The 22 Best Beaches in Michigan in 2024 [With Detailed Map]

Michigan may be in the middle of the U.S., but it’s known for having some of the best beaches in the country, largely thanks to the more than 3,200 miles of coastline the state boasts.

It’s almost completely surrounded by the Great Lakes, meaning there are countless ways to access the freshwater, and also it boasts thousands of inland lakes. With all that shoreline comes a lot of beaches, but narrowing it down can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to the state before.

We’ve compiled this list of the beaches in the state to help you figure out where in “the Mitten” you should travel for your next beach vacation.

Map of the 22 Best Beaches in Michigan

The Best Beach on the Detroit River

Belle Isle

Belle Isle is a 982-acre island in the middle of the Detroit River that runs through the state’s largest city. While it’s home to multiple attractions like a conservatory and an aquarium, its beachfront is its best-kept secret. The beaches are small, but it’s the perfect place to get away from the city for a little while.

Though the beaches aren’t large, there are quite a few of them on the small island, so you’ll have plenty of places to choose from to relax for the day. The island is lush and green, making it a perfect place for relaxing all day, and the water is nice and clean. You can splash around on a hot day or go for a nice, long walk.

Belle Isle has been a state park since 2014, so you can check it off your list once you visit! The island has also been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

The 5 Best Beaches on Lake Huron

1. Caseville County Park Beach

Huron County is home to many beaches, but Caseville, found in the “thumb” in the eastern part of the state on Saginaw Bay, is one of the prettiest. Caseville is a sandy beach unlike many of the Midwest’s natural beaches.

The soft sand is a perfect match for the shore’s clean, blue water that’s perfectly family-friendly. The water is shallow, close to the shore, and gradually gets deeper, so you and your young swimmers can wade, splash, and swim in peace.

The lake is a popular boating spot, and there’s a marina nearby, but the boats don’t get too close to the shore. If you’d prefer not to go for a swim, the beach is wide, so you can run around, go for walks, or play beach volleyball.

Hot Tip: Since Caseville Beach is part of a county park, it’s not open 24/7. Don’t plan on any late-night visits.

2. Huron Shores Roadside Park

Huron Shores Roadside Park, located toward the very top of the Lower Peninsula near the town of Cheboygan, is the perfect place to stop while on a Michigan road trip. Whether you want to take a break for the day or you just need to stretch your legs, this beach is a great way to refresh and relax after hours in the car.

The beach is rocky, so you’ll have to watch where you step if you plan on going on a walk without shoes. The gravel keeps the water from becoming murky since there’s no sand to kick up. As a result, the water is crystal clear and blue all day.

The beach is equipped with picnic tables and restrooms as well, so you have all the basic amenities you need to have a fun day on the shore. It’s an underrated spot that’s worth visiting if you find yourself in the area.

3. Oscoda Beach Park

Oscoda Beach Park is one of the most scenic beaches in Michigan. The landscape is gently sloping, which gives the beach a dramatic and serene look, depending on when you visit. The water is extremely clean and clear and has a bright blue color.

The beach is sandy, but the water never becomes murky and brown — even on busy days — from bathers kicking it up from the lake bed. And even when there are those busy summer days, the beach stretches far and wide, so there are never too many people concentrated in a single area.

If you’re traveling with children who don’t want to go in the water, there’s a playground nearby and picnic tables so you can have a day on dry land and simply enjoy the views — you don’t want to miss a sunset at Oscoda Beach Park!

4. Tawas Point State Park

Tawas Point State Park is a great substitute if you’ve always wanted to visit Cape Cod but haven’t yet made it there. With nearly 200 acres of recreational land, you’ll never have a boring moment while you’re here.

The park is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway all year, but particularly so in the fall and spring months. It’s a favorite spot for birds flying south for the winter and back north when the weather gets warmer. So, if you time your visit correctly, you can see dozens of species you normally wouldn’t find in the state.

There’s also plenty of historic architecture you can explore that will make your vacation photos that much more special. Of course, no trip to the park would be complete without stopping at the beach. The white sand is soft, and the water is clear and pristine.

5. White Rock Roadside Park

White Rock Roadside Park is located in Michigan’s “thumb,” which juts out into Lake Huron on the east side of the state. Locals like to joke that it’s nature’s way of giving the spot a thumbs-up — and for good reason!

The park is a great way to get in touch with nature. It has wooden walkways that lead you through the wilderness and down to the lakeshore.

Before your visit, check to ensure there aren’t any repairs happening that might block some of the pathways, particularly the steps that lead to the beach, as that’s the only access point.

The beach is fairly small, but it’s still perfect for stretching your legs or taking a refreshing dip. And, the overlook area is spectacular, especially at sunset — definitely bring your camera if you visit.

The 13 Best Beaches on Lake Michigan

1. Empire Beach

Locals love to rave about this stretch of the Midwestern coastline. Empire Beach, located east of Traverse City near the top of the Lower Peninsula, has some of the clearest and most inviting water you’ll ever find outside of the nation’s East and West Coasts. You’ll find soft, velvety, white sand that’s perfect to walk and lounge on, and the water isn’t all that cold, especially on warm and sunny days.

There’s one small downside to this beach, however — it’s really popular! Locals love spending the weekend at this beach. While you shouldn’t run into any problems on the shore, parking can be a little bit of an issue.

You can avoid having trouble by planning your visit during the week from September through May. Even if the weather isn’t warm and sunny, this beach is still worth visiting for the views alone.

2. Escanaba Municipal Beach

If you find yourself in Michigan during the summer, you’ll want to make sure you plan to visit Escanaba Municipal Beach located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the state’s Upper Peninsula.

While you can still access this stretch of shore during the fall, winter, and early spring, it doesn’t officially open until June. The official season runs until the end of August, when all of the beach’s amenities open, including its lifeguard posts.

The Escanaba shore is a soft, sandy beach that is perfect for building sandcastles you’d normally expect to see in Florida or California. You’ll also have plenty of room to spread out with your group — the beach stretches far and wide.

3. Grand Haven City Beach

Grand Haven City Beach is a haven for anyone who is looking to get away from the stress of daily life. The beach is free to the public, so you can just pack up and go, making it perfect for a spontaneous getaway.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan just over 30 minutes west of the city of Grand Rapids, the beach is considered one of the most family-friendly in the country. No alcohol is allowed on the beach, and the water doesn’t get deep too rapidly. And, you don’t have to worry about strong currents making the water dangerous for young swimmers.

Large parties also aren’t allowed on the shore to keep from encroaching on other visitors’ beach days, so while it may be busy, it doesn’t feel crazy. The shore is even pet-friendly — but make sure to check during which hours dogs are allowed on the sand before you go.

4. Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park may span only about 47 acres, but it’s a destination spot for people who want to spend a simple day by the water. The beach is just 2 miles away from Traverse City, making it the perfect place for a quick getaway.

To help keep the beach pristine, you do have to pay an entry fee for a day pass, but it’s well worth the cost. The area’s state park status ensures the water is clean and clear, making it perfectly safe for swimming.

You can also rent boats in the park, though the number allowed on the lake is limited to make sure the water doesn’t get polluted. Whether you want to take a walk on the shore or enjoy the water, this is a beach that guarantees relaxation.

5. Mackinaw City Beach

Mackinaw City has one of the most cinematic beaches in the state, yet it’s also often underrated. Since Mackinaw City is so close to the tourist hotspot of Mackinac Island, it often goes overlooked when it comes to planning a getaway. However, it’s a fantastic vacation destination if you’re looking to get out on the water.

The area has a marina full of boats, some of which are available to rent or to charter for a little trip around the lake. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops you can visit to fill your days. Perhaps the biggest draw of this small town is the beach and the views it provides of the 5-mile-long Mackinac Bridge that connects the Lower and Upper Peninsulas of Michigan.

Soft, light-tan sand lines the water and makes going for long walks a breeze. The water is on the colder side, but that makes it even more refreshing when you visit the city on hot summer days.

6. Muskegon State Park

Muskegon State Park is one of Michigan’s premier recreational areas. No matter what time of year you visit the park, you’ll find plenty to do, from sledding in the winter to swimming in the summer.

With over 1,200 acres of land to explore, the park manages to offer plenty of space for activities without sacrificing the land’s natural beauty. The beach is the park’s most popular attraction, especially when the weather is warm. The area’s protected status helps keep the water clear of pollutants which makes it safe for swimming.

You can bring your whole family to the park, including your pets, as the beach is dog-friendly. They can freely walk on the sand as long as they’re leashed, and they can even splash around in designated areas!

7. Pere Marquette Beach

If you’re looking for a beach spot where you don’t have to worry about pollution or irritants, Pere Marquette is the place for you.

The city of Muskegon has taken pride in maintaining this beach so visitors can enjoy it for years to come.

This beach boasts a 2.7-mile stretch of sandy shoreline, multiple piers, a lighthouse, and even a beach volleyball court, so there’s plenty to do. However, if you just want to go for a walk, this beach is ideal for unwinding by listening to the gentle ebbing and flowing of Lake Michigan.

8. Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Saugatuck Dunes State Park is one of Michigan’s most underrated treasures. Locals love it, but it hasn’t yet made a splash among tourists. The park has 13 miles of trails, acres of open field, and 2.5 miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan waiting to be explored.

Summer is the most popular time to visit — warmer water temperatures make hiking and swimming a perfect break from the day-to-day grind. However, the beach is still enjoyable in the fall and winter. You can hike through the forest and find your way to the park’s sandy shores.

9. Silver Beach County Park

Silver Beach County Park offers a combination of activity and relaxation. The beach is very spacious, so you have a lot of room to spread out and whatever kind of beach trip you want.

If you prefer seclusion, you have room to do that. On the other hand, if you want to be where the action is, you can choose to lay out your towel near the crowds, where you can catch some of the local beach events.

The shore is also right by the city of St. Joseph, so you can easily walk to and from the restaurants and shops that line the coast. If you’re visiting with a group, there’s something to do for everyone, from boating to volleyball to walking on the pier.

10. Silver Lake State Park Beach

Just south of the town of Pentwater, Silver Lake State Park Beach (despite having a similar name to the entry above, this is a different beach) in Western Michigan is a popular spot for people who love taking camping trips. With space for 200 campers, the park is well-equipped for overnight visitors.

Even if out-of-state tourists might not know about this park, the locals sure do. The campground can fill up quickly during the summer, especially on holiday weekends. If you plan to visit during that time, make reservations early.

You won’t want to miss this beach — the water is lined with soft sand that you’d expect to find at a beach on the ocean, not in the Midwest. And, Silver Lake State Park is the only place east of the Mississippi River where you can ride off-road vehicles (ORVs).

Even if you’re just visiting for the day, it’s well worth the trip. You’ll be sure to have plenty of picture-perfect moments while you’re here.

11. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes is an adventure-seeker’s dream. The beach is known for the sand dunes that give the area its name. These aren’t just any sand dunes, though. They’re hundreds of feet high, some reaching even 450 feet. They’re so tall and solid that you can scale them.

Even if climbing isn’t your cup of tea, this Michigan beach located about 25 miles to the east of Traverse City has plenty to love. Its wilderness is protected, so you can expect the environment to be pristine. You can easily spend hours walking between the shore and the forest.

If you want to rest, find a spot on the sand and listen to the waves. Or, dip your toes in the refreshing water. Since this beach covers such a large area, it doesn’t feel crowded, even if there are many other visitors.

12. South Beach

South Beach in South Haven is a popular stretch of shore in Southwest Michigan, about an hour’s drive from the city of Grand Rapids and 2 hours from Chicago.

Despite seeing a lot of visitors during the summertime, it rarely feels overcrowded. The beach is about 4 miles from downtown South Haven, so if you’re staying in town you can walk if you’re up for a little exercise. There’s also plenty nearby including a souvenir shop/general store and a snack shack.

Parking is also available if you choose to drive, but make sure you arrive early to get a spot if you’re visiting on a busy summer weekend. The lake’s current tends to keep the water free of moss and debris, and the sand is smooth and soft no matter when you visit.

13. Torch Lake Township Day Park

Located near the top of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Torch Lake offers a taste of the tropics in the Midwest. The lake is adjacent to Lake Michigan but is a separate body of water, so it’s protected from pollutants and other materials found in the much larger lake. This results in Torch Lake’s water being as clear and blue as what you’d find in the Caribbean.

Torch Lake Township Day Park is one of the few beaches on this lake and provides a great place to swim in the summer. You can also rent kayaks or go sailing on the water, in addition to the myriad of watersports available with power boats.

Torch Lake is a bit out of the way, so it’s not always packed with visitors. However, on beautiful summer weekends and holidays, you can expect people to flock to the lake’s famous sandbars where rows of boats tie up together to host parties that are open to the public.

The 3 Best Beaches on Lake Superior

1. Agate Beach Park

Agate Beach is the place for you if you’re looking for a rustic camping experience and a one-of-a-kind beach in the middle of America. Located near the top of the state’s Upper Peninsula, Agate Beach is named after the agates that were once plentiful along the shore. Agate is a type of quartz that’s known for its shiny, multi-colored interior.

The beach isn’t particularly sandy, but it adds to the rustic charm of the beach. It’s also perfect for visitors of all ages. Amateur and quasi-professional rock collectors will enjoy going on the hunt for agates. There are fewer of them than there used to be, but you can still get lucky.

The beach is also open all year, though you’ll likely find snow covering the shore and surrounding woods in the winter. The water is cold, so it’s refreshing on hot, humid days in the middle of the summer.

2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the perfect place for nature lovers. This shoreline is rugged and natural, making it a true bucket-list destination for anyone who enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, and more.

This national lakeshore on the south shore of Michigan’s Lake Superior features almost 100 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and even sand dunes for you to explore year-round, though it’s best known for its multi-colored limestone cliff formations that jut dramatically into the lake.

During the summer, few things compare to the cool, refreshing lake water, though you can certainly visit in the fall when the surrounding trees dazzle with their changing colors, and even in the winter when the lake starts to freeze over.

Hot Tip: If you do visit Pictured Rocks in the winter and want to walk on the frozen lake, make sure you see signs posted saying that it’s safe to do so.

3. Sable Falls Beach

Sable Falls Beach is a perfect way to end a hike. While this beach is technically part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, it deserves its own mention. You can find it at the end of the Sable Falls Trail, a 2-mile walk that lets you explore the natural beauty of the Michigan wilderness.

The hike along the Lake Superior shoreline is considered an easy one, so most people should be able to make the trek without a problem. Though you won’t find soft sand on the beach, its landscape perfectly fits the environment. You’ll encounter small, multi-colored pebbles that lead you down to the brisk, clear water.

You might not be able to walk barefoot on the shore very comfortably, but that’s a small compromise to make in exchange for the stunning beauty of the beach. That’s especially true if you time your hike so you can catch the sunset. However, there aren’t usually lifeguards on duty, so make sure to swim with caution.

Final Thoughts

Despite its location in the Midwest, Michigan has beaches that can hold their own against those found in coastal states. Whether you’re enjoying an inland lake or exploring one of the Great Lakes, Michigan has a beach for you.

Even if you’ve been to Michigan many times, there’s seemingly always a new body of water to explore — we hope this list will help you discover an incredible new place!