When people think of beach destinations, they usually think of warm places. However, Alaska aside, Michigan has the longest coastline of any state. Once the snow melts and the warm days return, Michigan’s miles of sandy beaches become perfect for beach days.
The best beaches in Michigan can be found in state parks and along famous national lakeshores. This means that visitors can not only enjoy the sun, sand, and lake, but also witness some amazing natural landmarks like colorful rocks and huge sand dunes.
14. Mackinaw City Beach
Many people, both local residents and visitors, love to go to Mackinaw City Beach in northern Michigan. The beach has soft white sand and the water in Lake Huron is pleasant to swim in. You could spend a whole day swimming and enjoying the beautiful views of the lake and the Mackinac Bridge that stretches out to St. Ignace.
But it would be a shame if you didn’t take advantage of everything the beach has to offer. There’s a trail along the waterfront that connects several local beaches on the cape. You can start at Mackinaw City Beach, go through Wawatam Park, and even pass by two iconic lighthouses all the way to the Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
13. Tawas Point State Park
Tawas Point State Park is often called the Cape Cod of the Midwest due to its charming character, which is especially highlighted by its lovely lighthouse. Similar to Cape Cod, the fishermen come and go regularly, just like the park’s breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
When the weekends arrive, locals gather their beach equipment and spend the day in the park, admiring Lake Huron while the seagulls soar above. Although Tawas Point State Park might not receive a lot of attention in the news because of its small size, perhaps that’s the whole point. Visitors to the beach can have a truly enjoyable day by the water without any worries.
12. Pere Marquette Park
If you’re already going to Hoffmaster State Park Beach, you should also check out Pere Marquette Park Beach just to the north. This beach is almost three miles long and has clean, white sand and great views of Lake Michigan. It’s not just the lake that will catch your eye though.
This beach is popular with kite boarders, who you can watch as they glide across the water. If you want to join in on the fun, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards nearby and get a close look at the Pierhead Lighthouse. On land, you can also play beach volleyball or enjoy the playground. There are also several restaurants nearby.
11. Hoffmaster State Park
When you visit Hoffmaster State Park, you’ll not only enjoy three miles of beautiful shoreline, but also other attractions. As you set your beach towel down, you’ll notice that the sand blends in with the rolling sand dunes, making it hard to distinguish where the beach starts and ends.
The beach is spacious, providing plenty of room to relax and unwind. Additionally, there are convenient amenities like public restrooms and picnic areas equipped with tables and BBQs. For those who enjoy sports, there are beach volleyball nets available for friendly competition.
You’ll also have the opportunity to swim in the beach’s clear turquoise waters. However, the most breathtaking experience awaits when you climb up the sand dunes. From the viewpoint at the top, you can witness the dunes dramatically descending towards the bright blue water, creating a stunning spectacle of colors.
10. Oval Beach, Saugatuck
Just a few minutes away from the charming and relaxed town of Saugatuck, you will find Oval Beach, which National Geographic claims to be one of the best beaches in the world. We’ll let you make the final judgement on that, but what you can definitely expect are clear water and soft golden sand.
Oval Beach truly embodies Saugatuck’s carefree spirit, especially during the summer months. It’s a wonderful place to be, offering enjoyable swimming opportunities and lively concession stands. You can also admire the majestic sand dunes of Saugatuck Dunes State Park from the beach. However, it is the sunset that truly promises to be the most memorable part of your experience.
9. Warren Dunes State Park
Warren Dunes State Park is a popular destination in Michigan with beautiful scenery. On a sunny day, you can even catch a glimpse of the Chicago skyline. The park is located near Lake Michigan and offers three miles of sandy beach and six miles of leisurely hiking trails.
There are plenty of activities to do besides reading and swimming at the beach. You can search for beach glass and treasures from old shipwrecks, or try sandboarding down Tower Hill, a tall dune located along the hiking trails.
8. New Buffalo Public Beach
New Buffalo Public Beach may be smaller in size with only 800 feet of shoreline, but it more than compensates with a great atmosphere and amenities. At the center of the beach, there is a rock wall that extends into the lake.
This creates a division in the water, resulting in one side having playful rolling waves and the other side being calm and ideal for swimming with young children. In addition to the beach, Lakefront Park is also available, which offers restrooms, showers, concession stands, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Connecting the beach and the park is a boardwalk that can easily be accessed and provides the opportunity to explore local dunes. Moreover, a boat ramp is conveniently located nearby for those who want to venture out onto the lake.
7. Frankfort Beach
Frankfort Beach is a beautiful local beach in the town of Frankfort, which is known as the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes State Park. The beach is surrounded by stunning sandstone bluffs and has pristine sand and gorgeous sunsets. It’s just a short walk away from the charming town, which offers boutique stores, bakeries, and microbreweries.
So, when you get hungry, you can easily find a cute cafe or a cozy restaurant nearby. Before relaxing on the beach, you can take a stroll to the top of the bluffs and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, where the sparkling sky-blue water shines in the sunlight.
6. Holland State Park Beach
The town of Holland has amazing views of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. There is a beautiful state park nearby that offers nature and lovely beaches. One of the beaches, also called Ottawa Beach, is part of Holland State Park. It is located on the western end of the park and faces Lake Michigan.
Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sights and admire the nearby lighthouse known as Hollar Harbor Lighthouse or Big Red, which is a popular subject for photographs in Michigan. People can also explore the state park by walking or biking on the many trails. After a day at the beach, they can set up camp just a short distance away from Ottawa Beach.
5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located by Lake Superior, is a stunning display of nature’s artistic talent. The cliffs, which resemble a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, were what earned this place the honor of being the first national lakeshore in the United States. Even if you visit multiple times, the beauty of this place never diminishes.
Along the lakeshore, there are several beaches where you can not only witness the colorful cliffs up close but also enjoy the magnificent lake. Two well-liked spots are Twelvemile Beach and Miners Beach, both of which also offer delightful nature walks through the surrounding forest.
Another popular activity here is scuba diving, which allows you to explore the Alger Underwater Diving Preserve.
4. South Beach, South Haven
South Haven has two main beaches, with South Beach being the more popular one. South Beach offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, as well as a concession stand and a playground for children. No matter where you choose to relax on the beach, you’ll have a beautiful view of the South Pierhead Lighthouse, which is perfect for taking photos.
You can also take a walk along the pier to admire the view of the beach and Lake Michigan. Located in the southwest of the state, South Haven attracts travelers from all over the Midwest. During the summer, the beach can get crowded, but that’s because the surrounding area is well-developed for families.
3. Grand Haven State Park
Grand Haven State Park is located just west of Grand Rapids and offers everything you would expect from a classic Michigan beach. The beach itself has crystal clear water and soft golden sand, creating the perfect environment for swimming and lounging around.
It also features a picturesque red lighthouse, a pier that extends into the lake, and numerous nature trails to explore. Like many of the top beaches in Michigan, Grand Haven State Park offers a well-rounded experience.
You can choose to relax on the sunny sand, take a dip in the beautiful blue water, or even challenge your friends to a game of beach volleyball.If you’re looking for more adventure, take a stroll along the pier for even better views or try your luck at fishing in Lake Michigan.
And if you didn’t catch any fish for lunch, there are plenty of lakefront restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t forget to visit the sprawling state park before you go, as it offers even more recreational activities and natural beauty to enjoy.
2. Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Silver Lake Sand Dunes is a beautiful beach along the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. It is not only for sunbathers but also for adventure seekers. To reach the shoreline, you need to walk a considerable distance from the nearest parking area. This means that there are fewer people, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
The paths leading to the beach are accessible for people with disabilities and along the way, you will come across various trailheads to explore the rest of the expansive state park. Once you reach the shores of Lake Michigan, you can enjoy swimming and try your hand at shore fishing.
Visitors should consider renting four-wheel-drive vehicles available in the park to explore the unique sand dunes, as it is one of the few places in the country where vehicles are allowed on the dunes.
1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a stunning location in the United States, with 60 miles of beautiful coastline on Lake Michigan. It’s considered the top beach in Michigan. The lakeshore’s blue waters resemble those found in the Caribbean, making it a unique and breathtaking sight.
On a sunny day, visitors can enjoy swimming in the calm conditions and relaxing on the soft white sand. The view from the beach includes the distant Manitou Islands. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, visitors can explore the enormous dunes, which can reach heights of up to 450 feet. The park also offers amazing hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
