Joemma Beach sits within Joemma Beach State Park on the Key Peninsula in Pierce County with 3,000 feet of saltwater frontage on Puget Sound. The park was renamed Joemma Beach State Park in 1995 after Joe and Emma Smith who lived on the premises from 1917 to 1932, with the name being a portmanteau combining their first names. The Smiths welcomed visitors to what they described as "the finest sandy bathing beach on the interior waters of Puget Sound," renting cottages and running a successful mail-order business selling bulbs and seeds from their gardens, with the Joemma Bulletin catalog-magazine reaching 4,000 circulation in the mid-1920s. The site was previously known as Whiteman Cove Recreation Site and then Robert F. Kennedy Recreation Area from 1968 until being transferred to Washington State Parks on January 24, 1995. The 122-acre marine camping park provides extensive recreational access to southeast Key Peninsula's shoreline.
Swimming attracts visitors to Puget Sound's saltwater waters during summer months from the sandy beach that the Smiths praised for its quality. Kayaking and canoeing launch from the beach and boat ramp with 500 feet of dock space, offering water trail campsites available only to human-powered watercraft arrivals. Fishing and crabbing yield Puget Sound species from the shoreline, dock, and boats, with anglers and crabbers utilizing the extensive waterfront access. Beachcombing along the 3,000-foot shoreline reveals shells, smooth stones, driftwood, sand dollars, and marine life. Scuba diving explores underwater environments off the beach. Metal detecting on the beach attracts treasure hunters searching for artifacts and finds. Wildlife watching includes harbor seals, bald eagles, great blue herons, and diverse seabirds. Camping accommodates 19 tent spaces, two water trail sites, and two primitive hiker-biker sites available May 15 through October 1 with vault toilets and ADA accessibility. Picnicking facilities include sheltered and unsheltered tables with a reservable roofed shelter.
Longbranch and Key Peninsula dining offers coastal town options near Joemma Beach. Longbranch Saloon serves burgers, pizza, grilled dishes, and Friday Fish Fry including soup, salad bar, and choice of potato in cozy small-town atmosphere with full bar. Longbranch Cafe and Saloon creates classic American dishes with regional touches in rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere. El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant prepares authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine. Madrona Cafe offers local favorites. Home Country Store provides country dining. The Trolley at the Boatyard serves waterfront casual fare.
