Discover the Best Beaches on Lake Michigan: Top 10 Picks

Ready for a beach day? Pack your bag and go to Southwest Michigan! Our vast Lake Michigan coastline has everything to make an unforgettable day: swimming, soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, flying kites, picnicking, paddleboarding, and fishing on the shore and piers. From its towering dunes, soft sand or colorful rocky shores, unsalted water, and cottonwood shade trees, this region offers something for everyone — including your dog!

Along this fun stretch of Lake Michigan, there are so many public beaches you could spend a week and not see them all — which is why you must bring your beach bag back often! 

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 sand surfing. There’s a designated dog beach so bring a leash and fetching toys! Free entry with a Michigan Recreation Passport.

• Type of Beach: Sandy with occasional sections of small smooth stones
• Amenities: Restrooms, changing rooms, food trucks, kayak rental, campground, free beach wheelchair and track chair available for rent
• Activities: Swimming, dune climbing, picnicking, hiking, sandboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, skimboarding, hang gliding and paragliding (permit required) and beachcombing
• Unique Features: Giant dunes, a pet-friendly section of shoreline, 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 playground, a free-to-use beach wheelchair, and a beach walker
• Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, fishing, picnicking, volleyball, summer festivals and concerts 
• Unique Features: Barrier-free beach walkway, Silver Beach Pavilion, South Pier beacon, views of the St. Joseph Lighthouse, walking distance to downtown St. Joseph, Whirlpool Compass Fountain splash pad and Silver Beach Center including 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, foot-washing station
• Activities: Swimming, pier and offshore fishing, surfing
• Unique Features: North Pier lighthouse tours, river channel walkway, 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, 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, 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, volleyball courts
• Activities: Swimming, volleyball, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, biking
• Unique Features: observation area with views of Lake Michigan and the Harbor Shores Golf Club, 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, 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 free-to-borrow beach wheelchair
• Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing
• Unique Features: Proximity to downtown New Buffalo, wooden dune walkway, nearby paddle sports rentals, view of the Chicago skyline, next to a 24-hour public boat launch on the Galien River
• More Info: New Buffalo City Beach

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, birdwatching, 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. 

• 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, vault restroom
• Activities: Rockhounding, collecting beach glass
• Unique Features: Overlook deck with pergola
• More Info: Rocky Gap Park

PLAN TO STAY AFTER YOUR BEACH DAY

Whatever your ideal beach day, there's a stretch of sand for everyone in Southwest Michigan. But one thing that makes all of our beaches spectacular is our sunsets. Stay to see at least one and spend the night with us at one of our amenity-filled hotels — some within walking distance of our top beaches. There are more beaches, more trails, more attractions, and activities to do with us tomorrow … and the next day … and the next.  Book your stay now.

Tips for planning a beach day