Best Summer Beach Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

1. River's Edge Park

A city park along the Des Moines River with a sandy beach area perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Urban Oasis: Located within Des Moines, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists.
Water Activities: Offers kayak rentals and boat tours, adding to the beach experience.
Family-Friendly: Has a playground and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for family outings.

A small beach area within Merle Hay Park offering a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the lake.

Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, providing a serene environment.
Fishing Dock: Includes a fishing dock for those who enjoy casting a line.
Bike Trails: Connected to a network of bike trails, making it easy to explore the area.

A historic park with a sandy beach at Lake Prairie, offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Historic Attraction: Features an antique village with buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Camping Opportunities: Offers camping spots for an extended stay in the park.
Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to see deer, turkey, and other Iowa wildlife.

A large reservoir with multiple beaches offering recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Water Sports: Supports water sports like jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing.
Campgrounds: Has campgrounds for overnight stays near the lake.
Scenic Viewpoints: Offers scenic overlooks for photography and nature appreciation.

A unique beach area along the Des Moines River with rock formations and a sandy swimming beach.

Geological Interest: Features red rock formations, making it a geologist's dream.
River Viewing: Provides an excellent view of the Des Moines River and its wildlife.
Trails for Exploring: Has trails leading to different parts of the park for exploration.

A smaller beach area along the Raccoon River offering swimming and picnicking opportunities.

Local Charm: Located in a historic neighborhood, adding to its character.
Picnic Shelters: Has picnic shelters available for rent.
Bike Rental: Offers bike rental services nearby, making it easy to explore the area.

A city pool with a sandy beach-like entry and water slides, perfect for family fun.

Water Fun: Includes a lazy river and diving boards in addition to the sandy beach.
Swim Lessons: Offers swim lessons for all ages and abilities.
Concessions: Has a concession stand selling snacks and drinks.

A large state park with Lake Ahquabi offering swimming, fishing, boating, and camping.

Camping Adventure: Has campsites with electric hookups for overnight stays.
Boat Ramp: Includes a boat ramp for easy lake access.
Trails for Hiking: Has hiking trails for exploring the park's natural beauty.

A city pool with a sandy beach-like entry and water slides, perfect for family fun.

A city park with a small beach area along Pleasant Creek, perfect for swimming and picnicking.

A small beach area along the Des Moines River offering swimming and picnicking opportunities.

River Viewing: Provides an excellent view of the Des Moines River and its wildlife.
Picnic Shelters: Has picnic shelters available for rent.
Pet-Friendly: Allows well-behaved dogs on leashes.

A small beach area along Big Creek offering swimming and picnicking opportunities.

Natural Beauty: Features tall trees, providing shade during the hot summer days.
Picnic Shelters: Has picnic shelters available for rent.
Playground: Includes a playground for kids to enjoy.

An urban beach with an ice-skating rink transforming into a sandy beach during summer.

Urban Oasis: Located within Des Moines, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists.
Ice Skating: In winter, the area becomes an ice-skating rink.
Food Trucks: Has food trucks nearby for delicious snacks and meals.

A small beach area along the Raccoon River offering swimming and picnicking opportunities.

A small beach area within the larger Waubonsie State Park offering swimming, fishing, and camping.