Some of the best beaches in the US are on the fantastic shorelines of Lake Michigan. For a family getaway or a romantic beach vacation, Lake Michigan is the place to be with all the freshwater shoreline you can imagine. The Michigan beach towns not only have safe, clean beaches to enjoy but they also provide many hours of other fun filled activities for everyone. These are just a few of the beautiful beaches that can be enjoyed by locals or by first time visitors to the state that borders four out of the five Great Lakes.
While this list isn’t complete – we have our own favorite beaches and hidden coves we are keeping to ourselves – here are some of the most popular beaches along the Lake Michigan coast.
Warren Dunes
Warren Dunes provides 3 miles of shoreline in Sawyer, MI. This is a popular state park for many visitors in Michigan and surrounding areas. Walk along the sandy beaches or take the climb up Tower Hill, which is the main attraction at the dunes. It towers 240 feet above Lake Michigan for a picturesque view. There are many other activities for the whole family to enjoy like camping, hiking, fishing, wind surfing and even metal detecting. Warren Dunes has an average of 1 million visitors per year, which makes it one of the best beaches to take advantage of. It is open year round for both summer and winter fun.
Silver Beach
Silver Beach has been in the top ten beaches in the US as written in Parents Magazine for good reason. With its clean, safe beaches on beautiful Lake Michigan, this beach is located in St. Joseph, Michigan with many activities for the whole family to enjoy. The kids will especially love the Silver Beach Center which is home to the fun carousel, the Curious Kids Museum and also Michigan’s tallest kaleidoscope. It’s no wonder this beach has been in the top ten list of best beaches.
Oval Beach
This pristine beach is located in the Saugatuck area of Michigan and has been rated in the top five beaches in the US according to MTV. There are many things to do in the surrounding areas of the beach to keep even the kids busy for days to come. They will love the sand dunes to climb up and run down as fast as they can and to climb the 282 stairs up to the top of Mt. Baldhead, where you can take in the breathtaking view of the shores of Lake Michigan. A great way to get to Oval Beach is to take the hand-pulled chain ferry across the Kalamazoo River to the beach. The kids will love it. Also take advantage of the shopping, the art or just relax on the beach for a great summer vacation.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
About 30 miles outside of Traverse City, you will find Sleeping Bear Dunes with 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Known for its clean water and natural forming sand dunes, Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great beach to take the family for a vacation. There are many options on places to stay with one of them being able to pitch a tent out on the sandy dunes. After bathing on the beach and swimming in the warm waters, the family can take a trek into the fun town of Traverse City for some delicious eating and fun shopping. The adults can even take a tour to the local wineries.
Grand Haven Beach
Swimming in the warm waters of Lake Michigan and feeling the golden sands of Grand Haven Beach between your toes is a sure way to relax and enjoy this top family beach. The flag system to keep swimming safe for the family is a big plus here in Grand Haven. This is also a great time to take in the beautiful Michigan sunsets. Boating is big in this area whether you are in the boat cruising on the waters or spread out a blanket on the beach watching as the boats drift by. The local shopping in historic Grand Haven or dining in one of the nice restaurants is something else that can be enjoyed. The family can bring their bikes to ride or rent them to enjoy the miles of bike trails along the lake. The family will also love to visit the Grand Haven lighthouse and walk along the lighted pier for a beautiful Lake Michigan experience.
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