Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Utah

Highland Glen Park is a serene and family-friendly destination located just west of Lone Peak High School in Highland, Utah. It offers a tranquil escape from suburban life with its large pond, walking trails, and open spaces perfect for picnics and outdoor activities. The park features a playground, a sand volleyball court, and a large covered picnic pavilion, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the pond, though swimming is allowed without lifeguards. The park's trails connect to the larger Murdock Canal Trail system, providing ample opportunities for biking and hiking. Despite its proximity to urban areas, Highland Glen Park feels like a secluded retreat, offering a peaceful atmosphere year-round.

One of the park's highlights is its natural beauty, with plenty of grassy fields and a beach area that feels like a mini-getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, water quality issues have been noted, so caution is advised when engaging in water activities.

Highland Glen Park is particularly popular during summer months for its water activities and scenic views, but it remains a great spot to visit any time of the year. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, making it easier to find a peaceful spot to enjoy the surroundings.

Bridger Bay Beach, located in Syracuse, Utah, is a picturesque destination nestled within Antelope Island State Park. It offers stunning views and a variety of activities, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and adventure. The beach features fine sand and a serene atmosphere, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching and explore the surrounding natural beauty. The area is named after Jim Bridger, who, along with Etienne Provost, was the first white man to see the Great Salt Lake in 1824.

The beach is part of the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, known for its shallow waters and high salinity due to evaporation. The lake's unique environment supports a diverse range of wildlife, including free-roaming bison on Antelope Island.

Bridger Bay Beach is an ideal spot for day trips and overnight stays, with amenities like restrooms and camping facilities available. However, it lacks lifeguards and facilities for individuals with disabilities, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Deer Creek State Park is nestled in the picturesque Heber Valley, Utah, offering a serene blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The park features a 2,680-acre reservoir, perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Its shoreline stretches 18 miles, with a mix of rocky areas and sandy beaches like the Marina, Island Beach, and Rainbow Bay. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including windsurfing and jet-skiing, or explore the surrounding landscape with hiking trails and scenic views. The park is a popular spot for both summer and winter activities, attracting ice fishermen during the colder months.

The park's history dates back to the late 1930s when the reservoir was constructed to address water shortages in the Wasatch Front area. Today, it serves as a vibrant recreational hub, offering camping facilities and a Junior Ranger program for kids. The nearby city of Heber provides additional amenities and attractions, making Deer Creek State Park an ideal destination for family vacations and outdoor enthusiasts.

The park's scenic beauty and diverse activities make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Utah's natural wonders. Whether you're interested in water sports, hiking, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, Deer Creek State Park offers something for everyone.

Pineview Reservoir is a picturesque destination located in Ogden Valley, Utah, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities. It is nestled in a small valley surrounded by mountains, which creates minimal wind and calm water conditions ideal for water sports like water skiing and wakeboarding. The reservoir features sandy beaches and paved launch ramps, making it a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy stunning mountain vistas while engaging in leisurely beach relaxation or adrenaline-pumping water adventures.
The reservoir is well-known for its warm water species, including the famous Tiger Muskie, which can grow to record sizes. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with sightings of herons, ducks, geese, and pelicans. The surrounding area offers modern campgrounds and scenic hiking trails, providing ample opportunities for extended stays and exploration.
Pineview Reservoir is easily accessible from Ogden and nearby communities, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Wayne Bartholomew Family Park is nestled in the scenic town of Mapleton, Utah, offering a unique inland beach experience with a man-made pond and sandy swimming area. The park is perfect for family outings, providing activities like swimming, picnicking, volleyball, and fishing. It is named in honor of Wayne Bartholomew, a significant figure in Mapleton's local history, adding a sense of community and remembrance to the park's recreational atmosphere.
The surrounding area features hiking trails and nearby mountains, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park's soft, light brown sand and grassy areas create a warm and inviting ambiance, ideal for building sand castles or simply enjoying a picnic.
Despite its limited amenities, the park's charm lies in its natural beauty and community spirit.

Manila Creek Park in Pleasant Grove, Utah, is a scenic destination featuring a black sand beach and fishing facilities. Located at 3300 N. 900 W., it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. However, due to water quality concerns, swimming is currently not advised. The park is part of a larger area that includes Manila Creek Pond, which has faced issues with high E. coli levels, prompting health advisories against swimming or ingesting the water. Despite these concerns, the park remains a popular spot for walking and enjoying the outdoors.

The park's black sand beach is a notable feature, covering much of the south side of the pond. It provides a serene ambiance, making it ideal for those looking to relax or enjoy a picnic. The area is relatively new, having been developed recently, and offers a peaceful escape from urban life.

Visitors should be aware of the health advisories and take necessary precautions when visiting the park. Despite these precautions, Manila Creek Park remains a charming spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a stunning destination located in both Utah and Wyoming, featuring a 91-mile long reservoir and the Green River. The area is renowned for its breathtaking red canyon walls and diverse landscapes, including conifer forests and sagebrush deserts. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The recreation area is managed by the USDA Forest Service and the USDI Bureau of Reclamation, ensuring a well-preserved natural environment.
The area's history is rich, with evidence of Paleo Indians, Fremont culture people, and Ute and Shoshoni Indians having inhabited the region. In the 19th century, it was frequented by mountain men and explorers. Today, visitors can explore historical sites and enjoy modern amenities like visitor centers and marinas.
The scenic beauty and historical significance of Flaming Gorge make it an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Rendezvous Beach, located in Laketown, Utah, is a vibrant part of Bear Lake State Park. It offers a stunning beach experience with fine, light-colored sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and wading. The beach is surrounded by a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV spots, and yurts, making it suitable for all types of campers. Visitors can enjoy activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, while the nearby marina provides additional amenities and services. The area is pet-friendly, allowing families to bring their dogs along for the adventure. Despite its natural beauty, the area can be breezy, and some campers have noted the presence of nearby cow pastures.

Rendezvous Beach is well-equipped with amenities such as electric hookups, clean restrooms, and showers. Campers appreciate the hospitality of the hosts, who often deliver firewood directly to the campsites. The beach's proximity to watercraft rentals makes it an ideal spot for those interested in boating or paddle sports. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Rendezvous Beach offers a lively atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round.

The beach's location near Laketown provides easy access to local attractions and dining options. While there are no lifeguards on duty, the beach remains a popular destination for its tranquil environment and scenic views.

Sand Hollow State Park, located near Hurricane, Utah, is a scenic destination known for its warm-water reservoir, sandy beaches, and red rock formations. The park offers a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, ATV riding, and camping, making it a popular spot for both adventure seekers and families. Its proximity to St. George and Zion National Park adds to its appeal, providing easy access to additional attractions in the region.
The park's unique landscape includes 15,000 acres of sand dunes, perfect for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. The reservoir itself is ideal for water sports like wakeboarding and paddleboarding, with rental options available on-site.
Visitors can enjoy the park year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. It's a must-visit for those looking to experience Utah's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Lake Powell, located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is a stunning man-made lake that stretches across Arizona and Utah. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, rugged canyons, and expansive shoreline, offering over 2,000 miles of coastline. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Lone Rock Beach, one of the most popular spots, offers breathtaking views and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for camping and water activities. The surrounding landscape, with its vibrant red rock formations, adds to the natural beauty of the area.

The lake's proximity to Page, Arizona, allows visitors to easily access nearby attractions like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. The region's unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation.

With its diverse landscape and abundant recreational activities, Lake Powell is a perfect spot for families and adventure-seekers alike. Whether you're interested in exploring the lake's many coves by boat or simply enjoying the sunset over the water, there's something for everyone at Lake Powell.