This Tiny Beach Town in Michigan Is the Perfect Peaceful Escape

Michigan is called the Great Lakes State for a reason, and our proximity to so many gorgeous bodies of water means that there’s never a shortage of unique beachfront communities to explore. While everyone has heard of South Haven, Traverse City, and Ludington, there are just as many hidden gems tucked away throughout the state.

But there's one delightful village along the waterfront that’s overflowing with charm. It's so peaceful, in fact, that you might never want to leave. It's called Onekama—a hidden walkable beach town in Michigan that should be on everyone's travel bucket list.

Why This Tiny Michigan Beach Town Feels So Special

Onekama is a village located on the shores of Portage Lake in Manistee County. This lovely little community houses just over 400 residents, but don’t let its size fool you: Onekama packs in all sorts of beauty, charm, and beachfront wonder.

When you set foot in town, you’ll immediately be swept into a simpler time. Friendly residents, a charming setting, and lovely beaches will amaze you. While Portage Lake is at the center of Onekama, the village also rests near the shores of Lake Michigan—meaning that you get to experience two lakes for the "price" of one!

The Best Things to Do While You Visit

As the southern entrance to the beautiful M-22 scenic route, Onekama has no shortage of natural wonders to explore. Venture to the coast and appreciate marvelous views of Lake Michigan from Onekama Beach.

Looking to do a little hiking before enjoying the waterfront wonderland? Take a calming stroll through flora and fauna at nearby Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary, or collect sea glass at the Magoon Creek trail. Then drive down Clark Road to Portage Lake for ample opportunity to fish, boat, or bask in the lovely scenery. Rent kayaks from Full Pull Adventures in Manistee and you're set for adventure.

Of course, there’s more to Onekama than its marvelous waterfront locales. Stop in for some shopping at one of the area’s locally owned businesses downtown. The village has tons of adorable boutiques and cafes. Grab a meal at The Glenwood, a beloved local gem that serves up delightful food in an equally charming atmosphere. For a simpler setting, check out The Blue Slipper Tavern on 1st Street.

When you’ve satisfied your hunger pangs, head back down to the magical lakeshore. No matter how many times you visit, Onekama never fails to charm.

When to Visit This Hidden Michigan Beach Town

The best time to visit this peaceful Michigan beach town is in the summer, around May or June. This is when local businesses reopen, and when the weather turns warm and sunny. There might be larger crowds, but it's worth it for a spectacular summer vacation.

For fewer crowds and a more laid-back vibe, consider visiting Onekama in the fall, around September or October. You'll get to see the brilliant Michigan fall foliage and bundle up for amazing sunsets on the beach. No matter when you visit, you'll see some pretty spectacular scenery.

What Makes Onekama Different From Other Beach Destinations

A few key features set Onekama apart from other small beach towns in Michigan. The sand is powdery soft, and the water at both Onekama Beach and Portage Lake is always clear and peaceful. You won't get a better setting for kayaking.

And since it's a tiny, hidden town, it never gets overly crowded. Even during peak season, you'll find secluded pockets on shore to relax. The accommodations are also unmatched; we recommend booking a stay at the historic Canfield House Bed and Breakfast.

Lastly, you can't beat its proximity to cities like Manistee (20 minutes south) and Traverse City (45 minutes northeast). This allows for a weekend getaway perfectly balanced with beach and shopping time.

Have you visited Onekama before? If not, consider this your sign to book a fun summer vacation at the small beach town. After relaxing a few days on the shoreline of Onekama beach, venture to Luna Pier, an unspoiled beach town near Detroit, or Charlevoix, another charming waterfront town in Michigan.