10 Best Beaches in Michigan
What is the Most Popular Beach in Michigan?
The best beaches in Michigan range from lively stretches of golden sands that attract sun-worshippers to secluded and pebbly shores where you’ll hear nothing but waves gently lapping against rocks. Michigan is bordered by 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, so it’s no surprise to find some spectacular beaches along the state’s shorelines.
Choose from great kayaking and surfing spots, family-friendly swimming beaches, and popular locations with breathtaking views over glistening lakes and a city skyline. Locals love to combine a trip to the beach with a hike, camping trip, or stargazing session, and you’ll love the abundance of nature and spectacular scenery in this fantastic state.
1. Mackinaw City Beach
A quiet beach with a forest backdrop
Categoría: Parejas, Económico, Foto
Mackinaw City Beach lies in a secluded spot to the west of the town, in northern Michigan. Head through a clearing in the forest and you’ll reach a long expanse of soft, golden sand overlooking Trails End Bay. Several hiking paths wind their way through forest trails and along this shoreline, making it a great choice if you’re looking to combine a hike in nature with relaxation on the beach.
The beach is quiet, and it’s known for its warm water, so it’s a lovely spot for swimming and enjoying a picnic and a lazy afternoon. The sunset views over Lake Michigan are spectacular, so fetch a cozy blanket and settle in for a romantic evening.
Ubicación: 6125 E Wilderness Park Dr, Wawatam Township, MI 49770, USA
Mackinaw City Beach
2. Empire Beach
Family fun on the shoreline of Lake Michigan
Categoría: Familias, Económico, Foto
Empire Beach is popular with families for its lovely choice of activities and its grilling equipment. Kids will love the adventure playground and splashing around in the water. Locals come to play an energetic game of beach volleyball before hitting the water with their colorful surfboards. You can rent surfboards at Empire Beach and the waves are suitable for beginners too.
The scenery is delightful with beautiful cliffs, rocks, and bluffs. You can look out over the vast Lake Michigan and admire the toweringly high dunes of Sleeping Bear just to the north. Stroll up to the modern lighthouse for some great photo opportunities and a fantastic viewpoint.
Ubicación: Empire, Michigan 49630, USA
Empire Beach
3. Ludington State Park
Sought-after sands
Categoría: Familias, Foto, Parejas
Ludington State Park stretches along the Lake Michigan shoreline, approximately 100 miles north of Grand Rapids. It’s an incredibly popular spot for camping, hiking, and fishing, but it’s also known for its long expanse of fine, golden sand and steep dunes at the northern end. Rent a kayak and head out on the water for some amazing views or soak up the sun whilst admiring the beautiful scenery.
The main beach can get rather busy, especially in summer, so if you’re looking for a quieter, family-friendly spot, try Hamlin Lake Beach in this vast park. It’s much smaller, with calm waters, and the playground, picnic tables, and restrooms make it a wonderful option for those with smaller children.
Ubicación: 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431, USA
Ludington State Park
4. Holland State Park Beach
An original lighthouse and great sunsets
Categoría: Foto, Vida nocturna, Gastronomía en
Holland State Park Beach is a long, wide stretch of soft sand overlooking Lake Michigan. The south end tends to be quieter, with a lovely fishing pier and people relaxing under the shade of parasols listening to the water lapping along the shoreline. The central and northern parts tend to be busier and livelier, with crowds looking to be closer to the cafe.
The beach is known for its spectacular views, particularly at sunset when the reddish-orange glow settling across the lake is breathtaking. You can also snap fantastic photos of the “Big Red” lighthouse, recognizable by its vivid red color. Be sure to arrive early in the day at this popular beach to secure a parking spot.
Ubicación: 2398 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424, USA
Holland State Park Beach
5. Copper Harbor
Breathtaking scenery
Categoría: Foto, De aventura, Vida nocturna
Copper Harbor sits at the northern tip of the state, bordering Lake Superior. Photographers flock to this beautiful area for the unique scenery and opportunities to catch the northern lights, stunning rainbows across the water, and thrilling storms. As the sun goes down, you’ll also see stargazers setting up their equipment to watch the dark night sky.
Head to Hunter’s Point Park and Agate Beach, just a mile (1.6 km) from the town, to discover clear, clean water perfect for swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking. The beaches along this shoreline are mostly pebbly and rocky, so fetch a deckchair and sit back and relax as you watch the boats go by.
Copper Harbor
6. Beulah Beach
A serene spot
Categoría: Económico, Ir de compras, Gastronomía en
Beulah Beach is a haven of tranquility and peace in northern Michigan. Stroll along the boardwalk taking in the magnificent views of Crystal Lake and enjoy a lazy picnic on a table or bench under the shade of majestic trees. The beach itself is clean and quiet with a designated swimming zone. You’ll love soaking up the sun and reading a good book while enjoying the serenity and beauty of the waterfront.
Be sure to check out the charming boutiques in Beulah Village, which is just a short walk from the beach. You’ll also find several eateries nearby, so you can indulge in delicious food, cool drinks, and a spot of shopping after your trip to the beach.
Ubicación: 139 Lake St, Beulah, MI 49617, USA
Beulah Beach
7. Twelvemile Beach
A huge expanse with original rocks
Categoría: Económico, Foto, De aventura
The rugged Twelvemile Beach is as long as its name suggests. Enjoy a peaceful walk along this untamed beach and don’t be surprised if you don’t meet another person. It forms part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the northeastern corner of the state and it’s a vast expanse of soft sand interspersed with pebbles of all shapes and sizes. You’ll love the different colors of pebbles to skim, ranging from ochre and orange to marble and charcoal gray.
There are over 100 miles (160 km) of trails in this area. If you’re a hiker, trek through the hardwood forest before finding a clearing to cross onto the beach and dip your toes in the refreshing water.
Twelvemile Beach
8. Port Crescent State Park
For stargazers and bird spotters
Categoría: Parejas, Vida nocturna, Foto
Port Crescent State Park has 3 miles (4.8 km) of beautiful, sandy shoreline to explore. It’s located 130 miles (209 km) north of Detroit, bordering Lake Huron. Visitors come to this tranquil part of Michigan for the serenity and undisturbed views. Nature lovers will delight in the trails and bird watchers will enjoy the peaceful surroundings, waiting for bald eagles to spread their wings overhead.
If you’re looking for a romantic camping spot with quiet beaches and dazzling sunsets, this is a wonderful choice. Watch the sun go down over the glistening water, then head to the viewing platform near Parking Lot D to enjoy this dark sky preserve and gaze at the twinkling stars in the night sky.
Ubicación: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467, USA
Port Crescent State Park
9. Belle Isle Beach
A popular escape from city life
Categoría: Familias, Foto
Belle Isle Beach lies in a vast state park, stretching across an island between the USA and Canada. The beach is hugely popular with locals looking to escape the urban sprawl of Detroit and reconnect with nature. You’ll see them biking and hiking along the numerous trails throughout the park, enjoying a round of golf on the 6-hole course, and relaxing on the beach.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and head out on the Detroit River with the magnificent city skyline as a backdrop. There’s a designated swimming zone too which is great for families. Be sure to arrive early as parking can be tricky later in the day and the beach can get very busy.
Ubicación: 2 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Belle Isle Beach
10. Grand Haven Beach
A family-friendly spot with dazzling illuminations
Categoría: Familias, Foto, Económico
Grand Haven Beach is one of the best beaches in Michigan for families. With its soft sand and gentle waves, kids can build sandcastles and splash in the water for hours. There are restrooms and refreshments nearby, but why not bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach? You’ll love the sweeping views across Lake Michigan and the crystal-clear water is refreshing on a hot summer’s day.
Parking is free at this beach, but the spaces are limited, so ensure you arrive early. At the end of the day, head 1 mile (1.6 km) north to the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. Kids and adults alike will delight in the free evening show of colorful lights and water set to lively music.
Ubicación: Grand Haven, Michigan 49417, USA
Grand Haven Beach
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