Michigan is famous for its beautiful coastline that stretches for miles and offers some of the best beach experiences in the Midwest.
With crystal clear waters, sandy shorelines, and numerous outdoor attractions, Michigan’s beaches are the perfect summer vacation destination for families and adventurers. From hidden gems like Empire Beach and Port Austin to famous tourist spots like Grand Haven and Holland, Michigan’s beaches have something for everyone.
In this article, we will explore some of the best beaches in Michigan and what makes them so unique. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and let’s hit the beach!
Empire Beach, Michigan
Empire Beach is truly a hidden gem nestled in the beautiful state of Michigan. This little beach is perfect for relaxing and unwinding in a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
The clear waters add to Empire Beach’s charm, allowing you to take a refreshing dip without any worries about what might be lurking beneath the lake’s surface.
One thing to note is its small size, which means you must arrive early in the morning to secure a spot on the sandy shoreline. However, it’s worth visiting!
Empire Beach is the perfect place to take a dip, relax and unwind. The water might be a bit cold for some, but it’s nothing that a quick adjustment can’t fix.
Furthermore, you can take your pool floats, skimboard, or bodyboard to enhance your experience at the beach. If you forget any of these items, don’t worry; Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak shop has you covered. They offer rentals for various water sports equipment, including SUP boards, surfboards, skimboards, bodyboards, and a SUP Squatch.
If you are feeling adventurous, try surfing lessons at Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak shop. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill and experience the thrill of surfing.
Therefore, Empire Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, sand, and water.
Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven is one of the most popular beach destinations in Michigan. The town is located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and offers a perfect summer vacation for the whole family. The quaint village features sandy beaches and a boardwalk with an ideal beach vibe.
One of the most significant attractions in Grand Haven is the Grand Haven State Park, which offers a beautiful beach located on the southern end of the town. The beach is known for its clear waters, sandy shorelines, and numerous outdoor activities. The park also features a campground, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
North Beach is another famous beach in Grand Haven. It is known for its stunning sunsets and is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The beach also features a playground and a concession stand, making it a great place to spend the day with the family.
Grand Haven City Beach is another famous beach in Grand Haven. The beach is located in the heart of the town and is known for its lively atmosphere. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. The beach also features a pier, an ideal spot for fishing and watching the sunset.
Rosy Mound Natural Area is another hidden gem in Grand Haven. The beach is known for its unique dunes and scenic hiking trails. It also offers a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing, making it a great place to spend the day with the family.
Kirk Park is another famous beach located in Grand Haven. The beach is known for its beautiful dunes and stunning views of Lake Michigan. The beach offers a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking. The park also features a playground and a picnic area, making it an excellent place for a family outing.
Olive Shores is another hidden gem located in Grand Haven. The beach is known for its secluded location and scenic hiking trails. The beach offers a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing, making it a great place to spend the day with the family.
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is another famous beach in Grand Haven. It is known for its scenic hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Michigan. The beach offers a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking. The park also features a campground and a picnic area, making it an excellent place for a family outing.
With so many beaches, Grand Haven offers endless beach adventures during your vacation. The town also features numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a perfect spot for a summer vacation with the whole family.
South Haven, Michigan
South Haven is another popular beach destination in Michigan that offers a fantastic beach experience. The town features seven different beaches, making it a perfect spot for beach enthusiasts who want to explore other beaches during their vacation. Each beach offers unique scenery, activities, and experiences, making it an ideal vacation destination for beach lovers. Below is an outline of the seven South Haven, Michigan beaches.
South Beach is one of the most popular beaches located in South Haven. The beach is known for its stunning sunsets and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. The beach also features a playground and a concession stand, making it a great spot to spend the day with the family.
North Beach is another famous beach located in South Haven. The beach is known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan and is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. The beach also features a playground and a concession stand, making it a great place to spend the day with the family.
Oak Street Beach is another famous beach in South Haven. It is known for its scenic hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Michigan. The beach offers a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.
Dykman Beach is another hidden gem located in South Haven. The beach is known for its secluded location and scenic hiking trails. The beach offers a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing, making it a great place to spend the day with the family.
Newcome Beach is another famous beach located in South Haven. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and stunning views of Lake Michigan. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball.
Packard Park and Beach is another famous beach in South Haven. The beach is known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan and is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. It also features a playground and a picnic area, making it an excellent place for a family outing.
Woodman Beach is another hidden gem in South Haven. It is known for its secluded location and scenic hiking trails. The beach offers a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing, making it a great place to spend the day with the family.
South Haven offers a fantastic beach experience with its seven different beaches. Each beach offers unique scenery, activities, and experiences, making it a perfect spot for beach lovers. Make sure to explore all seven beaches located in South Haven this coming summer! You won’t be disappointed.
Port Austin, Michigan
Port Austin is indeed another hidden gem located in Michigan, and it is a must-visit destination for beach lovers.
This small picturesque town is located at the tip of the Thumb and features beautiful scenery and clean sandy beaches. The city is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and gorgeous sunrises that paint the sky with vibrant colors.
The beach experience in Port Austin is one-of-a-kind. With miles of sandy shorelines, the beach offers the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. It is also great for exploring the unique rock formations along the coastline. The water is crystal clear, and the view doesn’t end once the sun is down. The town is known for its starry nights, perfect for stargazing or a romantic walk along the beach.
One of the significant highlights of Port Austin is the small retail shops, coffee shops, and restaurants within the historic buildings. The landmark building makes the town charming, perfect for tourists looking to experience a small-town vibe. The city also features a farmers market, a great place to buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs.
For adventure enthusiasts, Port Austin offers various outdoor activities, including kayaking, hiking, fishing, and biking.
The town is home to the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse, a perfect spot for fishing or a scenic boat tour. The city also offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Port Crescent State Park, which features a beautiful beach and picturesque hiking trails.
In summary, Port Austin is the perfect spot to vacation with the family this summer. With its beautiful scenery, clean sandy beaches, and various outdoor activities, the town has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab sunscreen, and head to Port Austin for a memorable beach vacation.
Ludington Beach, Michigan
Ludington is a great town to visit if you’re looking for a beach experience in Michigan. The city features approximately 28 miles of scenic sandy shorelines, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles.
Ludington Beach, Michigan, is a popular spot for tourists and locals, offering an excellent beach experience. The clear waters, sandy shorelines, and numerous outdoor attractions make it the perfect summer vacation destination for families and adventurers.
In addition to the beach, Ludington offers many outdoor attractions that visitors can enjoy. The town is known for its canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and floating, allowing visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Ludington State Park is a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and camping. It features scenic trails that wind through the forest and along the shorelines.
The park is also home to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, a must-visit attraction in Ludington. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for epic views of the surrounding area.
Another lighthouse you can tour in Ludington is the North Breakwater Light, a beautiful red lighthouse at the end of the north pier. The lighthouse is open to visitors and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Ludington harbor.
Ludington is also known for its fishing charters, which allow visitors to catch various fish, including salmon, trout, and perch. Fishing charters are available for half-day and full-day trips and are perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
In addition to the outdoor attractions, Ludington features numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions visitors can enjoy. The town has a vibrant downtown area with unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food at the local restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines, including seafood, Italian, and American.
In summary, Ludington is a great town to visit if you want a beach experience in Michigan. The city features approximately 28 miles of scenic sandy shorelines, two lighthouses to tour, and many outdoor attractions, making it the perfect summer vacation destination for families and adventurers. So, pack your bags, grab sunscreen, and head to Ludington for a memorable beach vacation.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Exciting adventures await in Saugatuck, Michigan, a charming town on Lake Michigan’s shores. Known for its scenic views of pristine sandy beaches and grassy dunes, Saugatuck is the perfect place for a weekend beach getaway in the Midwest.
One of the most popular attractions in Saugatuck is the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. This park features 2.5 miles of sandy shoreline and 200 feet of wooded dunes, making it an excellent place for hiking, bird watching, and swimming. The park also features picnic areas and a playground, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
Another popular attraction is the Saugatuck Chain Ferry. This unique ferry boat offers a scenic ride across the Kalamazoo River and is a fun way to explore the town. The ferry connects the downtown area with Oval Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches. Oval Beach features clear waters, sandy shorelines, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
If you are looking for more adventure, check out the various water sports activities in the area. You can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or even take a boat tour to explore the beauty of Lake Michigan. Furthermore, the nearby Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area is also great for fishing and boating.
After a day of adventure, head downtown to explore the various art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The town features many great dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, offering a range of cuisines that will satisfy any craving.
In conclusion, Saugatuck, Michigan, is a hidden gem in the Midwest that offers endless adventure, relaxation, and fun opportunities. Whether looking for a peaceful afternoon on the beach or an action-packed day of water sports, Saugatuck has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab sunscreen, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend getaway!
Holland, Michigan
Holland, Michigan, is a charming town known for its Tulip Time Festival, Windmill Island Gardens, and Nelis Dutch Village. These attractions are a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the unique culture of Holland, Michigan.
However, Holland, Michigan, has another hidden gem worth visiting: Tunnel Park Beach. Tunnel Park Beach is a lesser-known attraction in Michigan, offering visitors a unique experience. The beach is accessible through a tunnel that adds to the overall charm of the place. Walking through the tunnel is an adventure in itself, and it prepares you for the stunning views that await you on the other side.
Once you get to the beach, you can spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles with the kids. The clear waters and sandy shorelines make it the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing. The beach also features a playground, sand volleyball courts, and two picnic shelters, making it ideal for a family outing.
The beach is also great for exploring the area’s natural beauty. The park features scenic hiking trails that wind through the dunes and shorelines. The trails offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area, and they are perfect for a stroll or a more challenging hike.
In addition to the beach, Holland, Michigan has many other attractions visitors can enjoy. The town is known for its vibrant downtown area, which features unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food at the local restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines, including Dutch, Italian, and American.
In summary, Tunnel Park Beach is a hidden gem located in Holland, Michigan, and it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. The beach is perfect for a daycation with the family with its clear waters, sandy shorelines, and various activities. So, pack your bags, grab sunscreen, and head to Tunnel Park Beach for a memorable beach vacation in Michigan.
In conclusion, Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Midwest, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
From hidden gems like Empire Beach and Port Austin to famous tourist spots like Grand Haven and Holland, Michigan’s beaches have something for everyone.
The beachfront waters, sandy shorelines, and various outdoor activities make Michigan’s beaches the perfect Midwest summer vacation destination for families and adventurers.
Full List of Best Beach Towns to Visit in Michigan
- Empire Beach, Michigan
- Grand Haven, Michigan
- South Haven, Michigan
- Port Austin, Michigan
- Ludington Beach, Michigan
- Glen Arbor, Michigan
- Holland, Michigan
We would love to hear about your experiences! If you have visited any of the beach towns in Michigan, please share your favorite one in the comments below. Your feedback will be highly appreciated.
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
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