Sun, Sand and Freshwater

As the seasons change and summer nears, you may be dreaming of spending time at the beach. With over 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline, Michigan offers some of the best beaches in the Midwest. Whether you prefer swimming, sunbathing or water sports, Michigan’s beaches have something for everyone.

In this article, we will count down the 15 best beaches in Michigan. For each beach, we will describe what makes it unique and provide key details to help you plan your next beach trip. We will also include tips on what to see and do at each beach.

Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen – it’s time to hit the beach!

1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore tops our list as the best beach in Michigan. Located along Lake Michigan in the northwest Lower Peninsula, this national park features towering sand dunes, secluded beaches and crystal clear water.

The most popular beach area is Sleeping Bear Point, which provides sweeping views of the Manitou Islands. The adjacent Dune Climb offers a workout climbing up and down the enormous sand dune.

Don’t miss:

Climbing the sand dunes
Picnicking and swimming at the “Dune Climb” beach
Hiking the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Exploring the historic Glen Haven Village

2. Grand Haven State Park

Grand Haven State Park stretches along Lake Michigan and provides excellent swimming and sunbathing. The beach has fine, soft sand and often receives awards for being one of the best beaches in the Midwest.

The beach area spans a half mile, with plenty of sand for lying out. Two piers extend out into Lake Michigan, making them perfect for fishing or gazing out at the lake. Dunes tower up to 200 feet above the beach, providing a dramatic backdrop.

Don’t miss:

Swimming in Lake Michigan
Fishing from the north or south piers
Climbing Mount Pisgah for panoramic views
Camping right next to the beach

3. Warren Dunes State Park

Warren Dunes State Park lies along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, making it one of the most popular beaches in southwestern Michigan. The beach stretches over 3 miles, providing plenty of sand for sunbathing and swimming.

The star attraction is the massive sand dunes, with some climbing 240 feet high. You can climb to the top for outstanding views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. Keep an eye out for the nude beach section if that interests you.

Don’t miss:

Hiking up the sand dunes
Checking out the dog beach area
Trying beach yoga when offered in summer
Camping alongside the sand dunes

4. Holland State Park

Situated next to the lively town of Holland, Holland State Park provides convenient access to shops, restaurants and attractions. The expansive beach stretches for over 2 miles next to Lake Michigan, providing plenty of sandy real estate.

The park features two swimming beaches with bathhouses. Walk out along the channel pier for views of Big Red Lighthouse. Grilling stations and picnic tables dot the area behind the beaches.

Don’t miss:

Swimming at the main beach
Hiking the trails through sand dunes
Climbing Mt. Pisgah for panoramic views
Renting bikes to explore Holland and the lakeshore

5. Oval Beach – Saugatuck

Located in the artsy town of Saugatuck along Lake Michigan, Oval Beach consistently lands on lists of the best beaches in Michigan. The wide beach area features super soft sand and dune-backed terrain.

Swimming areas are sectioned off with buoys. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer seasons. Picnic tables and grills line the top of the dunes, providing spots for lunch with a view. The beach is walking distance to downtown Saugatuck.

Don’t miss:

Body surfing the waves
Riding the Saugatuck Dune Schooners
Grabbing ice cream in downtown Saugatuck
Camping at Saugatuck Dunes State Park

6. Orchard Beach State Park

Orchard Beach State Park hugs a sheltered bay along Lake Michigan, providing calmer swimming away from strong currents. The beach spans a mile, with a mix of pebble stones and sand.

Family-friendly amenities include a picnic area, playground, grills, and volleyball court. Two fishing piers extend into Lake Michigan, providing excellent angling opportunities. The park lies close to Traverse City.

Don’t miss:

Fishing from the piers
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the bay
Letting kids play on the beach toys
Camping in the campground near the beach

7. Silver Lake State Park

Nestled between Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, Silver Lake State Park offers access to both a Great Lake and an inland lake beach.

The park features two distinct beaches – a Lake Michigan beach with sand dunes and a sheltered inner beach on Silver Lake. Piers extend into both bodies of water for fishing. The campground sits a short walk from both beaches.

Don’t miss:

Fishing from the Silver Lake or Lake Michigan piers
Windsurfing, kayaking or paddleboarding on Silver Lake
Riding the “Little Dipper” rollercoaster at Silver Beach Amusement Park
Camping a quick walk from the beach

8. Ludington State Park

Sprawling over 5,300 acres, Ludington State Park offers one of the best Lake Michigan beaches in the state. The park has over 7 miles of sandy shoreline dotted with sand dunes.

Hamlin Lake Beach provides a great swimming and sunbathing spot located away from Lake Michigan’s waves. Paddle out to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse from the sandy shores. The campground sits close to the beach.

Don’t miss:

Swimming at Hamlin Lake beach
Hiking the trail to Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Riding the car ferry S.S. Badger across Lake Michigan
Camping and stargazing on the lakeshore

9. Frankfort Beach

The small town of Frankfort offers an outstanding city beach along Betsie Lake leading out to Lake Michigan. Frankfort Beach sits close to bathhouses, playgrounds, concession stands and ample parking.

The beach contains a mix of pebbles and sand, with grassy dunes bordering the shoreline. Fishing charters and boat cruises depart from the marina bordering the beach. The scenic Elberta Bluffs tower above the sand.

Don’t miss:

Fishing from the piers bordering the beach
Taking the kids to the beach playgrounds
Grabbing lunch at a beachfront restaurant
Hiking the Pier Betsie Trail

10. Bay City State Park

Bay City State Park stretches along Saginaw Bay, providing a calm beach without strong currents. The sandy beach spans over a mile, with shallow water perfect for swimming.

Picnic tables line the shoreline, along with swings and playgrounds for kids. Fishing piers extend into the bay, offering the chance to catch perch, walleye and bass. The campground is a short walk from the beach.

Don’t miss:

Fishing from the Tri-Centennial State Park piers
Letting kids play on the playgrounds
Kayaking and paddleboarding in Saginaw Bay
Camping and watching sunsets over the water

11. Muskegon State Park

Muskegon State Park hugs the eastern shoreline of Muskegon Lake, providing swimming away from heavy Lake Michigan waves. The beach contains a mix of pebble stones and sand, with grassy dunes overlooking the shoreline.

The park’s Lake Michigan beach offers great sunbathing spots with views of sailboats cruising by. Hike through nearly 2 miles of dunes and woods along the Dune Trail. The campground sits close to both beaches.

Don’t miss:

Swimming in Muskegon Lake
Hiking the Dune Trail
Kayaking to Lake Michigan from Muskegon Lake
Camping in view of Lake Michigan

12. Tawas Point State Park

Jutting off the tip of Michigan’s “Sunrise Side,” Tawas Point State Park offers outstanding Lake Huron beaches. The sandy shoreline stretches for miles, providing lots of room to set up beach umbrellas and chairs.

The wide beach slopes gradually, making it excellent for swimming. Tawas Bay delivers relatively calm water compared to the open lake. Tawas Point Lighthouse provides a scenic backdrop over the water.

Don’t miss:

Swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beach
Touring the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse
Fishing for smallmouth bass along the point
Camping beside Lake Huron

13. Thompson’s Harbor State Park

Nestled on the coast of Lake Huron, Thompson’s Harbor State Park offers serene beaches and peaceful scenery. The park contains over 2 miles of sand and gravel shoreline dotted with colorful rocks and pebbles.

Wading and swimming areas appeal to families with small children. Fishing piers extend into the sheltered harbor, providing accessible angling. Nearby Rogers City offers restaurants and shops when you want a change of pace.

Don’t miss:

Swimming in the calmer harbor waters
Fishing from the piers in the harbor
Hiking the trails through peaceful woods
Staying at the campground near the beach

14. Fayette Historic State Park

Perched along the Garden Peninsula on Big Bay de Noc, Fayette Historic State Park combines historic buildings with Lake Michigan beaches. The park sits on a peaceful bay leading out to Lake Michigan.

The sandy beaches offer good swimming as well as scenic views. Picnic tables line the shoreline, which also contains wetlands. Hike or bike through the village to see 19th-century buildings. Kayak rentals are available.

Don’t miss:

Swimming off the sandy beach
Renting kayaks to explore Big Bay de Noc
Touring the historic buildings

15. Port Crescent State Park

Tucked away on Michigan’s “Thumb Coast,” Port Crescent State Park offers extensive sand beaches with few crowds. The park contains over 3 miles of Lake Huron shoreline, including sandy beaches, dunes and pine forests.

Wade out into Saginaw Bay’s shallow waters for swimming. Launch kayaks and canoes to explore the sandy shoreline. Hike through diverse forests and wetlands. Rustic cabins and campsites sit close to the shoreline.

Don’t miss:

Swimming and wading in Saginaw Bay
Hiking the diverse trails
Staying in a cabin nestled in the woods

Those are the 15 best beaches in Michigan in our opinion. From swimming and sunbathing to water sports and fishing, Michigan’s freshwater beaches offer something for everyone. The state parks provide convenient amenities like bathhouses, concessions, playgrounds and campgrounds.

Plan your next beach trip using our guide to the top destinations. Pack your swimsuits, grab some snacks, and get ready for a relaxing day on the sand and in the water at one of Michigan’s outstanding beaches.