A calm lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees.

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Our top choices for Brainerd beach hotels

Spruce Cabin Residences

1. Nature Link Resort

Nature Link Resort
3.0 star property
Nisswa
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (97 reviews)
  • cleanliness
    Sun, sand, and shoreline serenity await at this lakeside cabin retreat with private beach access and complimentary loungers.
$190 nightly
The price is $204
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Total with taxes and fees
Nature Link Resort
Reception

2. AmeriVu Inn & Suites - Avon

AmeriVu Inn & Suites - Avon
2.0 star property
Avon
7.6 out of 10, Good, (286 reviews)
$79 nightly
The price is $85
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
AmeriVu Inn & Suites - Avon
Private kitchen

3. Beautiful Newly Renovated 3 BR Mille Lacs Lakeside Cottage

Beautiful Newly Renovated 3 BR Mille Lacs Lakeside Cottage
South Harbor Township
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (33 reviews)
$339 nightly
The price is $342
Sep 16 - Sep 17
Total with taxes and fees
Beautiful Newly Renovated 3 BR Mille Lacs Lakeside Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Choose what matters most at beach hotels in Brainerd

Pool
Breakfast included

Find out more about Brainerd

Brainerd and its attractions for beach lovers

Brainerd, Minnesota, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities with its nearby several beautiful lakes. Start your journey at the iconic Gull Lake, where you can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun on the sandy shores. If you're keen on fishing, the lake is a hotspot for anglers seeking walleye and northern pike. For a fun family day out, check out the Paul Bunyan Land amusement park, which features rides and a petting zoo, perfect for keeping children entertained. After a day of adventure, head to the Brainerd Lakes Area, where you can find hotels that provide easy access to the beach and stunning views of the water. Many accommodations offer family suites and amenities like pools, making them perfect for a pampered stay. Don't miss out on a sunset cruise on Gull Lake for a unique experience that will create lasting memories.

Find the best beach hotels and resorts in Brainerd

For beach lovers visiting Brainerd, Minnesota, here are some fantastic hotel options that provide direct access to sandy shores and exciting water activities.

Maddens On Gull Lake

  • Why it's great for the ultimate beach vacation spot: Maddens On Gull Lake is a premier destination for beach enthusiasts, a remarkable guest review rating of 9.4. Guests can enjoy a stunning sand beach along with an array of water sports, including kayaking and motorboating right on-site, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fun beach getaway.
  • Other amenities: The resort's offerings extend beyond the beach with features such as a full-service spa, multiple swimming pools including an indoor pool, and access to a golf course. Guests can also take advantage of supervised childcare, a hot tub for relaxation, and an arcade game room for entertainment. For those looking to explore, fishing and tubing opportunities are available nearby, ensuring a memorable stay.
  • Nearby attractions: The Classic at Madden's Golf Course - 0.01 miles, Gull Lake - 0.08 miles, Social 9 - 0.28 miles

Cragun's Resort & Hotel

  • Why it's great for the ultimate beach vacation spot: Cragun's Resort & Hotel stands out for its excellent beach access and family-friendly environment, reflected in its solid guest review rating of 8.2. With a beautiful beach site location, guests can easily enjoy the sun and sand while partaking in various outdoor activities.
  • Other amenities: The resort features both indoor and outdoor pools, a golf clubhouse, and on-site tennis courts. Guests can also enjoy a range of recreational activities including hiking, biking, and ice skating. With amenities like a playground for children, self-parking, and air conditioning, the resort provides comfort and convenience for beach travelers of all ages.
  • Nearby attractions: Gull Lake - 0.23 miles, Social 9 - 1.52 miles, Legacy at Cragun's - 0.34 miles

Top Brainerd Hotel Reviews

Cragun's Resort & Hotel

Cragun's Resort & Hotel

8/10 Good
"We enjoyed our stay."
Michelle 2-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Cragun's Resort & Hotel

Frequently asked questions

What are the best beach hotels in Brainerd?
Some of the best hotels in Brainerd include Maddens On Gull Lake and Cragun's Resort & Hotel.

The 4-star Maddens On Gull Lake, with a 9.4 rating, is located near Pine Beach. While it offers extensive golf amenities, guests can also enjoy the nearby beach access.

Cragun's Resort & Hotel, a 3-star property with an 8.2 rating, is also near Pine Beach. Guests frequently mention the spacious and clean rooms, great customer service, and good food.
How much does a beach hotel in Brainerd cost?
Prices for beach hotels in Brainerd vary, but you can find a great deal from $85 on Expedia. You're likely to find lower rates if you're traveling during the off-peak season or mid-week. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.
Which Brainerd hotels are near the best beaches?
For hotels near the best beaches in Brainerd, consider Maddens On Gull Lake or Cragun's Resort & Hotel.

The 4-star Maddens On Gull Lake, with a 9.4 rating, is located near Pine Beach and offers guests access to golf amenities, including an onsite golf course and lessons.

Cragun's Resort & Hotel, a 3-star property with an 8.2 rating, is also situated near Pine Beach. Guests frequently mention the spacious and clean rooms, great customer service, and good food.
Which beach hotels in Brainerd are good for families?
For families looking for a beach hotel in Brainerd, Maddens On Gull Lake and Cragun's Resort & Hotel are solid options.

The 4-star Maddens On Gull Lake, with a 9.4 rating, is located near Pine Beach and offers a variety of amenities that cater to families, including extensive golf facilities like golf lessons with a pro and an onsite golf course.

Cragun's Resort & Hotel is a 3-star property with an 8.2 rating. It also features an onsite golf course and lessons, and customers often highlight its spacious, clean rooms and great food.
What are the top-rated beach hotels in Brainerd with a pool?
For top-rated beach hotels in Brainerd with a pool, consider Maddens On Gull Lake and Cragun's Resort & Hotel.

Maddens On Gull Lake, a 4-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, offers both indoor and outdoor pools, including a pool designed for children. It is located near Pine Beach and also features extensive golf amenities on-site.

Cragun's Resort & Hotel, a 3-star property with an 8.2 rating, also provides indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a children's pool. Guests have frequently praised the spacious and clean rooms, great customer service, and good food.
Which area of Brainerd is best to stay in for beaches?
The best area to stay in Brainerd for beaches is along the shores of Gull Lake, particularly around the towns of Nisswa and Baxter.

Gull Lake is the largest and most popular lake in the Brainerd Lakes Area, known for its clear waters and numerous sandy beaches. This area offers a mix of resorts and vacation rentals directly on the lakefront, providing immediate access to swimming, boating, and other water activities. The main thoroughfare, Highway 371, runs nearby, offering convenient access to local dining and shopping.

Families will find this area ideal due to the abundance of kid-friendly beaches with shallow entry, playgrounds, and organized activities often available at resorts. Many properties offer amenities like water sports rentals and dedicated swimming areas, ensuring a fun and convenient beach vacation.

For couples looking for a relaxing lakeside retreat, the quieter bays and coves of Gull Lake offer a more secluded experience.
Which top beach hotels in Brainerd offer water sport activities?
For a top beach hotel in Brainerd offering water sport activities, Maddens On Gull Lake is an excellent choice.

The 4-star Maddens On Gull Lake, with a 9.4 rating, provides a variety of water sports right on site, including motorboating, kayaking, and waterskiing. Guests can easily access equipment for these activities directly from the hotel.
What is the best time of year to stay in a beach hotel in Brainerd?
The most idyllic time to experience Brainerd's beach hotels is during the summer months, particularly July and August, when the weather is consistently warm and inviting. Temperatures during this period typically hover in the comfortable range of 70°F to 80°F, creating superb conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the many water activities on Gull Lake or the Brainerd Lakes Area. Imagine yourself relaxing on a sandy shore, soaking in the sunshine, or perhaps embarking on a scenic boat tour, all without the chill of cooler seasons.

This peak summer season is especially popular with families, as it aligns perfectly with school holidays, allowing for unforgettable lakeside adventures at places like Paul Bunyan Land. Consequently, demand for beach hotels in Brainerd skyrockets, leading to higher room rates and limited availability. It's highly recommended to book your accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred lakeside retreat and ensure a seamless, stress-free stay.

For those seeking a slightly more tranquil experience with equally pleasant weather, late June offers a fantastic alternative. While still wonderfully warm, with temperatures generally in the high 60s to low 70s, you might find it easier to secure prime hotel reservations and enjoy a more serene atmosphere before the full swing of the summer crowds.
What beach activities should we do in Brainerd?
For beach activities in Brainerd, you'll want to focus on the resorts and public access points around Gull Lake and Pelican Lake. These large, clear lakes offer the best opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Gull Lake is particularly well-suited for families and couples seeking an extensive lake experience. Many resorts along its shores, like those near the historic Gull Lake Lighthouse or along the popular Gull Lake Drive, feature private sandy beaches with shallow entry points ideal for young children. You can easily rent pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards directly from these locations, making it convenient to enjoy the water without needing to bring your own equipment.

Pelican Lake, while slightly smaller, also offers excellent beach options, particularly around Breezy Point. This area is great for those looking for a slightly less crowded experience. Public beaches here provide ample space for picnicking and swimming, and the calmer waters are often preferred for stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing.
Is it cheaper to book a Brainerd beach hotel and flights as a package?
Booking a beach hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking a beach vacation package well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it's wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.
Can I cancel my beach hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline—this is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right beach hotel in Brainerd for you.

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