Looking for a beach retreat by a Great Lake? In this post, I’ll share the beautiful beaches I discovered along Lake Michigan—where freshwater waves, sandy dunes, and charming lakeside towns create the perfect Midwest coastal getaway. "Lake Michigan offers miles of pristine sandy beaches, perfect for relaxation, water sports, and scenic views."
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Recommended Lake Michigan Beaches:
1. Oval Beach, Lake Michigan
"Swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a romantic summer escape on sandy shores." - VI
Location:
Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan, along the shores of Lake MichiganRecommended For:
Beach lovers, families, swimmers, photographers, and those seeking stunning views of Lake Michigan.What we Love:
Beautiful views of Lake Michigan, calm waters, soft sand, and a variety of amenities for a relaxing beach experience.- Swim in the calm, welcoming waters, perfect for a refreshing dip on a sunny day.
- Relax on the soft, comfortable sand, ideal for sunbathing or enjoying a picnic with family and friends.
- Walk along the pier, offering spectacular views of the Kalamazoo River and the surrounding area.
- Enjoy the tranquil sounds of the beach, making for a peaceful and unforgettable experience.
Cost:
Public access; parking fees apply during peak season.Best time to visit:
The summer months (June to September) for the best beach weather and calm waters for swimming.Local tips:
Get there early to secure a good spot, especially during peak summer months. Enjoy the nearby amenities like picnic tables, BBQs, and play areas for a complete beach experience.Distance:
Oval Beach is located in Saugatuck, Michigan, easily accessible from nearby towns.How to Get to Oval Beach:
Drive to Saugatuck, Michigan, and follow the signs for Oval Beach, with ample parking and easy access to the beach and pier.
2. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
"Hike wooded trails and admire peaceful sights on a quiet weekend trip." - VI
Location:
Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Saugatuck, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan, next to Oval BeachRecommended For:
Nature lovers, hikers, beachgoers, and those looking for scenic views and outdoor adventure.What we Love:
Impressive sand dunes, scenic hiking trails, two-mile stretch of beach, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.- Explore the towering sand dunes, some reaching heights of up to 200 feet, offering incredible views of the surrounding area.
- Hike along scenic trails that wind through the dunes and the park’s natural landscapes.
- Relax at the beach, which stretches over two miles, providing plenty of space for solitude or enjoying the sun.
- Picnic in the designated picnic area, perfect for unwinding with a meal surrounded by nature.
Cost:
Public access; parking fees may apply during peak season.Best time to visit:
Spring to fall, with the summer months (June to August) offering ideal weather for hiking and beach activities.Local tips:
The park can get busy, especially in summer, so visit early to find a quiet spot on the beach. Bring sturdy shoes for hiking through the dunes.Distance:
Saugatuck Dunes State Park is located next to Oval Beach, just a short drive from the town of Saugatuck.How to Get to Saugatuck Dunes State Park:
From the town of Saugatuck, follow the signs to the park, which is easily accessible by car. There is ample parking available at the park.
Romantic Lake Michigan Beaches:
3. Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area
I like:
"Race over dunes and enjoy an exciting adventure with the family." - VI
Location:
Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan and Silver LakeRecommended For:
Beach lovers, adventure seekers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, and those looking for scenic views and outdoor recreation.What we Love:
Breathtaking sand dunes, multiple beaches, off-road vehicle tours, and the unique opportunity to enjoy two lakes in one area.- Explore the massive sand dunes that make this area famous, offering unique landscapes and recreation.
- Relax at the beaches, including Cedar Point, Golden Township Park, and Little Sable Point Lighthouse Beach, each offering stunning views of the lakes.
- Take an off-road vehicle (ORV) tour to access hidden beach spots and experience the dunes like never before.
- Swim and enjoy water activities in both Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, offering plenty of options for beachgoers.
- Hike along several scenic trails winding through the dunes, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Cost:
Free public access; fees for ORV tours, parking, and beach access may apply.Best time to visit:
The summer months (June to August) are ideal for beach activities, ORV tours, and hiking, with pleasant weather and abundant recreational opportunities.Local tips:
The dunes can get busy, especially in the summer, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially for ORV tours. Be prepared for walking on sand if hiking.Distance:
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area is easily accessible from the nearby town of Mears, Michigan.How to Get to Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area:
Take M-20 to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area, where ample parking is available. Off-road vehicle tours can be accessed at designated spots in the area.
4. North Avenue Beach, Lake Michigan
"Play beach volleyball and enjoy an easy, affordable day near the city." - VI
Location:
North Avenue Beach, Chicago, Illinois, along the shores of Lake MichiganRecommended For:
Beach lovers, sports enthusiasts, and those looking for a vibrant, scenic beach experience in the heart of Chicago.What we Love:
Stunning views of the Chicago skyline, vibrant atmosphere, and a variety of activities to enjoy along Lake Michigan.- Relax and take in the breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline on one side and the bold blue waters of Lake Michigan on the other.
- Play volleyball, jet ski, or walk along the shore, soaking up the vibrant beach atmosphere.
- Rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and wakeboards for a more active experience.
- Explore the nearby local amenities, with a variety of bars and restaurants just a short walk away for a complete beach day.
Cost:
Free public access; rentals and activities available for a fee.Best time to visit:
Summer months (June to September) are ideal for beach activities, with warm weather and vibrant crowds.Local tips:
Arrive early during the summer to secure a good spot, especially on weekends when the beach gets busy. Enjoy the nearby restaurants and bars for a complete day out.Distance:
Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, easily accessible from downtown by public transportation or car.How to Get to North Avenue Beach:
Take a bus or drive to the Lincoln Park area, where North Avenue Beach is easily reachable, with nearby parking available.
Unique Lake Michigan Beaches:
5. South Beach Park
"Relax by the lighthouse and savor a fun, kid-friendly lakeside visit." - VI
Location:
South Beach Park, South Haven, Michigan, along the shores of Lake MichiganRecommended For:
Families, beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for a variety of recreational activities in a beautiful setting.What we Love:
Family-friendly atmosphere, soft sand, calm waters for swimming, and a range of activities for all ages.- Swim in the calm, welcoming waters of Lake Michigan, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
- Relax on the soft, comfortable sand, ideal for sunbathing or unwinding by the water.
- Play volleyball on the beach or enjoy a session at the skate park, designed for teens and active visitors.
- Visit the historic lighthouse, which has been in operation since the late 19th century, adding charm and history to the beach experience.
Cost:
Free public access; parking fees may apply during peak season.Best time to visit:
The summer months (June to August) offer the best weather for swimming and beach activities.Local tips:
South Beach Park is perfect for families with its variety of activities. Arrive early during the summer to secure a good spot, as it can get busy.Distance:
Located in South Haven, Michigan, easily accessible from nearby towns and the surrounding region.How to Get to South Beach Park:
Drive to South Haven, and follow signs for South Beach Park, with parking available on-site.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Why is Lake Michigan called the "Third Coast"?
- Lake Michigan has earned the nickname "Third Coast" of the United States due to its long coastline and numerous beaches.
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What makes Lake Michigan’s beaches special?
- Visitors can enjoy beautiful soft sands, immense dunes, and stunning views.
- Many wildlife species can also be observed along Lake Michigan beaches.
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Where are the softest, sandiest beaches on Lake Michigan?
- Most of the softest and sandiest beaches are found on the southern and eastern shores of the lake.
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Which parts of Lake Michigan’s shoreline are rocky?
- The northern and western parts of Lake Michigan’s shoreline are dominated by rocky areas.
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Where should visitors go for the best beach experience on Lake Michigan?
- For the best experience, visitors should stay around the southern and eastern parts of the lake, where the softest beaches are located.
Best Time to Visit Lake Michigan Beaches
- June to August – Best overall time with warm water, sunny skies, and prime beach conditions.
- July – Peak summer fun with festivals, swimming, and vibrant lakefront energy.
- May & September – Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and great for peaceful beach walks and picnics.
- October – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage create scenic shoreline experiences.
- November to April – Off-season with chilly temps, but peaceful views and dramatic winter beauty.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather and ideal for swimming and beach activities.
Grand Hotel – A historic luxury stay on Mackinac Island.
Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Hike dunes and relax on scenic beaches.
Spring (March-May) – Cooler but great for outdoor exploration.
Lake Shore Resort – A charming waterfront retreat in Saugatuck.
Explore Oval Beach – A beautiful, quiet beach with soft sand and rolling dunes.
Fall (September-November) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
The Inn at Harbor Shores – A lakeside getaway in St. Joseph.
Relax at Silver Beach – A family-friendly beach with a lively boardwalk.
Winter (December-February) – Cold but stunning for winter walks and ice formations.
Blue Harbor Resort – A cozy lakefront resort in Sheboygan.
Visit Indiana Dunes National Park – Enjoy breathtaking winter scenery along the shoreline.
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