Wayzata Beach
Wayzata, Minnesota · on Lake Minnetonka · Marina - Beach Park
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $36/year
- SEASON
- June
About Wayzata Beach
Wayzata Beach is a public, city-owned swimming beach on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka in downtown Wayzata, Minnesota, managed by the City of Wayzata. It is a lifeguarded summer swim beach with a sandy shoreline, marina, and adjoining recreational facilities, a convenient downtown swimming hole for anyone wanting a lake to swim in on Minnetonka's north shore.
The beach sits in downtown Wayzata at 220 Grove Ln E, on Wayzata Bay of Lake Minnetonka, described as a large sandy beach with a grassy peninsula for sunbathing and picnic areas shaded by large ash trees, adjacent to a marina with boat slips.
Swimming at Wayzata Beach
A sandy, lifeguarded lake beach suited to families and casual swimmers; lifeguards are on duty mid-June through mid-August (roughly noon to 6pm) when conditions warrant, making it a designated, supervised swim spot rather than an informal one.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located at 220 Grove Ln E in downtown Wayzata, on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka; Wayzata is known as the 'Gateway to Lake Minnetonka.'
Parking: A municipal parking lot sits near the beach; spots closest to the beach require a permit (free for Wayzata residents, obtained at City Hall with driver's license and plate number; permits must be displayed on the vehicle's rear bumper), while remaining lot spaces and free street parking nearby are open to non-permit holders. Non-resident permits cost $36 per the local magazine guide.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up municipal beach in downtown Wayzata at 220 Grove Ln E; the sand is directly adjacent to the parking lot, so no hike or meaningful walk is needed to reach the water.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Lifeguarded sandy municipal beach (lifeguards on duty roughly noon-6pm, mid-June through mid-August) with an on-site playground, playing fields, and grassy peninsula for families; a supervised, gently-sloping lake beach rather than a natural swimming hole with hidden hazards.
Parking
Paid, $36/year non-resident permit for the closest permit-only spots; free for residents; some nearby street parking and lot spaces are free/unrestricted
Municipal lot at 220 Grove Ln E adjoins the beach. Spots closest to the beach require a bumper-displayed permit obtained at Wayzata City Hall (free for residents, $36/year for non-residents); remaining lot spaces and nearby street parking do not require a permit.
Hours
Lifeguards on duty mid-June through mid-August, roughly noon-6pm; general park/grounds hours not confirmed in sources found.
On the water
Wikipedia lists paddleboard rentals and canoe racks as on-site amenities; the canoe racks appear to be storage for owners' canoes/kayaks rather than a public rental, and no operator for the paddleboard rentals could be identified. The beach adjoins a marina with boat slips for private motorboats, but no source specifies watercraft rules within the swim area itself, so restrictions are left null.
Wayzata Beach: FAQ
Does Wayzata Beach charge a fee?
Beach access itself is free; only the closest parking spots require a permit ($36/year for non-residents, free for residents).
Is Wayzata Beach kid friendly?
Lifeguarded sandy municipal beach (lifeguards on duty roughly noon-6pm, mid-June through mid-August) with an on-site playground, playing fields, and grassy peninsula for families; a supervised, gently-sloping lake beach rather than a natural swimming hole with hidden hazards.
Do I need to hike to reach Wayzata Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Wayzata Beach?
Municipal lot at 220 Grove Ln E adjoins the beach. Spots closest to the beach require a bumper-displayed permit obtained at Wayzata City Hall (free for residents, $36/year for non-residents); remaining lot spaces and nearby street parking do not require a permit.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Wayzata Beach?
Wikipedia lists paddleboard rentals and canoe racks as on-site amenities; the canoe racks appear to be storage for owners' canoes/kayaks rather than a public rental, and no operator for the paddleboard rentals could be identified. The beach adjoins a marina with boat slips for private motorboats, but no source specifies watercraft rules within the swim area itself, so restrictions are left null.
When is the best time to visit Wayzata Beach?
Mid-June to mid-August, the period when the beach is lifeguarded.
What are the rules at Wayzata Beach?
Parking permits must be displayed on the vehicle bumper to be valid; permits are issued only at City Hall.
What water body is Wayzata Beach on?
Wayzata Beach is on Lake Minnetonka, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
