In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is not typically associated with beach life.
However, Coloradans don’t let their landlocked geography stop them from enjoying some beach-style relaxation.
Near Denver, several locations have carved out their niches as premier beach spots.
Boulder Reservoir, about 30 minutes outside Denver, is a popular destination for swimmers, sunbathers, and boaters.
With a sandy beach and picnic spots, it’s a family-friendly location perfect for a day trip.
Chatfield State Park, just south of Denver, also offers a sandy beach area along with a variety of water sports.
In addition to swimming, the park’s reservoir allows for sailing, fishing, and even paddleboarding.
Cherry Creek State Park, located in the Denver suburb of Aurora, is home to another local beach favorite.
This park offers visitors a sandy beach and swimming area set against a beautiful backdrop of prairie and wetland ecosystems.
For a more secluded beach experience, head to Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins.
This spot is perfect for those who want to combine a beach trip with hiking or mountain biking.
Though you won’t find ocean waves near Denver, these local favorites provide plenty of opportunities for a beach day – mountain style.
1. Chatfield State Park Beach
- Distance from Denver: 20 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, boating, picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping
- Amenities: boat launch, picnic pavilions, restrooms, showers, trails
As Denver’s most sought-after beach and arguably Colorado’s finest, Chatfield State Park’s Swimbeach serves as a seasonal haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the beach invites visitors to partake in a myriad of water-related activities from sunrise to sunset.
While swimming restrictions are in place near the marina and boat docks, ample space is available for guests to indulge in kayaking, paddleboarding, or an invigorating swim.
Offering more than a sandy shoreline, this expansive beach provides large, open areas, perfect for a variety of recreational activities.
Despite its lack of natural shade, visitors are welcome to bring their own sun protection, ensuring a safe, sun-kissed day.
With the bonus of convenient parking and nearby concessions, Chatfield State Park’s beach is the ultimate weekend destination.
2. Cherry Creek State Park Beach
- Distance from Denver: 15 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, boating, picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping
- Amenities: boat launch, picnic pavilions, restrooms, showers, trails
Cherry Creek State Park houses a hidden oasis, a sandy beach offering a seasonal escape for water enthusiasts within Denver’s city limits.
With a swimming area clearly marked off for safety, visitors can dive into the refreshing waters under the warm summer sun.
On the periphery, bathhouses provide convenience, ensuring comfort during day-long trips.
The beach serves as a picturesque backdrop for witnessing boats gracefully maneuver across the lake, a spectacle best enjoyed while children build sandcastles nearby.
The beach discourages the presence of glass, charcoal grills, and pets, preserving its cleanliness.
Visitors can participate in a variety of water sports or simply bask in the sun, immersing themselves in the serene atmosphere that Cherry Creek’s beach provides.
3. Soda Lake Beach
- Distance from Denver: 17 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping, volleyball
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, trails, picnic spots, rentals, volleyball nets
Tucked within Bear Creek Lake Park, Soda Lake Beach on Big Soda Lake brims with recreational possibilities.
Available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the beach offers daily fun from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Swimming is a prime activity, with the lake being a no-motor zone, ensuring safety for families and paddlers alike.
Its shores offer more than just a place to dip toes, boasting picnic sites, a playground, and two sand volleyball courts.
Watersport enthusiasts can take advantage of paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, with life vests freely available for all children.
Propane grills are welcome for those wishing to cook up a beachside feast, but personal charcoal grills are to be left at home.
Welcoming and well-maintained, Soda Lake Beach offers a budget-friendly getaway with a flat rate for vehicles, making it an ideal choice for group outings.
4. Confluence Park
- Distance from Denver: 1 mile
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, picnicking, hiking
- Amenities: restrooms, trails, picnic spots
In the heart of Denver, where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River converge, lies the urban oasis of Confluence Park.
This scenic gem is not just a park; it’s a hub of recreational activities.
From biking and hiking on its riverside trails, to fishing in the South Platte River, Confluence Park caters to both the tranquil and adventurous.
The small but dynamic beach area allows visitors to sunbathe, swim, or simply enjoy the panoramic city views.
The park’s waters are a haven for kayakers and tubers, braving the custom-designed chutes.
Nearby, the Denver Skate Park adds to the variety of available activities.
With picnic tables dotting the riverside, Confluence Park offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, right in downtown Denver.
5. Aurora Reservoir Beach
- Distance from Denver: 31 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, fishing, hiking, volleyball
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, trails, picnic spots, rentals, volleyball nets
Another popular option near Denver, Aurora Reservoir Beach serves as a bustling hub of activity from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Patrons can dive into the fun within a clearly marked swim line, ensuring safety for swimmers of all levels.
Lifeguards patrol the area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during peak season, offering an extra layer of security.
The beach’s no-grill policy helps maintain cleanliness, while the reservoir’s no-motorboat rule ensures serene waters.
The area also extends its recreational reach beyond swimming, offering visitors ample space for picnics, sunbathing, and hiking.
Amenities such as a concession stand, restrooms, and beach volleyball, along with a nearby play area, promise a diverse day of fun.
Additionally, the reservoir offers an open water swimming area within its SCUBA diving zone, which makes it a remarkable choice for water sports enthusiasts near Denver.
Paddlecraft rentals are available.
6. Boulder Reservoir Beach
- Distance from Denver: 33 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, fishing, hiking, volleyball
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, trails, picnic spots, rentals, volleyball nets, cafe, floating docks
The Boulder Reservoir offers a vast, multi-functional 700-acre facility, becoming a go-to summer hotspot.
Open daily, the beach is home to one of the state’s largest swimming areas, with a lifeguard ensuring safety from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It caters to all swimming levels, from a shallow section for youngsters or novice swimmers to three floating platforms for the more adventurous.
Notably, children under 13 are required to pass a swim test to access the deeper waters, reflecting a strong commitment to safety.
Visitors can also bask in the sun, kayak, and paddleboard, all while admiring the mountainous backdrop, a distinctive offering of the Boulder Reservoir.
The amenities extend to indoor bathrooms, lockers, and a cafe, creating a comprehensive recreational hub near Denver.
7. Union Reservoir Beach
- Distance from Denver: 37 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, fishing, hiking, volleyball
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, trails, picnic spots, rentals, volleyball nets
Union Reservoir, near Longmont, offers its 736 surface acres for unlimited summertime fun.
Its sandy beaches, staffed by vigilant lifeguards, serve as a communal hub for sun-seekers.
An array of amenities, such as a sand volleyball court, picnic shelter, and playground, provides further entertainment.
Unique to Union Reservoir is its well-defined Open Water Swim policy, allowing swimmers beyond the beach during specific hours, ensuring their safety under the watchful eyes of lifeguards.
Notably, this reservoir embraces canine companions with its designated off-leash Dog Beach, where pets can freely swim.
This calm, motor-free reservoir also invites visitors for paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing.
From safety-focused swimming to dog-friendly spaces, Union Reservoir, a stone’s throw from Denver, is a recreational haven.
8. Horsetooth Reservoir Beach
- Distance from Denver: 69 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, fishing, hiking, boating, camping
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, trails, picnic spots, rentals, boat ramps
Minutes from Fort Collins and 69 miles from Denver, the pristine beach at Horsetooth Reservoir unveils a multi-faceted outdoor oasis.
Named after a unique rock formation, Horsetooth’s waters present a plethora of activities, offering enthusiasts a taste of boating, fishing, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding, among others.
The designated beach area is buoyed off, offering protection from boaters and paddlers.
Alongside the clear waters, the area boasts miles of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Bouldering enthusiasts will find Rotary Park on the reservoir’s east side a haven.
Managed by Larimer County Natural Areas, the locale also offers RV spots, campsites, and cabins.
For those preferring comfort, condos and bed & breakfast options are at hand.
The local marina and “What’s SUP” ensure equipment rentals are a breeze.
A mere hour and a half from Denver, Horsetooth Reservoir offers a smorgasbord of activities against an unforgettable backdrop.
9. Lake Loveland Swim Beach
- Distance from Denver: 55 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, fishing, hiking
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, trails, picnic spots, rentals
Nestled in North Lake Park in Loveland, the Lake Loveland Swim Beach offers a unique, free-entry summertime experience.
Open daily, weather permitting, from early June through Labor Day, the sandy beach is a hit among the locals.
Maintained by the Loveland Parks & Recreation Department, the beach ensures safety and regulations, with dedicated areas for public swimming marked by buoys.
Despite its modest size, visitors appreciate its cleanliness and sandy nature.
With lifeguards on duty and a well-kept park area, this spot delivers a secure and pleasant outdoor experience.
Situated in picturesque Loveland, the beach is a great place for a day out under the Colorado sun.
10. Boyd Lake State Park
- Distance from Denver: 54 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, fishing, hiking, boating, camping
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, trails, picnic spots, rentals, boat ramps, campgrounds
Boyd Lake State Park, at the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, is a gem for water enthusiasts.
The park’s Swim Beach is particularly popular, offering a cool escape from the state’s summer heat.
The beach is equipped with amenities like rinsing showers, restrooms, a playground, and picnic tables.
An on-site snack bar ensures visitors can easily access food and other essentials.
Open-water swimming across the lake is permitted for adults, as long as certain safety guidelines are followed.
The well-maintained grounds, coupled with the park’s dog-friendly status, make it an ideal spot for family outings.
A dedicated picnic area under the trees adds to the allure of the beach.
With quick access from Denver, it’s an easy choice for a quick getaway, whether you’re up for a swim, a picnic, or simply soaking in the Colorado sun.
11. Grand Lake Beach
- Distance from Denver: 100 miles
- Activities: swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, fishing, hiking
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, floating dock
Residing at a soaring 8,367 feet, Grand Lake Beach, nestled within Grand Lake Town Park, delivers a slice of high-altitude fun in the heart of Colorado.
This quaint, sandy public beach is a gateway to Colorado’s largest natural body of water.
Visitors revel in the scenic backdrop of the Rockies while engaging in diverse activities, from stand-up paddleboarding to boating.
The cool waters provide respite from the sun’s intensity, inviting both kids and intrepid adults for a dip.
The beach, while unguarded, is an epicenter of family fun.
Complete with public facilities such as restrooms, parking, and benches, the park extends along the lake’s waterfront, offering free access to breathtaking views and recreational opportunities.
A must-visit when traversing Colorado, Grand Lake Beach embodies a vibrant blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
