At the height of summer, Steph Hampton – also known as @explorestlparks – and her family traded their regular vacation routine for a small town beach retreat in Clear Lake.
“We were blown away by rejuvenating it was for our family,” Steph said. “If you are looking for a wonderful and peaceful beach vacation, look no further than Clear Lake.”
After settling into a lakeside cottage, the family of seven entered full-on lake life mode. They woke up to yoga on the beach, explored the community’s paved 14-mile multi-use trail that winds around the water, parked their bikes at the beach to cool off in the water and lakeside splashpad and even rented a pontoon boat. They also visited the local botanical garden, browsed the community farmers’ market and sampled new foods and drinks throughout the vibrant food scene.
Family-Friendly Lakeside Adventures
Spanning 3,600 acres and stretching for seven miles from end to end, Clear Lake is a natural, spring-fed playground that fuels endless fun along (and beyond) its shoreline. These are the must-dos for families seeking the perfect beach escape.
Free public beaches:
Dive into fun at Clear Lake City Beach. It features a wide, sandy shore that gently slopes into the water, making it an easy-going spot for families to spread out, splash around and soak up the sun. And just steps away is the Everybody Plays Park & Splash Pad that adds a playful twist for kids of all ages. The playground’s inclusive play space is designed for all abilities and features accessible equipment, innovative play structures and interactive learning experiences while the splash pad’s fountains, jets and sprays keep the energy high and smiles bright, especially on hot summer days.
Find another sandy swimming beach at Clear Lake State Park. This spot is shallow enough for beachgoers to walk almost 400 feet out into the water, making it a popular spot for boats to drop their anchor. Lay out a towel and wade in for a refreshing and scenic dip.
Bike trails & rentals:
Exploring the 14-mile trail around Clear Lake is one of the best ways to take in the scenery at your own pace. The paved loop hugs the shoreline in stretches, winds through tree-lined paths and connects beaches, parks, downtown stops and scenic stops along the way. Bike rentals are offered by Clear Lake Adventures Rentals and Lake Life Rentals.
Boat rentals:
When you’re ready to hit the water, there are a handful of spots that offer a variety of boat rentals to fit your needs. Lake Time Boat Club & Rentals offers flexible daily rentals; Muskie Rentals has a lineup of pontoons and kayaks to choose from; Lake Dream Marine features pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards and float pads; and Clear Lake Boats boasts a diverse selection that includes everything from ski boats to pontoons.
Central Gardens of North Iowa:
Tucked just a few blocks from the lake, the Central Gardens of North Iowa is a peaceful oasis that surprises visitors in the best way. Winding paths lead you through beautifully themed gardens bursting with seasonal blooms, sculptures and pops of color spring through fall. It’s the perfect place to snap photos, catch a summer concert or simply slow down to literally smell the roses (and other flowers).
Clear Lake Farmers’ Market:
Held each Saturday morning mid-May through early October, the Clear Lake Farmers’ Market brings fresh local flavor and community energy to the Surf Ballroom parking lot. Stroll among booths stocked with seasonal produce, homemade baked goods, flowers, honey, artisan crafts and more for a lively way to kick off your day.
Must-Try Eateries
GeJo’s by the Lake:
Known as one of Clear Lake’s legendary summertime hangouts, GeJo’s by the Lake boasts unbeatable waterfront views paired with cold drinks and casual Italian bites. Join the friendly crowd for a night spent embracing the open-air vibe and live music on warm nights.
Gyro Place:
Gyro Place is a fun, family run spot in downtown Clear Lake where you can refuel with crave worthy eats that go way beyond just gyros. Swing by for hearty, made-to-order lamb and specialty gyros, juicy burgers, tacos and plenty of classic sides, all served up with friendly service and generous portions that make it a great casual lunch or dinner stop.
FizzCo:
A charming and unique stop in Clear Lake’s downtown, FizzCo is a colorful soda shop featuring handcrafted, build-your-own specialty sodas, sparkling spritzers and energy drinks in creative combinations that both kids and adults love. They also stock fun candies and unique goodies, giving you all the vibes of a modern soda fountain with a local twist.
Charlie’s Soda Fountain:
For a more nostalgic but equally sweet experience, step inside Charlie’s Soda Fountain for good old-fashioned floats, creamy milkshakes and other classic fountain drinks. Its colorful atmosphere and desserts also make for great photo ops.
Lillie Mae Chocolates:
Clear Lake’s must-visit sweet shop, Lillie Mae Chocolates transforms high-quality ingredients into handcrafted confections. Find everything from gorgeous truffles, old-fashioned caramel, flavored fudges and seasonal treats that make a simple purchase feel like a mini celebration.
The Olde Creamery:
The go-to spot for a classic scoop, The Olde Creamery maintains its reputation as Clear Lake’s nostalgic locally owned ice cream shop. All the ice cream is homemade and offered in a variety of rich, creamy flavors.
Clear Lake Lodging
PM Park Resort:
Located just steps away from the water, PM Park Resort keeps you close to the best of lakeside fun. With fourteen hotel rooms, six 2-bedroom apartments and a four-bedroom Blue Cottage, there’s a perfect option for couples and large families alike. Once you’ve checked in, be sure to take advantage of the resort’s private beach, fishing dock, onsite tiki bar and restaurant, plus a marina and boat rentals within walking distance.
Lakeside Inn:
Recognized as the only lakeside hotel in Clear Lake, the Lakeside Inn boasts easy access to the water and downtown shops, restaurants and activities. Each of the 16 cozy guest rooms feature stunning lake views and a beautiful patio or balcony, and guests can enjoy use of the private dock and bike rentals.
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