Michigan is overflowing with gorgeous waterfront areas to explore. From South Haven to Marquette, our lakefront towns are nothing short of stunning. While there are plenty of well-known beaches scattered throughout the Great Lakes State, nothing beats a lesser-known area on a hot, sunny day — so we’ve compiled a list of eight of the best beaches in Michigan that might just become your new favorite summer hangouts. This is one road trip you’ll never forget.

For the sake of driving time, we’ve only included beaches in the Lower Peninsula in this article. But stay tuned for further information about some of the Upper Peninsula’s most wonderful spots to explore! In the meantime, buckle up your seatbelt, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready for an amazing adventure to these spectacular Michigan beaches.

To access an interactive map of this road trip, click here.

1. Olive Shores
Flickr/Josh May
This forested area in West Olive is a stunning spot to visit on a sunny afternoon. With plenty of walking paths, gorgeous access to Lake Michigan, and a beautifully maintained shoreline, there’s nothing to dislike about Olive Shores. You’ll even find scenic overlooks and decks as you climb the stairs toward the beach.

Address: 8555 Olive Shore Avenue, West Olive, MI, 49460
2. Lakeside Beach
Facebook/Spring Lake Village
This tiny beach in the delightful West Michigan town of Spring Lake is an ideal spot to spend a summer day. With picnic tables, a sandy waterfront, and a fantastic small town vibe, you'll never have to worry about overwhelming crowds. Once you discover this gem, you’ll find it tough to leave.

Address: 15963 Beach Drive, Spring Lake, MI, 49456
3. Christmas Cove Park
Flickr/MittenStatePhotog
You’ll find this scenic strip of beachfront land in beautiful Leelanau Township along Lake Michigan. The park offers 200 feet of waterfront access, a cluster of picnic tables where you can gather with loved ones, and cool waves just waiting to be splashed in. We can’t imagine a more wonderful scene.

Address: 12801 N Island View Drive, Northport, MI, 49670
4. Fisherman's Island
TripAdvisor/RayRayRockets
Venture to Charlevoix and step into a simpler time with a visit to this beautiful Lake Michigan beach, which is actually a peninsula and not a true island. Fisherman’s Island boasts an unparalleled rustic vibe that includes wildflower fields, campsites, and refreshing water. This is Michigan at its absolute best.

Address: 16480 Bells Bay Road, Charlevoix, MI, 49720
5. Hoeft State Park
TripAdvisor/pooh2372
This lovely beach off of US-23 is the perfect place to catch a sunrise over Lake Huron. Despite the park’s 300 acres of land, it’s not Michigan’s most famous spot — but we firmly believe that it deserves extra attention. You’ll find shady greenery, sandy hills, and a perfect location for making lasting memories.

Address: 5001 US-23, Rogers City, MI, 49779
6. Oak Beach County Park
Facebook/Huron County Parks
This wonderful outdoor area in Port Austin is one of Michigan’s most undeniably beautiful areas. With campsite access, a breathtaking beachfront, and plenty of space to stretch your legs, it was almost impossible to leave Oak Beach off our list. No matter what your age, you’ll find something to adore about this special spot.

Address: 3356 Port Austin Road, Port Austin, MI ,48467
7. Belle Isle Beach
Yelp/Jay O.
When you think Detroit, beaches might not be your first thought. But did you know that the Motor City actually houses a charming little waterfront area tucked away on the shores of the Detroit River? When you visit this delightful beach, you’ll catch amazing views of the Detroit skyline and a lovely spot to relax with family and friends. What could be better?

Address: 1 Riverbank Drive, Detroit, MI
8. Sterling State Park
TripAdvisor/Rick P.
While this beach isn’t necessarily "little-known," it is one of the few spots in Michigan that offers access to Lake Erie. While the lake is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, it features a stunning shoreline that easily rivals the other Great Lakes. At Sterling State Park, you’ll find opportunities for camping, swimming, and fishing — in one of the most gorgeous settings imaginable.

Address: 2800 State Park Road, Monroe, MI, 48162

Our state is truly home to some of the best beaches in the country. You can spend many summers exploring the best sandy beaches in Michigan that also have clear water, beautiful scenery, and the perfect atmopshere for relaxation. Did any of your favorite Michigan beaches make the list? Are you willing to share any of your “secret” spots in Michigan with us? Let us know in the comments below, and happy road-tripping!

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More to Explore

Best Beaches in Michigan

Andrea Limke | June 11, 2019

What are the prettiest beaches in Michigan?

As you can tell from the photos above, there are many places in our state that are in the running for prettiest beach in Michigan. With mile upon mile of coastline, there's no shortage of natural beauty on the beaches of Michigan. Many of our state parks are home to the best beaches, such as Grand Haven State Park and Hoeft State Park, and some of the others that are downright gorgeous are Sleeping Bear Point Beach, Belle Isle Beach, Empire Beach, and Twelvemile Beach.

What are the best beach towns in Michigan?

Michigan is a great place in our country for charming beach towns! We happen to think we have some of the best you'll find anywhere, as these small towns offer Michigan beaches, shops, restaurants, and plenty of old fashioned fun. This list could get quite long, but some of the best beach towns in Michigan are South Haven, Ludington, St. Joseph, and Port Austin. For even more of the best, check out our previous article here.

What beaches have the clearest water in Michigan?

There are many beaches in Michigan that boast clear, blue water that rivals the Caribbean. Walking along these shores will transport you out of our state and into a tropical paradise. For the clearest and most spectacular water in Michigan, head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The variety of landscape and incredible views make this a must-see area in the state and the water is a perfect crystal clear blue. See photos of this beautiful beach and water here.

 

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