Milwaukee’s beach scene offers a fresh-water escape with Midwestern heart. Here I found wide lakefronts, volleyball courts, and breezy bike paths that hug the shore. It’s the kind of place where I can sip craft beer downtown, then dig my toes into soft sand, all in one laid-back day.
Best Beaches Near Milwaukee:
1. Atwater Beach - 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee
Rating: ★★★★★
© Paul Sparks/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Shorewood, Milwaukee, WIHighlights:
Atwater Beach is a lovely family-friendly beach in Milwaukee's Shorewood neighborhood, spanning five acres of beachfront and park lands along East Capitol Drive. It’s best known for its scenic views, swimming access, and popular summer events like Memorial Day and the Shorewood Men’s Club Chicken Barbecue that marks the beach’s seasonal opening.Recommended For:
Families, beachgoers, local event seekers, sculpture enthusiasts, and surfers in training.What I Love: ♥
"A beach with heart — from splashy holiday events to art and surf vibes, this is where shoreline charm meets community spirit."- Swim and sunbathe along 800 feet of Lake Michigan’s breezy shoreline.
- Surf with guidance from the Milwaukee Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, ideal for beginners looking to catch their first wave.
- Discover Jaume Plensa’s "Spillover II" sculpture—an artistic beacon at the beach’s edge.
- Play at the on-site children’s playground or picnic with family under summer skies.
Cost:
Free public access.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for swimming, local festivities, and ideal beach weather.Local tips:
Parking can be limited on busy weekends—arrive early and bring blankets or chairs for the seasonal events.Distance:
Around 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee.How to Get to Atwater Beach:
From downtown Milwaukee, take I-43 N and exit at Capitol Drive. Head east until you reach N Lake Drive; the park is just ahead.Address:
N Lake Dr, Shorewood, WI 53211, Phone: 414-847-26502. Bradford Beach - Less than 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee
© milanmarkovic78/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Milwaukee, WIHighlights:
Bradford Beach is Milwaukee’s go-to destination for summer fun along Lake Michigan. This Blue Wave-certified beach features lifeguarded swimming, sunbathing, volleyball courts, and beachside food and drink—plus an iconic Polar Bear Plunge each New Year’s Day for the brave-hearted.Recommended For:
Swimmers, sunseekers, beach volleyball fans, food truck followers, and cold-water thrill seekers.What I Love: ♥
"It’s a beach party with a city backdrop—lifeguards, tiki bars, volleyball courts, and those sun-kissed Lake Michigan views."- Swim safely at the city’s only lifeguarded beach, with pristine shoreline access all summer long.
- Sunbathe or relax in style with rentable beach chairs and shaded cabanas.
- Play beach volleyball on well-kept courts or cheer on a friendly match from the sand.
- Eat at Bradford Beach View for breezy burgers and tacos, or sip cool cocktails at the tiki bar.
Cost:
Free beach access; rentals and food are additional.Best time to visit:
June through August for warm-weather swimming and beach events; January 1st for the Polar Bear Plunge.Local tips:
Arrive early on weekends—parking fills up fast. Bring flip-flops: the sand gets hot by noon!Distance:
Less than 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee by car or bike.How to Get to Bradford Beach:
Take Lincoln Memorial Drive north along the lakefront. Bradford Beach is located just north of Veterans Park with visible signage and parking areas nearby.Address:
2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53211, Phone: 414-257-7275Review:★★★★★ "Bradford Beach was great for people-watching by the lake. we were there in the fall so it was too cold to swim. But it was a lovely place regardless. Locals said that parking can be difficult in the summer. I plan to go back then. "
Romantic Beaches Near Milwaukee:
3. Tietjen Beach at Doctors Park - 20 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee by car
© Ammak/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Fox Point, Milwaukee, WIHighlights:
Tietjen Beach at Doctors Park offers a quiet, scenic retreat from Milwaukee’s bustling lakefront. Located in the suburb of Fox Point, this hidden gem lies within a 49-acre bluffside park established in 1928 and named for local physician Joseph Schneider. The beach honors George Tietjen, founder of Milwaukee County's Lifeguard Corps, and provides serene Lake Michigan views with rustic trail access.Recommended For:
Solitude seekers, hikers, families, birders, and nature lovers.What I Love: ♥
"Blufftop serenity leads to a peaceful shoreline — no crowds, just the rhythmic hush of waves and the call of shorebirds."- Hike scenic trails from the blufftop park down to the secluded beachfront below.
- Relax in peaceful surroundings far from downtown noise—ideal for reading, meditating, or gentle exploration.
- Picnic in wooded groves or open lawn areas throughout Doctors Park’s beautifully maintained grounds.
- Explore the neighboring Schlitz Audubon Nature Center for more hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature programming.
Cost:
Free public access; parking is available at the top of the bluff.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for comfortable beach access and clear trail conditions.Local tips:
Wear sturdy shoes—the path down to the beach can be steep in spots. Bring water and snacks as amenities are limited near the beach.Distance:
About 20 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee by car.How to Get to Tietjen Beach at Doctors Park:
From I-43, exit at Brown Deer Road and head east. Turn onto N Lake Drive and follow signs to Doctors Park. Parking is at the top of the bluff, with trail access leading to the beach below.Address:
1870 E Fox Ln, Fox Point, WI 53217, Phone: 414-257-72754. Grant Park Beach - 25 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee by car
© izuboky/stock.adobe.com
Location:
South Milwaukee, WIHighlights:
Grant Park Beach is one of Milwaukee’s best-kept secrets—a serene beach escape tucked along Lake Michigan in South Milwaukee’s Grant Park. Accessible via the atmospheric Seven Bridges Trail, this beach features calm swimming waters, spacious sands, and summer fun enhanced by local eats and seasonal beer gardens.Recommended For:
Families, casual hikers, foodies, beach volleyball players, and locals seeking a hidden gem.What I Love: ♥
"Winding trails, whispered ghost stories, and golden sand—this beach is a fairytale waiting to be found."- Swim in calm, family-friendly waters perfect for summer splashing and cooling off.
- Hike the famous Seven Bridges Trail to reach the beach—expect picturesque footbridges and creekside photo ops.
- Dine at Ferch’s Beachside Grill for burgers, cones, and summer classics right off the sand.
- Relax with local brews when the Sprecher beer garden makes its seasonal appearance.
- Play on the children’s playground or join a beach volleyball game in designated court areas.
Cost:
Free public access; food and drink purchases are optional.Best time to visit:
Summer months (June–August) for swimming, food trucks, and beer garden events.Local tips:
Arrive early to hike the Seven Bridges Trail before hitting the beach. Look for shaded picnic tables near the trail’s southern entrance.Distance:
About 25 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee by car.How to Get to Grant Park Beach:
Take I-794 south to Highway 32 and exit at Hawthorne Avenue. Follow signs into Grant Park and park near the Seven Bridges Trailhead for scenic access to the beach.Address:
100 Hawthorne Ave, South Milwaukee, WI 53172Family Beaches Near Milwaukee:
5. McKinley Beach - Just 5 minutes from downtown Milwaukee
© Oleandra9/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Milwaukee, WIHighlights:
McKinley Beach is a relaxed, less crowded alternative to neighboring Bradford Beach. Located along Lincoln Memorial Drive within McKinley Park, it features over 737 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, views of the McKinley Marina, and access to water sports, playgrounds, and open parklands near Veterans Park.Recommended For:
Families, water sports fans, runners, picnickers, and anyone seeking a quieter lakeside escape.What I Love: ♥
"It’s like the city’s hidden pocket of summer — views of sailboats, waterfront smoothies, and just enough sand to spread out your towel in peace."- Swim or wade at this smaller city beach with fewer crowds and excellent lake views.
- Rent jet skis and scooters for a high-energy day on or near the water.
- Relax at nearby Colectivo Lakefront for a coffee or smoothie break with a harbor breeze.
- Play beach volleyball or bring the kids to the playground for a family-friendly outing.
- Explore the open fields of Veterans Park for running, kites, and picnic fun.
Cost:
Free public access; rental and food costs vary.Best time to visit:
Memorial Day through early fall for swimming, sun, and outdoor events in the surrounding parks.Local tips:
Great for morning jogs or post-lunch beach time—combine with a walk to the marina or a kite session at Veterans Park.Distance:
Just 5 minutes from downtown Milwaukee; easily accessible by bike, car, or foot along the lakefront trail.How to Get to McKinley Beach:
Head north on Lincoln Memorial Drive from downtown Milwaukee. Look for signs to McKinley Park just past Veterans Park and the marina area.Address:
1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 532026. North Beach - 30 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee
© cppzone/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Racine, WIHighlights:
North Beach is a premier Lake Michigan destination, named one of the nation’s best family-friendly beaches by Parents magazine and one of USA Today’s top 51 American beaches. Wisconsin’s first Blue Wave-certified beach features 2,500 feet of shoreline, lifeguarded swimming, and vibrant summer amenities across its 50-acre parkland.Recommended For:
Families, swimmers, volleyball players, beachgoers seeking quality facilities, and day-trippers from Milwaukee or Chicago.What I Love: ♥
"This is the gold standard—clean, spacious, lifeguarded, and full of family fun with just the right touch of lakeside charm."- Swim safely with lifeguards on duty daily from June through September.
- Play beach volleyball or let little ones explore the nautical-themed playground.
- Relax along 2,500 feet of wide, soft sand perfect for sunbathing or castle building.
- Refuel at the beach snack bar with summertime favorites and cold drinks.
- Park for free in designated lots, with overflow street parking available nearby.
Cost:
Free beach access and parking.Best time to visit:
June through early September for optimal weather and full beach services including lifeguards and concessions.Local tips:
Arrive before 11 a.m. on weekends to snag prime parking and a good beach spot; bring beach toys and cash for snacks!Distance:
About 30 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee and just over an hour from Chicago.How to Get to North Beach:
From I-94, exit at Highway 20 toward Racine. Follow signs through downtown to the lakefront and Kewaunee Street. Designated beach parking lots will be on your right.Address:
100 Kewaunee St, Racine, WI 53403, Phone: 262-636-9233Unique Beaches Near Milwaukee:
7. Big Bay Town Park - drive and ferry
© nataliakabliuk/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Madeline Island, La Pointe, WIHighlights:
Big Bay Town Park is a serene lakeside getaway nestled on Madeline Island in La Pointe Township. Just north of Big Bay State Park, this peaceful park features a warm, sunny beach near Big Bay Lagoon, plus 61 campsites and a 900-foot connecting boardwalk for exploring one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful island parks.Recommended For:
Campers, families, paddlers, hikers, and anyone seeking an island beach escape with minimal crowds.What I Love: ♥
"Lake breeze, sand between your toes, and canoe glides across the lagoon—this is island life, Wisconsin-style."- Swim in warmer waters near the lagoon’s mouth—ideal for afternoon dips under the sun.
- Camp at one of 61 recently updated campsites, including 22 electric RV sites for extended stays.
- Paddle a kayak or canoe through the calm lagoon waters with stunning forest and sky reflections.
- Walk the 900-foot boardwalk to Big Bay State Park for scenic views and more hiking options.
- Stock up in nearby La Pointe with general supplies, snacks, and classic island ice cream shops.
Cost:
Beach access is free; camping fees vary by site and season.Best time to visit:
Late spring to early fall for warm beach days, canoeing weather, and fully open facilities.Local tips:
Reserve campsites well in advance—especially RV sites. The island ferry from Bayfield fills quickly in peak summer, so plan ahead.Distance:
Accessible via ferry from Bayfield, WI; once on the island, it's about a 15-minute drive from the ferry terminal.How to Get to Big Bay Town Park:
Take the Madeline Island Ferry from Bayfield to La Pointe. From downtown La Pointe, head north on Middle Road and follow signs to Big Bay Town Park on Town Park Circle.Address:
2305 Town Park Circle, La Pointe, WI 54850, Phone: 715-747-28018. Schoolhouse Beach - by ferry and car
© Swetlana Wall/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Washington Island, Door County, WIHighlights:
Schoolhouse Beach is one of the world’s rarest natural beaches—featuring smooth glacier-polished limestone rocks instead of sand. Located on remote Washington Island, this iconic Wisconsin beach offers a tranquil escape with crystal-clear water, unique textures underfoot, and protected natural beauty that fascinates geologists and sunseekers alike.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, photographers, swimmers, families, and geology buffs.What I Love: ♥
"The moment your feet hit the stones, you know you’re somewhere rare—cool waters, glacier-worn beauty, and the soft sounds of lake waves over rock."- Stroll the smooth limestone beach—barefoot if you're feeling bold—for a soothing sensory experience.
- Swim in some of Door County’s clearest waters, with calm conditions and scenic beauty.
- Picnic at shaded tables with BBQ grills, perfect for a lakeside lunch in a peaceful setting.
- Build stone towers or patterns—just don’t remove the rocks, which are protected by law.
Cost:
Free public access; ferry to Washington Island required.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for swimming and ideal picnic weather; weekdays for quieter experiences.Local tips:
Wear water shoes if you’re not used to walking on stones. Bring a camera—this is one of the most photogenic spots in Wisconsin.Distance:
Accessible by ferry from Northport Pier on the Door Peninsula; then a short drive to the beach on Schoolhouse Beach Road.How to Get to Schoolhouse Beach:
Take the Washington Island Ferry from Northport Pier. Once on the island, follow signs to Schoolhouse Beach via County W and Schoolhouse Beach Road. Parking is available near the beach area.Address:
Schoolhouse Beach Road, Washington Island, WI 54246, Phone: 920-847-2179If you are a photographer, don't miss:
9. Kohler-Andrae State Park - 1 hour north of Milwaukee
© jfunk/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Wilson (near Sheboygan), WIHighlights:
Kohler-Andrae State Park is a stunning lakeside destination combining Terry Andrae and John Michael Kohler State Parks into one expansive, jointly managed park unit. Located just south of Sheboygan, it features over two miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic hiking trails, year-round recreation, and a spacious, diverse campground that even includes a rentable teepee.Recommended For:
Campers, hikers, nature photographers, families, beachgoers, and winter adventurers.What I Love: ♥
"Rolling dunes, winding boardwalks, and year-round access to nature’s finest moments—this park is a true Lake Michigan treasure."- Swim and sunbathe on expansive beaches, with refreshing Lake Michigan breezes and peaceful shorelines.
- Fish for trout and salmon from shore—perfect for casting into the surf on a quiet morning.
- Hike scenic trails like the Dunes Cordwalk and Woodland Dunes Nature Trail for immersive dune and forest experiences.
- Camp at one of 107 sites, including group areas and a unique, rentable indigenous teepee.
- Snowshoe or ski in winter, with groomed trails and open areas for sledding and tobogganing fun.
Cost:
Wisconsin State Park admission required; campsite fees vary by season and site type.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for swimming, camping, and hiking; winter for snow sports and serene nature walks.Local tips:
Bring layered clothing—Lake Michigan breezes can be cool even in summer. Trails are family-friendly and offer great wildlife spotting at dawn and dusk.Distance:
About 1 hour north of Milwaukee and 10 minutes south of downtown Sheboygan.How to Get to Kohler-Andrae State Park:
Take I-43 to the Sheboygan/Wilson area and exit onto County Highway V east. Follow signs to Beach Park Lane and enter through the main park entrance.Address:
1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 920-451-408010. Point Beach State Forest - 10 minutes north of Two Rivers
© Hank Erdmann/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Two Rivers, WIHighlights:
Point Beach State Forest is a stunning 3,000-acre natural escape along the Lake Michigan shoreline, known for its untouched dunes, rich biodiversity, and the nationally recognized Point Beach Ridges. Visitors can enjoy six miles of scenic beachfront, forest trails, and a view of the towering Rawley Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest active lighthouses on the Great Lakes.Recommended For:
Hikers, beachgoers, lighthouse enthusiasts, families, dog owners, and cyclists.What I Love: ♥
"Where wooded trails meet wild dunes and the horizon is painted in lighthouse silhouettes—this forest breathes adventure."- Swim along six miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan beach (note: no lifeguards on duty).
- Wander 17 miles of hiking trails, including access to rare dune ecosystems and ridge habitats.
- Bike scenic loops or take the five-mile paved trail perfect for family-friendly rides.
- Visit the Rawley Point Lighthouse for a Great Lakes photo op and history moment.
- Play with pups at the designated dog beach—leashed fun by the water for four-legged explorers.
Cost:
Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission required; trail and beach access included.Best time to visit:
Late spring through fall for beachgoing, hiking, and biking; fall offers colorful foliage and quieter trails.Local tips:
Bug spray is a must in summer. Start early to bike or hike in cooler temps, and don’t miss the lighthouse near sunset.Distance:
About 45 minutes southeast of Green Bay; just 10 minutes north of Two Rivers.How to Get to Point Beach State Forest:
From Two Rivers, take County Road O north along the coast. Follow signs to the forest entrance and parking areas for trails and beach access.Address:
9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241, Phone: 920-794-7480Plan Your Trip