Discover the Best Beaches on Lake Michigan: Top 10 Picks

What do you love about going to the beach? You will find it along the Lake Michigan coastline in Southwest Michigan. Some will boast that our beaches and parks are  the most beautiful for miles. Stop at any and you will catch your breath in awe.

Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, fly kites, picnic, paddleboard or fish from the shore or piers, this region has it all. With its towering dunes, soft sandy beaches, colorful rocky shores, refreshing unsalted water and shady cottonwood trees, there's something for everyone — including your dog! The abundance of public beaches along Lake Michigan means you could spend a week exploring and still not see them all, making it the perfect destination to revisit time and time again.

Here are our 10 top picks for standout beaches:

1. WARREN DUNES STATE PARK | SAWYER

Warren Dunes State Park features three miles of soft-sand shoreline with an incredible backdrop of massive dunes. This is THE place to go for cardio dune climbs and sandboarding. There’s a designated dog beach so bring a leash and fetching toys! Entry is free with a Michigan Recreation Passport.

• Type of Beach: Sandy with occasional sections of small smooth stones
• Amenities: Restrooms, changing rooms, food trucks, kayak rental and a campground. You can also borrow a free beach wheelchair and track chair.
• Activities: Swimming, dune climbing, picnicking, hiking, sandboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, skimboarding, hang gliding and paragliding (permit required), beachcombing and watching sunsets
• Unique Features: Giant dunes, a pet friendly section of shoreline and a view of the Chicago skyline
• More Info: Warren Dunes State Park

2. SILVER BEACH COUNTY PARK | ST. JOSEPH

A bustling beach destination, Silver Beach offers 2,450 feet of shoreline with numerous activities. 

• Type of Beach: Soft sand
• Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, concessions, paddle sports rentals, foot-washing stations, shelters, 16 sand volleyball courts, a brand new fully inclusive playground and a free-to-use beach wheelchair and a beach walker
• Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, fishing, picnicking, volleyball, summer festivals, concerts and watching spectacular sunsets 
• Unique Features: Barrier-free beach walkway, Silver Beach Pavilion, South Pier beacon and views of the St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse. The beach is within walking distance of downtown St. Joseph, the Whirlpool Compass Fountain splash pad and the Silver Beach Center which houses the Silver Beach Carousel and Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone.
• More Info: Silver Beach County Park

3. TISCORNIA PARK | ST. JOSEPH

Tiscornia Park is best known for its access to the iconic North Pier lighthouses. It’s a premier spot for fishing, swimming and watching sailboats, lake freighters and sunsets.

• Type of Beach: Sandy beach 
• Amenities: Flush restrooms, shelter and foot-washing station
• Activities: Swimming, pier and offshore fishing and surfing
• Unique Features: North Pier lighthouse tours, river channel walkway and dunes
• More Info: Tiscornia Park

4. WEKO BEACH | BRIDGMAN

This soft-sand beach spans 40 acres of wooded dunes and 960 feet of shoreline. It features one of the few direct-access boat launches in Michigan and is known for its spectacular sunsets.

• Type of Beach: Sandy beach
• Amenities: Beach house with concessions and restrooms, kayak/paddleboard rentals, picnic areas with grills, boat launch, campground and a free sand-and-water accessible wheelchair and two 50-foot ADA-accessible Mobi-Mats
• Activities: boating, picnicking and swimming
• Unique Features: Direct access boat launch, wooden dune walkway, kayak rental, view of the Chicago skyline, live bugle plays taps at sunset, summer concerts and festivals and access to the Warren Dunes dog beach
• More Info: Weko Beach

5. JEAN KLOCK PARK | BENTON HARBOR

This popular beach is perfect for a family outing. It features 2,950 feet of shoreline, a playground, a picnic shelter, restrooms and a scenic observation trail up the dunes.

• Type of Beach: Sandy beach
• Amenities: Restrooms, concession stand, picnic shelter, playground, kayak and paddleboard rentals and volleyball courts
• Activities: Swimming, volleyball, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, biking
• Unique Features: Observation area with views of Lake Michigan, the Harbor Shores Golf Club and Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trail System
• More Info: Jean Klock Park

6. LIONS PARK BEACH | ST. JOSEPH

A popular picnic spot, Lions Park Beach boasts three shelters, grills, shade trees and a playground.

• Type of Beach: Small beach with a mix of soft sand and small rocks
• Amenities: Barrier-free access to picnic pavilions, grills, restrooms, playground, bench swings and volleyball courts
• Activities: Hiking, biking, rock hounding, collecting beach glass and volleyball
• Unique Features: Trailhead to the paved and shaded John and Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail
• More Info: Lions Park Beach

7. NEW BUFFALO CITY BEACH | NEW BUFFALO

Located near downtown New Buffalo, this is the first public beach you will reach after crossing the Indiana/Michigan border. It’s perfect for those looking for a lively beach atmosphere.

• Type of Beach: Sandy beach
• Amenities: Life-guard protected swimming area, restrooms, concessions and a free-to-borrow beach wheelchair
• Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing
• Unique Features: Proximity to downtown New Buffalo, wooden dune walkway, nearby paddle sports rentals, view of the Chicago skyline and it is next to a 24-hour public boat launch on the Galien River
• More Info: New Buffalo City Beach and Lakefront Park

8. GRAND MERE STATE PARK | STEVENSVILLE

This 985-acre park is known for its magnificent dunes and half-mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach is accessible via multiple scenic trails. Three inland lakes add to the park's natural appeal. This is ideal for those seeking a more secluded and natural beach experience.

• Type of beach: Mostly sandy beach with sections of smoothed rocks and pebbles
• Amenities: Two parking locations with a vault restroom at one
• Activities: Rock-hounding, collecting beach glass, hiking, bird-watching and kite flying
• Unique Features: Scenic dunes, inland lakes
• More Info: Grand Mere State Park

9. HAGAR PARK/BEACH | COLOMA

This park offers a quiet, family and dog-friendly environment with a wooden walkway and stairs leading down to the beach. Your pet needs to be on a leash.

• Type of Beach: Sandy beach with occasional sections of small smooth stones
• Amenities: Picnic areas, playground, porta johns
• Activities: Skimboarding
• Unique Features: Shaded picnic area, dog friendly, wooden staircase to the beach
• More Info: Hagar Beach

10. ROCKY GAP PARK | BENTON HARBOR

Situated on a bluff, Rocky Gap Park offers stunning views and two levels to enjoy the view of the lake. The lower park features 1,100 feet of Lake Michigan frontage, while the upper park provides panoramic views from the overlook deck.

• Type of Beach: Mostly sandy beach with sections of smoothed rocks and pebbles
• Amenities: Free parking, hard-surface beach access ramp and vault restroom
• Activities: Rockhounding and collecting beach glass
• Unique Features: Overlook deck with pergola
• More Info: Rocky Gap Park

Tips for Planning a Beach Day

Sinking your toes into the sand and listening to the waves roll in — few things compare to a perfect day at the beach. Whether you’re heading out for a solo retreat, a family adventure or a relaxing day with friends, a little planning can make all the difference. Here’s how to maximize your time on Southwest Michigan’s gorgeous shores.

Plan for a Full Day

A quick beach stop is nice, but a full day lets you unwind. Start your morning with a peaceful stroll along the shoreline and stay late to catch a breathtaking sunset over Lake Michigan. Bring a good book, a comfortable beach chair and plenty of sunscreen so you can settle in and enjoy the rhythm of the waves.

Pack Smart

A little preparation can make a world of difference. Essentials include:

• Sunscreen, Sunglasses & Shade: Even on cloudy days, UV rays are strong. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. A beach umbrella or pop-up tent provides extra sun protection but anchor it down because beach winds can lift and carry it away.
• Chairs & Towels: Bring a large beach blanket or an oversized towel for lounging, or pack folding chairs for added comfort — especially if you plan to stay for a while.
• Water Shoes: Some beaches have pebbly shorelines and water shoes can make wading in more enjoyable. They will also protect your bare feet from the hot sand.

Food & Drinks

A long beach day means you’ll need fuel. Pack a cooler with hydrating drinks and easy-to-eat snacks. Fresh Michigan fruit — like blueberries, cherries and peaches — is a refreshing choice. If you’d rather grab a meal, downtown St. Joseph is just a short walk from Silver Beach, offering a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy everything from casual bites to sit-down meals.

Parking

Beaches tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early ensures you get a prime spot and easy access to amenities. If you arrive later and need to park farther away, bringing a wagon can make it easier to carry your gear to the shoreline.

Add Some Fun

Bring along beach games like frisbees, paddleball or a kite. For families, buckets and shovels keep kids entertained for hours. The gift shop at the Silver Beach Carousel and shops in downtown St. Joseph, New Buffalo and Bridgman offer beach toys. 

Protect Your Pooch

If you’re at a pet friendly beach, like Warren Dunes State Park or Hagar Park Beach, don’t forget toys for your furry friend. To keep your pet safe, follow these tips:

• Visit beaches early or late in the day to protect your pup’s paws from blistering-hot sand.
• Bring a beach umbrella or small tent to create shade for your dog between romps in the water and sand. Put down a towel or blanket for your pet as well.
• Provide a bowl for water.
• Bring a dog life vest if you are not sure how well your pet swims. Lake Michigan is a huge freshwater lake and your dog can easily tire out playing in it.
• Short-muzzled dogs overheat more quickly than long-snouted dogs. Watch for rapid panting, excessive drooling, coordination problems, vomiting, diarrhea and fainting.
• You will be sharing the beach with other dogs. Please keep your dog’s shots up to date.

Dog Beach Insights

Take the Trails Challenge

Some of Southwest Michigan’s beaches, like Warren Dunes State Park and Grand Mere State Park, feature scenic trails that let you explore the shoreline and woodlands in one trip. A beach day is the perfect opportunity to participate in the Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge — just take a hike, snap a photo at the trailhead and log your visit in the Visit Southwest Michigan app. Explore five different trails and you’ll earn a prize!

PLAN TO STAY AFTER YOUR BEACH DAY

Whatever your ideal beach day looks like, there’s a stretch of sand for everyone in Southwest Michigan. But one thing that makes all of our beaches truly spectacular is the sunset — stay to watch at least one, then make a night of it! After the beach, unwind with a drink on the Makers Trail, catch a live show or concert or explore local art through Creative Connections. Enjoy a relaxing meal at one of our nearby restaurants, then stroll through the quaint downtown shops. With more beaches, more trails and more adventures waiting for you tomorrow — and the next day  —  why not stay a little longer? 

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