Top 12 Best Beaches in Michigan
Few states in the US can match Michigan when it comes to beach opportunities. Alaska is the only state with more coastline. In the Wolverine State, which is ... read more...surrounded by four Great Lakes and is made up of peninsulas and islands, there are thousands of kilometers of beaches to explore, each offering different experiences. Like most beach excursions, spending the day by the ocean is about more than simply swimming and tanning; it's also about the neighborhood and the holiday spirit. The seaside communities in Michigan are laid-back and welcoming. Any outdoor activity, such as kayaking, hiking, and bicycling, can be done on a beach day in Michigan because to the state's unique natural scenery, which ranges from gentle sand dunes to rocky shorelines. The list of the best beaches in Michigan will help you choose from among the thousands of miles of shoreline and sand that are available.
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The beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes Some of Michigan's most valued jewels, boasting more than 60 miles of beachfront and breathtaking sand dunes that you will remember for a lifetime. It is one of the best beaches in Michigan. Take in the expansive vistas of the shoreline while strolling along the shores of Lake Michigan's golden-colored sand. At the beach, swimming is popular, but so is relaxing under a sun umbrella. Platte River Point, Tiesma Road, Peterson Road, and Esch Road are a few of the locations with the best beach access points. The perimeter of the land is enclosed by a forest that is rich in local flora and fauna.
Make sure to schedule some time to go to the lighthouse and stroll along a trail close to the ocean. Glen Arbor, Frankfort, Leland, and Empire are nearby seaside towns where you can take a break for a meal. Small, independent motels and bed-and-breakfasts make up the majority of the lodging options in the area, while a resort hotel like the Harbor Lights Resort can be found 15 minutes away.
Location: Northwestern Lower Michigan, along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan.
Website: https://www.sleepingbeardunes.com/
TripAdvisor rating: 5.0/5.0
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A network of clearly designated paths in Cheboygan State Park gives visitors access to picturesque Lake Huron vistas and glimpses of endangered wildflowers. Modern camping, rustic cottages, tepees, and a fully furnished modern lodge are all options for visitors to stay in. In Duncan Bay, there is a carry-in boat launch, and fishing is permitted in the bay as well as on Elliot Creek. Take I-75 to exit 326, head east on US-23 for three miles east of the town, and then turn left at the park entrance on the north side of the road.
The beach in Cheboygan State Park is the place to go if you're looking for a beach that offers more than simply sand, sun, and water. You can take short hikes on one of the many paths in this park, which is in eastern Michigan, and take in the picturesque Lake Huron shoreline. Families will enjoy the beach because there is plenty of room to construct sandcastles and set up beach umbrellas. It's a terrific place for a family swimming day because the water is shallow and clear. A playground, picnic tables, and stunning views of two lighthouses are also present. There are campgrounds, rustic cottages, and Fleetwood Inn & Suites as neighboring lodging choices.
Location: 4490 Beach Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Google rating: 4.5/5.0
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In Mackinaw City, there are several lovely parks and beaches. Many of these are little green spaces that dot the city's outskirts and offer quick access to Lake Michigan and the Straits of Mackinac. Some are excellent locations for outdoor recreation or live entertainment. A historic road links numerous beaches and parks in Mackinaw City, and information kiosks tell guests about the city's rich past. The beaches are sandy, colorful, and frequently home to dunes. A trip to a park or beach in Mackinaw City ensures absorption in a lovely setting.
The beauty and warm water at Mackinaw City Beach in northern Michigan are unbeatable. The expansive, sandy beach offers plenty of space for swimming in Lake Huron's gentle waves and exploring the dunes that define the area's topography. Numerous historical attractions and local shops are near the shore. You can easily visit a number of the beaches in Mackinaw City during your visit because there are so many of them and many of them are connected by a path. Everything is easily accessible, with plenty of waterfront restaurants and accommodations like the Clearwater Lakeshore Motel throughout the entire outdoor activity region.
Location: a short distance outside downtown Mackinaw City
Website: http://www.mackinawcity.net/
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.0
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Lake Tahoe, South One of Lake Tahoe's finest sand beaches is called Lakeside Beach. Access is provided to everyone by daily and seasonal passes, while being privately managed by Lakeside Park Association for its member homes. Additionally, Lakeside Park Association property owners (motels, timeshares, holiday rentals, and homeowners) are given passes for the usage of their visitors. You have daily access to the beach and its amenities as a guest at any of the lodging facilities run by the Lakeside Park Association. Any visitor, local, hotel, or casino in the Lakeside Park region may also purchase passes. Ask your hotel whether they have purchased passes if you aren't staying in Lakeside Park, or get in touch with the beach gatekeeper to get daily and seasonal passes on your own.
You can take a peaceful minute to admire the magnificence of Lake Tahoe at Lakeside Beach. You can enjoy a leisurely picnic on the sands, a refreshing swim in the ocean, or food and drinks at the nearby Lakeside Beach Grill at our beach. The beach is guarded by a lifeguard and features breakwaters to keep swimmers safe. It also has a restaurant, playground equipment for kids, a volleyball net, quiet chairs, picnic tables, and a restroom. The location offers chairs and umbrellas for hire. At the nearby Lakeside Marina, you may also rent a boat, a jet ski, and other items.Location: Orleans County
Website: https://lakesideparkassociation.org/beach/
Google rating: 4.3/5.0
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Grand Haven Beach, which is situated in a charming and gorgeous beach community in the western portion of the state, is one of the busiest beaches in Michigan. The beach is close to a state park, where there are many services like bathrooms and recreational opportunities. There is plenty of room to sprawl out at this dog-friendly, family-friendly beach. It is simple to transport a chair and an umbrella to the waterfront thanks to the free parking nearby. Swim in Lake Michigan, practice kiteboarding, or go surfing (yes, even in Michigan). Before spending the day in the sun, stop for a snack at Jack's Waterfront Café or at the Morningstar Café.
The Grand Haven City Beach is tucked between the Grand Haven State Park beach and The Noto's at The Bilmar, a beachfront restaurant, on Harbor Drive. There is a little free parking available. The toilets are accessible. No fees or permits are necessary. There is a pet-friendly beach close by if you are traveling with a pet. It makes sense that Grand Haven offers some distinctive bed-and-breakfast accommodations, such as the waterfront Looking Glass Inn or the town's historic Boyden House Inn.
Location: Grand Haven, Michigan
Website: https://visitgrandhaven.com/
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
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Many locals in upper Michigan enjoy the harbor vistas and great swimming at Manistique Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Michigan. The broad, sandy beach is one of the greatest along Lake Michigan and is within a short drive from Manistique's downtown center. It's the ideal beach for swimming or floating on a raft due to the calm ocean. Even from your beach chair, you can view the Manistique Lighthouse. If you don't want to bring a picnic lunch, you can treat yourself to a meal at one of the local cuisine-focused restaurants in the area.
You can take a stroll along the promenade, visit a gift store, or go on a tour of the Seul Choix Lighthouse if you need a break from swimming. If you want a place to stay for a few days, consider the Econo Lodge Lakeshore, which is situated across the street from the boardwalk and Lake Michigan.
Location: on the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Upper Peninsula.
Website: https://www.discovermanistique.com/
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0
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On the shore of Lake Michigan in Oceana County, Silver Lake State Park spans about 3,000 acres. Both mature woodland and dune country can be found in this region. There are no trees, bushes, or dune grass on the dune ridges and valleys, which are largely made of wind-blown sand. Sometimes the dune region is equated to a desert. More than four miles of Lake Michigan shoreline may be found in Silver Lake State Park, which also features a sizable sandy beach.
A secret paradise can be found at the isolated beach of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. It is a picturesque, romantic beach hideaway for couples and outdoor enthusiasts who want to cross the more than 2,000 acres of sand dunes between the lake and the beach, despite the fact that it is difficult to get to. If swimming grows boring, you can engage in other leisure pursuits like hiking, boating, or four-wheeling. If you don't have an off-road vehicle that can navigate the sand dunes, it will take you 45 minutes to walk from the Silver Lake parking lot to the beach. The Dunes Waterfront Resort, which also includes a tiny private beach on Silver Lake, is the closest place to stay if you want to be close to the dunes with a lovely view.
Location: 9679 W. State Park Rd., Silver Lake, MI 49436
Website: https://thinkdunes.com/
Google rating:4.9/5.0
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Tawas Point State Park, also known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," is a 183-acre lakefront leisure area that is situated at the extremity of a sand spit that forms Tawas Bay in Lake Huron. The park is a popular location for many bird watchers from all over the Midwest since it serves as a stopping destination for hundreds of migrating birds in the spring and fall. pet-friendly beachfront. safety at Great Lakes beaches. The Tawas Point Lighthouse, the only authentic Great Lakes station built in the Victorian era, is located in the park. The Michigan History Center provides historical interpretation.
Tawas Point State Park's beach is a favorite with sun worshippers and families with young children due to its shallow shoreline. The water is buoyed for designated swimming zones even though there isn't a lifeguard on duty at the beach. Along with a sizable campground, the area offers beach activities including bird watching, strolling along the beautiful sands of Lake Huron, and seeing the lighthouse. The beach at Tawas Point State Park provides a lovely setting for a romantic getaway. The Huron House Bed & Breakfast, which features lake views and private outdoor hot tubs, allows couples to extend their trip.
Location: 686 Tawas Beach Rd, East Tawas, MI 48730
Website: https://stateparks.com/tawas_point_state_park_in_michigan.html
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
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Southwest Michigan's 1,952 acres of Warren Dunes State Park provide a variety of outdoor activities along the stunning Lake Michigan shore. It is one of the best beaches in Michigan. The rough dune structure rises 260 feet above the lake and provides breathtaking vistas as well as being a great place to hang glide. The park is available all year long and offers three miles of shoreline as well as six miles of hiking trails.
Given that more than a million tourists visit Warren Dunes State Park annually, it is not surprising that its beach is one of the most well-known in the entire state. The reason is that the sweeping sand dunes add excitement to a day at the beach, in addition to the relaxing swimming and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Try climbing Tower Hill, the park's tallest sand dune, if you want to get in some activity while you lounge on the beach. Then, as you slide all the way to the bottom, reconnect with your inner child. Stay at The Inn at Harbor Shores to extend your beach holiday. It has the distinctive late 19th-century coastal hotel design, as well as strolling paths and a top-notch golf course.
Location: Lake Township / Sawyer, Berrien County, MichiganTripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.0
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Hunter's Point, one of the few "flat" spots nearby, is a local favorite since it makes for a simple trek or snowshoe along both the Lake Superior and Harbor beaches. Hunter's Point Park has two trailheads. One is located immediately to the left of the boat launch at Copper Harbor Marina, and the other is located further west of the marina. Signs pointing along North Coast Shores Road will direct you to a parking space and a viewing boardwalk that is accessible to those with disabilities.
Although the beaches of Hunter's Point Park in Cooper Harbor, Northern Michigan, are great for swimming, many people go there more for the scenery. In fact, it's common to see newlyweds posing for pictures with the beach in the background. With almost 5,000 feet of shoreline, you may take in the serene surroundings, numerous bird species, and interesting rock formations. In addition to sea kayak tours, the beach is situated in a public park across the street from the lighthouse. The North and South Shore beaches can be reached by paths in the park. Be sure to visit some of the distinctive galleries when you saunter into Cooper Harbor for lunch. Small, individual cabins and hotels make up the majority of the lodging options in Cooper Harbor.
Location: Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Google rating: 4.9/5.0
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While there are several fantastic places to put your toes in the sea in the beach town of Caseville in eastern Michigan, Caseville Park's beach is a must-see. There are numerous swimming areas at this large, family-friendly beach on Lake Huron where you may take advantage of the shallow, quiet waves. From the long, sandy coastline to the walkways and the pier where you can observe the fishermen, the entire beach area is tranquil. You might just catch a concert in the park if you time it right. For families that want to stay a few days, there is a campground and a play area for kids. Beyond the campsite, locally owned resorts are the nearest overnight options, although a 15-minute drive will bring you to more conventional lodging like the American Way Inn and Suites.
The Caseville Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival, a 10-day event that attracts guests from all over the county each August. The Cheeseburger Festival is a summertime highlight, drawing large crowds to Caseville's parks and even the boat launches. The Caseville County Parks and Sleeper State Park in Caseville, Michigan are among the busiest locations in the summer, although they are roomy enough to provide a relaxing beach experience.
Location: on the shores of Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay, in Michigan's thumb area
Website: https://www.casevillechamber.com/
Google rating: 4.5/5.0
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On the shores of Lake Michigan, Silver Beach is one of the busiest beaches near St. Joseph, Michigan, and is one of the best beaches in Michigan. There are seven pristine beaches and miles of open, sandy beachfront in the vicinity. It is a convenient beach and good if you want to extend your day by going on a hike or doing some sightseeing. The South Pier and North Pier Lighthouses, which are close by, are worth the time it takes to walk there.
The West Michigan Pike route, a historic byway that connects various coastal communities where you may eat, shop, and take in the area's artsy and historic environment, is also near to the shore. Beautiful sand dunes, hiking paths, and playgrounds are also nearby. There are basic campsites available, or you may stay at The Boulevard Inn, which is perched on a bluff above the town of St. Joseph, for a comfortable bed and stunning view.Location: St. Joseph, Michigan
Website: http://www.berriencounty.org/
Google rating: 4.7/5.0