Best Summer Beach Destinations in Durham, North Carolina, United States
1. Falls Lake
A beautiful lake with sandy beaches perfect for summer activities like swimming and boating.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery, providing a serene and picturesque setting.
- Recreational Activities: Offers various activities like fishing, picnicking, and hiking in addition to beach fun.
- Water Sports: Ideal for water sports enthusiasts with facilities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
2. Lake Michie Beach
A peaceful beach located within a scenic park, perfect for family outings.
- Family-Friendly: Well-maintained facilities and shallow waters making it safe for children.
- Nature Trails: Surrounded by nature trails, offering opportunities for exploration and adventure.
- Picnic Facilities: Equipped with picnic areas for a relaxing lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings.
3. Lake Crabtree County Park
A popular spot with a sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
- Water Sports Hub: Offers sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding woodlands from the beach.
- Campgrounds: Features campgrounds for those wanting to extend their stay.
4. Ebukusu Beach at Jordan Lake
A secluded beach with calm waters, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
- Serenity: Quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxation and unwinding.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Adjacent to the beautiful Ebukusu Nature Preserve with hiking trails.
- Watersports Rentals: Offers kayak and paddleboat rentals for exploring the lake.
5. Shearon Harris Beach Lake
A large beach on a lake with plenty of space for games and activities.
- Spaciousness: Offers ample room for picnicking, volleyball, and other group activities.
- Fishing Pier: Features a fishing pier for anglers to enjoy.
- Nature Watching: Provides opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
6. Rougemont Beach at Falls Reservoir
A quiet beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Clear Waters: Offers clean, clear waters for a refreshing swim.
- Scenic Drive: Located along a picturesque route through rolling hills and farmland.
- Picnic Shelters: Provides picnic shelters for a comfortable lunch break.
7. Horse Pen Creek Park Beach
A small beach within a park with easy access to facilities and amenities.
- Easy Access: Located near parking, restrooms, and other park amenities.
- Playground: Features a playground for children to enjoy.
- Sports Fields: Surrounded by sports fields, ideal for group games and activities.
8. Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
A natural area with a sandy beach along the Neuse River.
- Natural Setting: Surrounded by forests and wildlife, offering a unique and serene environment.
- River Access: Provides access to the Neuse River for kayaking and canoeing.
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails offering opportunities for exploration.
9. Richland Creek Park Beach
A family-friendly beach with a playground and picnic areas.
- Family-Friendly: Equipped with playgrounds, picnic areas, and shallow waters.
- Picnic Shelters: Provides picnic shelters for a comfortable meal break.
- Fishing Pier: Features a fishing pier for anglers to enjoy.
10. White Oak Swamp Park Beach
A peaceful beach located within a swamp park, perfect for birdwatching.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to various bird species, making it ideal for birdwatchers.
- Nature Trails: Surrounded by nature trails, offering opportunities for exploration.
- Picnic Facilities: Equipped with picnic areas for a relaxing lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings.
11. West Point on the Eno Beach
A scenic beach along the Eno River with easy access to hiking trails.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Eno River and surrounding woodlands.
- Hiking Trails: Surrounded by hiking trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty.
- Canoe Launch: Features a canoe launch for paddling on the Eno River.
12. Seven Springs Beach at Belews Lake
A large beach with plenty of space for games and activities.
- Spaciousness: Offers ample room for picnicking, volleyball, and other group activities.
- Water Sports Hub: Ideal for water sports enthusiasts with facilities for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
- Scenic Drive: Located along a picturesque route through rolling hills and farmland.
13. Sawmill Creek Beach at Hyco Lake
A secluded beach with calm waters, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
- Serenity: Quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxation and unwinding.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding woodlands from the beach.
- Campgrounds: Features campgrounds for those wanting to extend their stay.
14. Mayo Beach at Mayo Lake
A popular spot with a sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
- Water Sports Hub: Offers sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding woodlands from the beach.
- Campgrounds: Features campgrounds for those wanting to extend their stay.
15. Eno River State Park Beach
A small beach within a park with easy access to facilities and amenities.
- Easy Access: Located near parking, restrooms, and other park amenities.
- Hiking Trails: Surrounded by hiking trails, offering opportunities for exploration.
- Canoe Launch: Features a canoe launch for paddling on the Eno River.