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Known for its picturesque Great Lakes shoreline, Michigan offers a variety of charming beach towns along Lake Michigan. Each town has unique attractions and ambiance, making them worth a visit.

Whether you are searching for a quiet getaway with lakefront views or you are interested in experiencing a lively and vibrant city, you’ll find a Lake Michigan beach town that suits your style.

Traverse City

Known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and a vibrant downtown area, Traverse City is a great spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Traverse City is a world-class destination, perfectly mixing culture and history with the relaxed beachfront vibes that everyone loves. It has earned global recognition for being one of the best places to visit in Michigan and is easily the state’s most popular city on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

In truth, Traverse City isn’t right on the waters of Lake Michigan — it rests along the shores of the quiet and protected Grand Traverse Bay. As a result, its beaches are calm and comfortable, making them incredibly popular among families who want to spend a day on the water.

Clinch Park

Clinch Park is a favorite among both locals and visitors, largely because it is located in the heart of the downtown area. With a concession stand, restrooms, showers, and changing areas — as well as vast stretches of soft, white sand — this park is one of the best places to swim and play in Traverse City.

National Cherry Festival

As the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City is proud to host the National Cherry Festival in late June and early July each summer. The week-long festival features entertainment, carnival rides, parades, and endless handmade cherry items. It’s perfectly timed with peak cherry season, so you can expect ripe, sweet varieties throughout the entire event.

Some other activities and attractions that you might enjoy in Traverse City include:

A boat ride on the Tall Ship Manitou
Winery tours on the Old Mission Peninsula
Tour the Mission Point Lighthouse
Shop at the local stores on Front Street

Saugatuck

Famous for its artsy vibe, Saugatuck has beautiful beaches, dunes, and a quaint downtown full of galleries and unique shops.

On the west side of the state, you will find that Saugatuck is not your average beach town. In this city, sophistication and elegance reign supreme, adding a touch of grandeur to your Michigan beach vacation.

While it may feel like a cosmopolitan community, it’s still one of the most welcoming places to visit — with families, couples, and solo travelers all discovering an experience that leaves them with lasting memories.

Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency

Saugatuck has earned the nickname of Michigan’s Art Coast, largely thanks to the Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency, which is located in the city and helped establish it as an art community.

Not surprisingly, many of the artists who studied and trained at Ox-Bow set up shop in town, and now visitors can spend hours perusing the endless art galleries in Saugatuck. Some of the most well-known galleries in Saugatuck and nearby Douglas (across Kalamazoo Lake) include:

Oval Beach

While it would be easy to spend your entire visit to Saugatuck inside the immersive and enlightening galleries, you’d be remiss if you didn’t take time to explore the great outdoors. The city’s lakeshore is defined by white, billowing sand dunes, with many travelers finding themselves at Oval Beach.

Nationally ranked as one of the best beaches in the country, Oval Beach is easily the most popular and well-known beach in town — it’s a hotbed of activity during the sunshine-filled summer season.

Grand Haven

Known for its stunning state park beach and iconic lighthouse, Grand Haven also hosts the annual Coast Guard Festival.

Grand Haven — which is not as big or as busy as Traverse City yet still offers visitors so much to see and do — is a quintessential Michigan beach town. The city’s downtown is always bursting with life, thanks to the many local restaurants and boutiques, but it’s the beaches that truly stand out in this community.

Grand Haven State Park

Grand Haven State Park is perhaps the best place to enjoy a day at the beach in Grand Haven. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this park has everything you are looking for out of a Michigan beach — crystal blue waters, soft white sands, and gentle dune grass blowing in the breeze.

But, this park is so much more than your typical beachfront recreation area — it’s practically a resort community. With a modern campground and a lodge, you can actually spend your entire trip on this beach.

Popular activities include fishing and swimming. However, it’s important to be aware of the current conditions because rip currents can form along the edge of Lake Michigan, creating a hazardous experience.

Grand Haven Lighthouses & Pier

Standing guard at the end of the pier and withstanding the towering waves of Lake Michigan, the Grand Haven’s lighthouses define the city’s skyline and establish a steadfast, nautical atmosphere for the entire community.

Coast Guard Festival

If you happen to be visiting Grand Haven in late July or early August, you can attend the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. This week-long event honors those who have served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and it includes activities such as ship tours, a carnival, concerts, car shows, a parade, and more.

South Haven

Alongside lovely beaches, a picturesque lighthouse, and a bustling marina, South Haven’s downtown area is filled with shops and restaurants.

Often described as a boater’s paradise, South Haven is an idyllic destination for those who enjoy the seafaring lifestyle. Along the Black River Harbor, there are more than 2,000 boat slips across several marinas, so there is a spot for everyone — and every boat — to dock.

As a result, the city brings in practically an entirely new population every day during the boating season, which lasts from mid-April to mid-October each year.

Popular Activities

Once you have docked your boat in the marina, you will find that South Haven is a wonderful city to explore. Some of the most popular activities and attractions include:

Golfing
Hiking the local nature trails
Fishing
Water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking and jet skiing

Bangor to South Haven Heritage Water Trail

To absorb the true natural beauty that defines South Haven, take a trip on the Bangor to South Haven Heritage Water Trail. As one of only nine designated water trails in Michigan, it includes interpretive signs to provide insight into the history of the area and the wildlife that call it home. Depending on your skill level, you can choose sections of the trail that provide the best possible experience.

Charlevoix

Known for its beautiful setting between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, Charlevoix is famous for its unique mushroom houses.

Nestled on a narrow strip of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, Charlevoix is one of the few communities in Northern Michigan quite literally surrounded by water. Everywhere you turn around, you are likely to enjoy sparkling waterfront views.

Earnest Hemingway Sites

The city is famously known as the place where Ernest Hemingway spent his childhood summers, and it continues to pay homage to the famed writer’s past. Historical points of significance can be discovered around the city, including a copy of his original marriage certificate on display at the Charlevoix Historical Society Museum.

City Architecture

While many people come to the city to experience the unparalleled natural beauty and distinguished sense of history that can be discovered around every corner, others are simply there for the architecture.

Like many Northern Michigan towns, Victorian-era homes still exist along the edges of the downtown area. But surprisingly, these are not the most spectacular architectural examples in the city.

Charlevoix is home to a collection of mushroom houses that have earned worldwide acclaim for their fairy-tale appearance. Whether you want to embark on a self-guided walk or a guided tour, you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the mushroom houses of Michigan.

Petoskey

Famous for its historic Gaslight District, Petoskey offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan and is known for Petoskey stones, a type of fossilized coral.

Not far from Charlevoix is another of Michigan’s most picturesque beach towns — Petoskey. Offering a similarly sophisticated vibe and a touch of history that can’t be found anywhere else in Michigan, the city is a favorite destination among Michigan residents and visitors from afar.

Petoskey State Park

If you are looking to enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan during your time in the city, your best bet is to head to Petoskey State Park, where a 1-mile stretch of beach lies along the shoreline. Since it’s the most popular and well-loved beach in Petoskey, though, you can expect crowds. during the summer months

TIP: For a more peaceful and private experience during summer, consider Jones Landing Township Park — which is one of the locals’ best-kept secrets.

Petoskey Stones

While you enjoy those Petoskey beaches, don’t forget to partake in a truly Michigan rite of passage — hunting for Petoskey stones. Petoskey stones are fossilized coral that feature a one-of-a-kind hexagonal pattern, and they are known as Michigan’s state rock. The best places to go Petoskey stone hunting include Magnus City Park and the Petoskey breakwall.

Ludington

Home to Ludington State Park, Ludington offers beautiful beaches and picturesque lighthouses.

For a truly classic Great Lakes experience, consider a weekend getaway to Ludington, a sleepy lakefront town on the west side of the state. While the city is sometimes overlooked for larger and more well-known destinations, it’s the perfect place to stop if you are searching for a peaceful getaway in a town with fewer crowds and equally stunning views.

Ludington State Park

One visit to Ludington State Park provides an all-inclusive experience. Known as the “Queen” of Michigan’s state parks, it has a bit of everything — Lake Michigan shorelines, Lake Hamlin access, rolling sand dunes, and more than 20 miles of trails.

In addition, it is home to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, which towers more than 100 feet from the ground. Its iconic black and white stripes make it one of the most photogenic lighthouses in Michigan — you simply have to see this lighthouse in the orange glow of the setting sun.

Mackinaw City

While technically on the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinaw City is a gateway to both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and is close to the famous Mackinac Island.

At the foot of Mackinac Bridge, you will find Mackinaw City — a charming town that blends modern amenities and family-friendly attractions with astonishing natural beauty.

Colonial Michilimackinac

Before you begin enjoying the contemporary vibe of the city’s thriving downtown area, you may want to start your visit in the past. Colonial Michilimackinac at Michilimackinac State Park is a preserved 18th-century fort that allows you to learn more about the role the fort played in American history.

With historical interpreters and engaging demonstrations, the past comes to life at this incredible attraction. Of course, its near-perfect location on the Straits of Mackinac means that you will get to soak up the incredible views that the city is known for.

Mackinac Island

Once you finish enjoying the timeless beauty of Mackinaw City, you can take a ferry across the straits to the infamous Mackinac Island. There, bicycles and horses rule the road because cars are not allowed.

It’s one of Michigan’s best day trips, and you won’t want to leave the island without visiting Arch Rock, sitting on the porch of the Grand Hotel, and buying a pound of Mackinac fudge.

Holland

Known for its Dutch heritage, Holland offers beautiful beaches, a historic downtown, and the famous Tulip Time Festival.

As far as beach destinations go, there’s no better option in Michigan than Holland. On the Lake Michigan shore, this community takes particular pride in its Dutch heritage.

Holland State Park

The mighty waves of Lake Michigan crash into the shore at Holland State Park, which is one of the most visited state parks. Visitors appreciate the pristine beachfront, where they can stretch out on the sand and enjoy time with their families and friends. The modern restrooms and playground make it a perfect spot for those with young children.

Dutch Heritage

After you spend some time at the beach, you have to experience some of the community’s Dutch heritage. The best way is to head into town where you will find attractions such as Windmill Island Gardens and Nelis’ Dutch Village.

Manistee

As a historic Victorian port city, Manistee offers beautiful beaches, a riverwalk, and the Ramsdell Theater.

While other Lake Michigan beach towns may be described as vibrant and lively, Manistee is often considered unspoiled, peaceful, and tranquil. Tourism may be a prominent part of the local economy, but it hasn’t become the focal point, so guests can experience the true flavor of the community.

Manistee Riverwalk

To absorb the views and the atmosphere, head to the Manistee Riverwalk. This fully accessible pathway is located along the Manistee River and allows visitors to walk the length of the river that winds through the downtown area.

Manistique

Situated on the northern shore of Lake Michigan, Manistique offers beautiful views of the lake, has access to the scenic Manistique Boardwalk and Lighthouse, and is close to the Kitch-iti-kipi natural spring.

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the northern shore of Lake Michigan, you will find the scenic town of Manistique, which is best known for being the gateway to Michigan’s most well-known natural attraction — the Kitch-iti-kipi natural spring.

Kitch-iti-kipi

Nicknamed Michigan’s Big Spring, Kitch-iti-kipi is the largest natural spring in the state. More than 60,000 people flock to the spring each year, with each person hoping to soak in the sight of its impossibly clear waters.

Escanaba

A larger town in the UP on the northern shore of Lake Michigan, Escanaba offers a mix of cultural attractions, parks, and beaches. Ludington Park and Sand Point Lighthouse are popular spots here.

Along the Bays de Noc, you will find one of the most vibrant towns in the Upper Peninsula. Escanaba is an all-season destination that is bursting with life, with visitors appreciating the immaculate Lake Michigan beaches that can be found throughout the community.

Ludington Park

For Lake Michigan access, head straight to Ludington Park where you will find 3 miles of lakefront. Along with soft sand beaches and perfect swimming areas, it boasts bicycle trails, a fishing pier, and a playground. It’s a true Upper Peninsula treasure and a favorite among local families and travelers alike.

Sand Point Lighthouse

No trip to Escanaba would be complete without a stop at the Sand Point Lighthouse. The stately white building with its notable red roof has been a beacon of hope and solidarity for the community since the 19th century. An electric light is still operational, and the house itself serves as a maritime museum.

Oval Beach-Saugatuck — Saugatuck | photo via whitterbon

More to Explore in the Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns

Each of these beach towns on Lake Michigan has a unique charm and a range of activities — from relaxing on sandy beaches to exploring local culture and history.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure in nature, these Michigan beach towns have something to offer.