20 Best Lake Huron Beaches in Michigan 2023 (MAP)

20 Best Lake Huron Beaches to Visit in 2023

Hey, want to know a secret about Michigan’s Lake Huron beaches?

They are some of the best in the state, and I would know.

I grew up playing in the sand; swimming, splashing and sailing in and on the clear blue water, and I still spend most summers on the shores of Lake Huron.

If you’re planning a Michigan beach vacation, you can’t go wrong with beautiful Lake Huron: from Port Huron to Mackinaw City, you’ll find some of the best beaches in Michigan along these pretty shores.

About Lake Huron Beaches in Michigan

With endless miles of pristine public beaches, you’ll have your pick of great beaches and beach towns filled with fun things to do along Michigan’s spectacular Lake Huron coastline. In fact, some of them are so beautiful, and the water so blue that you might think you’re in Costa Rica!

From quiet, secluded beaches to busy, bustling spots filled with fun beach activities, there’s a beach for everyone here. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer vacation, you’ll also need to know more about the sparkling sands and aqua waters of Lake Huron.

We’re sharing a list of 20 of our favorite beaches on Lake Huron to help you plan your perfect trip to a Michigan beach.

You can scroll to the bottom for an interactive map of these top Lake Huron beaches, too!

PRO-TIP: Yes, Mackinac Island is located on Lake Huron and you’ll definitely want to plan a side trip to Michigan’s most popular tourist attraction, but the coast is here is mostly rocky. You’ll find a small sand beach near Mission Point, but most don’t travel to Mackinac Island for the beaches. It’s the Victorian charm, bustling downtown shoppin and dining and trailing for hiking and biking that draw visitors here, as well as amzaing views of Lake Huron.

Best Lake Huron Beaches in Northern Michigan

Cheboygan State Park

Cheboygan State Park in Cheboygan MI, has five miles of beautiful sandy beach to splash and play along the shoreline. The water in the bay is shallow and warms quickly, so it’s a good spot for swimming, and some amazing scenic Lake Huron views, too.

You’ll find miles of wooded trails for hiking and biking, too, for catching glimpses of rare Michigan wildflowers. You can also launch you boat the the carry-in boat launch on Duncan’s Bay, for fishing both here and on Elliot Creek. Lodging is available, here too, with campsites and rustic cabin available.

You can hike over to the Cheboygan Lighthouse ruins, about a mile-and-a half hike through the woods, and catch a glimpse of some arare Michigan wild flowers along the way.

PRO-TIP: Plan to spend some time exploring charming downtown Cheyboygan. You’ll find fun shops and restaurants in historic buildings, farmer markets and more. Don’t miss State Street Coffee for some amazing brew and fresh baked goods.

Huron Shores Roadside Park in Cheboygan

The Huron Shores Roadside Park is one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. It’s a quiet place, right off the side of US-23. However, if you love scenic views, clear water and rock-hunting, this is the place for you. It’s a good spot to hunt for the elusive Petoskey stones, too.

You’ll find picnic tables, restrooms and a pretty Lake Huron beach. What more could you want?

Rogers City Lakeside Beach

This popular, beautifully-landscaped beach is tucked away in Rogers City. You’ll find 10 acres on Lake Huron featuring the Rogers City Marina; a swimming beach with volleyball courts; a large splash pad, three kids playgrounds; basketball courts; and a large pavilion.

Rogers City is known as “The Nautical City, and you’ll find reminders of it throughout the downtown area. The water is sparkling blue here, and the silky sand beaches draw visitors from all over. Take some time to wander over the Sailor’s Memorial in the park, a beautiful tribute to sailors who lost their lives on Lake Huron. Lakeside parking is easy: there is a huge lot here within easy walking distance.

P.H. Hoeft State Park

Located along a sandy stretch of Lake Huron Beach, P.H. Hoeft State Park features some of Lake Huron’s only sand dunes.

The crystal-clear Lake Huron water is perfect for swimming and splashing, and there’s a children’s playground, too. You’ll find picturesque hiking and biking trails; both through the woods and along the shoreline.

More Lake Huron Beaches in Northern Michigan

Starlite Beach in Alpena

Alpena Michigan is one of my favorite vacation spots, especially in the summer. You’ll find some amazing parks with beach access here, and Starlite Beach is just one of them. With three children’s play structures, a splash pad, volleyball court and picnic facilities, Alpena’s Starlite Beach has everything needed for a fun family beach day. Starlite Beach is close to restaurants and ice cream shops, too, making it easy to grab a bite if you’ve forgone the picnic basket.  

There’s a lot to do in Alpena; you can find more in our Alpena Visitors Guide.

Alpena’s Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park

One of our favorite Lake Huron beaches, Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park is located a perfect spot along Thunder Bay. The clear waters to warm quickly under the hot sun, making it a perfect spot to splash and play in the gentle surf.

You’ll find you’ll find a splash pad, youth/women’s ball fields, playground equipment, a BMX bike park, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic area, beach, off-street parking, and an enclosed park shelter building, too.

Negwegon State Park

Don’t be fooled by the official State Park label: Negwegon State Park has been one of Michigan’s secret gems for years, kept hidden by locals and beach explorers alike. The sprawling park is home to a miles of hiking trails and some of the most beautiful Lake Huron shoreline in the Michigan, too.

Visiting Negwegon is a great trip idea if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure: this is undeveloped state park is pure MIchigan natural beauty at its best, with miles of hiking trails to explore.

Park your car and follow the short, sandy trail to an gorgeous, isolated beach alongside a shallow, crystal clear bay…you’ll find some of the most unforgettable pure Michigan scenery around.

PRO-TIP: After you’ve spent the day exploring this fabulous spot, follow Black River Road noth the US-23, where you’ll find Mountain Inn, home to some of the best pizza in the state!

Harrisville State Park

Whether you are traveling alone of with a family, this quiet, unassuming state park is sure to be one of your favorites. It’s located just outside the quaint, tiny port town of Harrisville, and it’s one of the Michigan’s oldest state parks.

Popular with campers, you’ll find a pretty beach with shallow, clear water. Additionally, there’s restrooms, picnic tables and a pavilion, too as well as a few miles of hiking trails.

Three-Mile Beach Park in Oscoda

Shhh…let’s keep this one between us.

Located just three miles north of Oscoda, US-23 highway higs the shoreline, with lakeside parking for easy beach access.

This pretty, natural beach is just perfect here. Think warm, shallow water so clear that you can see the ripples on the sand beneath your toes. You’ll find restroom, picnic tables and grills, too.

Oscoda Beach Park

This lovely park in the reosrt town of Oscoda is truly a gem on the shores of Lake Huron. There’s so much to do in Oscoda, too, especially for families. It’s a perfect Lake Huron beach town, and this park is one of the highlights.

Oscoda Beach Park is a best-kept secret among Michigan’s Great Lakes beaches, because it offer many fun and family-friendly activities. You’ll find a Splash Pad, a playground, picnic area, skate park, basketball court, pavilion, grills, benches, and a bathhouse.

In addition to being completely wheelchair accessible down to the shoreline, you can also stroll along the short boardwalk to the pier along the lakefront to the paved pier- a favorite spot for fishermen of all ages and abilities.  Use our Oscoda Visitors Guide for a detailed guide on what to see and do in Oscoda.

Tawas Point State Park

It’s been described as “Cape Cod-esque,” this tiny spit of beach that just out into a bright, blue Lake Huron.

Home of the iconic Tawas Point Lighthouse, that Tawas State Park beaches are really nice for just spending a relaxing day splashing along the shallow shoreline, perfect for young kids. You’ll can walk the ground of lighthouse and visit the shop, and then spend time hiking or biking along Tawa Point. You’ll find playground for the kids and concessions here, too.

Tawas City Shoreline Park

I love this picturesque park and beach in downtown Tawas City.

You’ll find a long beach and pier with new pavilions, picnic tables, volleyball nets, and benches for sitting and gazing out at the beautiful Tawas Bay. Tony’s Taco’s, a longtime favorite for vacationer’s traveling up US-23, has the concession stand here, and it worth a visit just for Tony’s!

You’ll find a 450-foot pier of walking and fishing as well as an ADA-compatible swing. Just another reason to love the Tawas Area: they really provide excellent accessibility to their beautiful beachfront. It’s dog-friendly, too, so your pup can splash along in the water, too.

Best Lake Huron Beaches on Michigan’s Thumb Coast

Caseville County Park

Located right in the heart of downtown Caseville, there’s a lot going on at this popular beach. You’ll find a wide beach, with a pier, concessions and even a stand that rents paddle boards, kayaks and kiteboards.

Caseville is a fun resort town, and it’s a short walk from the beach to town. Be sure to take some time to explore this cute town: you’ll find a mix of souvenier shops, antiques, cute boutiques and restaurants. Breakfast at Walt’s is a must; you’ll also want to grab lunch at Beachy’s.

PRO-TIP: You might think about renting one of the 200 seasonal campsites at Caseville County Park, offering amazing beachfront access. You’ll want to hurry, though, because they fill up fast.

Albert Sleeper State Park

One reason we love Sleeper State Park is that it feels much remote than it really is. Located on Saginaw Bay in the midst of an ancient dune forest, this pristine park has a wide sandy beach and nice, shallow water along the shoreline.

There’s four miles of hiking and biking trails to explore, here, too.

Philp County Park

This pretty Huron County park along Michigan’s M-25 between Caseville and Port Austin is a perfect place to take a quick swim in Lake Huron. You’ll find picnic tables and restrooms, too.

Port Crescent State Park

Located at the tip of Michigan’s “Thumb,” Port Crescent State Park has three miles of shoreline along Saginaw Bay. The shallow, sandy waters here are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The Pinnebog River runs through the park and offers great kayaking and paddleboarding.

The full-service state park offers wide sandy beaches with a boardwalk for ADA accessibility.

Port Crescent is also a Michigan dark sky preserve, so if you’re camping or visiting at night, you can see the stars close up and unadulterated by city lights. You might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights!

PRO-TIP: Take some time to explore nearby Port Austin, a charming resort town at the tip of Michigan’s thumb.

Bay City State Park in Bay City
3582 State Park Dr, Bay City, MI 48706

Bay City State Park is not only renowned for its breathtaking beach, but it also boasts one of the largest freshwater wetlands on the Great Lakes shoreline. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you explore the park’s more than seven miles of biking and hiking trails, allowing you to connect with nature while enjoying the invigorating lake breeze.

Be sure to bring your binoculars and visit the observation platform, which offers panoramic views of the park and the shimmering waters of Lake Huron.

For those who love fishing, Bay City State Park is a haven. Pier fishing is available year-round, allowing you to cast your line and reel in your catch of the day. During the winter months, when the icy magic blankets the shore, you can indulge in the exhilarating experience of ice fishing just off the beach.

Port Sanilac Lake Huron Roadside Park

Just south of Harbor Beach, in the little harbor town of Port Sanilac, is Lake Huron Roadside Park. The park sits high on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron, along the M-25 highway that skirts the Michigan shore, and boasts some of the most spectacular Lake Huron scenery south of the Mackinac Bridge.

Patrick Tierney Beach/Lexington State Harbor

Located in charming Lexington, this the beach is one of the best beaches in southeast Michigan. Just over an hour from metro Detroit, it’s a great place to getaway without having to go too far.

You’ll find a wide, soft sand beach and walkable pier that reaches out into the sparkling blue Lake Huron waters. You’ll also find a playground and restroom facilities. It’s an easy walk into downtown Lexington, too.

Lakeport State Park

This is a very popular southeast Michigan camping spot that stretches into two parks separated by the M-25 highway. On the beach side, the where the day use park is, you’ll find a pebbly beach that’s still great for swimming and splashing the shallow waters along the shoreline.  

Lighthouse Beach and Park in Port Huron

Historic Lighthouse Park also has a wide, sandy beach and a really cool view of the Blue Water Bridge.

Located on the ground of the parks is the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan’s oldest lighthouse. You’ll find a playground and picnic tables, as well as grills and a clean restrooms.

This beach is a favorite with beachcombers who walk this stretch of Lake Huron shoreline looking for cool rocks and beach glass, and they have a lot of luck, too. If you’re a rockhound, you’ll want to check this spot out.  

PRO-TIP: If you head south of the city of Port Huron toward St. Clair, you’ll follow the St. Clair River. You’ll find well-manicured waterfront parks to watch the freighters go by, as well as bute towns to explore.

Map of 20 Best Lake Huron Beaches

Lake Huron Facts

If you’ve never seen Lake Huron before, you might be surprised at the sheer size of this massive Great Lake. In fact, it’s the third largest freshwater lake in the world.

That means there is no salt, and no sharks in Lake Huron. You do, however, have to take caution in this beautiful lake. Rip currents and rough waves can be dangerous, be sure to educate yourself about Great Lake water safety.

While the water temperature during the late summer months can get to around 70 degrees, it is much colder in the late fall, winter and spring.

Lake Huron is also home to many picturesque lighthouses! If you’re thinking about taking a Lake Huron Lighthouse tour, use out guide to the best Lake Huron lighthouses.

More Michigan Beaches

You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country in Michigan. You can read our guide to the 30 Best Michigan beaches for more, or check out our guide to Lake Michigan for more information. We also have a guide to when the beaches open in Michigan for the season.

Lake Huron Beaches FAQ

More Michigan Beach Travel Destinations