Want to surprise your partner with a relaxing day by the water—no plane ticket needed? I was honestly blown away by the beaches I stumbled upon in Missouri. You wouldn’t expect lakefront escapes here, but I’ve found warm waters, gentle breezes, and a peaceful vibe that’s just right for a romantic Midwest getaway. If you’re craving sunshine, nature, and quiet moments together, these Missouri beaches might just be your new favorite spot.
Highlights:
- Relax on sandy shores at Lake of the Ozarks.
- Swim or kayak in crystal-clear Table Rock Lake.
- Picnic lakeside at Long Branch State Park.
- Watch the sunset from secluded coves.
- Book a cozy lakeside cabin or lodge for a weekend getaway.
Recommended Missouri Beaches:
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park - 25 Minutes from St. Louis - Walk along the lake and enjoy picnic spots on an easy family trip.
Echo Bluff State Park - 2 Hours from St. Louis by Car - See soaring bluffs and explore clear streams on an exciting summer adventure.
Finger Lakes, Columbia, MO - Paddle quiet waters and fish shady coves on a peaceful retirement getaway.
Long Branch State Park - 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Columbia by car - Camp near the lake and enjoy boating fun on an affordable weekend trip.
Mark Twain State Park - 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Columbia - Hike wooded trails and visit nearby sights on a fun educational trip.
St. Joe State Park - 1 hour and 15 minutes from St. Louis - Ride off-road trails and explore forest paths on an exciting outdoor trip.
Stegall Mountain Natural Area near Eminence - Climb scenic ridges and admire wild beauty on an unusual fall hike.
Stockton State Park - 1 hour from Springfield - Sail steady winds and enjoy quiet shores on a relaxing couples trip.
Table Rock Lake - under 1 hour from Springfield - Swim clear waters and boat coves on a classic summer family getaway.
Trail of Tears State Park - 20 minutes from Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Reflect on history and hike river bluffs on a meaningful spring trip.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park - 25 Minutes from St. Louis
- • Echo Bluff State Park - 2 Hours from St. Louis by Car
- • Finger Lakes, Columbia, MO
- • Long Branch State Park - 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Columbia by car
- • Mark Twain State Park - 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Columbia
- • St. Joe State Park - 1 hour and 15 minutes from St. Louis
- • Stegall Mountain Natural Area near Eminence
- • Stockton State Park - 1 hour from Springfield
- • Table Rock Lake - under 1 hour from Springfield
- • Trail of Tears State Park - 20 minutes from Cape Girardeau, Missouri