As much as we love living in Springfield, it can be frustrating living in a landlocked area. If you love the water as much as we do, then it can be hard living in an area where you can’t quickly pop down to the beach for a dip.
Our best option is to take a beach vacation outside of Springfield, and many people might be surprised to learn that Springfield is actually quite accessible to a number of beachside locations - you just have to know where they are.
Beach vacations are our favorite type of vacation - they’re relaxing, fun, and involve activities that the whole family can participate in. The ability to easily access a beach from the city center only adds to the appeal of living in Springfield and makes us so grateful to call this city our home.
The only issue is that these beaches are rather unknown and underrated spots, which means people do not realize how easy it is to access the water from Springfield. To help you figure out where your next vacation might be, we have compiled a list of the best beach escapes close to Springfield. All the options on this list aren’t more than a few hour's drive from the city center, offering you an easy way to take a beach vacation.
Let’s get into it!
Located just an hour north of Springfield’s city center is Stockton Beach. This serene slice of paradise is the perfect escape from the city but is close enough that you can easily make a day trip out of it.
The beach is actually part of the Stockton State Park, so it is well maintained, making it safe and perfect for families. The lake features two boat launches, as well as a designated swimming beach, so whether you want to scuba dive, swim, or sail in the crystal clear waters, you can.
The amenities at this beach are also fantastic and include toilets, picnic areas, and even campsites if you want to extend your stay. You can also spend the day exploring the surrounding Stockton State Park area, which is packed with hiking and cycling trails.
This is an outdoor lover’s paradise and is well worth a visit if you are looking to spend a day away from Springfield.
Image Source: Recreation.gov
Do you want to feel like you’re at the seaside without needing to leave the state? Less than an hour's drive from Springfield is Moonshine Beach, an expansive sandy beach that looks like it belongs on the California coast.
However, it is located on the shores of Table Rock Lake, making it one of the most popular beaches in the area. The placid waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, and are safe enough for even the youngest members of the family to enjoy a dip.
The amenities on site are also fantastic, and include a changing room which makes getting in and out of your swimsuit very easy. If you want to make a full vacation out of your beach trip, you could consider staying at the Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa, a four-star hotel that is located on the shores of the lake.
Plus, with the nearby Top of the Rocks Golf course just a short drive away, this beach truly has something for every member of the family!
If you’re looking for a quiet and secluded beach where you can truly escape the city, we recommend you check out Pittsburg Beach. While the beach may be named after a city in Pennsylvania, it is located only an hour north of Springfield near the Pomme de Terre state park.
The beach is a part of Pomme de Terre Lake, a serene and calm lake that is the perfect place to cool off in the summer. While the lake has several beaches along its shore, we love Pittsburg Beach as it tends to be slightly less busy during the extremely hot months.
The water is also relatively shallow, which means this is the ideal spot to bring children or those who are not confident in the water. Despite the secluded location, the beach still features useful amenities such as picnic areas and even restrooms.
This is the perfect spot to get away from it all and reconnect with nature without needing to travel too far.
Whether or not you pack the right things can make or break a beach trip. Forgetting essential items can drastically impact your enjoyment of the outing, so it is important that you put some thought into what to bring. Here are some of the essential items we think you need for a successful beach trip near Springfield, some of which you may not have thought to pack before
Springfield is accessible to so many wonderful beaches. Clean water, fresh air, and tons of amenities are the hallmark of the beaches in the area and make for wonderful escapes during the summertime. The best part is that despite Springfield being landlocked, it doesn’t take too much travel time to reach a beachside destination.
Whether you’re a visitor to the area, or a longstanding Springfield local, we highly recommend that you get out and explore these beaches. They offer a wonderful change of pace and scenery and Ozarks, allowing you to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation without needing to travel too far from home!
