Can’t Make It to La Pelosa Beach? Try This Michigan Alternative

As a Midwest girl, I’m always dreaming of vacationing in far-off lands like La Pelosa Beach in Italy. Of course, our schedules don’t always allow for such grand adventures. Luckily, just two hours from Chicago, you'll find Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan. This delightful beach features clean, sandy shores with modern amenities, as well as a delicious pizza stand.

Admittedly, I had never heard of Silver Beach until this past summer. My aunt called me and asked if I’d like to spend the day with her and my little cousin. She promised me that it was an impressive hidden gem that would have me feeling like I was sitting on the coast of Italy. 

After a short two-hour drive from Chicagoland, we arrived at Silver Beach. On the shores of Lake Michigan, I quickly realized that it’s a great option for families. There is an on-beach store that sells quintessential waterfront favorites like shovels and buckets, balls, floaties, and other staples. 

For lunch, Silver Beach Pizza lets you call ahead and pick up your pizza to enjoy from the comfort of your beach chairs. Paid parking is available just steps from the beachfront. You can also purchase a summer pass if you think you’ll be visiting a few times throughout the summer.

Another highlight was the many lifeguard stands that made everyone feel safe. In addition to the clean waterfront, my young cousin was able to enjoy a playground and impressive splash pad. There are also opportunities for renting paddle boards and kayaks. Be sure to take a ride on the historic Silver Beach Carousel as well. The best part about Silver Beach is how much there is to do. 

If you’re traveling with energetic young children, there are many child-friendly amenities available. While the beach was crowded on this hot July day, the half-mile strand felt big enough for everyone.  Additionally, Silver Beach has a great view of the two St. Joseph lighthouses. 

If you want to take a break from the sun, downtown St. Joseph is just a few minutes walk away. After our pizza dinner, we walked over to the Chocolate Cafe for a refreshing treat. There was even live music!

Once we got our cones, we strolled the streets and browsed the many quirky gift shops. I noticed that there were a handful of wineries that I’d love to return to as well. There happened to be an old car show going on that added to the energetic mood of the town and beachfront. Throughout the year, the Silver Beach area hosts various events and festivals that attract people from all over the region. A particularly popular one includes the annual BBQ Blues & Bluegrass festival.

As Lake Michigan is so vast, a seemingly endless number of beach towns compete for our attention. However, I can honestly say that I left Silver Beach impressed. It was the perfect mix of waterfront, small-town activities, and yummy summer food. Plus, the sunset over Lake Michigan was pretty darn stunning. What other beaches in Michigan should we explore? Let us know by filling out our nomination form.