Summer never seems to last long enough, does it? That means we have to make the most of every sun-soaked moment. Before we know it, after all, we’ll be dealing with the brutally cold days of winter in Pittsburgh complete with icy roads and deep snow. Even if your schedule is jam-packed, you’ll definitely want to fit in a day or two at one or more of these hidden beaches near Pittsburgh.

1. Conneaut Lake State Park – Conneaut
State Street, State St, Conneaut Lake, PA, USA
Flickr/Tim Engleman
Just over 90 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, the beach at Conneaut Lake provides the perfect backdrop for a summer day. The largest spring-fed lake and Pennsylvania's largest glacial lake, Conneaut Lake is sure to cool you down. Relax on the sandy beach. Cool off in the water, or play a game of beach volley.
2. Laurel Hill State Park – Somerset
Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Facebook/Laurel Hill State Park Complex
If you want to stick a bit closer to home, journey to Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset, just over an hour from downtown Pittsburgh. The mountain park boasts a 1,200-foot sandy beach and the cool water of Laurel Lake. At its deepest, the 63-acre lake measures just five feet. You can bring along a picnic or grab a bite to eat from the snack bar.

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3. Raccoon Creek State Park – Hookstown
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Trip Advisor/deebug2470
Just 30 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Raccoon Creek State Park features a cozy, 500-foot sandy beach. Behind the beach you'll find a grassy area, so you can kick back and relax on either the sand or on the grass. The beach features a concession stand and plenty of space to spread out under the summer sun!
4. Moraine State Park – Portersville
Moraine State Park Road, Moraine State Park Rd, Franklin Township, PA 16057, USA
Trip Advisor/SteelersTown28
You have two beaches from which to choose at Moraine State Park, about 45 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Claim your spot on Lakeview Beach or Pleasant Valley Beach, both of which lead into the blue water of Lake Arthur. Both beaches feature showers, changing facilities, and a snack bar.
5. Keystone State Park – Derry
Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Facebook/Keystone State Park
Roll down the windows for the 45-minute drive to Keystone State Park, in Derry, the perfect summer hideaway. Swim at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards on duty. Spread out on the beach for a relaxing day in the sun, but leave your pups at home. Pets, food, and drink are not permitted on the sandy beach in this case.

What are your favorite beaches near Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! Ready for some more summer fun? Catch a double feature at one of these drive-in movie theaters around Pittsburgh.

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More to Explore

Beaches Near Me

Tori Jane | April 28, 2022

What are the best Pittsburgh beaches to visit?  

Who says you can’t have a beach day in beautiful Pittsburgh? We sure don’t! In fact, we have a few lists of our favorite Pittsburgh beaches to visit, each of which is awesome for its own reasons. Check out Presque Isle State Park, which is located right up along the shores of Lake Erie and offers lots of lovely beaches to choose from. Pick the one with the fewest people on it and enjoy! We also love the 1,200-foot sandy beach tucked neatly around the 60-acre lake at Laurel Hill State Park. Sure, we might be landlocked, but there are plenty of delightful beaches in Pittsburgh to check out anyway.  

Are there any amazing secret beaches near Pittsburgh I should add to my bucket list?  

Well, considering just how many folks call Pittsburgh home, we’re not sure if there are any beaches around here that could be considered “secret” beaches, but we do have some lesser-known and underappreciated options for those days when you want to escape the crowds. Check out the delightful adventures possible at Keystone State Park, home of beautiful Keystone Lake. There are lots and lots of square footage of pristine beaches surrounding the lake that you’re sure to love. Alternatively, check out Conneaut Lake at New Conneaut Lake State Park; sure, it’s about 90 miles from the city, but that’s what makes it so much quieter than most of the beaches you’ll find here!  

Where are the best beaches near me?  

We have a few favorites, so bust out the notepad and take notes, friends! We kind of feel like every beach in Pittsburgh – and pretty much every beach in Pennsylvania, period – is one of the best. Head to Racoon Creek State Park and indulge in the 500-foot sandy beach while enjoying the surrounding grassy hills. Or go to Moraine State Park and check out the amazing 3,225-acre sparkling lake, which has two lovely beaches to pick from. Who says you can’t have a day at the beach in Pennsylvania? Definitely not us.  

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