Relaxing on the pristine beaches of Michigan might be one of the best ways to spend your summer months. From pebbled shores to golden sands and busy boardwalks to isolated islands, the beaches offer something for everyone. Most of the beaches are situated along the azure waters of Lake Michigan, which is crystal clear and refreshing to cool off in.
1. Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach
Rating: ★★★★★
Enjoy over two and a half miles of shoreline at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach. It is a secluded strip alongside Lake Michigan. The day-use only beach and park has fresh water coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall and varies from rolling hills to steep slopes, making it a fun and adventurous place to explore.
You can dine in any of the numerous nearby restaurants or get souvenirs to remember their trip to Michigan. Activities include boating on to Lake Michigan, picnicking in the picturesque area, and hiking the scenic trails.
2. Grand Haven State Park Beach
Located in Grand Haven, Grand Haven State Park Beach is a 48-acre state park with a stunning view and beach access to Lake Michigan and the Grand River and harbor. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, from fishing on the pier and swimming to picnicking in the designated picnic areas and shelters.
There is a boardwalk near the harbor filled with restaurants and shops brimming with souvenirs, trinkets, and beachside necessities. Other site facilities include a playground, hiking trails, and a modern camping site fitted with a three-bedroom ranch known as the Grand Haven Lodge, and most of the rooms have amazing views of the lake and lighthouse.
3. Copper Harbor
In the late 18th century, the Pittsburg and Boston Mining Company began mining and shipping copper from the local deposits, using the harbor to transport the goods. Now, Copper Harbo is mostly used for recreational purposes such as a ferry that connects northern Michigan to Isle Royale National Park.
Across from the lighthouse is Copper Harbor Beach where visitors can relax on the pebbled shore and cool off in the refreshing waters. The beach is absolutely picturesque and makes for some great photo opportunities so visitors can have an amazing memento of their trip to Michigan’s beaches.
4. North Manitou Island
North Manitou Island is steeped in history and offers visitors a solitary location that focuses on nature’s finest aspects: Lake Michigan and the surrounding trails filled with gorgeous flora and fauna. The island has over 15,000 acres for visitors to explore and offers activities such as camping, hiking, hunting, and relaxing on the stunning beaches.
During the day, the island’s villages have tons of opportunities for exploration as well as a chance to meet the island’s natives, and at night, visitors can explore the eerie ghost towns that have been established on the island.
5. Orchard Beach State Park
Orchard Beach State Park is an amazing location with over 166 campsites located on a bluff overlooking breathtaking Lake Michigan. A staircase is built down the bluff so campers have access to the beach below. The modernized campsite includes a mini cabin, two restroom and shower buildings, and two paved sites for handicapped campers.
There is also a larger area dedicated to events such as reunions and meetings. Visitors can take part in a lot of activities, including hiking on the self-guided trails, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and cross country skiing during the winter months.
6. Rogers City
Also known as Nautical City and the Salmon Capital of Michigan, Rogers City is known for playing a major role in Michigan’s shipping industry and fishing and water recreation history. Visitors not only get to relax and explore the beaches, but they’ll also be near one of the largest shipping ports on the Great Lakes: The Port of Calcite is the world’s largest open pit limestone quarry.
Visitors can catch some rays and some fish on the lighted fishing platform, a recent addition to the harbor. Those interested in fishing tournaments might want to plan their visit accordingly, as Rogers City hosts two salmon fishing tournaments annually.
7. Manistique
Getting its name from the location where the Manistique River and Lake Michigan meet, Manistique forms a natural harbor and beach area that locals and visitors flock to all year long. Nature lovers will enjoy walking around the trails and exploring the land, which is replete with numerous historical landmarks.
If you are looking for something more adventurous, you can take part in fishing, boating, hunting, camping, or even snowmobiling during the winter season. In addition, there are numerous shopping and dining options where visitors will find more than just the usual beachside souvenirs and boardwalk foods.
8. Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Silver Lake Sand Dunes is a beautiful secluded beach located along Lake Michigan’s stunning shorelines. To get there, visitors must walk from Silver Lake – this takes approximately 45 minutes – or go on a short drive in an off road vehicle over the dunes.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes has over 2,000 unmarred acres of rolling dunes that separate the beach area and the lake. Visitors will find the remote location is one of the best areas for a romantic getaway during their Michigan vacation; the views alone are absolutely worth the walk or drive over.
9. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Miles and miles of golden sand beaches stretch into bluffs that tower over Lake Michigan, crystal clear inland lakes, and lush forests that are filled with stunning flora and fauna at Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore.
Visitors can climb the dunes and appreciate the spectacular views the height offers of the surrounding island lighthouse and picturesque farmsteads in the distance. Activities include canoeing on the clear inland lakes, hiking through the forest in the self-guided trails, or bird watching and wildlife viewing at Manitou Islands.
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