take An Easy Loop Trail Past Some Of The Prettiest Scenery In Utah On The Mirror Lake Shoreline Loop

Take An Easy Loop Trail Past Some Of The Prettiest Scenery In Utah On The Mirror Lake Shoreline Loop

 Paddle And Play All Day At Lindon Marina In Utah

Paddle And Play All Day At Lindon Marina In Utah
Pineview Reservoir (Huntsville)
Jordan Hipwell/flikr
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)
The Hippie Triathlete/flikr
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)
Kevin/flikr
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)
Burnzz/flikr
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?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Things To Do In Summer In Utah

Lisa Sammons | April 30, 2021

What are some good indoor activities in Utah?

If you're looking to escape the heat, we've got quite a few options for you. Provo Beach is an indoor beach for those who prefer their beaches a little more climate-controlled than the outdoors. You won't want to miss the Rush Funplex in Syracuse, either - it's great for the whole family! Another place we'd be remiss not to mention is Get Air Trampoline Park in Salt Lake City. An entire building filled with trampolines? Sign us up!

What are some more scenic spots in Utah?

We might be a little bit biased, but the other 49 just don't compare when it comes to beautiful landscapes. We've got so many unimaginably beautiful places that we couldn't begin to mention them all. There's even some lesser-known ones that you won't want to miss! Here's another list of hidden places you won't want to miss.

What are some other good places to swim in Utah?

We may not have an ocean, but that doesn't mean we're lacking in places to swim! There's so many great swimming holes that are perfect for an afternoon of relaxation. We've got plenty of water parks, too!

Related Articles

Explore Utah

Featured Addresses
Antelope Island State Park, Utah, USA
UT-314, Wallsburg, UT 84082, USA
Lake Powell, United States
Pineview Reservoir, Utah, USA
Sand Hollow State Park, Hurricane, UT 84737, USA
Starvation State Park, 24220 W 7655 S State Park Rd, Duchesne, UT 84021, USA