Going to a beach in Dubuque, IA can be made into a fun-filled adventure and has many benefits for you and your loved ones. Spending time swimming, grilling on the beach, throwing the frisbee, having a picnic, going on walks, or just getting a tan, beaches are a source to many different amazing activities.
Finding a great swimming beach in Dubuque with lots of area for beach activities is easy. If you need some assistance with finding a great beach in your area, you can locate one using our collection. Get started, by entering a zip code using the following search box below.
Dubuque Beaches
Prior to going to a beach in Dubuque, IA or the surrounding area, check on Google to be sure that the beach is open to the greater public. You shouldn’t be surprised if a beach you plan to go to is closed due to the time you get there, being closed on certain days, or the season.
The beach may be periodically shut down due to water quality problems caused by temporary occurances such as elevated bacteria levels, pollution, or algal blooms. Review the beach’s website before you leave for the beach for updates on water quality.
Dubuque, IA Beach Rules
While different beaches in Dubuque will use unique rules on how to use their beach, you should expect to follow the following rules for every beach in Dubuque that you go to.
- You should always assume you’re entering the water at your own risk, even if there’s a lifeguard nearby.
- Check online for guidance on fires on the beach as they may be illegal or you have to adhere to strict guidelines.
- Don’t forget, if you take something to the beach, you are required to not leave anything behind.
- Only go to the beach when it is open.
- Do not bring alcohol to the beach.
- Bottles made from glass can easily break, so don’t take glass bottles to the beach.
Dubuque Beach Checklist
- Only swim in the designated swimming region. If there is a ropped off swim region it is likely unsafe to venture beyond the region. The area may have sharp objects under the water, be reserved for boaters, or is unsupervised by lifeguards.
- Avoid crowded times. Arriving at your Dubuque beach early is the best way of avoiding crowds.
- Get out the sun. If you suspect that locating shade may be hard to come by, or if you suspect that there may not be many shady spots 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 equipment that provides enough airflow.
- Research the bathroom situation. Restroom details are likely the last thing on your mind before you plan your beach trip. However no one wishes to be caught in a spot where you have to go to the restroom fast but you can’t find one nearby. If you’re unable to find restroom information on the website of the beach, you should plan on the fact that a public bathroom or facility isn’t open. Make sure you use the bathroom before driving to the beach.
- Is there a lifeguard on duty? Many frequently visited Dubuque beaches will have a lifeguard around, however you shouldn’t depend on a lifeguard being in attendance. If you have yourself, little children or others that you will be swimming with, it is a great idea to bring correctly fitted PFDs for anoyone that need them, and also know that you’re swimming at your own risk.
- Store items in a mesh bag. It may be simple to use a purse, grocery bag, or waterproof travel bag to stash beach necessities like towels, shovels, flotation devices, and spare clothes. However, these bags trap water from leaving, leading to mildew problems and keeping beach essentials from airing out.
- Bring plenty of layers. It’s common knowledge that the temperature in Dubuque often changes without warning. This is particularly important if you are wanting to go swimming, so bring extra warm items such as sweatshirts, towels, windbreakers, and shirts.
- Sunscreen is critical. Nothing is worse than a sun burn, so remember to bring your sunscreen. Ask someone else to apply sunscreen with the hard to reach locations.
