5 Pristine Beaches Throughout Kentucky You’ve Got To Visit This Summer

Summertime in Kentucky means the temperatures and humidity can soar, which means you need to have a place to cool off when you still want to be outside. Even though Kentucky is landlocked, we still have many bodies of water that offer sandy beaches and swimmable areas. Some Kentucky State Parks, in particular, offer these relaxing destinations and a few of them are now open. Plan a visit to one of these five pristine beaches in Kentucky for a beautiful and memorable summer outing.

1. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

Buckhorn Lake is a picturesque spot in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern Kentucky. The park has so much to offer, including a sandy beach that sits just below the lodge. The beach is open to the public and offers restrooms and beautiful scenery. Learn more by checking out our previous article, and don't forget to check out the park's website for any updates.

Get an aerial view of this beautiful area:

2. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

The next beach is located on the other side of the state on massive Kentucky Lake. Another resort state park, KY Dam Village also offers many activities for visitors, including a rare public beach on Kentucky's largest lake. There are also several hiking trails that will please any nature lover. Plan a visit with the park's website.

3. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Also in the western region of our state, Pennyrile offers what may just be the most scenic sandy beach in Kentucky. The sand is white and clean and the turquoise waters, surrounded by thick forest, is like nothing else in the Bluegrass. This is one of the few public beaches that is now open and you can learn more on the park's website. The park is also home to some truly majestic Bald Cypress Trees. Check out all the cool things you’ll find here:

4. Lake Malone State Park

About an hour east of Pennyrile Forest is lovely Lake Malone State Park. It's all about the water here and the sandy beach is ideal for relaxing. Bring a blanket or chair and rest here for the day while cooling off in the lake. Plan a visit by first checking out the park's website.

5. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

It makes sense that many of these beaches are in the western part of our state, given the abundance of lakes. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is a nature lovers paradise and you should include a visit to the beach during your time here. See more of this park and learn about the beach on the park's website.

We may not live near the ocean, but we can still enjoy a sandy beach here in Kentucky.

The scene above is from Lake Barkley State Resort Park where you can wrap up your day with a tropical drink and views of the lake. It'll feel like a true beach vacation after a day spent at one of these pristine beaches in Kentucky.

Summer in the Bluegrass brings the heat, so thankfully we can retreat to a few pristine beaches in Kentucky that offer sand and a relaxing place to cool off. Have you been to any beaches in Kentucky? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

For more information on all of the Kentucky State Parks and what is currently open, visit the Parks website.

And for another swimming spot in Kentucky, check out this adults-only quarry that is as relaxing as it gets.