Best Lake Geneva Beaches
Tap a circled beach to jump to it. Green numbers are public restrooms, and red letters are Shore Path access points. Open the full map with legend.
Map courtesy of the Williams Bay Recreation Department.
Best Lake Geneva beaches
Geneva Lake has 5 public places to swim, spread around the whole shoreline. Riviera, Fontana, and Williams Bay beaches have lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Big Foot Beach State Park and Linn Pier Road Beach don’t, and they make up for it with trails and a lot more elbow room.
Geneva Lake beaches at a glance
| Beach | Where | Lifeguards |
|---|---|---|
| Riviera | Downtown Lake Geneva | In season |
| Fontana | West end | In season |
| Williams Bay | North shore | In season |
| Big Foot | East end | None |
| Linn Pier Road | South shore | None |
Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach is Geneva Lake’s most popular and well-known public beach, located in the heart of downtown Lake Geneva on Wrigley Drive. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Location
- Downtown Lake Geneva, Wrigley Drive
- Lifeguards
- Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Nearby
- Lake Geneva Cruise Line, Popeye’s, Oakfire Pizza, downtown Main Street
Fontana Beach
Fontana Beach is the largest public beach on Geneva Lake, located on the western shore in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake. It has a wide sandy stretch, open grassy areas, a boat launch nearby, and lifeguards Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Location
- West end, Fontana-on-Geneva Lake
- Lifeguards
- Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Nearby
- Reid Park, Abbey Resort & Harbor, Jerry’s Majestic Marine, Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, Chuck’s, Gordy’s Boat House & Pro Shop, Lake Geneva Paddle Board Co.
Williams Bay Beach
Williams Bay Beach is the most peaceful of Geneva Lake’s main public beaches, located on the north shore in Williams Bay. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day. It’s smaller and less crowded than Riviera or Fontana, which is exactly the point.
- Location
- North shore, Williams Bay
- Lifeguards
- Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Nearby
- Dip in the Bay’s hot dog stand, kayak and paddleboard rentals, Kishwauketow Conservancy trails, Edgewater Park, Harpoon Willies, Café Calamari, Green Grocer, Steamer’s Coffee & Wine Bar, Bay Cooks, Pier 290
Big Foot Beach State Park
Big Foot Beach State Park is a 271-acre Wisconsin state park on the east end of Geneva Lake with 900 feet of sandy lakefront beach, 6.5 miles of hiking trails, 100 wooded campsites, picnic areas, a lagoon for fishing, a playground, and fire rings.
- Location
- 1550 S. Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva
- Hours
- Open year-round, daily
- Admission
- Day-use vehicle admission for non-campers, $8 to $11
- Lifeguards
- No
- Phone
- 262-248-2528
Linn Pier Road Beach
Linn Pier Road Beach is a quiet public access point on the south shore of Geneva Lake, in the Town of Linn. It’s not a large sandy beach, but it has a designated swimming area with pier steps and shoreline entry, a small grassy area, and a boat launch. No lifeguards, minimal crowds, and a genuine local-use atmosphere.
- Location
- Linn Pier Road, Town of Linn, south shore of Geneva Lake
- Swimming
- Pier steps and shoreline entry, designated swimming area
- Facilities
- Small grassy area, boat launch
- Lifeguards
- None
- Nearby
- Lake Geneva Country Club (est. 1895), Linn Nature Park, Geneva Inn, Oak and Oar Supper Club
The beaches by season
Late May and early June
The lake is freshly open, the crowds haven’t peaked, and the town has the energy of a place just waking up. Water temperatures are still cold at this point.
July and August
The full production. Beaches are staffed, boats are everywhere, restaurants are at capacity, and the town runs hot.
September
Where experienced Geneva Lake people tend to settle. The water has had all summer to warm up and is usually in the low 70s. The crowds drop significantly after Labor Day.
Winter
Winterfest, ice fishing on the lake when conditions allow, and the Shore Path for walking (it’s stunning in snow) give the whole region a completely different but genuinely appealing character.
Get on the water at least once
Kim and Joel’s last tip: rent a pontoon for an afternoon and just go slowly around the lake. It’s one of those experiences that makes people start looking at real estate.
Properties with lake access don’t stay available long.
Rather have someone else drive the boat? See the best Lake Geneva boat tours.
Frequently asked questions: beaches around Geneva Lake
Is there a public beach in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin?
Yes. Riviera Beach is the main public beach in downtown Lake Geneva, located on Wrigley Drive with lifeguards on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day. Big Foot Beach State Park on the east end also has a sandy public beach with 900 feet of Geneva Lake frontage and is open year-round.
What beaches are around Geneva Lake?
Geneva Lake has 5 main public swimming access points: Riviera Beach in downtown Lake Geneva, Fontana Beach on the west end, Williams Bay Beach on the north shore, Big Foot Beach State Park on the east end, and Linn Pier Road Beach in the Town of Linn on the south shore. Community Park Beach on nearby Delavan Lake is also worth knowing about for visitors who want a quieter alternative.
Is Geneva Lake good for swimming?
Yes. Geneva Lake is glacier-formed, exceptionally clear, and reaches 135 feet at its deepest. Water temperatures in summer peak in the low 70s Fahrenheit. Riviera, Fontana, and Williams Bay beaches have lifeguards on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day. The water quality is consistently monitored by the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency and is considered very good.
Which Lake Geneva beach is best for Weekenders with kids?
Fontana Beach on the west end has the most room, with wide sandy areas, open grassy space for games and picnics, and a nearby boat launch. Big Foot Beach State Park adds a playground and hiking trails alongside the swimming. Williams Bay Beach is the quietest option if you want calm water and a relaxed atmosphere.
Is Big Foot Beach State Park worth visiting?
Yes, especially if your group wants more than just a beach. Big Foot Beach State Park is a 271-acre Wisconsin state park with 900 feet of Geneva Lake beach, 6.5 miles of hiking trails, 100 wooded campsites, and picnic areas. It’s open year-round. Day use requires a vehicle admission fee. It’s one of the most underused outdoor destinations in the region and one of the best.
Can you rent kayaks or paddleboards on Geneva Lake?
Yes. Clearwater Outdoor, Lake Geneva Paddle Board Co., and the Williams Bay Recreation Department all rent kayaks and paddleboards.
What time do the Geneva Lake beaches open and close?
Public beaches including Riviera Beach, Fontana Beach, and Williams Bay Beach typically have lifeguards on duty daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, generally from 10 AM to 6 PM during peak season. Big Foot Beach State Park is open daily year-round, with no lifeguards. Linn Pier Road Beach has no lifeguard. Hours and conditions vary, so checking with the City of Lake Geneva or Village of Fontana before visiting is recommended.
Is there a beach at Big Foot Beach State Park?
Yes. Big Foot Beach State Park has 900 feet of sandy public beach on Geneva Lake, plus 6.5 miles of hiking trails, 100 wooded campsites with fire rings, picnic areas, and a playground. It’s located at 1550 S. Lake Shore Dr. in Lake Geneva, open year-round. A daily vehicle admission fee applies for non-campers. Camping reservations fill quickly in summer.
Is Yerkes Observatory open to the public in Williams Bay?
Yes. Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin is open to the public for tours. One of the most historically significant astronomical observatories in the world, it was founded in 1897 and sits on the north shore of Geneva Lake. It’s a worthwhile stop for visitors spending a day in Williams Bay alongside the beach and lakeside dining options nearby.
Plan the rest of your lake day
- Geneva Lake Shore Path guide
- Best Lake Geneva outdoor activities
- Williams Bay community guide
- Fontana community guide
- Guide to the 26 lakes around Lake Geneva
See you at the lake.