Bear Lake Beaches

Bear Lake Beaches: Best Spots to Relax, Swim, and Soak Up the Sun

With its vibrant turquoise waters and scenic mountain backdrop, Bear Lake—nestled on the border of northern Utah and southeastern Idaho—is often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” What makes it even more inviting is its long stretch of beautiful beaches that offer soft sand, shallow swimming areas, and ample space for families, couples, and solo travelers to unwind.

Whether you're looking to sunbathe, build sandcastles, wade into warm waters, or launch a paddleboard, Bear Lake has the perfect beach spot for you. In this article, we explore the best beaches on both the Utah and Idaho sides of Bear Lake, along with what to expect at each.

1. North Beach State Park – Idaho Side

Location: Northern tip of Bear Lake, accessed via State Highway 61 in Idaho.

Why It’s Great:

North Beach is arguably the most popular beach on the Idaho side of Bear Lake. Known for its broad shoreline and shallow waters, this area is especially great for families with young children. The water remains knee- to waist-deep for hundreds of feet, making it ideal for wading and floating.

Facilities include picnic tables, restrooms, and boat rentals. On warm weekends, it gets busy, so early arrival is recommended during peak season (July and August).

2. Rendezvous Beach – Utah Side

Location: Southern end of Bear Lake, within Bear Lake State Park, accessible via U.S. Route 89.

Why It’s Great:

Rendezvous Beach offers a long, sandy shoreline perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding. It has a more developed infrastructure than some of the more remote beaches, with restrooms, showers, a general store, and RV and tent camping nearby.

Because of its proximity to state park amenities and boat launch sites, it's an excellent base for spending a full day at the lake or even staying overnight.

3. Cisco Beach – Utah Side

Location: East shore of Bear Lake, about 8 miles north of Garden City, Utah.

Why It’s Great:

Cisco Beach is a favorite among divers and anglers. While the beach itself is more rocky than sandy, it offers a steeper drop-off, making it one of the best spots for scuba diving and fishing in Bear Lake. The water is crystal-clear, and the area is often less crowded than other beach zones.

There are basic amenities like vault toilets, and dispersed camping is allowed nearby.

4. Garden City Beach – Utah Side

Location: Near the town of Garden City, at the west side of Bear Lake along U.S. 89.

Why It’s Great:

Garden City Beach offers easy walkable access from nearby shops, restaurants, and Bear Lake’s famous raspberry shake stands. The beach is free and public, and its soft sand and shallow water make it a favorite for visitors staying in the area. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby, and it's perfect for an afternoon picnic or sunset stroll.

5. East Beach – Idaho Side

Location: Southeastern corner of Bear Lake, accessible via Eastshore Road.

Why It’s Great:

East Beach is a quieter, more remote option compared to North Beach. It features sandy patches with beautiful water views and fewer crowds, even during peak season. If you’re looking for a peaceful day by the lake away from the hustle, this is a hidden gem worth exploring.

Note: Access can be limited depending on water levels and road conditions.

Best Time to Visit Bear Lake Beaches

The ideal months for beach fun at Bear Lake are July and August, when water temperatures reach their warmest (around 70–75°F or 21–24°C). June and September are also pleasant but slightly cooler. If you want to avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or during early morning hours.

Final Thoughts

Bear Lake offers a wide range of beach experiences—from lively family-friendly shores to quiet, scenic escapes. Whether you're coming to swim, sunbathe, picnic, or paddle, there's a beach at Bear Lake that matches your style. With its striking blue water and panoramic mountain views, it's easy to see why Bear Lake is one of the best freshwater beach destinations in the Rocky Mountain region.

So pack your beach gear, grab a raspberry shake, and head out to explore Bear Lake’s unforgettable shoreline!