This Road Trip Will Give You The Best Minnesota Beach Day You’ve Ever Had

If you're a sun-seeking beach lover, this road trip is for you. With less than two daytime hours in the car, this trip will take you to two of the best beaches in Minnesota, get you lunch and dinner, and even a little ice cream along the way. So, pack your towel and sunscreen, and let's hit the road!

The total driving time for this trip is a little over two hours, including post-beach driving at the end of the day. So, not to worry - you won't be wasting your day in the car.

Follow ​​our itinerary using Google Maps on your smartphone.

1. McCarthy Beach State Park - Side Lake

You'll begin your day at ​​McCarthy Beach State Park. It's home to a beach that's been rated one of the "best in North America."

And we have to say, this long strand of beach that stretches gradually out from shore for hundreds of feet is pretty darn nice.

With plenty of shade, picnic tables, bathrooms, bath houses, and the occasional floating waterslide, you'll see why this is the first stop on your trip.

2. Island Lake Inn - Duluth

​​When you're ready for a lunch break, pack up and head toward Island Lake Inn on the edge of Duluth. It's about 90 minutes from McCarthy Beach. There you can grab a lake view lunch on the roof deck.

And even dip your toes in the water at the inn's own beach.

3. Love Creamery Canal Park - Duluth

​​Then, you're going to head into town - to Canal Park, to be precise. If you're up for a little shopping, you can browse the boutiques and shops in this popular tourist area. But you must grab some ice cream at Love Creamery's Canal Park Location! Have it before your next beach stop, or after - or both. But you have to have it!

4. Park Point Beach - Duluth

​​Park Point Beach, just across the aerial lift bridge from Canal Park, is your next destination. Walking over the dunes to get there is more reminiscent of Cape Cod than Minnesota.

And if you go on a warm, summer day, you'll see plenty of people soaking up the sun and enjoying the (certainly chilly) water of Lake Superior.

It's the longest freshwater beach in the country, and has also been included on several "beast beaches" lists. You'll spend the rest of your afternoon finding out why.Check out this video from ​​Yvette Mas she explores more of Park Point Beach:

5. Boat Club Restaurant - Duluth

When you get peckish, head back across the bridge to the lakeside Fitger's complex. There you'll find the ​​Boat Club Restaurant, where you'll enjoy a cocktail and some of the best seafood in Minnesota while gazing back across the water to the beach where you just spent your afternoon.

It's easy to see why Duluth is one of the ​​best coastal towns in the country, isn't it? After all that sun and food, you'll probably be exhausted. If you plan far enough in advance, you may be able to crash at a charming lakefront rental cottage located right in Duluth, just minutes from the restaurant. So, what do you think? Best Minnesota beach day ever? Let us know in the comments.