Best Beach Getaways Within Driving Distance From Pittsburgh
[updated often]
You are probably wondering, are there any great beaches near Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is within short driving distance of some stunning Lake Beaches and about 6 hour drive to few beautiful Ocean Beaches.
Here is a detailed list of the best beaches within driving distance from Pittsburgh.
Best Beach Getaways From Pittsburgh (with Map)
Seashore-Like Lake Beaches Near Pittsburgh
Stunning Beach Getaway at Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania
Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula and it offers a gorgeous “seashore-like” beach, with a beautiful coastline and lake views. There are 13 unique sandy beaches at Presque Isle. It is one of the most visited state parks in Pennsylvania.
There are multiple recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, bicycling, rollerblading, scuba diving, surfing, picnicking, or just relaxing on the beach and watching the birds. Imagine, there are more than 300 different avian species documented in this park!
Picturesque Lake Erie Beach Getaway at Geneva On The Lake OH
Geneva-on-the-Lake is a village in Ashtabula County in Ohio, located on Lake Erie with picturesque lake views and a great ocean-like beach! Sandy Breakwater Beach, with a large beach area, is one of the best beaches on Lake Erie. It is located inside Geneva State Park. The beach is clean with restrooms, plenty of parking, and a picnic area. Beachgoers can also enjoy a hike on one of many well-paved trails in the park with gorgeous views. You can also rent an umbrella, it is $5 per hour and $10 for the entire day.
Lake Erie Beach Getaway at Cedar Point Ohio
Cedar Point Beach is a mile-long sandy ocean-like beach along Lake Erie, with an amusement park and restaurants. Beach activities include parasailing, jet skis, and lake cruises. In addition visit Cedar Point Amusement Park and Cedar Point Shores Water park. Or enjoy a wine tour on the Boardwalk Cruisers. To access the beach, you need to either have admission to one of the above parks or to one of the Cedar point hotels (as a result the beach is not as crowded).
Lake Erie Beach Getaway at Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island in Ohio
Put-in-Bay, a village on South Bass Island Ohio, makes for a very exciting island beach getaway. There are few public beaches on the island. The best ones are the public beach at South Bass Island State Park or the beach that you can hike to at East Point Preserve. Both places offer small but nice beaches with beautiful scenery. Some of the island hotels have their own private beaches. South Bass Island can only be accessed by ferry located in Port Clinton.
Small Lake Beaches Very Close To Pittsburgh
Fun Beach Getaway at Tygart Lake State Park & Adventures Water Park in West Virginia
Tygart Lake State Park with its Tygart Adventures Water Park is located on a 10-mile long Tygart Lake. The lake provides numerous water activities for visitors. Relax on the beach or have the thrills of sliding, climbing, jumping, and racing to the top of inflatable slides and obstacles on water. Enjoy the beautiful views and breathtaking hiking trails in the park. Numerous water activities include boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, swimming, fishing, and scuba diving.
Gorgeous Lake Beach Getaway at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland
Deep Creek Lake is a quiet and relaxing four-season getaway destination, with picturesque mountain and lake views. It is the largest lake in Maryland with 69 miles of shoreline. Public beach is located inside Deep Creek Lake State Park. You can also rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
Also, consider renting a pontoon or a jet ski at one of the lake marinas . It is so much fun to enjoy the lake from the boat. You can explore the lake, fish, swim, and do tubing and water skiing .
Beach Getaway to Moraine State Park near Pittsburgh PA
Moraine State Park is 16,725 acres of exceptional scenery. It contains a beautiful 3,225-acre Lake Arthur, rolling hills, lush forests, and a large number of year-round recreational opportunities, there is something for everyone in the park.
Moraine State Park has two swimming sandy beaches 1,200-foot-long Pleasant Valley Beach and 550-foot-long Lakeview Beach. There are snack stands on both beaches as well as playgrounds, showers, changing areas, etc. Also, plenty of picnic sites are available and canoe and kayaks for rent. Lakeview beach has more shaded areas. Good reviews for these two beaches.
You can also take a 90 Minute Nautical Nature Boat Tour around the lake. Or ride a 7 miles bike trail around the lake.
Lake Beach Getaway at Laurel Hill State Park in Laurel Highland PA
Beautiful 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake is located on Laurel Hill State Park. The lake has a small, 1,200-foot white sand beach, with a lovely pier where you can jump into the cool and refreshing lake water. It is open daily from late May until the middle of September. The beach is clean and well maintained, a nice small place to swim or rent a kayak or canoe. There is a large designated swimming area. The water is clear for about 3 feet out, which is great for children. The beach also has a small playground area. The reviews for this beach seem to be all positive.
Lake Beach Getaways at Raccoon Creek State Park in PA
The park is 7,572 acres in size and features the beautiful 101-acre Raccoon Lake with a small, 500 foot, sandy beach with a nearby concession stand and a few picnic areas. The beach is open from late May until mid-September, from 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
Additionally, explore Raccoon Lake by kayak, canoe, rowboat, or hydro bike. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available inside the park. The lake is not big, but beautiful. Or hike at one of the many park trails (44 miles of trails to choose from), or enjoy a stroll through the Wildflower Reserve with more than 700 species of plants.
The reviews of the beach area seem to be all positive with multiple mentions that it is a nice clean lake and beach.
Jersey Shore Beaches
Beach Getaway to Ocean City NJ
Ocean City Beach is one of the best Jersey Shore Beaches. It is wide and very clean with beautiful dunes. It is great for families and couples looking for a quiet beach getaway. Ocean City is a “dry-town” – public drinking is not allowed. As a result, it is quieter and calmer than most of its neighbors.
- Cleanliness: Very clean. Beach is cleaned daily and well patrolled. No seaweed.
- Boardwalk: The boardwalk is fairly long, approximately 2.5 miles. It is a wide and fun boardwalk with arcades, amusement, restaurants, ice cream, booths, and shopping. Also, access to 2 amusement parks, a small water park, a movie theater, a surf school, mini-golf, and an escape room.
- Beach quality: Long and wide beach. Lots of sand and plenty of room.
- Kid-Friendliness: Very kid-friendly with lots of activities for kids and no smoking. Ocean City is a “dry town” which also contributes to family friendliness.
- Lifeguards: on duty
- Chairs and umbrellas: you can rent both
- Fees: Beach tags are required for adults and children ages 12 and older. Tags are $10 for the week and $5 per day per person.
- Parking: There are a number of paid parking garages close to the boardwalk.
- Bathrooms: pretty clean
- Crowd: The beach gets busy during the main season but never to the point of being crowded
- Pets: Not allowed on the beach
- Nearby Recreation: Corson's Inlet State Park is a popular area for hiking, fishing, crabbing, boating, and sunbathing.
- Dry town: Ocean City is considered a “dry town” – public drinking is not allowed and there is no alcohol of any type sold within city limits. No restaurants sell alcohol, and it is banned on the beaches.
- Restaurants Info:
- Over 135 restaurants (2 fine dining, 63 mid-range, 74 cheap eats)
- Over 135 restaurants (2 fine dining, 63 mid-range, 74 cheap eats)
- Hotels Info:
- ~10 Hotels with better than 4* Tripadvisor Rating
- 8 of them have a pool
- 5 of them are beachfront
- Hotel Star Rating
- 4* – 0
- 3* – 6
- 2* – 3
Beach Getaway at The Charming Town of Avalon NJ
Avalon NJ has been a popular vacation destination for beach lovers everywhere. It is part of the New Jersey Coastline.
The town of Avalon NJ is home to some of the most expensive real estate on the East Coast. It has been a popular destination for beach lovers for over one hundred years. Located on 7 Mile Beach, the area has its own unique charm and several things for visitors to explore, ranging from discovering the local history to water sports like stand-up paddleboarding to delicious dining options.
The seven-mile, white sand stretch of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean provides a great setting for kayaking, boating, surfing, swimming, and more. Visitors will also find a wide variety of shops in the downtown shopping district of Avalon, New Jersey.
You can also visit Avalon History Center, SUP Guy, Sunstone Massage Wellness & Yoga, La Vecchia Fontana, Pirate Island Golf, Miss Avalon Fishing, and many more amazing places.
Beach Town Getaways at Historic Cape May NJ
Cape May, NJ is a gorgeous town by the sea and is a perfect destination for a beach getaway for both families and couples. It offers family-friendly beaches, gorgeous coastal dining, and great places to stay 😀
🏖️ Cape May is a historic town with tree-lined streets and gorgeous Victorian cottages. It is great for all seasons. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Victorian era, you are welcome to visit the Emlen Physick Estate, a fascinating historic building with 15 restored rooms with vintage furniture and hangings of the 1800s. The Cape May Lighthouse is also one of the must-sees if you are looking for breathtaking views! It is just the firework to see how it turns on at dusk!
The natural scenery is equally attractive. The beaches are clean and beautiful, with white sand and the ocean view is spectacular. The epic sunrises and the beautiful sunsets are just fabulous. The beaches also offer great opportunities for skimboarding, biking, surfing, kayaking, and jogging. Your kids will definitely enjoy sand sculpting on the beach and if you are lucky, you will even see dolphins playing around!
Within walking distance from the beaches, there are award-winning restaurants and eclectic boutiques that provide entertainment year-round for visitors.
Other Ocean Beaches Close to Pittsburgh
Family Friendly Beach Getaway at Ocean City MD
Ocean City is a beach resort town in Maryland. Miles of clean beaches, wooden boardwalk, many shops, restaurants, and hotels, all make it a very popular destination for a beach getaway.
Ocean City is kid-friendly and affordable. The boardwalk features amusement theme-park attractions, arcades, and family-friendly eateries. Rent a kayak, go parasailing, or take one of the sunset cruises,
Beaches are clean, with soft sand, and with lifeguards on duty. You can rent a chair and umbrella. The beach could get crowded during the main season. If you are looking for something more private and serene, consider going to Assateague Island nearby.
Beach Getaway at Vibrant Virginia Beach VA
Virginia Beach is a coastal city in southeastern Virginia with miles of beaches and 100s of hotels. Known for its outstanding beaches it is a very popular beach destination.
Virginia Beach offers family-friendly beaches, coastal dining, and great places to stay making it an amazing relaxing getaway experience. You can enjoy whale watching and see other marine animals like seabirds, seals, and porpoises. Or you can go horseback riding on the beach. Or stroll along a 3-mile boardwalk.
While at Virginia Beach visit:
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
- Cape Henry Lighthouse.
- ViBe Creative District.
- First Landing State Park.
- Military Aviation Museum.
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
- Take an oyster farming boat tour.
- Eat Chesapeake Bay blue crab.
Beach Town Getaway at Rehoboth Beach DE
Rehoboth Beach is one of Delaware's most popular resort towns with a mile-long boardwalk lined with restaurants, shops, hotels, and amusements. It is a perfect place for a great summer weekend getaway for people of all ages.
Rehoboth Beach is a popular vacation destination. Many famous people maintain summer homes in Rehoboth Beach. The city has a lot of restaurants, hotels, bars, and other attractions.
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is the heart of Rehoboth Beach. It is a magnificent place for walking, running, jogging, biking, skating, eating ice creams, watching the sunrise, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Boardwalk is loaded with fun shops (from toy shops to jewelry boutiques) and restaurants (from fast food and pizza to upscale restaurants)… There is something for everyone! And there is no beach fee.
Another great place for a fun family experience in Rehoboth Beach is an amusement park, Funland! It offers 19 rides, 14 midway games, Skeeball, an arcade, and a redemption center. And tons of positive emotions! You will fall in love with the park, not to mention your kids! It is a must-see if you are on the coast of Delaware!
One more place worth visiting in Rehoboth Beach is Gordon Pond located within Delaware Seashore State Park. Excluded from heavy traffic and crowds of people, it's a place for great photos, nice hiking, biking on a stone trail, bird watching, and relaxation.
Resorts With Beaches Within Driving Distance From Pittsburgh
River Beach Resort Getaway at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort Spa and Marina
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort is located on the picturesque Choptank river. The hotel has a small private beach where the guests can play beach volleyball and various watersports, rent a boat, kayak, or jet ski. There is also a 150-slip River Marsh Marina where you can rent a powerboat. A waterfront pool and hot tub overlook the river. You can also rent water sports rentals on the beach (like pedalboards and kayaks).
Luxury Beach Getaway at ICONA Avalon Beach Resort in New Jersey
ICONA Avalon beach resort near Avalon, NJ is great for a beach getaway. The resort stretches across an entire oceanfront block, providing really gorgeous beach views. ICONA Avalon beach resort is located on the seven-mile, white sand stretch of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. It provides a great setting for kayaking, boating, surfing, swimming, golfing, dolphin watching, parasailing, and more. Visitors will also find a wide variety of shops in the downtown shopping district of Avalon, NJ.
Lake Beach Getaway at Salt Fork National Park in Ohio
A large, 2,500-foot public beach is located inside Salt Fork National Park. The park fully surrounds 3,000-acre Salt Fork Lake – a long, winding body of water with numerous inlets and coves to explore. This beach is one of the largest inland beaches in Ohio.
The park also contains picnic areas, playgrounds for kids, marinas, 14 trails for hiking, walking, or horseback riding, an amazing golf course, seasonal hunting and fishing, boating, and kayaking. Boats with unlimited horsepower are permitted on the lake. The Marinas at Salt Fork State Park offer hourly and daily motorboat rentals from April to October.
The majority of the reviews for this beach are very positive. A couple of reviews mention a problem with Canadian Geese but most reviews say the beach was nice and very clean.
Lake Beach Resort Getaway at Skytop Lodge Resort in Poconos PA
Skytop Lodge in Poconos is located on a Mountain Lake. The lake provides swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Beach area although small is fun and sandy with the inflatable obstacle course. You can also rent a kayak or hike the lake trail around the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best "SEASHORE-LIKE" lake beach close to Pittsburgh?
Which OCEAN beaches are closest to Pittsburgh?
The closest ocean beaches to Pittsburgh are Rehoboth Beach in DE and Jersey Shore Beaches (like Ocean Grove Beach in NJ and Atlantic City Beach in NJ). They are all located about 360 miles drive from Pittsburgh.
Which LAKE beaches are closest to Pittsburgh?
The following beaches are all within a 1-hour drive from Pittsburgh: (1) A small lake beach inside Raccoon Creek State Park; (2) two small lake beaches inside Moraine State Park; (3) a small lake beach inside Laurel Hill State Park.