5 Of The Best Beaches Around Pittsburgh To Visit This Summer
Admit it. When we are hit with the cold weather during the winter, you or someone you know wish so hard for summer and simultaneously swear you will not complain when the heat and humidity hits Pittsburgh. Then when the stifling heat and humidity of summer engulfs the Burgh, you make the same wish and promise for winter. Embrace summer this year while keeping that winter promise by visiting Pittsburgh’s local beaches. Here are the five best beaches to visit in Pittsburgh this summer (or, well, nearby the Burgh) to get you started:
Close your eyes, dangle your feet in the water, and let the summer sun wash over you at one of Moraine State Park's two sandy beaches, which are open annually from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tiptoe to the water on the paved path or jump in from the any of the 1,200 feet of sand and turf at Pleasant Valley Beach, the larger of the two beaches. For a more intimate beach experience, opt for the smaller Lakeview Beach. Both beaches feature convenient dressing rooms and showers, and beach-goers can purchase food at the concession stands. The beaches, only 40 miles from Pittsburgh, are accessible from sunrise to sunset.
Snuggled in Keystone State Park, less than 40 miles from Pittsburgh, lies a sandy beach that leads right into Keystone Lake. Spread your beach towel on the sand but leave the food and drinks in the car. Pets, food, and drinks are not allowed on the sand. The beach is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily and there are no lifeguards. Keystone Lake Beach typically opens around Memorial Day and closes in the middle of September. Keystone State Park also offers plenty of other outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, fishing, and camping.
Face those hot summer days head on – and cool down – at Raccoon Creek State Park's 500 foot beach. Only 30 miles outside of Pittsburgh in Beaver County, the beach features both a concession stand and a bathhouse. If you tire of lying on the beach or swimming, you'll have plenty more to do. Explore the water by kayak, boat, or canoe, each of which you can rent at the state park. Horseback riding, hiking, biking, and camping also top the list of fun things to do at Raccoon Creek State Park. The beach, open from the end of May until the middle of September, is accessible from 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
Which beach to choose? That's the question you'll be soon be asking if you head to Presque Isle. Nearly two hours north of Pittsburgh awaits the nine beaches of Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Unlike the previously mentioned beaches, each beach at Presque Isle has lifeguards and is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The individual beaches feature varied amenities – bathrooms, showers, picnic areas, and concession stands.
Glide lazily down the water on an inner tube, play in the water, or swim in Laurel Hill Lake, featuring a 1,200 foot beach. While the deepest water only measures five feet, beach-goers are advised to stay within the buoyed area as no guards are on duty at the park. Both bathrooms and a concession stand are open at Laurel Hill Lake during the regular season between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Beach-goers may also want to go boating, hiking, mountain biking, or fishing at the state park in Somerset County, approximately 50 miles outside of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh may not be on the coast but there are still plenty of opportunities to soak in the summer sun, to dip your feet in cool water, and to enjoy a day at the beach, if you’re willing to drive a bit outside of the city. Do you agree that these are the five best beaches to visit in Pittsburgh this summer? What beaches would you recommend? Or, would you prefer traveling further to reach the Atlantic or even the Pacific Ocean?
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