Pennsylvania stretches from the Delaware River to the Ohio border, encompassing historic Philadelphia, dynamic Pittsburgh, the scenic Pocono Mountains, the rolling Amish farmlands of Lancaster County, and some of the most important Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields in the United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies, home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Gettysburg National Military Park.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Pennsylvania.
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- Lifeguard (summer only)
- Restrooms
- Changing rooms
- Snack bar
- Picnic areas
- Volleyball
Presque Isle State Park — Beach 6
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- Lifeguard (summer only)
- Restrooms
- Shade shelters
- Picnic tables
Presque Isle State Park — Beach 11
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- Lifeguard (summer)
- Restrooms
- Boat launch
- Picnic area
- Fishing
Tobyhanna State Park Beach
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- Lifeguard (summer)
- Restrooms
- Boat rentals ($15–$25 USD/hr)
- Camping
- Hiking trails
Promised Land State Park Beach
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- Lifeguard (summer)
- Restrooms
- Boat launch
- Picnic pavilions
- Fishing
- Mountain bike trails
Nockamixon State Park Beach
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- Boat rentals
- Fishing
- Picnic areas
- Nearby restaurants and marinas
Lake Wallenpaupack Beach
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.