West Michigan’s Lake Michigan shoreline is nothing short of breathtaking, offering miles of soft sandy beaches, sparkling freshwater, and countless ways to soak up summer. Whether you’re chasing the perfect sunset, planning a family beach day, or seeking a quiet coastal retreat, there’s a beach for every mood along West Michigan’s scenic coast. Here’s your guide to the best beaches across West Michigan—from iconic destinations to local hidden gems.
Saugatuck/Douglas
- Home to six distinct beaches and over 12 miles of shoreline, Saugatuck and Douglas deliver a beach experience for every kind of traveler. The award-winning Oval Beach has earned national and global recognition. With soft sand, stunning views, and accessible parking, it’s a favorite for families and sunseekers. Prefer a wilder vibe? Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers over two miles of secluded shoreline and 200-foot wooded dunes perfect for hiking and unplugging.
South Haven
- South Haven’s beaches are as welcoming as its charming downtown. South Beach was recently named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Best Michigan Beaches and is beloved for its red lighthouse views, food vendors, and family-friendly vibe. What sets South Haven apart is its commitment to accessibility. In 2025, the city will introduce both a manual beach wheelchair and a track chair so everyone can enjoy the shoreline. Nearby favorites include North Beach, Van Buren State Park, and Pilgrim Haven Natural Area.
St. Joseph
- St. Joseph is a classic beach town offering both charm and adventure. Silver Beach County Park is the area’s main attraction, featuring soft sand, a wide swimming area, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and a splash pad—perfect for families. Just steps from downtown shops and restaurants, this beach also offers incredible views of the St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse, especially at sunset.
Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
- Walk along Lake Michigan's shoreline and you'll quickly see why people have traveled here for almost three centuries. White sands move beneath your bare feet. Sailboats and sailboards splash a rainbow of color across the white-capped waters. The fiery sunsets have a permanent memory.
Harbor Country
- Located in southwest Michigan, Harbor Country includes beach towns like New Buffalo, Union Pier, and Sawyer. New Buffalo Public Beach offers soft sand and easy access to downtown, while Warren Dunes State Park features towering dunes and three miles of scenic shoreline. It’s a great destination for relaxing, hiking, and soaking up Lake Michigan views.
Grand Haven
- Known for its postcard-perfect pier and iconic red lighthouse, Grand Haven State Park is a must-visit for beachgoers in West Michigan. Located where the Grand River meets Lake Michigan, this beach offers all-sand terrain, volleyball, swimming, and unbeatable sunsets. Nearby Ottawa County parks like Kirk Park, Rosy Mound Natural Area, and Olive Shores offer dune hikes, shaded picnic spots, scenic stair climbs, and peaceful natural settings. For accessibility, Windsnest Park features a beachside playground and accessible walkways.
Ludington
- With 28 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Ludington offers something for every beachgoer. Whether you're relaxing at the family-friendly Stearns Park, exploring the dunes at Ludington State Park, or bringing your pup to the dog beach, you’ll find your slice of paradise here. This charming harbor town is a favorite for sun-seekers and outdoor lovers alike.
Holland
- Holland is a beach lover’s paradise with a blend of scenic beauty, iconic landmarks, and family-friendly fun. At Holland State Park, visitors can enjoy soft sand, swimming, and unforgettable views of the Big Red Lighthouse, especially at sunset. For a quieter escape, Kirk Park features wooded trails, scenic overlooks, and a dog-friendly beach, making it a go-to for nature lovers and pet owners alike.
Muskegon
- Muskegon County shines on the national stage with Pere Marquette Park named the #2 Best Michigan Beach in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This expansive, family-friendly beach offers soft sand, designated swimming areas, sunbathing, playgrounds, and picnic spots. Getting there is easier than ever thanks to the free Muskegon Beach Shuttle, running through August and connecting downtown with Pere Marquette Beach and nearby lakeshore parks.
White Lake Area (Whitehall & Montague)
- The White Lake Area, which includes the towns of Whitehall and Montague, offers a relaxed lakeshore experience with access to both Lake Michigan and the inland waters of White Lake. Medbery Park in Montague and Municipal Marina Park in Whitehall are great spots for lakeside lounging or launching a kayak.
Frankfort
- Located along the scenic M-22 Pure Michigan Byway, Frankfort Public Beach and Playground offers soft sand, gentle waves, and a walkable connection to downtown Frankfort’s shops and restaurants. It’s a family-friendly beach destination on Lake Michigan, perfect for a full day of sunshine, swimming, and exploring.
Traverse City
- While best known for cherries and wine, Traverse City also boasts some of the best beaches in northern Michigan. Clinch Park, located just steps from downtown, is a bustling hub with a wide sandy beach, splash pad, restrooms, and bike rentals. Traverse City is a favorite summer destination for beach lovers who want to pair their lake day with great food, wine, and shopping.
Manistee
- Manistee is a quiet coastal gem with beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and a charming small-town feel. First Street Beach is a top choice for its wide sandy shore, playground, volleyball courts, and lighthouse views. It’s also a popular spot to watch freighters come through the Manistee River Channel. With its historic downtown, scenic riverwalk, and access to both the lake and forest, Manistee is an underrated treasure on the West Michigan coast.
Petoskey Area
- From well-known beaches like Petoskey State Park and Zorn Park Beach in downtown Harbor Springs to hidden treasures like Middle Village Beach and Solanus Mission Beach, the Petoskey Area is a beachgoer’s dream. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or hunting for iconic Petoskey Stones, this northern stretch of West Michigan delivers unforgettable shoreline experiences.
Otsego Lake (Near Gaylord)
- Just south of Gaylord and minutes from Treetops Resort, Otsego Lake offers a quintessential inland lake experience. This five-mile-long, sandy-bottomed lake is ideal for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. With both County and State Parks featuring paved launches and amenities, it’s a convenient spot for a relaxing and refreshing beach day in northern Michigan.
Charlevoix
- Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, this charming beach town is a Great Lakes gem. With multiple public beaches, easy access to boat launches, and postcard-worthy views, Charlevoix offers an ideal setting for a classic West Michigan beach getaway filled with sun, sand, and water adventures.
Cadillac
- Located inland in northwest Michigan, Cadillac offers lakefront beauty with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. With three major lakes and three rivers, this area is a hub for outdoor fun. Beaches like the one at City Park on Lake Cadillac include picnic areas, playgrounds, and pavilions—perfect for a summer afternoon outing with the whole crew.
Marquette
- Marquette’s Lake Superior beaches are some of the best in the state. McCarty’s Cove is a favorite with its soft sand, lifeguard-supervised swimming, and iconic lighthouse views. For a more tranquil beach day, head to Clark Lambros Beach, Burns Landing, or Middle Bay, where the cooler waters and secluded stretches offer peaceful surroundings perfect for nature lovers and solitude seekers.
Keweenaw Peninsula
- At the tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula offers wild Lake Superior beaches like Eagle River, Bete Grise, and Great Sand Bay. With soft sand, agate hunting, and dramatic scenery, it’s perfect for nature lovers craving a remote coastal escape.
Munising
- Munising, home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, features stunning Lake Superior beaches like Sand Point and Miners Beach. With sandy shores, crystal-clear water, and nearby waterfalls, it’s a dream for outdoor adventurers.
Sault Ste. Marie
- Though known for the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie also offers waterfront parks like Sherman Park and Rotary Island, where visitors can swim, relax, and watch freighters along the St. Marys River.
St. Ignace
- Just north of the Mackinac Bridge, St. Ignace features peaceful beaches like American Legion Park and Lakeside Park, with views of the Straits and easy access to Mackinac Island and scenic US-2.
Looking for More?
- My Michigan Beach is a fantastic resource for discovering the best beaches in West Michigan. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a weekend escape, their curated recommendations can help you find your next sandy paradise along the Great Lakes.
