Osage Beach, MO

Travel Guide

A river surrounded by dense forest, a historic stone building, and a distant bridge.
A sunset over a calm lake with boats, a rocky shoreline, and a forested hill in the background.
A calm lake surrounded by dense forest with a clear sky.
A river at dusk with boats docked on the left, a dock on the right, and a sunset sky.
A boat creating a wake on a calm body of water with a hilly landscape in the background.

Choose from ample recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, parasailing, riding horses, golf, swimming and sunbathing at this lakeside community.

Water-based activities abound in the community of Osage Beach stretching along the shores of man-made Lake of the Ozarks. Join a tour on the lake or rent a boat to steer your own adventure.

Originally known as Zebra, Osage Beach was first established in 1886. When the Bagnell Dam was completed in 1931, creating the man-made Lake of the Ozarks, the local post office was rebuilt at a cliff overlooking the new lake and the name Osage Beach was adopted. With its position at the heart of Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach is a popular summer vacation spot. Join the summer population swell.

The biggest attraction in town is Lake of the Ozarks. Sign up for waterskiing or wakeboarding lessons, take a narrated boat cruise or rent a pontoon boat and explore independently.

The 92-acre (37-hectare) Osage Beach City Park backs onto the lakefront. Fish in the park’s stocked pond, let the kids enjoy the playground or kick a ball at the park’s soccer fields. This park is adjacent to the much larger Lake of the Ozarks State Park, which contains swimming beaches as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding and cycling trails. Look for the park’s landmark Swinging Bridge. Park nearby and walk across the wobbly structure.

During nice weather, venture to one of the area’s golf courses to hone your skills. Osage Beach has many courses to choose from, including Bear Creek Valley Golf Club, Osage National Golf Club and The Oaks Golf Club at Tan Tar A Resort.

On rainy days, take shelter at the indoor Timber Falls Water Park. Speed down the twin slides, float along the lazy river and relax in the hot tub. Osage Beach Premium Outlets featuring discounted merchandise is another good wet-weather activity.

Osage Beach straddles Camden and Miller counties in central Missouri. It is about a 45-minute drive from Jefferson City and Lebanon. Rent a car for the best way to get around.

Where to stay in Osage Beach

Find the best Osage Beach areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Osage Beach
Learn more about Osage Beach

Laguna Beach

Though Laguna Beach might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Osage Beach Premium Outlets and Miner Mike's Inc.

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks

3 out of 5
494 Tan Tar A Drive Osage Beach MO
$144 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Dec 6 to Dec 7
$154 total
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Osage Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Too many spiders"

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2026

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks
Days Inn by Wyndham Osage Beach Lake of the Ozarks

Days Inn by Wyndham Osage Beach Lake of the Ozarks

2 out of 5
4755 Osage Beach Parkway Osage Beach MO
$68 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$74 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Osage Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Osage Beach Premium Outlets ...
Days Inn by Wyndham Osage Beach Lake of the Ozarks
Schmidt's Creek Hotel

Schmidt's Creek Hotel

2 out of 5
5760 Osage Beach Pkwy Osage Beach MO
$69 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Dec 10 to Dec 11
$74 total
Dec 10 - Dec 11
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Osage Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Schmidt's Creek Hotel
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.
The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF

The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF

Osage Beach MO
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Osage Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake of the Ozarks and Ozark ...
10/10 Exceptional! (156 reviews)
"This was our second year staying at this amazing property and it’s perfect in every way. Anthony does a great job all around. Will be back again and again."

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF
8500 sf, Sleeps 48 in beds, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Rm, 300 ft lake front, In town

8500 sf, Sleeps 48 in beds, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Rm, 300 ft lake front, In town

Osage Beach MO
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Osage Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Osage Beach Premium ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (123 reviews)
"Place was amazing. Highly recommend the property. We are actually staying at the property again in a few weeks!"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2026

8500 sf, Sleeps 48 in beds, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Rm, 300 ft lake front, In town
Top-Rated Walk-In Lakefront Condo indoor and outdoor Pools, Hot Tub & Sauna

Top-Rated Walk-In Lakefront Condo indoor and outdoor Pools, Hot Tub & Sauna

Osage Beach MO
Stay at this condo in Osage Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (281 reviews)
"Wonderful weekend! The condo was spotless when we arrived- and the view!! Just perfect! Very comfortable bed, sofa, even outdoor chairs! The screen on the balcony protected us from any bugs. Appreciated that! Hosts responded quickly to any questions we had! We did check out “Michaels Steak Chalet” ..."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

Top-Rated Walk-In Lakefront Condo indoor and outdoor Pools, Hot Tub & Sauna
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.

Stay near popular Osage Beach attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Osage Beach worth visiting?
Osage Beach is worth visiting for its fun attractions, such as Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park and Osage Beach Premium Outlets. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of dining options, with choices ranging from North American comfort food to Italian dishes, offering something for many tastes.
When is the best time to visit Osage Beach?
The best time to visit Osage Beach is from April through June, when the weather is typically pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering a different experience with cooler temperatures.
What is Osage Beach known for?
Osage Beach is known for its family-friendly attractions like Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, along with shopping at Osage Beach Premium Outlets. Travelers can also enjoy The Oaks Golf Club at Tan Tar A Resort. This riverside city on the Lake of the Ozarks offers a prevalent North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Osage Beach?
A good itinerary length for Osage Beach is two to three days to enjoy highlights like Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, Osage Beach Premium Outlets, and The Oaks Golf Club at Tan Tar A Resort. An extended stay of four to five days allows for more relaxed time at these attractions and to explore the area further.
What are the top things to do in and around Osage Beach?
Osage Beach offers a mix of family fun, shopping, and outdoor recreation for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Osage Beach?
To plan your trip to Osage Beach, book your flights, hotels, and rental car in advance. Consider activities like visiting Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, Osage Beach Premium Outlets, or The Oaks Golf Club at Tan Tar A Resort. For outdoor activities, plan them for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your time.
What cuisines can you find in Osage Beach?
In Osage Beach you can find Italian cuisine, offering dishes like pasta, pizza, lasagna, and risotto. Travelers also have options for North American favorites, Mexican dishes such as tacos and burritos, Mediterranean flavors, and various Asian cuisines.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Osage Beach?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Osage Beach by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Osage Beach with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Osage Beach trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Osage Beach?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Osage Beach can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Osage Beach trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Osage Beach trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Osage Beach trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Osage Beach trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Osage Beach?
If it's your first trip to Osage Beach, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Osage Beach hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Osage Beach hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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