Tourists often have a prominent question in their minds. They inquire about the best beaches in Kentucky, especially when summer hits. Well, the most picturesque beaches are located at the lakes. The sandy sparkling beaches border the most majestic lakes and offer plenty of opportunities to have a great time with your friends and families. In this post, we’ll help you discover the best beaches.
Best Beaches in Kentucky
1. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
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One of the most beautiful beaches in Kentucky lies along the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. The white sandy beach along Pennyrile Lake has unforgettable scenery and charm. It is not a very large beach, but it looks exotic and is ideal for relaxing. You can swim with your family or explore the sparkling lake through canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, or paddle boarding. The public beach is pristine and well-maintained by the staff and volunteers. It is surrounded by huge trees and rocky ridges, whose view you will surely admire.
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2. Green River Lake State Park
The 1,331-acre-long Green River Lake State Park has an 8,200-acre lake. One of its hidden gems is the campground beach. You can organize a picnic here, play sports like volleyball, or just sit and feel the sand between your toes. The sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing or swimming with your friends. There is also a toddler play area. Put simply, this beautiful beach will keep everyone, regardless of age, happily busy.
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3. Lake Barkley Beach
Wonderful views, warm water, plenty of space, and amenities are what constitute the charm of Lake Barkley Beach. It is one of the free and picturesque beaches in Kentucky, and it is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The beach has basketball courts and a bathhouse, and you can enjoy swimming during designated hours. Next to it are picnic areas, and behind them are several trees where you can enjoy lunch with your loved ones. Moreover, there’s direct access to the shoreline from the lake.
If you are looking for a serene escape to relax in the shade along with your kids, visit this attraction in Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Trigg County.
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4. Sunset Cove Beach at Barren River Lake State Resort Park
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Do you want to spend a carefree day with your family and are looking for an ideal place? The Sunset Cove Beach at the Sunset Cove Beach Resort in Key Largo will be the destination of choice. It stays open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is a great place to play with water. The private beach is also known to host sunset weddings, complete with the onsite notary. Once here, the crustal clear waters of Florida Bay come within your reach. Kayaking and paddleboarding are some of the top activities that will make your visit memorable.
Read More: Romantic Getaways In Kentucky
5. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Beach
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Kentucky Dam Village is a 170,000-acre wooded peninsula surrounded by Lake Barkley and the Kentucky Lake. The resort’s beach is another one of the must-visit beaches in Kentucky, where you can sunbathe and picnic with friends or colleagues. Popularly known as KY Dam Beach, it offers a breathtaking view of nature and animals. Whether you want to watch herons flying, swim in the sparkling waters, walk the trails, or engage in water-based activities, you will find the beach a perfect place. Moreover, it also has the necessary amenities like restrooms and washrooms.
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6. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Beaches in Kentucky are the main attractions of many resort parks. The Perry County Beach is one of the most beautiful ones at the Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. The private inland river beach allows you to view the gorgeous 1200-acre mountain lake. It is distinct from the typical oceanic beaches and is surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills. The beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swimming, picnicking, and fishing are some of the best ways to make your visit to the beach wonderful.
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7. Bellevue Beach
Bellevue Beach is one of the charming beaches in Kentucky, and it is located at Frank Benke Way. It is a part of Bellevue Beach Park, which is one of the top ten parks in Kentucky. The riverside location of the beach provides plenty of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a warm community spirit. Bellevue homes and buildings date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. This gives this beach a historical character and preserves its distinctiveness.
You’ll be surprised at the activities you can partake in here. There are basketball courts, a jungle gym, a gazebo, and an amphitheatre! It offers beautiful views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline. It is kid-friendly and a great spot for friends and family to spend a day.
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8. Twin Knobs Recreation Area
Kentucky’s Cave Run Lake, nestled amidst the rolling hills, offers a place where tourists can have a memorable time. The sandy beach at the Twin Knobs Recreation Area gives a stunning view of this 8,270-acre lake. Not only that, visitors also love the waterski opportunities. In the swimming area, you can engage in boating in close proximity to the bathhouse. After you’re done, explore the stores at The Twin Knobs to purchase some tasty food, ice, and wood. If you visit the beach between September 29, 2023, and June 9, 2024, you can be a part of the recurring Cave Run Storytelling Festival.
Read More: Romantic Getaways In Kentucky With Hot Tubs
9. Nolin Lake State Park Beach
Do you know that Nolin Lake is on the list of America’s 100 favourite secret beaches? The impoundment of the Nolin River in 1963 created a 5,795-acre lake and a 333-acre state park in Edmonson County that delight visitors with numerous activities. The sand beach here offers spectacular views of the great Nolin Lake. You can also engage in watercraft with your friends. You can lounge at the beautiful beach or rent a motor or pontoon boat. During the camping season, you can catch sights of birds like the Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese, and Wild Turkey. It’s a great place to unwind.
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Conclusion
Kentucky is blessed with many inland rivers and lakes. These water bodies offer sandy beachfront access that tourists love. You can plan a road trip to any of the gorgeous beaches above. Rest assured, your time will be well spent!
