Best Beach City in Colorado

Grand Lake Town Beach is nestled in the scenic heart of Colorado, offering a picturesque retreat with its expansive shoreline set against a backdrop of lush landscapes. Known for its fine, golden sand, the beach serves as a haven for various activities including swimming, picnicking, and gentle strolls along the water's edge. It is a dog-friendly beach, making it an ideal location for families and pet owners alike. The beach is part of Grand Lake, Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake, which is surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park and offers a serene and breathtaking environment for relaxation and recreation.
The area is rich in cultural heritage, having been a special place for Native tribes like the Ute and Arapaho. Visitors can enjoy a blend of mountain and beach experiences, with amenities such as restrooms and parking available. However, it lacks specific accommodations for people with disabilities.
The beach is a popular spot during summer for swimming and water activities, while in winter, it transforms into a hub for ice skating and snowmobiling.

Cherry Creek State Park, located in Aurora, Colorado, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The park is centered around an 880-acre reservoir, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. It is nestled in a natural prairie landscape with gentle rolling hills, perfect for hiking and biking. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and the Front Range mountains, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The park's amenities include a large off-leash dog area, a shooting range, and model airplane fields, catering to a wide range of interests. Camping facilities are also available, with 135 campsites spread across the park.
Cherry Creek State Park is a family-friendly destination, offering something for everyone, from water sports to educational programs and picnic areas.

Chatfield State Park, located in Littleton, Colorado, offers a diverse range of activities and stunning natural beauty. Situated about 25 miles southwest of Denver, it is nestled near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The park features a large reservoir, expansive trails, and a variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and even hot air ballooning. The park's swim beach is open during the summer months, and it also offers cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the winter. With over 1.6 million visitors annually, Chatfield State Park is one of Colorado's most visited parks.

The park's campground is open year-round, offering 197 campsites with various amenities. It includes full hookups, electric-only sites, and facilities like restrooms, showers, and laundry. The park is easily accessible from major highways, making it a convenient getaway for those in the Denver area.

Chatfield State Park is not only a recreational hub but also a significant natural area, with diverse ecosystems and wildlife viewing opportunities. It is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with a portion of the land leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Blue Mesa Reservoir, located in the Curecanti National Recreation Area near Sapinero, Colorado, is the largest body of water entirely within the state. It offers a diverse range of activities and breathtaking scenery. The reservoir was created by the construction of Blue Mesa Dam on the Gunnison River in 1965 and spans over 96 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping amidst the stunning natural beauty of the area.

The reservoir is renowned for its fishing, particularly for lake trout and Kokanee salmon, making it a popular destination for anglers. The surrounding landscape provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, with scenic drives and hiking trails offering views of the rugged mountains and canyons.

Despite its rocky shoreline, Blue Mesa Reservoir offers some secluded beaches and coves, such as the Bay of Chickens and Dry Creek, where visitors can swim or simply enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Medano Creek, located near the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, is a unique seasonal stream that flows across the sand dunes, creating a rare phenomenon known as surge flow. This natural wonder is a result of snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which forms rhythmic waves on the sand. The creek is a popular spot for families and nature lovers, offering a refreshing respite from the hot sand dunes. Visitors can enjoy playing in the creek's waves, which can reach up to a foot high, and explore the surrounding landscape.
The area around Medano Creek is part of a larger ecosystem that includes wetlands, grasslands, and alpine lakes, making it a diverse and fascinating place to visit. The creek's flow varies annually, depending on snowfall and rainfall, and it typically dries up by late summer.
The scenic beauty and unique natural features of Medano Creek make it an attractive destination for those seeking an adventurous yet serene experience amidst the vast sand dunes.

Ridgway State Park, located in Ouray County, Colorado, offers a scenic retreat with stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. The park features a 1,000-acre reservoir ideal for water sports like boating, water-skiing, and fishing. With over 3,000 acres of land, it provides ample opportunities for hiking and biking on nearly 14 miles of trails, as well as birding and wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy these activities year-round, with additional winter pursuits like skiing and snowshoeing available nearby.
The park has a diverse range of accommodations, including campgrounds, yurts, and cabins, making it suitable for both adventurous campers and those seeking a more comfortable stay. The nearby town of Ridgway offers additional amenities and attractions.
The swim beach and picnic areas provide a lively atmosphere during warmer months, while the park's peaceful setting in winter allows for serene yurt stays amidst snow-covered mountains.

Scuba Beach at Aurora Reservoir is a unique spot for scuba diving enthusiasts, located in Aurora, Colorado. The reservoir offers a dedicated scuba diving area that is open daily from dawn to dusk, with no night diving allowed. It's a popular spot for scuba certification dives and open water swim training. The area is marked off by buoys and provides an ADA accessible path into the water. The reservoir itself offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, making it a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The surrounding area provides beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and offers a serene escape from urban life. Visitors can enjoy the eight-mile trail around the reservoir for biking and walking, and there are picnic areas and restrooms available.
The reservoir is open year-round, with seasonal activities like fishing and swimming available. It's a must-visit for those looking to explore Colorado's natural beauty and engage in water sports.