Wyoming's Most Charming Beach Towns
Home to the stunning Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountains, and Grand Teton, Wyoming is a treasure trove of natural scenery. Combine this with the low population density in the state and you get a serene destination receiving millions of visitors each year. However, while most people know Wyoming for its mountainous land, aboriginal folklore, etc. it is also home to some of the best beaches in the Western United States. Thanks to an abundance of lakes and rivers, Wyoming boasts some of the most charming and underrated beach towns.
Alcova
Nestled along the Alcova reservoir and Alcova Lake, Alcova is the perfect example of a charming beach town. Home to 34 people, the entire town is centered around the lovely beaches, coastal activities, and waterside beauty. So, head on over to Alcova Reservoir’s beach which offers a dedicated Children’s Swim Beach. This children's area is a treat for families with calm waters, smooth sand, and minimal risks so your kids can have unrestricted fun! On the other hand, the primary beach boasts volleyball nets, a playground, picnic benches, and more for a fun time on the coast. If you want a more immersive experience, rent a boat or go swimming to enjoy the water first-hand.
Once you’re out of the water, Alcova has a few more surprises to keep you charmed. When it comes to outdoor activities, the town features stunning hiking trails such as the Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail that traverse through forests, lakes, etc. Or, you can bring an RV or tent and set up camp near the Lake for a complete wilderness experience. No matter what you end up doing, be sure to stop by the ice cream shop for a sweet treat to end your day!
Glendo
Located in Platte County, Glendo is a scenic small town near Glendo State Park. This 18,000-acre park encompasses the Glendo Reservoir which is known for its peaceful environment and clean beaches. Testament to this, there are more than 2 miles of sandy beaches lined with a thick enclave of trees. So, the area boasts a stunning vibe which is perfect for a day of sunbathing and fun along the water. Another great thing about this beach is that it is one of the best fishing spots in the state. With species such as Walleye, Largemouth bass, Yellow perch, White crappie, and more, you'll always find someone fishing for a big catch. After spending the day on the coast, set up camp nearby for a night surrounded by calm water and beautiful stars.
After enjoying the beach town charm of Glendo, head back into town to take in the local sights. Home to a tight-knit community of 200 people, Glendo is a quaint town secluded from urban hustle and bustle. Moreover, with a total area of less than a mile, it's easy to meet new people and strike up some friendly conversations. Head over to Bull Frog’s Grill for some of the best burgers which will help you recharge after the beach. Or, spend the evening at Old Western Saloon and Steakhouse for some hearty steaks and delicious drinks!
Guernsey
Located in eastern Wyoming, Guernsey is a lovely town nestled along the Guernsey State Park. This state park is centered around the Guernsey Reservoir and features a total area of more than 8,500 acres. To this end, it is a popular public recreation area with a range of outdoor activities and sights for tourists. If you want to spend your day at the beach, you’ll be glad to know that this park boasts four official beach areas. These areas are located around the reservoir and provide clear sand, calm waters, and lots of shade so you can stay out in the sun. If you want to get into the water, use one of the three boat ramps and sail around the massive man-made lake. Set up camp in one of the campgrounds nearby so you can always be near the water!
In addition to the beaches, Guernsey is also known for its rich history and unique activities. Some of the best spots in this aspect are Rifle Pit Hill and Oregon Trail Ruts. Rifle Pit Hill is the site of five rifle pits used by soldiers to protect a nearby rock quarry. The site now overlooks campgrounds and provides interesting information on events from the 1800s. On the other hand. Oregon Trail Ruts preserves part of the Oregon Trail where visible depressions from wagons are visible. Known as ruts, these depressions range from two to six feet deep and are now a National Historic Landmark! All in all, combining natural and historical beauty, Guernsey is a charming beach town in Wyoming.
Cody
Unlike some of the other towns we’ve looked at, Cody is a bit more lively and happening. Home to 10,000 people, this town boasts a vibrant culture with Wild West vibes. Before heading to the beach, enjoy some time at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This establishment is perfect for history enthusiasts boasting multiple museums such as the Cody Firearms Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, and etc. So, you can learn about the city founder’s Wild West life, check out some of his firearms, learn about the city’s establishment, and even check out the local flora and fauna. Or, hop on a wagon at Old Trail Town, a nearby collection with more than 25 historic Western buildings. With these sights and many others like the Wild Bunch Gunfighters show, there is no end to the Wild West appeal in Cody.
Once you’ve learned all about becoming a cowboy, it's time to see why Cody is a beach town. Just a short drive away is the stunning Buffalo Bill Reservoir, a large man-made lake formed by the Buffalo Bill Dam. The reservoir provides endless open space with the perfect environment for sunbathing, relaxing, and having a good time under the sun. So, grab a chair, get some bait, or rent a boat for a fun time in the water. However, be sure to check the weather before going as the area does get quite windy at times.
Pinedale
The county seat of Sublette County, Pinedale is an important hunting outfitting town in the state. The town is famous for its location right next to Wyoming’s second-largest natural lake, Fremont Lake. This lake is 12 miles long and up to 1 mile wide providing an immense oasis of scenic beauty. To this end, you’ll find a long coastline that is home to a rocky beach perfect for a day in the sun. Along with this, the lake also boasts a plethora of activities such as sailing, boating, kayaking, fishing, and more. Or, if you visit Pinedale during Winter, the lake freezes over so you can opt for ice fishing and ice skating instead!
In addition to the lovely lake, Pinedale features a wide range of unique sights. If you’re a history buff, check out the Museum of the Mountain Man. This museum showcases information on the mountain men, a group of people who explored America in the 19th century. Or, gain some knowledge indoors at the Sublette County Library. Home to thousands of books, it is the perfect retreat from stress and tension that you need on a holiday. So, if you want to enjoy the lovely Fremont Lake and its activities, Pinedale is the charming beach town to visit.
Shoshoni
Home to a quaint population of 500, the town of Shoshoni is named after the Shoshone Indian Tribe who lives in the area. This town is perfect for beachgoers as it is located next to Boysen State Park. Centered around the Boysen Reservoir, this public recreation area boasts an area of more than 35,000 acres. So, you can enjoy a range of activities such as camping, fishing, swimming, or even relaxing along the scenic beach. Along with this, Boysen Reservoir features a boat launch and private marina making it easy to rent a boat and head out for some sailing in the calm water.
The town of Shoshoni itself was once a railroad and mining town often visited by people going to the nearby Yellowstone National Park. To this end, the town of 650 provides a mix of touristy entertainment and small-town relaxation. Spend the day walking through downtown where you’ll find cute cafes, amazing people, and unique stores. For some of the best pizza in the region, grab a slice at Hot Stuff Pizza!
Saratoga
If you’re looking for a unique waterside experience, Saratoga is the place to be. Surrounded by both the Saratoga Lake and Hobo Hot Pool, this town offers a mix of hot and cold waterside experiences. For a regular time in the sun, spend your day at Saratoga Lake which is home to the relaxing Sandy Beach. Set up camp, have a picnic, go fishing, or rent a boat to take in the stunning waters. On the other hand, for a completely different experience, head over to Hobo Hot Pool which is a natural hot spring. Believed to possess healing properties, float in the naturally heated waters to relieve your mind and body of any issues. But, be sure not to stay in for too long as the hot water can irritate your skin.
Visit Saratoga during winter and the town will take a 180° turn. From a summer retreat with warm sandy beaches to a winter wonderland, you’ll find a whole new set of attractions and sights. For example, Saratoga Lake freezes over and becomes a hot spot for ice fishing. Plan your trip in January and you can compete in the Annual Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby. Apart from this, you can walk through downtown which is lined with lovely cafes, restaurants, and shops. Grab a bite at Bella’s Bistro or enjoy some beer at Duke’s Bar and Grill for a charming day out in Wyoming.
Dubois
While it may be last, Dubois is certainly not the least. This stunning beach town is located in Fremont County and is the perfect summer retreat. While it is home to a population of 900 people, the town booms during summer with hundreds of tourists pouring in. This is thanks to the abundance of lakes surrounding the town such as Brooks Lake, Torrey Lake, Ring Lake, and others. Brooks Lake is one of the most popular and is a short drive away. The lake is encompassed by a thick tree line, rocky shores, and dirt trails for a beautiful environment. A short walk away is Jade Lake, another stunning option where you can go fishing or swimming to cool off in the heat.
Drive back into town and check out some of the famous cultural attractions in Dubois. The National Museum of Military Vehicles is a great place to start. This museum showcases exhibits from the Korean War, Vietnam War, and more with vehicles, firearms, and more. Or, spend the day at National Bighorn Sheep Center which is a unique museum presenting information on sheep in the area. So, you can learn about the local sheep, their characteristics, history, and many other interesting features. All in all, Dubois is a unique mix of culture and nature with a lot of charm.
From the stunning waterside views at the Alcova Reservoir to the camping sites at Shoshoni, there are many amazing beach towns in Wyoming. Along with beaches, each town offers a unique set of attractions which gives them their own charm. So, whether you enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, or even history, there is a beach town in Wyoming that you can visit!
