Best Summer Beach Destinations in Minneapolis, United States

1. Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska)

A popular Minneapolis lake offering beautiful views and a sandy beach perfect for summer activities.

Scenic Views: Surrounded by lush greenery, providing stunning panoramic vistas.
Popular Activities: Offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and picnicking.
Easy Access: Located near the popular Calhoun-Isles neighborhood, offering easy transportation options.

A picturesque Minneapolis lake featuring a sandy beach and numerous amenities.

Variety of Amenities: Includes a bandshell for outdoor concerts, bike rentals, and a beautiful promenade.
Beautiful Scenery: Boasts an iconic bandstand, surrounded by tall trees and vibrant flowers.
Calm Waters: Known for its peaceful waters, making it ideal for families with young children.

A serene Minneapolis lake with a sandy beach and numerous recreational opportunities.

Quiet Environment: Offers a less crowded atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and peace.
Paddleboats & Canoes: Rent paddle boats or canoes to explore the lake at your own pace.
Golfing Opportunities: Adjacent golf course offers a great opportunity for golf enthusiasts.

A stunning waterfall and park featuring a sandy beach on the Minnesota River.

Nature Trails: Features miles of hiking trails through lush forests.
Historic Sites: Includes historic buildings and the Minnehaha Depot, a former railway station.
Seasonal Activities: Offers summer activities like swimming and picnicking, as well as winter ice skating.

A family-friendly Minneapolis lake with a sandy beach, playground, and picnic areas.

Family Fun: Features a water park, playground, and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
Sports Facilities: Offers soccer fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts nearby.
Concessions & Restrooms: Includes concession stands and restroom facilities for added convenience.

A peaceful beach located in the heart of the Twin Cities' park system.

Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a more laid-back, less crowded environment.
Fishing Opportunities: Stocked with fish for catch-and-release fishing.
Adjacent Playground: Features a playground nearby, perfect for families with young children.

A quiet beach on Lake of the Isles, offering stunning views and picnic areas.

Quiet Environment: Offers a less crowded atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and peace.
Picnic Areas: Features picnic areas with grills, ideal for a summer cookout.
Scenic Views: Boasts an iconic bandstand, surrounded by tall trees and vibrant flowers.

An indoor-outdoor pool complex offering a beach-like atmosphere in the summer.

Indoor-Outdoor Experience: Allows for swimming indoors when the weather is less favorable.
Slides & Water Features: Features water slides and other fun water features for kids.
Concession Stand: Includes a concession stand, perfect for grabbing a bite or drink.

A unique urban beach located in the heart of Minneapolis, featuring global cuisine and shopping.

Cultural Experience: Offers an opportunity to discover various global cultures through food and shopping.
Urban Setting: Located in a bustling urban environment, offering a lively atmosphere.
Food & Shopping Options: Features various food vendors and shops to explore.

A beautiful outdoor space featuring a sandy beach and world-renowned sculptures.

Artistic Experience: Showcases over 40 iconic sculptures by renowned artists.
Urban Setting: Located in the heart of Minneapolis, offering a lively atmosphere.
Rest Area: Features benches and rest areas for relaxation.

A unique beach located within a zoo and conservatory, offering a fun and educational experience.

Educational Experience: Allows visitors to learn about various animals and plants.
Zoo & Conservatory Access: Includes access to the Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
Fun-filled Activities: Offers a carousel, mini-golf, and playground for kids.

A unique urban beach located at the historic St. Anthony Falls, offering stunning views.

Historical Significance: Located at the iconic St. Anthony Falls, providing a historical experience.
Urban Setting: Located in the heart of Minneapolis, offering a lively atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions: Close proximity to Mill Ruins Park and other nearby attractions.

A peaceful beach located along the Mississippi River, offering scenic views and a serene atmosphere.

Scenic Views: Boasts stunning views of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline.
Peaceful Environment: Offers a less crowded atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and peace.
Nearby Trails: Adjacent to the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway bike trail.

A sandy beach located along the Mississippi River, offering a quiet retreat from city life.

Scenic Views: Boasts stunning views of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline.
Quiet Environment: Offers a less crowded atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and peace.
Nearby Trails: Adjacent to the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway bike trail.

A family-friendly beach located in Phalen Regional Park, offering a variety of amenities.

Family Fun: Features a water park, playground, and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
Sports Facilities: Offers soccer fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts nearby.
Concessions & Restrooms: Includes concession stands and restroom facilities for added convenience.