Milwaukee’s beach scene gives you a fresh-water escape with real Midwestern heart. I found myself soaking up sun on wide lakefronts, joining a quick volleyball match, and coasting along breezy bike paths that trace the shoreline. It’s the kind of place where you can sip craft beer at a downtown brewery, then kick off your shoes and dig your toes into soft sand—all in one perfectly laid-back day. I didn’t expect a city beach day to feel this good, but Milwaukee truly delivers.
Best Beaches Near Milwaukee:
Atwater Beach - 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee - Walk down scenic steps and enjoy stunning lake views.
Bradford Beach - Less than 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee - Play beach volleyball and relax on sandy shores.
Tietjen Beach at Doctors Park - 20 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee by car - Explore wooded trails and enjoy a peaceful lakeside escape.
Grant Park Beach - 25 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee by car - Walk along sandy shores and admire scenic bluffs.
McKinley Beach - Just 5 minutes from downtown Milwaukee - Swim in calm waters and enjoy relaxing picnic spots.
North Beach - 30 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee - Swim in clear waters and enjoy family-friendly beach amenities.
Big Bay Town Park - drive and ferry - Kayak through serene waters and explore unspoiled natural beauty.
Schoolhouse Beach - by ferry and car - Walk on smooth limestone rocks and enjoy crystal-clear waters.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - 1 hour north of Milwaukee - Hike scenic dunes and explore miles of sandy shoreline.
Point Beach State Forest - 10 minutes north of Two Rivers - Walk through forest trails and enjoy a tranquil beach setting.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Atwater Beach - 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee
- • Bradford Beach - Less than 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee
- • Tietjen Beach at Doctors Park - 20 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee by car
- • Grant Park Beach - 25 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee by car
- • McKinley Beach - Just 5 minutes from downtown Milwaukee
- • North Beach - 30 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee
- • Big Bay Town Park - drive and ferry
- • Schoolhouse Beach - by ferry and car
- • Kohler-Andrae State Park - 1 hour north of Milwaukee
- • Point Beach State Forest - 10 minutes north of Two Rivers