Best Beaches in Michigan: Lake Michigan Beaches To Enjoy This Summer (Silver Beach, Grand Haven, Ludington, South Haven, Saugatuck's Oval, Holland and More!)


Best Beaches in Michigan: Lake Michigan Beaches To Enjoy This Summer (Silver Beach, Grand Haven, Ludington, South Haven, Saugatuck's Oval, Holland and More!)  | by Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

Hey Beach Goers!  Are you ready to enjoy Lake Michigan beaches this summer? 

  • Did you know Michigan has 11,000 inland lakes and 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline?

And Not a Single Shark. Oh, and It's Unsalted.

Let me just say, all of us Michiganders can hardly wait for glorious beach weather days. Where the breeze is softly blowing our hair, sea gulls are dipping and diving, and the sand is so hot we gleefully race to the water's edge to cool our feet.

During those gloriously long summer days, it's impossible to pull us away from the cool waves washing over our knees, the warm sun kissing our skin and the very last sandcastle we need to build.

South Haven Beach: Splash to Your Heart's Content in Lake Michigan's Waves!

South Haven BeachSouth Haven Beach

South Haven Beach is an absolute oasis during the warm summer months. Splashing in Lake Michigan, digging your toes in the sand and creating the perfect sand castle are perfect ways to spend a summer day.

North Beach, located at 45 Lakeshore Drive in South Haven Michigan has a concession stand with sandwiches, nachos, drinks and ice cream! The South Haven Beach area has a picnic area, playground equipment for kids, plenty of restrooms, and beach volleyball courts. 

  • There is a parking fee and the lots fill up quickly during the summer. 
  • The South Haven beach along Lake Michigan is ADA accessible.

The sandy beaches along Lake Michigan are among the finest beaches in the United States!


Silver Beach in St Joseph Michigan is Spectacular! And There's a Water Cannon!

It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine … it’s summertime!” – Kenny Chesney


Silver Beach in St Joseph Michigan is my personal favorite Michigan beach as it is my hometown (sorry, I'm a tad bit bias!). 

The water cannon, Silver Beach carousel, pier, lighthouse and bluff are all magnificent places to visit in Saint Joseph, Michigan during the warm summer months. Plus there's a great play area for kids.

But get there early if you want to park in the lot near Silver beach, as it fills up quickly on warm summer days.  Your family will have a wonderful time splashing in Lake Michigan at this St Joseph Michigan beach!


Frankfort's Soft Sandy Beach is Just Begging For Your Toes!


We love visiting Frankfort's beach in the summer as the sand is soft, the waves are refreshing and well, you can wander the fantastic town after you've had enough sun.  

Frankfort Michigan's beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Michigan!


JuneJuly and August are spectacular beach-going months in Michigan.  Click the links above for exciting events during these months!

Plus, most Michigan beach towns have several festivals, farmers markets and events during the summer months so you'll never be bored! 


Grand Haven State Park Beach: Camp Right Next to the Beach! 

Grand Haven BeachGrand Haven Beach

If you love camping, visit Grand Haven State Park! You can camp right next to the Grand Haven beach and enjoy awesome views of the lighthouse.  

You'll have hours of fun jumping the waves and digging your toes in the warm sand!

Charlevoix Beach is Waiting for Your Sand Castle!


Charlevoix Michigan's beach is a refreshing spot to cool off during the hot summer months in Michigan.  We love wandering along the shoreline and out to Charlevoix's lovely pier at sunset.

There is a play area for kids and restrooms.


Ludington Beach: Perfect For Watching Sunsets Over Lake Michigan


We absolutely love spending evening sunsets at Ludington Beach in Michigan!  The sand is so soft on your toes and the sound of the crashing waves of Lake Michigan relax every muscle in your body. Definitely one of the best beaches in Michigan!

Plus, the views of the sunset are absolutely magical.  And the best part? Parking is free and very close to the Ludington beach. There are porta-johns too. 


Visit Saugatuck Beach (Oval Beach) To Splash in Lake Michigan!  Plus, See Incredible Water Views While Visiting This Lakeside City!


Saugatuck Michigan is a wonderful beach town to wander and explore. There are incredible water views everywhere you look!  


Did you know that per Fox 17Saugatuck has been named one the “26 most beautiful towns in America” by Conde Nast Traveler magazine? Saugatuck was the only Michigan town featured in the article! Go Saugatuck!

The Saugatuck Beach, also called Oval Beach, is a beautiful place to relax and watch the sunset. The beach is clean and well kept.  Oval Beach has gorgeous white sand and clear blue water stretching to the skyline.

Spend the afternoon playing in the sand and swimming in Lake Michigan. There are picnic tables, restrooms, shade trees and swings for the kids. 


Holland Michigan Beach


Holland State Park, located at 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI, is home to wonderful sandy beaches, breathtakingly colorful sunsets and scenic views of Holland's Big Red lighthouse.  

There are two beaches located on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.  Did you know you can also camp? Book your Holland State Park reservations as soon as possible as the camp fills up quickly!

Plus, there are paddle rentals so you can get out on Lake Michigan. 




This scenic boardwalk connects Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk to the Holland Beach. It's a lovely walk!

The sandy beaches along Lake Michigan are among the finest beaches in the United States! Come see Holland's beach for yourself!  


Tawas State Park's Beach Is a Prime Spot For Spectacular Kayaking, Hiking and Sunbathing 


East Tawas is definitely worthy to be on our Best Beaches In Michigan list. If you like to avoid vast amount of crowds, the beach at Tawas State Park is your perfect summer oasis. 

When you need a break from the sand, the East Tawas beach offers fun opportunities to kayak along the gorgeous shoreline

  • Plus, when you get hungry, there's lots of food, snack and drink opportunities nearby so you don't have to leave the beach!

Silver Lake: Home to Dune Rides and Soft Sandy Beaches!


Silver Lake beach is perfect for fun days in the sand!  There's a playground for kids and ample restrooms.  Bring brats or burgers to grill.  We like this beach as it's close to the campground and there's lots of shade trees.


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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
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