The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Missouri Like Never Before

While the Show Me State is nowhere near the coast, there are still plenty of great Missouri beaches where you can spend your summer. (Even better? You can visit all year round, even though you can only swim during the warmer months.) Take a trip up or down the east side of the state, and enjoy long sandy lakeside spots and quiet rocky river beaches. Just hit the road on this epic road trip that will take you to five of the best hidden beaches in Missouri. To access an interactive map of this road trip, visit our Google Maps link.

Map out your trip!

Ready to visit some of the best hidden beaches in Missouri? Then follow this road trip! Add and delete stops to fit your interests and your needs.

1. Echo Bluff State Park - Eminence

Echo Bluff State Park is Missouri's newest park, joining the ranks in early 2017. Sinking Creek in Echo Bluff State Park in Missouri is the prefect place to cool off this summer. Don't forget your water shoes for this rocky beach, one of the best secret beaches in Missouri.

2. St. Joe State Park - Monsanto Lake - Park Hills

St. Joe State Park is a well known spot for riding dirt bikes, ATVs, and mountain bikes. After a day on the trails, it's nice to unwind at the two lakes. Find a shelter and volleyball courts at Monsanto Lake Beach in Missouri and picnic tables at the smaller Pim Lake Beach in Missouri. You'll love these hidden beaches in Missouri.

3. Wakonda State Park - La Grange

Wakonda Beach in Missouri is located at Wakonda State Park. This 20,000-square-foot sand beach has plenty of room and rarely gets too crowded. Join a game of sand volleyball and then clean up at the on-site shower house.

4. Thousand Hills State Park - Kirksville

Thousand Hills State Park has a beautiful sand beach to relax on and soak up the sun. Then, when you need a break from the heat, jump into the shimmering lake. The beach also offers dressing rooms and showers and is one of the most pristine secret beaches in Missouri.

5. Long Branch State Park - Macon

Alas, we've arrived at our final stop on this road trip to the best hidden beaches in Missouri. Long Branch State Park has a long sandy beach perfectly located next to the campgrounds. Spend your day on the beach and play a game of volleyball. Cool off at the marina store with ice cream before you hit the road.

Have you spent time at any of these hidden beaches in Missouri? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below. If you are looking for more swimming destinations, check out these other amazing Missouri beaches.