Finding public beaches and lakes

Beaches and lakes are the perfect destinations for all ages to relax, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors during the warm summer months. But how do you find a beach or lake in your area that is open to the public?

Lake Near Me and Best Beaches Near Me have searchable lists of public beaches and lakes organized by geographic location. Navigate to your state on either website to find a list of cities in your state, which you can then access to find beaches or lakes within a short drive of your location.

As a rule of thumb, you can find some of the best lake and beach options at your local state park or recreation area. Many of these parks have lakes or beaches that are kid-friendly, are open to the public year-round and offer amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, designated fishing areas, and playgrounds.

No matter where you live, there are bound to be many great public beaches or lakes nearby that can be used for kid-friendly activities. So get out there and enjoy the sun and water this summer – don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, swimsuit, and towel!