Michigan, the Great Lakes State, boasts over 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline, offering a beach for every type of visitor. From sandy Lake Michigan shores to rugged Upper Peninsula coastlines, these beaches are perfect for relaxation, adventure, or family fun.
In 2025, Michigan’s beaches shine with natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and accessibility. Whether you’re after a serene sunset, a dog-friendly romp, or a kayaking adventure, this guide covers the best beaches in Michigan across various categories.
Oval Beach, Saugatuck (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Soft white sands, clear waters, and stunning sunsets.
Amenities: Ample parking, clean restrooms, and picnic areas.
Perfect For: Sunbathing, swimming, and romantic getaways.
Silver Beach County Park, St. Joseph (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Expansive sandy beach with a scenic pier.
Amenities: Volleyball courts, restrooms, and proximity to downtown.
Perfect For: Beach sports and evening walks.
2. Best West Michigan Beaches
Holland State Park (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Home to the iconic Big Red lighthouse.
Amenities: Campground, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Perfect For: Photography and family outings.
South Haven’s North Beach (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Lively beach with a pier and lighthouse.
Amenities: Volleyball courts, concessions, and restrooms.
Perfect For: Families and sunset lovers.
Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Park (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Spacious beach with clear waters.
Amenities: Picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds.
Perfect For: Kite flying and beachcombing.
3. Upper Peninsula Beach Gems
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches like Miners Beach.
Amenities: Hiking trails and kayaking tours.
Perfect For: Adventure seekers and photographers.
Black Rocks Beach, Marquette (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Unique cliff-jumping and rugged scenery.
Amenities: Limited facilities, so come prepared.
Perfect For: Thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Whitefish Point Beach (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Remote and tranquil with historical significance.
Amenities: Adjacent to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Perfect For: Birdwatching and history buffs.
4. Family-Friendly Beaches in Michigan
Warren Dunes State Park (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Towering dunes and spacious beach.
Amenities: Campground, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Perfect For: Sandboarding and family camping.
Duck Lake State Park (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Calm waters and shaded picnic spots.
Amenities: Hiking trails and restrooms.
Perfect For: Young swimmers and quiet outings.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Adventure-packed with dune rides and swimming.
Amenities: Campgrounds and nearby attractions.
Perfect For: Active families.
5. Dog-Friendly Beaches in Michigan
Kirk Park Dog Beach (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Off-leash dog beach along Lake Michigan.
Amenities: Dog-waste stations and hiking trails.
Perfect For: Pet owners seeking fun for their dogs.
Kruse Park Dog Beach (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Spacious with leashed and unleashed areas.
Amenities: Accessible ramps and parking.
Perfect For: Social dogs and their owners.
Tawas Point State Park (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Secluded dog beach on Lake Huron.
Amenities: Campground and picnic areas.
Perfect For: Quiet escapes with pets.
6. Beaches with Dunes in Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Towering 450-foot dunes and scenic beaches.
Amenities: Hiking trails and scenic drives.
Perfect For: Dune climbing and photography.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Rustic dunes and secluded shoreline.
Amenities: 13 miles of hiking trails.
Perfect For: Nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Combines beach fun with off-road dune adventures.
Amenities: ORV areas and walking trails.
Perfect For: Thrill-seekers and families.
7. Best Beaches for Kayaking
Turnip Rock, Port Austin (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Iconic rock formation accessible only by kayak.
Amenities: Kayak rentals in Port Austin.
Perfect For: Beginner kayakers and photographers.
Pictured Rocks Kayaking (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Paddle under cliffs and through sea caves.
Amenities: Guided tours for safety.
Perfect For: Experienced kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Ludington State Park (Best Beaches in Michigan)
Why Visit: Calm waters of Hamlin Lake and Big Sable River.
Amenities: Kayak rentals and shaded trails.
Perfect For: Beginners and families.
8. Hidden Gem Beaches
Esch Beach (Otter Creek)
Why Visit: Peaceful with a scenic creek.
Amenities: Limited facilities, pack in and out.
Perfect For: Quiet retreats and families.
Peterson Beach
Why Visit: Colorful stones and driftwood shores.
Amenities: Short hike from parking lot.
Perfect For: Secluded picnics and photographers.
Empire Beach
Why Visit: Stunning views of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Amenities: Playground and restrooms.
Perfect For: Sunset walks and family outings.
9. Best Beaches for Sunset Views
Sunset Park, Petoskey
Why Visit: Sweeping views of Little Traverse Bay.
Amenities: Parking and seating areas.
Perfect For: Romantic evenings and photography.
Empire Bluff Trail Beach
Why Visit: Panoramic sunset views after a short hike.
Amenities: Hiking trail access.
Perfect For: Hikers and sunset chasers.
Grand Haven Pier Beach
Why Visit: Iconic lighthouse and musical fountain show.
Amenities: Wide beach and restrooms.
Perfect For: Families and couples.
10. Beaches Near Major Cities
Belle Isle Beach, Detroit
Why Visit: Urban beach with skyline views.
Amenities: Lifeguards, picnic areas, and nearby attractions.
Perfect For: City dwellers and tourists.
Grand Haven City Beach
Why Visit: Free and close to downtown.
Amenities: Restrooms and concessions.
Perfect For: Quick beach trips and festivals.
Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon
Why Visit: Large, clean beach near downtown.
Amenities: Volleyball courts and playgrounds.
Perfect For: Urban explorers and families.
11. Best Beaches for Camping
Ludington State Park Beach
Why Visit: Campgrounds near Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake.
Amenities: Modern campsites and kayak rentals.
Perfect For: Family camping and water sports.
Van Buren State Park
Why Visit: Quiet beach with nearby dunes.
Amenities: Large campground and biking trails.
Perfect For: Peaceful camping getaways.
Hoeft State Park
Why Visit: Secluded Lake Huron beach.
Amenities: Shaded campsites and bike trails.
Perfect For: Nature lovers and quiet retreats.
12. Beaches with Historical Significance
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park Beach
Why Visit: 1800s military outpost and Lake Superior beach.
Amenities: Historical exhibits and restrooms.
Perfect For: History buffs and families.
Mackinac Island Beaches
Why Visit: Rocky shores with Mackinac Bridge views.
Amenities: Bike paths and historical sites.
Perfect For: Scenic and historical tours.
Fort Michilimackinac Beach
Why Visit: French fort and swimming spot.
Amenities: Historical tours and restrooms.
Perfect For: Educational family trips.
13. Seasonal Beach Activities
Summer Festivals and Beach Events
National Cherry Festival (Traverse City): Live music and fireworks.
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: Parades and beach games.
South Haven Blueberry Festival: Food trucks and family fun.
Beach Sports and Adventures
Sand Volleyball: Popular at Pere Marquette and South Haven.
Kiteboarding: Try Muskegon or Tawas.
Paddleboarding: Available at most beaches.
Winter Beach Activities
Ice Caves: Explore Lake Superior’s frozen shores.
Winter Hiking: Sleeping Bear Dunes offers scenic trails.
Polar Plunges: Join events in Grand Haven.
Conclusion -
Michigan’s beaches offer something for everyone—from family-friendly shores to thrilling kayak routes and historic sites. With over 3,000 miles of coastline, 2025 is the perfect year to explore these natural wonders. Pack your beach bag, grab your sunscreen, and make unforgettable memories by the Great Lakes.
FAQs About Michigan Beaches -
What are the best family-friendly beaches in Michigan?
Warren Dunes, Silver Beach County Park, and Duck Lake State Park offer shallow waters, playgrounds, and picnic areas, perfect for kids.
Which Michigan beaches are dog-friendly?
Kirk Park, Kruse Park, and Tawas Point State Park have off-leash areas and dog-friendly swimming zones.
Where can I kayak in Michigan?
Turnip Rock (Port Austin) and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are top kayaking spots with stunning scenery.
Which Michigan beaches have sand dunes?
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and Saugatuck Dunes State Park feature massive dunes for hiking and sandboarding.
Can I camp near Michigan beaches?
Ludington State Park, Van Buren State Park, and Hoeft State Park offer beachfront or near-beach camping with modern amenities.
What are the best Michigan beaches for sunsets?
Sunset Park (Petoskey), Empire Bluff Trail Beach, and Grand Haven Pier Beach offer breathtaking sunset views.
