15 Michigan Beachtowns to Visit in 2025

We ALL agree that Michigan beaches are amazing…but have you heard about Michigan beachtowns?

We’re talking about those spots just beyond the sparkling water and sandy beaches where you’ll find food, fun, shopping and more. Luckily, thanks to our endless Great Lakes coastline, there are tons of Michigan beachtowns to visit all year long.

Plan your Visit To These Michigan Beach Towns

The very best Michigan beachtowns combine a little bit of everything: proximity to sparkling sand and surf; a walkable downtown area with plenty of fun shops and boutiques to browse and pick up a trinket or two; comfortable benches and/or a park to rest a bit; and some good restaurants or cafes to sample the local food.

Dive into Michigan’s Beach Bliss: Unwind & Explore 13 Unique Towns

Best of all, these are places to make lasting memories. As a lifelong Michigan resident, I’ve explore these special spots and am excited to share some of my favorite destinations with you. From Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, from Lake Superior to Lake Erie, these Michigan beachtowns all offer unique charms to be discovered…by you.

Read on for our guide to Michigan’s best beachtowns and start planning your perfect getway now!

Use the Interactive Map of the Best Michigan Beachtowns

Southwest Charm: New Buffalo – Trendy Boutiques & Upscale Dining

Located in southwest Michigan’s popular Harbor Country, you’ll find a bustling little beachtown set along a beautiful stretch of sandy Lake Michigan beach. New Buffalo is a mix of small-town charm and urbane, big-city sophistication, all within easy walking disctance to the sprawling public beach.

That means you’ll find everything from surf shops filled with boards and T-shirts to trendy boutiques and art galleries. You’ll also also find a mix of amazing restaurants in New Buffalo, from the amazing burgers at the iconic Stray Dog to the upscale Italian fare at Brewster’s Italian Cafe.

Riviera of the Midwest: St. Joseph – Silver Beach Fun & Historic Downtown

St. Joseph, MI (also known as the Riviera of the Midwest) is a Lake Michigan beach town you’ll want to put on your Michigan beachtown list. Silver Beach, the sprawling downtown beach, is pure Lake Michigan fun with miles of sandy beach. You’ll find lots of amenties to make your visit enjoyable, like volleyball courts, bicycle and paddleboard rentals, concessions, a giant splashpad for kids and even a historic carousel.

As travel destinations go, St. Joseph has just about everything: a quaint downtown shopping area with wide wide paved sidewalks that make it easy for pedestrians and these using wheelchairs an accessibility devices. There’s books shops, boutiques, gift stores to explore – and great dining options, too.

Blueberry Capital & Maritime Charm: South Haven – Explore, Shop, & Relax

Located on the Lake Michigan shoreline just about 30 miles west of Grand Rapids, South Haven is one of the top Michigan beachtowns, with the South Haven beaches are plentiful, too.

Downtown South Haven is both family-friendly and dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along as you wander the charming boutiques and restaurants set in historic buildings along South Street. Both you and the kids will enjoy exploring the new Michigan Maritime Museum, a harbor front museum offering rides on its own tall ship, the Friends Good Will, a replica 1810 top sail sloop from the war of 1812.

South Haven is the blueberry capital of Michigan, so you’ll want to take home some blueberry jam, salsa, syrup or salad dressing from one of the gift shops or boutiques. It’s close to many Michigan breweries, too, so you can try a craft beer or hard cider after a day of exploration.

EXPERT TIP: Use our Guide to the Best Places to Stay in South Haven MI to find a great hotel or B and B.

Art & Beauty: Saugatuck – Galleries, Dunes, & Oval Beach Paradise

Sure, you’ve heard of Oval Beach in Saugatuck (voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Conde Nast). It’s not just this gorgeous beach in Michigan that draws visitors to Saugatuck all year long, or the opportunity for endless outdoor adventure.

This western Michigan town is brimming with art and culture: the Ox Bow School of Art is an artist’s retreat founded by artist’s from the School of the Art institute of Chicago. In addition, Saugatuck it’s sister city of Douglas, are filled with art galleries, and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts brings plays, films and lectures to the community all year long.

You might want to plan more than a day to stroll Saugatuck’s streets. They’re lined with endless shops, boutiques and restaurants worth taking your time to explore. Saugatuck Dunes State Park, filled with stunning natural beauty, is nearby too.

EXPERT TIP: If you’re planning to stay overnight (and we think you’ll want to), we’ve put together a list of some of my favorite places to stay in Saugatuck.

Coast Guard City & Dutch Heritage: Grand Haven – Boardwalks, Beaches, & Fun

Grand Haven on Michigan’s west coast is also known as Coast Guard City. The two beaches – Grand Haven City Beach and Grand Haven State Park – are within easy walking distance of this quintessential Michigan beachtown. You’ll even find a boardwalk to stroll and cute trolley to help you explore the town’s shops and restaurants.

We love walking the streets of Grand Haven; there a lovely shady park near the town center perfect for a picnic. Grand Haven is also close to Holland (a fun visit during tulip time), where you can try on a wooden shoe to celebrate the town’s Dutch heritage. Don’t miss Holland State Park, one of Michigan’s most-visited parks and known for their excellent ADA and Wheelchair accessibility.

Sand Dunes & Ice Cream Delights: Ludington – Outdoor Adventure & Family Fun

The beachtown of Ludington is located along a wildly wonderful stretch of Lake Michigan. With sand dunes to the north and sand dunes to the south, there is plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation in Ludington. Ludington State Park, also known for excellent ADA and wheelchair accessible features, is breathtakingly beautiful, and has all of the amenities necessary for a perfect beach day.

The town of Ludington embraces its beachy culture: the shops and restaurants are casual and welcoming. It’s not a beach town without the perfect ice cream store, and Ludington has one of the best in the state. The House of Flavors on the town’s main drag is named in the Guiness Book of World Records for its “longest ice cream dessert.” Don’t miss it…we love the plain ol’ strawberry.

Frankfort

Tucked away in northwest Michigan, Frankfort has both the beaches of Lake Michigan and beautiful Crystal Lake that help make it one of the perfect beachtowns in Michigan.

From the popular Stormcloud Brewing Company, a favorite with visitors and locals alike, to the fun gift shops and boutiques along Main Street, there is somethine for everyone in downtown Frankfort. Best of all is the perfect Lake Michgan beach just steps from downtown, a perfect place to catch a Michigan sunset.

Cherry Capital & Bayshore Bliss: Traverse City – Wineries, Shops, & Historic Charm

Traverse City is more than a city: it’s a pure Michigan beachtown on Grand Traverse Bay. It’s hard not to smile in this town (the Cherry Captial of the World!) because it’s simply delightful to explore. The mix of Michigan history, outdoorsy fun and boutiques both upscale and mainstream make for some pleasant beachtown days.

Set again the backdrop of not one but two Traverse bays (West Bay and East Bay), sprawling Traverse City has somethings for everyone: head up the Old Mission Peninsula for the wineries and scenic beauty of the vineyards.

Frolic in one of the lakeside parks or shop along historic Front Street, where you can comfortably duck into an art gallery or fudge shop within feet of each other. You might want to plan for at least two days to fully experience this northern Michigan beach town.

Native American Heritage & Pasty Treats: St. Ignace – Island Access & Scenic BeautySt. Ignace

Cross the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and you’ll find yourself in St. Ignace. Yes, you can simply park your car and grab a ferry to Mackinac Island, but we suggest you spend some time exploring this interesting area.

Steeped in the history of native Americans, this area is extremely clean and visitor-friendly. You’ll find lakefront parks where you can simply relax on park bench or take a dip in the water father exploring the town. There’s lots of little shops and galleries celebrating the areas native American heritage here. You’ll find restaurants serving a must-try Upper Peninsula treat: the pasty. These tasty “hand pies” always taste the best when they’re authentic – so keep your eye out for them when you visit.

Marquette Magic: Lake Superior Gem with Outdoor Activities & Brewery Buzz

It may be a big city, but this spots on Lake Superior definitely qualifies as a beachtown, with a fun beach town vibe going on all year long. Marquette is the largest city in the U.P. and everything in this town is centered on the beautiful lake.

Marquette Harbor and the beach at McCarty’s Cove are musts, but also find time to check out some the hiking and biking trails that wind through this outdoors paradise.

Of course, explore the hip and historic downtown, with a mix of eclectic shops, eateries and brewery or two…or three…

Crystal-Clear Waters & Quaint Vibes: Cheboygan – Hidden Gem for Beach & Relaxation

Just south of Mackinaw City is Cheboygan. You may have seen pictures of the picturesque Cheboygan Crib Light, but this town is so underrated with much to explore both in Cheboygan and the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for a spot that mixes quaint beach town vibes with pristine sandy beaches, this is the spot for you. Cheboygan has some of the most crystal-clear water, surprisingly warm in the shallow bays in Michigan, and it’s sometimes overlooked as a beach town.

Spend some time in Cheboygan and you’ll find cute parks, little shops and restaurants in an easy walking distance of Lake Huron. Venture beyond the town to two popular vacation spots: Mullet Lake and Black Lake. These big inland lakes are sandy-bottomed and the clear water is warmed than Lake Huron, a draw for visitors looking for a spot to splash around.

Alpena

With a historic, walkable downtown, beautiful parks and gorgeous Lake Huron beaches, Alpena is truly a hidden gem in Michigan.

I love the drive into Alpena from the south along US-23, where you’ll spot the pretty lakefront mansions of the town’s former shipping and lumber barons lining the Lake Huron shore, as you come into the downtown area. Be sure to stop at Mich-E-Ke-Wis park as you head into downtown Alpena, where you can swim and let the kids play in the splash pad.

Some of my other favorite spots in Alpena include Lee’s Miniature Golf (they have vinatge arcade games, too), Mango’s Tequila Bar, Downtown Scoops and The Local Basket.

Lakeside Charm & Brick-Lined Streets: Oscoda – Family Fun & Easy Beach Accessa

With one of the prettiest lakefront parks in the state, downtown Oscoda is a beachtown that has “beach town” all right.

You’ll find a few brick-lined streets with ice cream shops, little stores and and cafes all within steps of Oscoda Beach Park, a beautiful ADA accessible park on the shores of Lake Huron. The proximity of these stores to the Oscoda beachfront makes it convenient to hop back and forth all day…a little splashing in the water; a little walk to the cream shop; a little lying on the beach; a little walk to the sandwich shop. You get the picture.

Cape Cod of the Midwest: East Tawas – Harborfront Charm & Old-Fashioned Delights

Maybe you’ve heard East Tawas called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest?” That’s the name some call East Tawas, MI, and it certainly could be. Both the beautiful Tawas Bay waters and large harbor are jam-packed during the summer, when visitors flock to this lakeshore beachtown.

Stroll along Newman Street, where you’ll get into the old-fashioned yet up-to-date charm of the town. Bookstores, Fudge and Ice-Cream shops, gift shops and boutiques line the street for a few blocks. You’ll even find a homemade candy store and a real five-and-dime.

After you’ve explored a bit, meander back up a bit and walk along the long pier that extends into beautiful Tawas Bay.

Picturesque Harbor & Refreshing Escape: Lexington – Family Fun & Beachfront Relaxation

As far as Michigan beach towns go, pretty little Lexington checks all the boxes:
Large, picturesque harbor? Check.
Shady park with neat benches and well-tended gardens? Check.
Sandy beach with a long pier and play structures for the kids? Check.
A cure downtown with fun shops and restaurants? Check.

It’s a neat thing to find a beachtown so close to Metro Detroit. Just a short drive from the Detroit suburbs has you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit Lexington. Lexington is small, and it’s a refreshing kind of spot that will make you come back again and again.

Exploring Michigan’s Best Beach Towns

Whether you think of them as Michigan “beach towns” or Michigan “beachtowns,” these unique spots along the Michigan shoreline make perfect vacation spots, day trips or road trips for some pure Michigan fun.

It’s not just seasonal travel, either: these beach towns are fun travel destinations that rock all year long with fairs, festivals, music events and other family fun activities.…and if you’re lucky perhaps a glass of Michigan wine or craft beer and something fun to take home with you.

Who needs amusement parks when you have these fun towns dotting the sparkling shores of Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior? in addition to the water, you’ll also find enough craft breweries, food and drink, art and culture, live music to fill your beach days all year long.

Planning Michigan Beach Vacations

From the Upper Peninsula to all corners of the Lower Peninsula Mitten (and we’re including you, Mackinac Island), Michigan’s beach towns are alive all year long. Whether they’re tucked in Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, set alongside beautiful beaches of Lake Huron or somewhere just off the West Michigan Pike (think St. Joseph, South Haven, Grand Haven, Holland and Silver Lake Sand Dunes) or on the wild and wonderful shores of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior, our Michigan beachtowns will help you create a family vacation to remember forever.

Use the My Michigan Beach website as a visitors guide to find travel tips and the best spots to stay, play and in Michigan’s beach towns that dot our never-ending coastline.

Remember, beach vacations are not complete until you’ve discovered your perfect beachtown. Read on to start exploring some of our favorites.

If you;re looking for more michigan beach towns to explore, be sure and use our interactive Michigan Travel and Beach map.

Find More Michigan Beach and Travel