Heading out to a beach in Harrisburg, PA can result in a fantastic adventure and has plenty of benefits for you and your loved ones. Regardless of the activity – splashing in the waves, grilling on the beach, playing volleyball, flying a kite, fishing, or just getting a tan, beaches are a source to a wide range of fantastic activities.
Locating a great swimming beach in Harrisburg with lots of room for beach activities isn’t hard. If you need some assistance with searching for a beach in your area, start by finding one with our table below. Get started, by entering a zip code using the displayed search box below.
Harrisburg Beaches
Beaches may be temporarily shut down due to water quality issues caused by unexpected events like E. Coli outbreaks, pollution, or chemical spills. Check the website of the beach before you leave for the beach for more information.
Remember that the weather on the beach is usually different than in the city. Wind is usually colder and gusty when it is blowing off the water.
Harrisburg, PA Beach Rules
Whenever you visit any beach in Harrisburg, there are always guidelines that you should follow. Nearly every beach will list the following laws:
- Glass bottles can easily shatter, so don’t take bottles made of glass to beaches.
- Look for signs for guidance on fires on the beach because they may be not permitted or you have to follow strict fire rules.
- Even if a lifeguard is supervising the beach, know that you’re swimming at risk to yourself.
- Don’t drop garbage on the beach – Take with you what you bring with you.
- Never disobey a request from the lifeguard on duty. If the lifeguard tell you to stop doing something, then you must do it.
- Don’t swim beyond the swim region.
Harrisburg Beach Tips
- Get out the sun. If you suspect that finding shade could be tough, or if you suspect that there may not be many shady spots at the beach, pack your own shade! Use a beach umbrella, shaded beach tent, or some sort of equipment that provides shade. It’s best to use equipment that provides great airflow.
- Little ones could need life jackets. Staying safe should be your number one priority when going to the beach. Young kids or those who needs help with swimming should bring a Personal Flotation Device.
- Will there be a lifeguard? Most frequently visited beaches in Harrisburg staff a lifeguard around, however you should never assume that a lifeguard being at the beach. If you have yourself, little kids or anyone else that you bringing to the beach, it’s a good idea to take along correctly fitted Personal Floatation Devices for those who require them, and also know that you are swimming at your own risk.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen. Apply your sunscreen whenever you get to the beach. Also, sunscreen will expire eventually so look at the side of the bottle for when it expires.
- Bring spare towels. Clean towels are essential for a good beach experience. Make sure to bring at a minimum 2 towels for each person – the first for water purposes and the second as a backup.
- Prepare for cold weather. Even if you are anticipating warm weather in Harrisburg, it’s important to realize that the temperature in Harrisburg can change rather quickly. This is especially necessary if you are planning on going in the water, so pack extra warm clothes including a jacket, towels, windbreakers, and shoes.
- Avoid crowded times. Beaches in Harrisburg can be busy, especially on weekends in the summer. Be sure to arrive at the beach before noon if possible.
- Don’t swim beyond the roped off swim space. If there is a designated swimming region it is likely unsafe to venture outside of the region. There could be dangerous objects under the water, be assigned to boaters, or is unmonitored by a lifeguard.