Does a summer day get any better than when we spend it at the beach? We can sunbathe on our beach towel on top of the soft sand then cool down with a trip to the lake that hugs the sandy beach. Beach volleyball, summer goodies like ice cream, and cloudless skies all make those beach days some of the most memorable of summer. Here are five beaches in Missouri that, if you close your eyes, will make you swear you’re at the ocean.
- Long Branch State Park – Macon
Missouri State Parks Long Branch State Park’s sandy beach offers plenty of space to drop your beach towel or your beach chair for a day of sheer relaxation. Be forewarned, however, that the beach does not have lifeguards, so take precautions in the water. Bring along a volley ball, too, for a game of beach volleyball or stop by the playground with the kids. The marina at the state park also sells food and drinks to keep you refreshed.
- Moonshine Beach – Branson
Trip Advisor/HazeloftheNorth If you’re a fan of clear water, you’re going to love Moonshine Beach, which hugs the crystal clear water of Table Rock Lake. A parking lot sits right near the sandy beach, and you’ll have plenty of room to set up your beach towel and belongings. Swimming in the lake is popular, as is scuba diving and boating.
- Smithville Lake – Clay County
Facebook/Smithville Lake – Clay County Parks Lounge on the soft sandy beach at Smithville Lake, just 20 miles from Kansas City. Actually, you have two beaches from which to choose – Camp Branch Beach and Little Platte Beach. Both provide plenty of space to hang out on the sand and to relax in the water. If you close your eyes, you might even feel like you’re on the shores of the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean.
- Thousand Hills State Park – Kirksville
Facebook/Thousand Hills State Park Feel a million miles away from it all at Thousand Hills State Park, where you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach. Relax along the sandy beach, where you can soak up the sun, or read a good book. You can also wade or swim in the cool water of Forest Lake.
- Wakonda State Park – La Grange
Missouri State Parks If it’s peace and quiet you’re after – as well as that ocean feel – you can’t go wrong at Wakonda State Park. In fact, that’s where you’ll find the state’s largest natural beach. Sprawl out on your own corner of the 20,000-square foot sandy beach. While the beach doesn’t have a lifeguard, it does feature a bathroom and showers.
What are your favorite beaches in Missouri (that maybe even make you feel like you’re at the ocean)? Let us know in the comments! How does a road trip sound? Pack your bags; gas up your car, and head out on this hidden beaches road trip in Missouri.
Missouri State Parks
Long Branch State Park’s sandy beach offers plenty of space to drop your beach towel or your beach chair for a day of sheer relaxation. Be forewarned, however, that the beach does not have lifeguards, so take precautions in the water. Bring along a volley ball, too, for a game of beach volleyball or stop by the playground with the kids. The marina at the state park also sells food and drinks to keep you refreshed.
Trip Advisor/HazeloftheNorth
If you’re a fan of clear water, you’re going to love Moonshine Beach, which hugs the crystal clear water of Table Rock Lake. A parking lot sits right near the sandy beach, and you’ll have plenty of room to set up your beach towel and belongings. Swimming in the lake is popular, as is scuba diving and boating.
Facebook/Smithville Lake – Clay County Parks
Lounge on the soft sandy beach at Smithville Lake, just 20 miles from Kansas City. Actually, you have two beaches from which to choose – Camp Branch Beach and Little Platte Beach. Both provide plenty of space to hang out on the sand and to relax in the water. If you close your eyes, you might even feel like you’re on the shores of the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean.
Facebook/Thousand Hills State Park
Feel a million miles away from it all at Thousand Hills State Park, where you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach. Relax along the sandy beach, where you can soak up the sun, or read a good book. You can also wade or swim in the cool water of Forest Lake.
If it’s peace and quiet you’re after – as well as that ocean feel – you can’t go wrong at Wakonda State Park. In fact, that’s where you’ll find the state’s largest natural beach. Sprawl out on your own corner of the 20,000-square foot sandy beach. While the beach doesn’t have a lifeguard, it does feature a bathroom and showers.
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Address: Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon, MO 63552, USAAddress: Moonshine Beach, Sunset Cove Township, MO 65616, USAAddress: Smithville Lake, Missouri, USAAddress: Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 MO-157, Kirksville, MO 63501, USAAddress: Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Road, La Grange, MO 63448, USA
