BB Clarke Beach
A tranquil, free public beach on Lake Monona, perfect for family fun, picnics, and enjoying the water with a playground and diving board.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
BB Clarke Beach
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, free public beach on Lake Monona, perfect for family fun, picnics, and enjoying the water with a playground and diving board.
"This humble beach is one of the loveliest places to pass some hours in Madison."
Clean Water Check
Use LakeForecast.org or the app for real-time water quality before swimming.
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal on the grass; many visitors picnic here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shallow to Deep Swim Area
Lake Monona
Enjoy a safe swim with clearly marked zones for shallow, medium, and deep water, perfect for all ages.
Community Diving Platform
Lake Monona
Take a leap from the fun community diving board for an exhilarating splash into the lake.
Grassy Hillside Relaxation
Beachfront
Relax on the soft grass overlooking the water, offering a peaceful spot for picnics or quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at BB Clarke Beach
Family Fun & Free Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Clean Water Check
Use LakeForecast.org or the app for real-time water quality before swimming.
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal on the grass; many visitors picnic here.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Playground available for younger visitors.
Free Parking
Street parking is available and free.
Tips
from all over the internet
Clean Water Check
Use LakeForecast.org or the app for real-time water quality before swimming.
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal on the grass; many visitors picnic here.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Playground available for younger visitors.
Free Parking
Street parking is available and free.
Community Art
Look out for painted storm drains, a local art initiative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise BB Clarke Beach for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful lake views, and family-friendly amenities like a playground and safe swimming zones. While the bathrooms can be a bit grimy, the overall experience is highly positive, with many appreciating the free access and ample space for relaxation and picnics.
"Quaint little beach tucked in a quiet neighborhood. Sanded small beach and swim area. There is also a small kid playground. Family friendly, people picnic, swim and enjoy the shade of the large trees. There is a lifeguard post but I am not sure how well staffed it is. It’s a free to public beach with free street parking."
Barbara Gulten
"I love this beach!! Has a beautiful view, the water is lovely, and there are so many areas that are lovely to sit out and look at the water! It's a small beach but it's never been super busy or crowded! There are bathrooms but they're usually a little grimy feeling. Still nice that they're there!"
Jinx Cardinal
"This humble beach is one of the loveliest places to pass some hours in Madison. Come sit on the grass hill, take a dip in water (complete with a family friendly swimming area with shallow, medium, and deep water demarcated), or venture out to the community diving board to make a splash."
Veronica Williamson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
BB Clarke Beach is located in a quiet neighborhood on the east side of Madison. It's accessible by car, with free street parking available nearby. Public transportation options might also be available; check local Madison transit schedules.
Yes, there is free street parking available around the beach area. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Biking is a great option in Madison! There are likely bike paths that lead to the beach area, offering a scenic route. Check local bike maps for the best routes.
Many visitors consider BB Clarke Beach a delightful hidden gem due to its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful lake views, often less crowded than other Madison beaches.
The best way to experience BB Clarke Beach is to relax on the grassy hills, enjoy a swim in the lake, and perhaps have a picnic. It's a great spot for a low-key day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, BB Clarke Beach is a free public beach. There are no admission fees to enter or use the facilities.
Public beaches in Madison are generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific lifeguard hours may vary, so it's best to check local listings if you plan on swimming with supervision.
No booking is required for BB Clarke Beach as it is a free public access area. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
There is a lifeguard post, but its staffing can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or look for signage on-site to confirm lifeguard availability, especially during peak season.
Facilities include a playground, bathrooms, and a demarcated swimming area. There's also a community diving board and ample grassy space for relaxation and picnics.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Water quality can fluctuate. It's recommended to check LakeForecast.org or the LakeForecast app for current conditions, as algae blooms can sometimes affect lakes in the area.
You can swim in the lake, relax on the grassy hills, picnic, use the playground, and even jump off the community diving board.
Yes, it's very family-friendly with a playground, a safe swimming area with varying depths, and plenty of space for kids to play.
Yes, you can swim in Lake Monona at BB Clarke Beach. There's a designated swim area with clear markings for different water depths.
The beach area has sand, though it's described as a smaller sandy area. The surrounding grounds are primarily grassy hills.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene lake views from the grassy hills, the action at the diving board, or the colorful storm drain murals. The golden hour light here is also beautiful.
Yes, the west-facing views over Lake Monona can offer stunning sunset vistas, making it a great spot for photography during the golden hour.
Landscape photography of the lake and surrounding nature, as well as casual portraits and family photos, are popular here. Don't miss the unique storm drain art!
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local ordinances and park rules regarding drone usage before flying.
The combination of a peaceful beach, a community diving board, and vibrant storm drain art makes for unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Lake Monona's Water Quality
While BB Clarke Beach is often noted for having cleaner water and minimal weeds compared to some other local spots, it's always wise to be prepared. The presence of a lifeguard post offers an additional layer of safety, though its staffing can vary. Being aware of these conditions ensures a more enjoyable and safe experience for everyone at the beach.
Family-Friendly Features at BB Clarke Beach
Beyond the designated swim zones, the beach itself provides ample space for sandcastle building and general play. The surrounding grassy hills are perfect for picnics, games, or simply spreading out a blanket. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for a stress-free family outing.
The Art of the Storm Drains
Keep an eye out for these artistic creations as you explore the beach area. They offer a fantastic opportunity for unique photos and a chance to appreciate local creativity. This community-driven art project adds another layer of charm to the BB Clarke Beach experience, making it more than just a place to swim and relax.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit