South Bend Beaches

Heading out to a beach in South Bend, IN can turn into a fantastic adventure and has plenty of benefits for yourself and your family. Regardless of the activity – splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, playing volleyball, flying a kite, going on walks, or just catching some rays, beaches are a host for a wide range of fun activities.

Locating a beautiful swimming beach in South Bend with lots of room for activities on the beach isn’t too difficult. If you need some guidance with finding a beach in your area, start by finding one using our table below. Get started, by entering a zip code using the displayed search box above the table.

South Bend Beaches

Before going to a beach in South Bend, IN or the surrounding region, check online to be sure that it is open to the greater public. You should not be surprised if the beach you plan to go to is not open due to their daily hours, closing on certain days, or closing during the winter.

Keep in mind that the weather on the beach is quite different than in the city. Wind is usually stronger and unpredictible when it is blowing off the water.

South Bend, IN Beach Rules

Whenever you go to beaches in South Bend, there are always rules that you must follow. Just about all beaches will list the following rules:

  • Do not drop trash on the ground – Take with you what you pack in.
  • Alcohol may not be permitted.
  • You must swim inside the permitted regions for beach goers.
  • Even if a lifeguard is nearby, know that you’re entering the water at your own risk.
  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If the lifeguard tell you to stop doing something, then you must do it.
  • Look for signs for guidance on beach fires as they could be illegal or you have to adhere to strict fire rules.

South Bend Beach Tips

  1. Keep the insects away. If you plan on going to the beach early in the day or late in the day, you’ll find mosquitos, sand flies, beach hoppers and other nuisance insects could be an issue.
  2. Bring plenty of towels. Remember to take many dry towels prior to leaving for the beach. when visiting beach on the ocean or a large body of water that sees rip tides. Pay attention to the indicators and learn how to escape if you’re stuck in a rip tide.
  3. Prepare for cold weather. Even if you are anticipating a warm day in South Bend, it’s important to realize that the weather in South Bend can change rather quickly. It is particularly necessary if you are wanting to go in the water, so bring enough warm clothes like sweaters, blankets, windbreakers, and shirts.
  4. Know that there are porta-potties. Bathroom information could be the least of your concerns before you plan out your beach visit. But you don’t want to be caught in a spot when you have to find a bathroom immediately but you can’t find one open. If you cannot find bathroom information on the beach’s website, then you should plan on the fact that a public restroom or porta potty is not open. Try to go to the bathroom prior to heading to the beach.
  5. Always stay in the designated swim space. If there is a specified swim region it is likely unsafe to swim outside of the area. There could be dangerous objects under the water, be reserved for watercraft, or is not supervised by a lifeguard.
  6. Dispose of Garbage. There’s nothing as bad go to a dirty beach. If you take stuff to the beach, you are expected clean up after yourself. Make sure that you toss out your litter in a designated waste or recycling receptacles.
  7. Grab some shade. If you think that finding a shady area could be tough, or if you know that there may not be many shady areas at the beach, bring your own shade! Bring a beach umbrella, pop up tent, or similar equipment that provides shade. Be sure that you use something that provides great air-flow.