Start planning your summer itinerary with an epic beach road trip near Pittsburgh. Sure, we don’t have sprawling beaches that lead into the cool, salty water of the ocean, but just outside of Pittsburgh and a bit beyond, lie beautiful sandy beaches leading into shimmering lakes. Ready for a road trip? Gas up the car and grab some sunblock (and maybe that book you’ve been meaning to read for the longest time) because we’ve mapped out an entire road trip that features stops at some of the best hidden beaches near Pittsburgh. Off we go!

Depending on where you live, you may want to customize your road trip to fit your location. The map below is interactive, and you can check out the interactive link to customize directions for the road trip.

Map out your trip.
Google Maps
Stave off the heat and humidity of a traditional Pittsburgh summer by hitting the road on this beaches road trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in Western Pennsylvania. Follow the itinerary to the letter. Customize it for your needs or use it as inspiration to create your own summer road trip.
1. Conneaut Lake
Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, USA
Facebook/New Conneaut Lake Park
Gas up your car and hit the road for the little more than 90 mile trip to Conneaut Lake, an idyllic spot to start this epic hidden beaches near Pittsburgh road trip. Spend your day lounging in the sun or playing beach volleyball with friends. Picnic along the shore of the shimmering spring-fed lake or ride a few of the attractions at the New Conneaut Lake Park. Whatever you decide to do, you're sure to have a memorable day.
Address: Conneaut Lake, PA, 16316
2. Moraine State Park
225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
Flickr/Christopher Amrich
Head south to your next destination: The sandy beaches of Moraine State Park. Both secret beaches near Pittsburgh - the 1,200 foot Pleasant Valley Beach and the 550 foot Lakeview Beach - lead into Lake Arthur. Both beaches feature changing rooms and concession stands that sell food and drinks. If you prefer spending time on the water instead of in the water, rent a boat or fish in the lake.
Address: 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA, 16051

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3. Raccoon Creek State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
DCNR PA
Spread your beach towel in the grass or in the soft sand of the 500 foot beach at Raccoon Creek State Park, only 30 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Pack a picnic lunch or buy goodies from the concession stand that sells food and drinks. Explore Raccoon Lake on a hydrobike, a kayak, or a canoe. Go fishing. Or, hike through the sprawling state park.
Address: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050
4. Keystone State Park
Facebook/Keystone State Park
Next stop: Keystone State Park. Picnic under the shade of a tree at Keystone State Park, indulging in hot and cold foods from the seasonal concession stand. Then enjoy a leisurely swim in Keystone Lake or explore the water aboard a rented boat, kayak, or canoe. Keystone State Park - like Moraine State Park and Raccoon Creek State Park - offers both rustic and modern camping so you can enjoy as many days as you'd like at the beach. It's one of the best hidden beaches near Pittsburgh.
Address: 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA, 15627
5. Laurel Hill State Park
1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Facebook/Laurel Hill State Park Complex
Your final stop on this epic road trip is at Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset. Swim or float in the cool water, which reaches five feet at its deepest, but be sure to stay in the clearly marked swimming area. Enjoy a meal or a snack from the concession stand before hitting the cozy Laurel Hill Lake on a boat, a kayak, or a canoe. Or, play an impromptu game of beach volleyball.
Address: 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset, PA, 15501

 

Create a magical summer by embarking on this beach road trip that takes you to some of the best beaches near Pittsburgh and add these 10 best things to do in the Burgh during the summer to your itinerary.

How many of these best beaches in Pennsylvania have you visited? Let us know in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Best Beaches in Pittsburgh

Jackie Ann | August 03, 2019

What are the prettiest beaches in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has several beautiful beaches that are great for cooling down when the temperatures are heating up. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania include Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Bald Eagle State Park in Howard, Mt. Gretna Lake & Day Beach in Lebanon, and Raccoon Creek State Park in Hookstown.

What are the best beach towns in Pennsylvania?

Even though Pennsylvania doesn’t have access to the ocean, it does have several picturesque beaches that are perfect for a hot summer day. One of the best beach towns in Pennsylvania is Erie, which is nestled on the shores of the incredibly scenic Lake Erie. Presque Isle State Park offers several beaches to sprawl out on and mesmerizing sunset views of the lake.

What beaches have the clearest water in Pennsylvania?

Some of the clearest water in Pennsylvania can be found in Hesston. Raystown Lake stretches over 8,000-acres, and not only has pristine water, but also sweeping views of the region if you head over to nearby Hawn’s Overlook. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or exploring the lake on a kayak, the clear, cool waters of Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania are nothing short of incredible.

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Featured Addresses
1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset, PA 15501
3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050
1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627
225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA 16051