18 Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns

There’s something special about Lake Michigan’s beach towns—each one has its own charm, unique vibe, and breathtaking shoreline. From quaint, tucked-away villages to bustling lakeside cities, Michigan’s west coast has something for every kind of traveler.

I’ve lived in Michigan my entire life and grew up splashing along the shores. Let me share some insider’s tips to help you discover the beach towns along the magical Lake Michigan shoreline.

Explore Lake Michigan Beach Towns

With about 1,000 miles of freshwater coastline, you’ll love exploring this stunning Great Lake in Michigan. From gorgeous beaches and bustling beach towns to endless miles of quiet dune trails and wide-open vistas, the entire coast is an adventure waiting to happen.

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful escape with stunning lakefront views, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems where you can unwind by the water. Prefer a lively beach town with great restaurants, shopping, and things to do? Michigan’s got that, too. No matter your travel style, there’s a Lake Michigan beach town calling your name—let’s dive into the best of them!

Where to Start Your Lake Michigan Vacation Adventure

This gorgeous coast extends from Sawyer and New Buffalo in the south all the way to the Mackinac Bridge. The north shore of Lake Michigan the Upper Peninsula is equally beautiful with a diverse coastline from St. Ignace to Manistique to Escanaba.

Here is a brief guide to some of the must-see spots along the Lake Michigan coastline, you can click on each location find more information and an in-depth vacation guide to each spot on the map.

New Buffalo

Just 90 minutes from Chicago, you’ll find a bustling, walkable downtown area along with a beautiful public beach in New Buffalo. Grab a burger and shake from Redamak’s, known for their endless milkshake menu; or dine with the family at the Stray Dog before heading to the beach or doing some shopping in the charming boutiques and shops lining the downtown thoroughfare.

From outdoor adventures like paddling along the Galien River and splashing on the shores of New Buffalo’s city beach, to visiting an art gallery or two and topping it off with a “Grape and Grain” winery, brewery and distilleries tour, there’s something for everyone in New Buffalo.

Harbor Country

Antiques, wineries, bakeries and boutiques abound in Harbor Country, a collection of eight small towns tucked in along the dunes on southwest Michigan. These charming little towns offers something unique and are so much fun to explore. Don’t miss Luisa’s Swedish Bkery in Harbert or Greenbush Brewing Co. in Sawyer.

Warren Dunes State Park

This Michigan State Park is one of the top travel destinatons in southwestern Michigan, with miles of shoreline, towering sand dunes, hiking trails and more. 

EXPERT TIP: New Buffalo is an easy spot to get to. In additon to being right off the I-94 Expressway; you can also take an Amtrak Train from Detroit or Chicago. There is a covered train stationright in downtown New Buffalo.

St. Joseph And Benton harbor

They don’t call it the “Riviera of the Midwest” for nothing. Set on a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The picturesque lighthouse guides large yachts and fishing boats into the beautiful downtown harbor. You’ll find a charming downtown, chic restaurants and shops, wineries, museums and lots to do with kids, too.

Silver Beach

This popular beach is the first place you’ll want to head, especially if you have the kids with you. From the historic beach-front carousel to the giant splash pad, this family-friendly beach has every amenity you need for a perfect beach day.

Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor

Recently named one the top beaches in Michigan, Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor is a must-visit for travelers to Southwest Michigan. This sprawling Lake Michigan beach has room enough for everyone, along with a large parking lot. That means you can enjoy the beach without tripping over anyone else, something I really appreciate. While there are many beaches in St. Joe, MI that are lovely, this is a favorite.

South Haven

You’ll find some beautiful beaches and a charming, walkable downtown with fun shops, cafes, and wineries. Walking the long pier to the pretty red lighthouse is a summer rite of passage for many vacationers who return here year after year.

Blueberry Festival

South Haven’s National Blueberry Festival, held in August every year, is a fun-filled event featuring live music, kids activities, delicious food and so much more. Don’t miss it.

South Beach

One of the many stunning beaches in South Haven, South Beach is among the largest and most popular beaches. This beach is also ADA accessible and has many similar amenities, like concession stands, restrooms, play equipment, parking areas and wide, paved pathways.

Saugatuck- Douglas

Home to some of the prettiest natural beach areas in southwest Michigan, including Saugatuck Dunes State Park charming Saugatuck is THE place to be in the summer. Also known as Michigan’s “Art Coast,” this area is home to a cute shopping district lined with chic boutiques and eateries. Nearby Douglas is also home to art galleries, unique boutiques and upscale eateries.

Oval Beach

There’s lots of beach parking, a concession stand, and clean restrooms, too.  You’ll find soft, sand beaches with plenty of room to stretch out and watch as the picturesque Star of Saugatuck paddle boat cruises up and down the coast. Ranked by Conde Nast’s Traveler magazine as one of the “top 25 beaches in the world,” this stunning west Michigan beach is truly something special.

Ox Bow School

Saugatuck isn’t just a beach town—it’s a creative haven that’s earned its reputation as Michigan’s Art Coast. The town’s deep-rooted artistic culture is thanks in large part to the Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency, a renowned institution that has shaped the local art scene for over a century.

Many artists who have studied at Ox-Bow fell in love with Saugatuck’s charm and never left, opening galleries that showcase everything from contemporary masterpieces to stunning Lake Michigan-inspired works. Strolling through town, you’ll find no shortage of creative spaces to explore, whether you’re an art collector or just love discovering unique pieces.

Some must-visit art galleries in Saugatuck and nearby Douglas include:

Water Street Gallery – A vibrant collection of contemporary fine art
Roan & Black – The ultimate fusion of art, design, and sculptureButton Gallery – A thoughtfully curated space featuring regional artists

If you love art and the lakeshore, Saugatuck is a place where both come together beautifully.

Holland

Holland is working city with a cute downtown shopping area and well-manicured parks. It’s also home to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state: the ADA-Accessible Holland State Park. Add it to your Michigan travel bucket list, you won’t want to miss seeing the “Big Red” Lighthouse.

Grand Haven

Its one of the most popular Michigan beach towns, home to not just one but two wide, sandy Lake Michigan beaches open to the public, Grand Haven State Park and Grand Haven City Beach. It’s a very touristy spot but manages to retain the charm, too. With a boardwalk leading to a long pier and lighthouse, it’s a spot you won’t want to miss.

Coast Guard Festival

Grand Haven’s Coast Guard Festival is a classic summer tradition and is sure to be a memorable time. It’s the busiest time of the year, so be sure to be prepared and come ready for a full day or a couple of days of fun at this top Michigan festival.

Rosy Mound Natural Area

It’s a strenuous walk to the beach but it is completely worth it if you are up to the task. You’ll follow boardwalks and a beach paths to the wide, sprawling Lake Michigan beach. Rosy Mound is known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan and its dunes, forested trails, and natural beaches, and you’ll find a covered picnic shelter; restroom and a interpretive signs.

Muskegon

The sprawling Pere Marquette Park beach, with its playground, volleyball courts and restaurant, may be the one of the best-kept secrets on the entire coastline, but let’s keep that between us. Muskegon has long been more of an industrial city than beach town, but that has changed in recent years. You’ll find a vibrant beach-town vibe here in the summer, with lots to do.

Pere Marquette Park

Pere Marquette Park, located at 3510 Channel Drive in Muskegon, offers 2.5 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. This 27.5-acre park features a clean, sandy beach that is surf-raked daily, along with a 200-foot accessible walkway for easy entry. It’s a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, with kiteboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball drawing visitors year-round.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Mears

You can never have too much beach, and miles of sandy beach is what you’ll find here. You’ll find dune buggy rides, hiking trails and small towns: Whitehall and Montague, both worth checking out. It’s the pristine beach and pretty, pink Little Sable Point Lighthouse that you’ll want to visit. It’s one of my personal favorite beaches.

Silver Lake Dune Rides

An off-roaders paradise with endless miles of rolling sand dunes, amazing views of Lake Michigan and the gorgeous dune beach near Little Sable Point Lighthouse make for memorable outdoor adventures.

Ludington

Home to two major attractions, the S.S. Badger Carferry to Milwaukee and Ludington State Park, this is one of the most-visited towns in the summer in Michigan. With good reason, too. You’ll find gorgeous wide-open beach, hiking trails and busy fishing scene. The campground at Ludington State Park is one of the best in the state, very ADA-accessible, too.

Manistee

Charming little Manistee, set on a beautiful stretch of coastline along the Manistee River, is a must-visit. This pretty spot is more than just a beach town; it’s home to an old-fashioned downtown that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Surrounded by grand, restored (mostly) Victorian mansions, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Frankfort

You’ve probably seen the iconic Point Betsie Lighthouse on a windswept bit of shoreline on a calendar or photo somewhere. It’s one of the most picturesque Michigan lighthouses. BUt that’s not the only thing about Frankfort that is amazing: Frankfort City beach is just steps from downtown and is home to a wide Lake Michigan beach and picturesque views of the Elberta Bluffs. Don’t miss this, or the cute town of Frankfort (complete with it’s own craft brewery, Stormcloud).

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Empire, Glen Arbor)

Named the “Most Beautiful Place in the United States,” Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-on any Lake Michigan travel bucket list. You’ll find 26 miles of pristine, sandy beaches; towering dunes; wooded trails through lofty hardwood forests and an aqua-blue lake.

Use our guide to the town of Empire and our guide to nearby Glen Arbor for more to do in each of these special Lake Michigan beach towns.

Leland and the Leelanau Peninsula

Start in Leland, home to the famous “Fishtown,” and travel though Michigan’s wine country. You’ll find pretty lighthouses, beached scattered with Petoskey Stones and “Leelanau Blues,” and charming little towns like Suttons Bay and Northport.

Traverse City

The largest city in northern Michigan, Traverse City is set on a stunning Grand Traverse Bay. Despite a giant growth surge, this popular vacation spot has managed to retain some small-town charm while still celebrating the natural beauty that surrounds it. There are tons of stuff to do in Traverse City year-round, from shopping and dining to hiking, biking and skiing. Explore the Old Mission peninsula wineries, the TART trail and don’t miss Front Street.

Charlevoix

Known as “Charlevoix the Beautiful,” it’s easy to fall in love with this upscale resort town. The well-manicured downtown area is filled overflowing baskets of flowers in the summer and sits exactly between Lake Michigan and picturesque Round Lake. In addition to the pretty beaches, you’ll find top-notch golf courses and fishing charters, too.

Charlevoix Mushroom Houses

Charlevoix’s storied Mushroom Houses, Hobbit-like homes built by Architect Earl Young in the 1930’s- 40’s, are architectural wonder sthat have to be seen to be believed. Also known as “Gnome Houses” for their unique appearance,  these homes were built with limestone, fieldstone, wood, and other natural indigenous elements foudnd in Northern Michigan and are truly unique.

Petoskey and Harbor Springs

Set across from each other on picturesque Little Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan, these two top Michigan beach towns both home to gorgeous waterfront parks. Harbor Springs is a little more upscale, with a smaller downtown shopping district with art galleries and boutiques. Petoskey is an outdoors-lovers paradise, with endless hiking and biking trails, and the popular Petoskey State Park.

Good Hart and Cross Village

Drive through Michigan’s famous “Tunnel of Trees” f rom Harbor Springs to Cross Village a scenic road trip. You’ll pass Good Hart (don’t miss the Good Hart General Store and it’s delicious cookies) as you head toward Cross Village. The shore is wilder here, be sure and stop at Legs Inn. This restaurants serves some of the best Polish food in the state and has long been a draw for travelers in the area.

Manistique

Surrounded by state and national forests, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Stroll the picturesque boardwalk along the lake, leading to the East Breakwater Lighthouse, and explore local dining and shopping along the way.

Kayaking, fishing, and camping are favorite pastimes—while we can’t promise you’ll catch a fish, we guarantee you’ll enjoy trying! Be sure to visit Benny the Beard Fisher at the Germfask Campground, a quirky new U.P. resident adding a touch of folklore to the area.

History lovers will enjoy exploring Palms Book State Park, Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, and Fayette State Park, each with rich stories—some even dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. And if you love a good ghost story, you might just find a few legends lurking in the U.P.!

Escanaba

Summer in Escanaba is all about adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Hit the trails on an ATV, challenge yourself on the disc golf courses, or take a peaceful walk through lush woodlands. In July and August, enjoy fresh-picked blueberries or cast a line into Bays de Noc, where trophy-sized bass await.

Explore charming shops, bike along scenic routes bursting with wildflowers, or step back in time at local museums, where fascinating stories come to life. Whether you’re here for the outdoor fun, the history, or simply the breathtaking views, your Escanaba summer is sure to be unforgettable!