10 BEST BEACHES IN MICHIGAN YOU MUST EXPLORE
Anyone who has been to Michigan knows that it is a beautiful state. From the northernmost point of the Upper Peninsula, all the way down to the southern tip of Florida with its charming palm trees and white sand beaches, there are countless places to explore in this mid-western gem.
One thing you will notice about many of these stunning locations is that they have blue water and clean sand – as opposed to murky brown water and patches of seaweed on shorelines like what you might see elsewhere in the world. This list includes some of Michigan’s most popular beaches.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes, National Lakeshore, has some of the most beautiful beaches in Michigan. The first thing you’ll notice is their vivid blue color which comes from glacial silt, and the second is how soft they are. This is due to the fact that water and sand don’t have time to get compacted before another wave washes in.
The dunes also form a “wall” of wind, so it’s much more protected from waves than other beaches on this list. You can hike up to the top for impressive views or just hang out at the beach.
The beach itself is a private, hidden cove that offers solitude to those who come here looking for it; one can go hours without seeing or hearing another soul while you walk along the shoreline in search of sea glass washed up by waves. It’s just as beautiful as any other Michigan beach but has something special about it that makes it worth your visit. The protected dunes and forests make for an excellent escape from the hustle of city life.
Holland State Park
Holland State Park has a great beach. You can swim, fish, and play volleyball on the sandy shores of Lake Macatawa. The park has a nice, long stretch of sand. It’s also very family-friendly and offers plenty of activities for kids like playgrounds and bike rentals.
This is one of Michigan’s most popular state parks with its beautiful views and close proximity to Holland.
What to know: Park open from May 15th until September 30th. The parking fee for cars is $12, and RV/BUS parking is $20. Holland State Park has one of the best beaches in Michigan because it’s a long, sandy shoreline with plenty of activities for kids like playgrounds and bike rentals nearby.
Glen Haven Beach
You can’t get much better than Glen Haven Beach in Michigan! The beach is clean, and the sand is soft. Plus, with a cool breeze blowing on you all day, it’s an ideal place to hang out for hours. Bring your dog along for a swim or take him out into nearby fields where he will find many new friends!
There are picnic tables available at Glen Haven if you want to bring something other than sandwiches as well – it’s all good. Be sure not to miss any hidden gems that await exploration around every corner while walking over small dunes and watching eagles soar overhead. And don’t forget to bring your camera!
Grand Island National Recreation Area
Grand Island National Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful beaches in Michigan. It’s located on Lake Superior, and it features stunning sandy shores, large rock formations that are great for fishing, and a lighthouse that’s open to the public.
Grand Island features a sandy shore with expansive rock formations that make for great fishing opportunities; there are also several miles of hiking trails through various forests to explore on foot as well!
The lighthouse at this national recreation area is one of the most popular attractions here-it was even featured in an episode of “The West Wing.”
The scenery here makes it seem like something out of Jurassic Park-you’ll want to come back, again and again, every time you visit Michigan so that you can enjoy all these options over and over.
Warren Dunes State Park
The Warren Dunes State Park was established in 1950 and is the home of “America’s Stonehenge.” There are two sand dune climbing areas so that it can be a little crowded on weekends.
There are over 15 miles of hiking trails as well that lead to beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
You can go swimming, surfing, and even scuba diving. It’s also an excellent spot for fishing and hunting. You might want to bring your swimsuit if you plan on going swimming at the state park because they only have one lifeguard station, which provides supervision for about 150 yards worth of beachfront. The parking fee is $12 per day, or annual pass holders get free admission, but there isn’t any additional cost once inside.
Silver Beach
Silver Beach, Michigan, is a hidden gem. The beach there is always clean, and the sand looks like powder. The silver beach has some of the best sunsets that you’ll see anywhere in Michigan. If you want to try something different from your normal vacation, this is the beach for you.
Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park is home to one of the best beaches in Michigan. The water is clear enough to see the bottom 18″ below and is always warm. This beach has everything you need: lifeguards, restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and lots of parking!
Ludington State Park is a great place for families since it’s an easy walk from the parking lot. The water sports include kayaking as well as being able to fish off the pier or boat launch at certain times during the year.
The park also offers many other amenities such as hiking trails, camping sites (which are very popular in summer!), bike rentals, mountain biking routes, and horseback riding nearby, so this is a fantastic location all around!
Leland beach
Leland Beach is a long, sandy beach that stretches for miles. You can walk the entire thing and never have to leave this spot on the map. There are many different facilities at Leland Beach, such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
There is even one of those old-school arcade games where you put your quarter in the slot to play Pac-Man.
The waves crash over rocks just offshore, giving a relaxing sound when it’s windy or foggy out, which seems like most days here in Michigan!
The watercolor varies from dark blue-green during low tide to deep greenish blue with patches of sandbars exposed during high tide – there is something for everyone no matter what time of year you go!”
Good Harbor Bay Beach
Good Harbor Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Michigan. This beach offers a large, sandy area to enjoy the water and many trees for shade. There are also public restrooms close by and vending machines with refreshing drinks like ice cream or Gatorade.
Good Harbor Bay Beach is perfect for families looking to spend some time at the shore without having to travel too far from home!
Tiscornia Beach
This beach is one of the few public beaches in St Joseph. It’s not well known due to its location north of the city and off a small road. However, it has been given high marks by locals for being clean and quiet with easy access.
It features parking and a simple, clean layout without many amenities. Dogs are allowed on the sand all day long but must be leashed at night time when lifeguards aren’t present.
