10 Best Family Beaches in Colorado [for 2023]
Colorado, better known as the “Centennial State”, is one such destination that never fails to captivate locals and tourists with its wonders and natural beauty. While it may not have traditional beaches, it offers a unique and exhilarating beach experience that will surely delight each and every member of your family.
Colorado boasts stunning lakes and reservoirs that serve as active marinas offering a plethora of thrilling activities. From jet skiing and boating to surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, there’s no shortage of water adventures. Colorado’s beaches aren’t just about heart-pumping action.
Here’s a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation are also Picture yourself lying on the sandy shores, basking in the warm sun, and breathing in the crisp, fresh air. It’s the perfect environment to unwind and soak up the calmness of nature.
So gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and mark your calendars because the best family beaches in Colorado are perfect for your next unforgettable adventure! provide background. Whether you seek adventure or seek solace, these beaches promise to cater to your every need, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
1. Ridgway State Park Beach, Ridgway
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Ridgeway State Park Beach, located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, characterized by turquoise waters, soft sands, a mountain backdrop, and lush greenery. This beach is an ideal choice for families, especially families with young children.
The nearby playground and grassy area are the perfect places for kids to engage in outdoor activities and have fun. The soft sandy beach is especially suitable for children, which is a great opportunity for them to build sand castles or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shore.
The waters at Ridgeway State Park Beach are shallow and consistently calm, perfect for swimming. The beach is conveniently located near Chipeta Solar Springs, one of the best family resorts in Colorado. This resort is highly regarded for its spacious rooms and comfortable facilities, offering a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all members of the family.
You can also take personal flotation equipment on rent here, especially for infants and children is designed. This eliminates the need for you to pack extra floaties, allowing them to travel with less hassle and more convenience.
2. Boulder Reservoir, Boulder
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Boulder Reservoir is a highly recommended beach destination. The reservoir offers a wide and spacious beach area where you can indulge in swimming while being surrounded by breathtaking views of the Colorado Mountains. It is regarded as the safest beach in Colorado There is a lifeguard station and a roped-off swimming area.
The water is shallow and free of small rocks, making it an ideal spot for families with young children. In fact, to ensure added safety, children under the age of twelve must pass a swim test to access deeper areas beyond the introductory section. Your Family can enjoy water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.
One can enjoy and even participate in yoga classes held on the water. For those looking to hone their skills or try something new, private lessons are available on the beach. Visitors can take advantage of these lessons to learn how to paddle or use a stand-up paddleboard, adding an extra element of adventure and excitement to their beach experience.
Boulder Reservoir is an amalgamation of natural beauty, safety measures, and activities. The range of offers makes this an exceptional destination in Colorado for individuals and families seeking a fun and memorable time by the water.
3. Medano Creek Beach, Alamosa
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Medano Creek Beach is one of the best family beaches in Colorado, offering a range of activities suitable for all ages. The main attraction of this beach is its large sand dunes, some of the largest in North America. This feature unleashes an endless opportunities for fun and adventure.
Teens can engage in exciting water activities such as surfing, skimboarding, wading, or tubing in the fresh waters of Medano Creek. These activities are sure to keep them entertained and give them an adrenaline rush. For little ones, the beach is a sand play paradise. They can build sand castles, explore giant sand dunes, and splash in the shallow waters of bays.
The combination of sand and water is perfect for letting their imagination and creativity take flight. To make the most of your family vacation, it is recommended to visit Medano Creek Beach from late May to early June.
During this time, the weather is usually pleasant, and the ow of water in the creek is brisk. The increased water ow enhances the experience of water activities, making them more enjoyable for all.
4. Rock Canyon Swim Beach, Pueblo
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If you’re looking for the best family beaches in Colorado, Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park is a top recommendation. This beach provides a perfect escape from your day-to-day life, presenting a serene and natural environment to enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
The beach boasts a soft sandy shoreline, which allows you to enjoy sunbathing. , invites you to build sand castles and just relax. Pueblo Lake’s cool water is refreshing and cool enough for swimming and water activities. The beach has convenient amenities like picnic pavilions and grills, so you can prepare and enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
To enhance your family beach vacation, Lake Pueblo State Park Beach Beyond is a range of exciting activities. You can go on adventures like rafting, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and water skiing, ensuring endless water fun. And the park has great opportunities to try horseback riding, hiking through the scenic trails, and even archery.
5. Steamboat Lake State Park Beach, Clark
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Steamboat Lake State Park Beach is a hidden treasure in Colorado, able to offer visitors a unique beach experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Located near the peak of Han, the beach is blessed with breathtaking views of the peak and the lush greenery that surrounds it.
Whether you choose to swim peacefully in the crystal-clear waters or relax on the sandy shore, you’ll be immersed in the tranquility of the picturesque surroundings. The beach also has an active marina, making it an ideal destination for adventurous families.
From water skiing and jet skiing to wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and fishing, there’s no shortage of thrilling activities to enjoy. It is important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so a close eye on young swimmers is necessary to ensure their safety in the pristine waters.
6. Grand Lake Beach, Grand Lake
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Grand Lake Beach Located on the largest and deepest lake in Colorado, this beach is a combination of stunning natural beauty and family-friendly amenities. The soft golden sand is perfect for building sand castles, and shallow water with calm waves for kids Makes splashing around and swimming safe and enjoyable. Parents can rest easy knowing that their kids can have fun in a safe environment.
One of the highlights of Grand Lake Beach is the nearby boardwalk, offering a peaceful and natural stroll for the whole family to enjoy. This is a great opportunity to soak in the beautiful landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and enjoy quality time together. For those looking to add some adventure to their beach day, the marina at Grand Lake Beach offers various water equipment rentals.
Families can rent paddleboards, motorized vehicles, or fishing gear to explore the waters and make lasting memories. To make the experience even more enjoyable, there are ice cream vendors on the shore, providing refreshments on hot summer days. are a delicious treat to indulge in.
The town has many shops selling a wide range of local items including souvenirs, antiques, and clothing. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby where you can enjoy delicious food that your whole family will appreciate.
7. Jackson Lake State Park Beach, Orchard
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Jackson Lake State Park Beach is a spectacular beach, and the perfect destination for beach lovers looking for a quiet oasis. This remarkable beach has earned recognition as one of the top park beaches in the United States, earning a spot on Reserve America’s prestigious “Top 15 Park Beaches” list.
The beach is equipped with convenient amenities, including on-site showers and restrooms, to meet the needs of all visitors, especially those with young children. Picnic areas are available so that you can enjoy your packed food while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Fire pits are provided, which are an opportunity for memorable bonfire nights under the starry sky. One of the standout features of this beach is its soft sand and sandy bottom water.
This aspect makes Jackson Lake State Park Beach particularly suitable for families with small children, as the absence of small pebbles and rocks reduces the risk of accidental injuries while walking or playing in the water. Its popularity and high influx of tourists It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially if you plan to camp with your family or friends during the summer.
By calling in advance and obtaining a reservation, you can ensure that you have a spot at this desirable beach, allowing you to fully enjoy its natural beauty and family-friendly amenities.
8. Cherry Creek State Park Beach, Aurora
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Cherry Creek State Park Beach in Aurora is one of the best beaches in Colorado. This hidden gem offers a calm and peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has a vast coastline and sparkling water, giving you ample space to spread out and relax.
Whether you prefer to relax in the sun while listening to music or get lost in a captivating novel, Cherry Creek State Park Beach creates the perfect backdrop for relaxation. Families will find this beach particularly appealing, as it is a safe and enjoyable environment for children.
There is shallow water for the little ones to splash and play in, and nearby playgrounds are additional entertainment options. Renting a boat and going on a scenic cruise comes highly recommended.
Exploring the waters around Cherry Creek State Park Beach allows you to soak in the breathtaking views while enjoying the company of your loved ones. Feel the cool breeze on your face as you navigate the calm and serene waters, creating unforgettable memories.
9. Chatfield State Park Beach, Littleton
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Chatfield State Park Beach boasts a picturesque setting with its long shoreline, surrounded by towering trees and beautiful mountain views. The crystal-clear waters are an inviting location for a variety of water activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, water skiing, canoeing, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Along with its stunning natural beauty are nearby concessions where you can enjoy delicious, readily available food. can enjoy. Families with young children can take advantage of the playgrounds, ensuring entertainment for the little ones. The convenience of a nearby parking lot simplifies the unloading process, while the presence of restrooms and showers allows for easy cleanup and respite.
For those looking to enjoy a scenic picnic or barbecue, picnic tables add to the overall beach experience and provide a grill. It is important to note that the beach can get quite busy during the summer months. To enjoy the peace to the fullest and secure the best spots, it is advised to come earlier in the day when the atmosphere is more peaceful and calm.
10. Dillon Reservoir Beach, Frisco
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Dillon Reservoir’s expansive sandy beach is a must-see destination for beach lovers in Colorado. With its recent expansion, the beach is now one of the best family beaches in Colorado for a more spacious and relaxing experience for its guests. Whether you are into sail boating, kayaking, row boating, windsurfing, fishing, or canoeing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
These activities are the best option to bond with your loved ones and create lasting memories For the best experience, we recommend visiting the beach between early June and mid-September when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities It happens.
Additionally, the nearby marina offers guided boat tours, adding an extra layer of excitement and adventure to your family outing. With its breathtaking mountain landscape as a backdrop, you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the cool waters, and Don’t miss your chance to create unforgettable memories with your tribe in this picturesque setting.