5 Beaches in Missouri That’ll Make You Feel Like You’re at the Ocean

Does a summer day get any better than when we spend it at the beach? We can sunbathe on our beach towel on the soft sand, then cool down with a trip to the lake that hugs the sandy beach. Whether you are searching for the closest beach to St. Louis or another delightful day trip destination, Missouri has just what you need. We may not be a coastal state, but we're not afraid to flaunt the amazing beauty that we've got! Here are five beaches in Missouri that, if you close your eyes, will make you swear you’re at the ocean.

1. Long Branch State Park, Macon

Long Branch State Park’s sandy beach offers plenty of space to drop your beach towel or your beach chair for a day of sheer relaxation. Be forewarned, however, that the beach at Long Branch Lake does not have lifeguards, so take precautions in the water. Bring along a volleyball, too, for a game of beach volleyball, or stop by the playground with the kids. The marina at the state park also sells food and drinks to keep you refreshed. This is one of the prettiest vacation beaches in Missouri!

2. Moonshine Beach, Branson

If you’re a fan of clear water, you’re going to love Moonshine Beach, which hugs the crystal-clear water of Table Rock Lake. A parking lot sits right near the sandy beach, and you’ll have plenty of room to set up your beach towel and belongings. Swimming in the lake is popular, as is scuba diving and boating.

3. Smithville Lake, Clay County

Lounge on the soft sandy beach at Smithville Lake, just 20 miles from Kansas City. Actually, you have two beaches from which to choose — Camp Branch Beach and Little Platte Beach. Both provide plenty of space to hang out on the sand and relax in the water. With 175 miles of scenic shoreline and endless water in between, if you close your eyes, you might even feel like you’re on the shores of the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean. It's like one of the best ocean beaches in Missouri if the state had an ocean!

4. Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville

Feel a million miles away from it all at Thousand Hills State Park, where you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach. Relax along the sandy beach, where you can soak up the sun or read a good book. You can also wade or swim in the cool water of Forest Lake.

5. Wakonda State Park, La Grange

If it’s peace and quiet you're after — as well as that ocean feel — you can’t go wrong at Wakonda State Park. In fact, that’s where you’ll find the state’s largest natural beach. Sprawl out on your own corner of the 20,000-square-foot sandy beach. While the beach doesn’t have a lifeguard, it does feature a bathroom and showers.

For a gorgeous summer vacay, these oceanlike destinations in Missouri are hard to beat! How does a road trip sound to visit some of the best beaches in Missouri? Pack your bags, gas up your car, and check out this Missouri beaches road trip itinerary. Just don't forget to pack the essentials!