Discover 5 Unique Beaches in Michigan
Michigan, with its impressive 3,200 miles of coastline, boasts an abundance of stunning beaches. Whether you’re drawn to towering sand dunes or prefer wide expanses of soft, sandy shoreline, the Great Lakes state has something for everyone.
As a lifelong Michigan resident, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring these beautiful beaches over the years. What sets them apart? Each beach along Michigan’s coast has its own unique charm and defining features.
When planning your beach getaway in Michigan, several factors come into play. Cleanliness, accessibility, unique features, and amenities are all crucial considerations. Fortunately, Michigan boasts some exceptional beaches that excel in at least one of these criteria.
Let’s dive into the top picks:
Must-Visit Lake Michigan Beaches
Jean Klock Park, 650 Upton Dr, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
This Lake Michigan beach in Benton Harbor is one of southwest Michigan’s best-kept secrets. Clean and convenient, I love it because with almost 3,000 feet of soft sand beach, there’s room enough for everyone. I’ve visited on some of the busiest days in mid-summer, and never felt crowded.
In addition to the large stretch of beach, there’s an ample-sized paved parking lot as well as a boardwalk and pavilion. Climb the small dunes for an expansive view of Lake Michigan with the St. Joseph lighthouse in the distance.
Other amenities include concessions, a bathhouse, a children’s playground, and volleyball courts.
No dogs allowed
Fee: $6 residents daily; $8 non-residents daily; $35 annual pass
Empire Village Beach in Downtown Empire
The views at this gorgeous beach in northwest Michigan get me every time. Located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you’ll find amazing views of the Empire Bluffs from the quarter mile of Lake Michigan shoreline here.
Empire Beach is unique for a couple of reasons. It’s set between two lakes: Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake, and you can spend some time swimming in the warm calm waters of South Bar and then jump into cool and wavy Lake Michigan. It’s also one of the best places in northern Michigan to catch a Lake Michigan sunset, and you can join the others who line the beach at dusk to catch a glimpse of the sun as it sinks into the lake every evening.
Other amenities include restrooms, a playground and the Robert Manning Memorial Lighthouse.
Fee: $1 parking fee
Must-Visit Lake Huron Beaches
Oscoda Beach Park in Downtown Oscoda
One of the best ADA accessible beaches in Michigan, Oscoda Beach Park has everything you need for the perfect beach day and you can even bring your leashed dog! With several hundreds of feet of soft, sugar-sand Lake Huron beachfront, the wide boardwalk, beach mat and pier make accessibility easy.
Located just a short walk from downtown Oscoda’s restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops, you don’t even have to pack a picnic, although the grills, picnic tables and pavilion make it convenient. There’s a large children’s playground and even an ADA accessible swing.
Other amenities include a skate park, sand volleyball, a basketball court, concessions, bathhouse, and restrooms.
Free parking
Leashed dogs are welcome here
Port Crescent State Park, 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Head to the tip of Michigan’s Thumb Region for one of the best beaches in the state. By day, Port Crescent State Park is a soft sandy paradise with three miles of beachfront on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay in Port Austin. Miles of trails through sand dunes and the Pinnebog River that cuts through the park makes for great hiking and kayaking, too.
By night, Port Crescent is one of Michigan’s Dark Sky Preserves, a perfect spot for viewing the night sky and possibly catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Other amenities include restrooms and camping, although the campground is closed for the 2024 camping season.
Fee: A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry; cost is $14
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Huron shoreline (3 miles) except for the designated swim beach in the modern campground. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Must-Visit Lake Superior Beaches
McCarty’s Cove Beach, 538 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855
As one of the most family-friendly beaches in Michigan, McCarty’s Cove unique setting on a sandy stretch of Lake Superior shoreline makes it a must-visit destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located in downtown Marquette, you’ll have great views of the Marquette Harbor lighthouse, one of the most picturesque lighthouses on Lake Superior.
I love that there are lifeguards on duty here, too, which is rare for most Michigan beaches. Clearly, Marquette knows the importance of water safety.
Other amenities include sand volleyball, restrooms, grills, a playground, and picnic tables.
Fee: Free
No dogs allowed here
Find More Michigan Beaches
If you enjoy exploring Michigan beaches as much as I do, be sure to check out similar posts such as:
- 30 Best Michigan Beaches
- Best Family Beaches in Michigan
- Lake Michigan Beaches
- Amazing Lake Huron Beaches
