State College Beaches

There are plenty of excellent reasons to locate a beach in your area. Whether you plan to go splashing in the waves, grilling on the beach, playing volleyball, having a picnic, going on walks, or simply soaking up the sun, beaches are a host to many different exciting activities.

Finding the perfect swimming beach in State College with lots of room for beach activities is easy. Below is a collection to help you search for a beach close to State College. Get started, by entering your zip code in the displayed search box above the table.

State College Beaches

Beaches may be temporarily closed because of water quality issues caused by temporary occurances such as E. Coli outbreaks, stormfall runoff, or algal blooms. Check the website of the beach before leaving for the beach for updates on water quality.

Before heading out to a beach in State College, PA or a nearby place, verify online to make sure that the beach is free to the greater public. Frequently beaches will only stay open for specific times of the year or during certain times throughout the day.

Rules of the Beach

While each beach in State College may use different rules for attending their beach, be prepared to follow the following rules for any beach in State College that you go to.

  • Check online for guidance on beach fires as they may be illegal or you must follow specific fire rules.
  • Any container consisting of glass are prohibited on beaches.
  • Most beaches in State College have a curfew with the exception for specific dates.
  • You should always understand you’re swimming at your own risk, even if there is a lifeguard on duty.
  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If they tell you to stop doing something, then you have to follow through.
  • Remember, if you bring something to the beach, you’re required to not leave anything behind.

State College Beach Tips

  1. Will there be a lifeguard? Many sizeable beaches in State College will have a lifeguard around, however you shouldn’t assume that a lifeguard being at the beach. If you have yourself, little kids or anyone else that you bringing to the beach, it is a good idea to bring properly fitted life vests for anoyone who need them, and also know that you are entering the water at your own risk.
  2. Keep the bugs away. If you plan on going to the beach in the morning or the evening, there’s a decent chance that mosquitos, biting flies, fleas and other annoying bugs could ruin your experience at the beach.
  3. Avoid crowded times. It can be challenging to find parking at many beaches in State College. Arriving early can help you find a nearby spot to park your car and a great spot on the beach.
  4. Avoid Littering. Don’t contribute to the issue of litter on the beach. If you take things to the beach, you are required clean up not leave anything behind. Make sure to throw away your litter in a designated waste or recycling can.
  5. Always stay in the specified swimming space. If there is a ropped off swim area it is probably unsafe to venture outside of the space. The area may have dangerous objects under the water, be assigned to watercraft, or is unsupervised by a lifeguard.
  6. Get out the sun. If you suspect that locating shade may be hard to come by, or if you know that there likely will not be many shady areas at the beach, pack your own shade! Bring a beach umbrella, pop up tent, or some sort of equipment that blocks sunlight. Be sure that you use something that has great airflow.
  7. Know if there are porta-potties. Restroom details are likely the least of your worries before you plan your beach trip. However nobody wishes to be caught in a spot where you gotta go to the bathroom fast but there isn’t one available. If you cannot locate restroom information on the website of the beach, you can plan on the fact that a public restroom or porta potty isn’t open. Make sure you use the bathroom prior to leaving for the beach.