In the Michigan Beachtowns, summer unfolds at your own pace. Some days are made for claiming a spot in the sand, toes in the water, and quietly watching the light shift across Lake Michigan. Other days invite movement – bike rides along the shoreline, dune climbs that end in sweeping views, paddleboards skimming across calm morning water, or sunset walks where the beach seems to stretch forever. From dog-friendly shores to accessible beaches, quiet spots to lively stretches buzzing with activity, this is a place where doing nothing and doing everything feel equally right.
Silver Lakes Sand Dunes / HartSilver Lake Sand Dunes is a must-visit destination where adventure and scenic beauty come together. Ride your ORV across rolling Sand Dunes all the way to Lake Michigan and take in breathtaking views along the way. Spend the day relaxing on the dunes while enjoying the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Just minutes away, visit the Little Sable Point Lighthouse and climb to the top for unforgettable views of Lake Michigan and its sandy beaches. Explore Silver Lake by renting a boat or paddle boat and cruising over to climb the towering dunes. Photo credit: Brad Reed |
HollandHolland, Michigan is home to some of Michigan’s most beautiful beaches. Relax along the wide sandy shores of Holland State Park, take in stunning views of the iconic Big Red Lighthouse, or discover a quieter stretch of sand along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Spend your day wading in clear waters, climbing sand dunes, soaking up the sun, or simply watching boats drift through the channel. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful day by the water, the perfect beach escape awaits in Holland. |
South HavenSouth Haven’s shoreline is more than just a couple of beaches. It’s a full stretch of Lake Michigan access, with a dozen public access points and lookouts scattered along the coast from Van Buren State Park to Casco Township Nature Preserve. Spend the day at North Beach or South Beach for seminal summer vibes, then chase quieter views at smaller pull-offs like Pilgrim Haven Nature Preserve where the dunes rise and the horizon opens up. Whether you’re swimming, walking the pier, birding, or sunset watching, there’s always another angle of the lake to discover. |
Grand HavenHome to Condé Nast Traveler-named Most Beautiful Beaches in the U.S. ~ City Beach and Michigan’s #1 State Park ~ Grand Haven State Park. It’s easy to plan your beach getaway to the Grand Haven Area. Choose from seven beautiful beaches, including remote hideaways bordered by sand dunes and natural forests, and local hotspots only a few steps from your lodging. Plan your beachfront trip to Grand Haven State Park or City Beach to combine peaceful seclusion with serene sunbathing. The Grand Haven pier and lighthouse, along with the towering sand dunes and spectacular sunsets make the perfect backdrop for your Michigan beach vacation. |
MuskegonWith 27 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Muskegon County offers beach vacations with room to roam. Beyond wide sandy dunes and freshwater waves, discover historic lighthouses, public art, and the USS Silversides WWII submarine museum. At Pere Marquette Beach, The Deck offers BBQ, live music, and your feet in the sand. Accessible beach mats, Mobi-Chairs, and Trackchairs at several parks ensure beach access for all. Summer here is all about sunset views, paddleboarding, freighters and cruise ships sailing past, and zero schedules. |
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St JosephAs the southern gateway to the West Michigan Pike, St. Joseph has welcomed Midwest travelers for generations as a classic Lake Michigan beach retreat. Visitors from across Michigan and neighboring states flock to Silver Beach – ranked among Michigan’s top beaches – for soft golden sand, refreshing waters, and unforgettable sunsets. With a boardwalk, picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, sailboarding, volleyball courts, and nearby concessions, St. Joseph’s beaches offer everything needed for a relaxing, memory-filled getaway on the shores of Lake Michigan |
