Oklahoma's Most Charming Beach Towns
Oklahoma sits in the south-central region of the United States, bordered by Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. It is no secret that the state is home to a rich Western history and Southern charm, filled to the brim with rodeos, country music, and unique museums. There are also 33 state parks, scenic mountainscapes, plenty of wildlife, and picturesque expansive plains. When visiting Oklahoma, the small towns are the place to be, featuring classic Southern hospitality, unique restaurants, and quaint inns and hotels. Nestled in those charming small towns, are some of the best beaches.
Medicine Park
Though it is a very small town, Medicine Park packs a punch. It is an especially popular spot for tourists during the summer months, though it is never quite as busy as some Oklahoma cities. Find a spot at Bath Lake on the beachfront, where you can enjoy the calm waters and the soundscape of a nearby waterfall.
Scenic trails line Medicine Creek, which is the perfect spot for hiking, canoeing, and fishing. The waters of the creek were once said to contain medicinal and healing powers. While it might not quite be literal, the picturesque spot definitely boasts a quaint and calming energy. Just outside of Medicine Creek, you will find Mount Scott, one of the tallest peaks in Oklahoma, perfect for hiking to enjoy a panoramic view of the town. Cottages, cabins, and bed and breakfasts are all readily available in the area.
Kingston
Kingston is home to Lake Texoma, Oklahoma's largest lake. With so much water, the town is also a popular fishing hub, boasting over 70 species of fish, including bass and catfish. Lake Texoma State Park is a beautiful place to explore, whether you want to canoe along the calm waters or hike through the wooded areas, always keeping an eye out for wildlife. The sandy shores are perfect for sunbathing and sandcastle-building.
There are endless activities in the area, including a readily-available golf course and the Texoma Casino, which offers over 370 electronic gaming machines. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts to extend your stay, or head out to one of the campgrounds for more of an outdoor adventure.
Arcadia
Arcadia offers some of the best sights along Route 66, including the architecturally historic Round Barn, constructed in 1898 with a perfectly cylindrical shape, and Pop's, a gas station and diner with a modern design and over 600 types of pop. Crestview Farms is another popular stop in Arcadia, boasting organic produce and the opportunity to pick your own berries.
Arcadia Lake is another beautiful spot, home to Spring Creek Lake Recreation Area Beach, which offers plenty of water sports, including canoeing and swimming, and sandy shores. Visitors will also find Arcadia Conservation Education Area nestled among Arcadia Lake, with a scenic hiking trail, fishing spots, and outdoor education opportunities.
Canton
Located south of the North Canadian River, a tributary of the Canadian River, Canton is home to a rich history and plenty of scenic views. The Old Caldwell Trail Stables is the ideal spot for a horse-lover, with guided horseback rides and riding lessons available. You can also camp out on the 720-acre ranch, and indulge in special events throughout the year, such as the Easter egg hunt.
The Sod House Museum and Safford Air & Space Museum offer a glimpse into the town's history. Other spots include Gloss Mountain State Park and Roman Nose State Park, which are great for hiking and picturesque sights. Canton Lake also offers beautiful views of the water, along with fishing, boating, and swimming. Sandy Cove Recreation Area Beach sits on the shores of the lake, with powdery sand and calm waters.
Ardmore
One of the most underrated spots in Oklahoma, Ardmore sits north of the Red River and near Lake Texoma. There are numerous parks in the area, including Ardmore Regional Park, Central Park, Broadlawn Park, and Walker Park, ideal for family vacations and visits. Right next to the town's marina, you will find Lake Murray Marina Beach, where visitors can boat, scuba dive, and enjoy family fun.
Lake Murray State Park boasts 12,500 acres of lush greenery and nature trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and even ATV rides. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers plenty of lakes and springs, where you can get your toes wet after a scenic hike. Get a taste of history at the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum or the Greater Southwest Historical Museum. Enjoy a refreshing drink after a long day of exploring at the Red Dirt Brewhouse.
Broken Bow
Another one of the most charming towns in Oklahoma, Broken Bow is home to Beavers Bend State Park, which is a great place to fish, horseback ride, and canoe. You will find Lower Mountain Fork River, Broken Bow Lake, and David Boren Hiking Trail in the state park. Within the wooded area and scenic nature views of Beavers Bend State Park, there is a quiet beach on the banks of Broken Bow Lake, with views of the Ouachita Mountains.
It is also the ideal spot to catch a glimpse of bald eagles, an endangered species, though there are over 300 species flying now. Find a bit of history in the Gardner Mansion & Museum, which was home to a Choctaw chief in 1884. Enjoy a room with a view at the Lakeview Lodge or kick it old school and stay on the campsite.
Jet
Home to the Great Salt Plains where visitors can dig for unique salt crystals, Jet is a unique and inviting small town. The Salt Plains are also a National Wildlife Refuge, home to about 312 species of birds and 30 species of mammals. Even more, it is a once-in-a-lifetime camping spot, where you can spot an especially gorgeous sunset or sunrise.
The Great Salt Plains State Park Beach was once an ocean, but today it is a beautiful spot for family fun. The soft sandy shores and calm waters are ideal for little ones, and kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are also popular activities. Extend your stay in one of the quaint inns or bed and breakfasts, or enjoy one of the campgrounds in the area.
Oklahoma boasts an endless list of beautiful small towns, but only a select few are home to clear blue waters and sandy beaches. In the "Sooner State," you will find yourself exploring the beautiful attractions each small town has to offer, as well as relaxing on the gorgeous beach fronts that call your name. Whether you are diving in, sunbathing, or spending the day on the boat, there is something to do for everyone in these charming Oklahoma beach towns.
