Utah's most charming beach towns

The Beehive State, as Utah is known, does not have as much as an inch of a coastline. Sandwiched between Colorado in the east and Nevada in the west, this western state is many miles from the West Coast of the United States. However, that does not mean the 45th state to join the Union is short of towns that offer amazing beach experiences. Though landlocked, and among the driest states in the US, Utah is home to more than 2,000 lakes and boasts 89,000 miles of streams. Curled up along these streams — or by the picturesque shoreline of its shimmering lakes—are several beach towns that provide access to the state's many mind-bending treasures.

Garden City

Garden City is hands-down among the most charming beach towns in Utah. Boasting an estimated 2023 population of less than 700, Garden City hugs the picturesque shoreline of Bear Lake, a natural freshwater lake that straddles the Idaho–Utah border. Bear Lake is attractive because of its deep-toned blue color and has been a Garden City highlight for decades. The lake’s sparkling blue hue, a result of suspended limestone deposits, has earned it the name “the Caribbean of the Rockies.” Yet Garden City, in all its blue-space charm, has one other hugely underrated draw: Raspberry shakes. Made by mixing vanilla ice cream and fresh raspberries, Garden City’s raspberry shakes are so sweet that they have been featured in such popular news outlets as the New York Times.

Willard

Nestled between Ogden and Brigham City, Willard is another Utah gem that may make one feel he is in some faraway paradise.  This town of less than 3,000 is set in the backdrop of the steep Willard Peak, a 9,763-foot marvel whose regal heights define the town’s breathtaking mountain scenery. Named in honor of Willard Richards, a 19th-century pioneer of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Willard’s charm still carries spiritual connotations. One of the town’s defining landmarks, however, is the Willard Bay Reservoir, a freshwater marvel that will remain etched in the mind for long. And since the reservoir has many exciting water sports on the menu, including paddleboarding, jet skiing, and swimming, it is a perfect spot for those craving some vacation fun.

Daybreak

Daybreak is a South Jordan suburb that has been causing waves of excitement because of its masterful planning. Many point to Daybreak’s excellent suburban concept as one of the best models in the United States. The uniqueness of Daybreak’s model lies in its European-style traditional urbanism — where parks, shops, and other amenities are all within walking distance; where the pace of life is slow and unhurried, and where numbing cookie-cutter architecture gives way to nature’s sounds and scenes. And as far as nature goes, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Daybreak’s more than 50 miles of trails — and another mind-bending blue-space gem —  Oquirrh Lake. Whether one will want to enjoy the charm of a sunset walk on the windy trails that overlook Oquirrh Lake, boat about on the lake’s sparkling waters, or just spend hours fishing, Oquirrh Lake will come in handy. For views alone, McMahon Bay Beach, one of Oquirrh Lake’s most photographed beaches, is a must-do.

Hideout

Secreted in the northwestern corner of Wasatch County, and framed by breathtaking mountainous scenery, Hideout is just that— a place that is hidden. That means it fits the bill for those who crave a secluded experience, some calm and quiet, or an intimate encounter with nature. Boasting a population of about 1,600, Hideout is just 37 miles (and minutes) east of Utah’s Salt Lake City. Needless to say, it makes for an ideal city escape. Though encircled by a mountainous landscape, and in all its quiet majesty, Hideout also hugs the picturesque shoreline of the Jordanelle Reservoir. Built in 1995, located in Jordanelle State Park, and fed by the Provo River, Jordanelle Reservoir is just where any water sports enthusiast, moreso those who enjoy standup paddleboarding, will want to lace up for. For avid hikers, several scenic trails await.

Huntsville

Boasting a decent array of inviting restaurants, several pretty beaches, an amazing collection of gorgeous parks, even an observatory, Huntsville is hands-down one of Utah’s most under-appreciated gems. A first-time visitor will want to check out the Shooting Star Saloon, even if she has never been a beer connoisseur. This is because the Shooting Star Saloon, established in 1879, is not only the oldest bar in Utah still running—but also among the oldest bars west of the Mississippi. Even for teetotalers, stepping into this 144-year history, while enjoying the crunchie taste of a delicious hamburger, will be worth the trip. West of town, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the sparkling charm of Pineview Reservoir, a stunning man-made lake that offers tons of exciting water-based activities.

Hyrum

Tucked away in northern Utah’s Cache County, named for a place hunters would hide their pelts and other accessories for safe-keeping, Hyrum has evolved to become one of the most charming beach towns in Utah. One of Hyrum’s draws is the Hyrum State Park which is located on Hyrum Reservoir. The latter is a glassy gasp-inducing wonder that, for its pristine mountain views, will pique the interest of any outdoor lover. Whether one will want to grab a spot under the cool shade of a maple, a box elder, or a willow, and enjoy the sight of boating boats and wavy ripples, Hyrum Reservoir is a perfect fit. If views will prove insufficient, one can try floating on a log with a single paddle — or take a leisure stroll on the Hyrum Reservoir Nature Walk.

Mantua

Set in the backdrop of quiet but dramatic mountains on every side, one will understand why Mantua often features among the most charming lake towns in Utah. Tucked away on the eastern edge of Utah’s Box Elder County — in the northwest corner of the state — Mantua is a small, peaceful town of just about 1,400. The moose, the white-tailed deer, and other wild animals, better viewed from a distance, are common Mantua sights. For outdoor lovers, or those who want to exercise their calf muscles, Mantua is home to several picturesque trails. However, Mantua’s most romanticized attraction remains the man-made lake that bears its name: the Mantua Reservoir. Encircled by the majestic views of the Wasatch and Cache Ranges and fringed by fine-sand beaches, Mantua’s bucolic charm will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away.

The Takeaway

Though landlocked, with not an inch of coastline, Utah still has several beach towns that are worth scoping out. Granted, these beach towns might not hold a candle to those in the Florida Keys, Hawaii, or even the Golden State. However, they all exude their own charm, which is all the more remarkable for a state known as one the driest in the country. From Garden City, with its “Caribbean of the Rockies,” to Mantua, with its spellbinding reservoir, Utah’s beach towns are all awe-inspiring gems worth checking out.