Secret Shores: Michigan’s Most Beautiful Under-the-Radar Beaches
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Surrounded by the stunning Great Lakes, Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. But beyond the popular shorelines, there are quiet, hidden spots waiting to be discovered.
Here are a few of our favorite under-the-radar beaches—secluded stretches of sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views without the crowds.
Ready to explore Michigan’s best-kept beach secrets? Let’s dive in!
Green Point Dunes
📍 Location: 1198 Green Point Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635
💰 Entry Fee: None
A Hidden Beach Worth the Hike
Green Point Dunes is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path beach that offers a peaceful alternative to Michigan’s busier shorelines.
Tucked away in a dense forest, this hidden gem is only accessible by foot, requiring a one-mile hike through towering pines before reaching the sandy shoreline. The final stretch includes a staircase leading down to the beach, where the only sounds are the waves rolling in from Lake Michigan.
Scenic Views and Natural Beauty
Instead of Petoskey stones, this beach is scattered with colorful rocks smoothed by the waves. Sandy cliffs meet the shoreline, and the deep green of the surrounding forest contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water.
It’s the kind of place where time slows down—perfect for collecting stones, wading in the waves, or simply soaking in the view.
With its untouched beauty and quiet atmosphere, Green Point Dunes is an ideal spot for those looking to experience Michigan’s coastline away from the crowds.
The Coves
📍 Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, MI
💰 Entry Fee: National Park Entrance Pass required
A Secluded Upper Peninsula Gem
Tucked within the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, The Coves is one of Michigan’s most stunning hidden beaches.
This stretch of shoreline offers a little bit of everything—soft white sand, vibrant Lake Superior stones, and dramatic cliffs streaked with shades of blue, green, black, and brown.
A Secret Spot Worth the Hike
The journey to The Coves starts at the Beaver Lake trailhead near Twelvemile Beach. The 1.5-mile one-way hike is easy and rewarding, winding through the forest and past ancient sea caves and towering rock formations before revealing the pristine shores of Lake Superior.
It’s a quiet, off-the-radar spot, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the raw beauty of the UP.
Caribbean Vibes on Lake Superior
At the far western end of Twelvemile Beach, the landscape shifts as limestone formations rise from the water, creating small inlets carved by the lake’s powerful waves.
The result? A strikingly clear, almost Caribbean-blue shoreline unlike anything else in Michigan.
Tip: With no facilities beyond a pit toilet at the trailhead, it’s best to bring plenty of water and a packed lunch—once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.
Empire Beach
📍 Location: Empire, Michigan
💰 Entry Fee: $1 per hour for parking (or park in town for free and take a short walk)
A Beach That Captures the Magic of Lake Michigan
Empire Beach is the kind of place that reminds you why Lake Michigan is so special. With its sweeping views of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Manitou Islands in the distance, and the Empire Bluffs framing the shoreline, the scenery alone is enough to make this beach unforgettable.
The water here is as inviting as it is refreshing. On breezy days, rolling waves make for a fun challenge, while calm conditions offer the perfect setting for a relaxing swim.
For those who prefer warmer, gentler waters, South Bar Lake sits just east of the beach, offering an alternative spot to wade and unwind.
Refreshing Waters and Rolling Waves
Empire Beach offers an inviting place to experience the cool, clear waters of Lake Michigan. Even on mild days, the lake remains a refreshing spot for swimmers willing to embrace the chill.
The waves here can be strong at times, creating a dynamic and energizing environment for those looking to dive in, float along, or simply wade at the shore.
With fewer crowds, especially in the shoulder seasons, the beach provides a peaceful setting to reconnect with the water and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds it.
Something for Everyone at Empire Beach
There is much to love about Empire Beach, with great scenery at the top of the list. To the North, you can see the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes sloping into the lake and the Manitou Islands beyond them. The Empire Bluffs line the shore to the South.
And South Bar Lake – with a calmer and warmer beach option – is just to the East, in the same park. The sunset views are incredible. Plus abundant rock hunting opportunities, playgrounds, and a lighthouse – there is something for everyone at Empire Beach!
Pro Tip: The shore is rocky, so consider water shoes.
Sturgeon Point State Park
📍 Location: 6036 Point Rd, Harrisville, MI 48740
💰 Entry Fee: Michigan Recreation Passport required
A Rustic, Scenic Shoreline
Sturgeon Point State Park offers a quiet, undeveloped stretch of Lake Huron’s shoreline with a rugged, natural beauty. While amenities are minimal, the park’s charm lies in its peaceful atmosphere, rocky beach, and stunning waterfront views.
The shoreline is known for its abundance of smooth, colorful stones, making it an ideal spot for rock collecting. Water shoes are recommended, as the beach is rocky rather than sandy.
History Along the Shore
The park is home to the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, a picturesque landmark that visitors can tour seasonally. Nearby, the Old Bailey School House, a preserved one-room schoolhouse, adds to the historical appeal.
Lakeport State Park
📍 Location: 7605 Lakeshore Rd, Lakeport, MI 48059
💰 Entry Fee: Michigan Recreation Passport required
A Rugged, Rocky Lakeshore
Lakeport State Park showcases Lake Huron’s signature rocky shoreline, offering a striking contrast to the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan.
The clear blue waters, smooth stones, and unspoiled natural beauty make it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration.
A Treasure Trove for Rock Collectors
This stretch of shoreline is a dream for rock hunters, with an abundance of colorful stones—including the occasional Petoskey stone. The water remains refreshingly cool even in the summer, perfect for wading and taking in the scenic surroundings.
What to Know Before You Go
- The lakebed transitions to a sandy bottom, but the shoreline is rocky—water shoes are recommended.
- The park features public restrooms and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a full-day visit.
- Located just north of Port Huron, Lexington is a short drive away for post-beach dining and exploring.
Port Crescent State Park
📍 Location: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI
💰 Entry Fee: Michigan Recreation Passport required
Three Miles of Tranquil Beach
Port Crescent State Park, located at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, offers three miles of quiet, sandy shoreline along Lake Huron. The soft, golden sand and gentle waves create the perfect setting for wading, sunbathing, or taking a peaceful shoreline walk.
Early risers are rewarded with stunning sunrises, as vibrant hues of crimson and orange stretch across the horizon.
Dog-Friendly Trails & Stargazing
Beyond the beach, the park features dog-friendly hiking trails that wind through rolling sand dunes and pine-scented forests, making it a great spot for an afternoon adventure.
As the sun sets, the Dark Sky Preserve offers an incredible opportunity to view the stars in a setting free from city lights.
Brevoort Lake
📍 Location: Hiawatha National Forest, Moran, MI
💰 Entry Fee: None
A Haven for Fishing, Camping, & Boating
Less than an hour from the Mackinac Bridge, Brevoort Lake is a 4,200-acre hidden gem in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Unlike many crowded recreation lakes, Brevoort offers a peaceful setting for fishing, camping, and water activities. Much of its shoreline is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, preserving its natural beauty.
Secluded Beaches, Scenic Dunes, & Unforgettable Sunsets
Waterfront camping spots and private beach areas make this lake a favorite for boaters looking to drop anchor and enjoy the surroundings.
A standout feature is a sandy, dune-like area with steep hills and a rope swing—a perfect spot for both kids and adults to climb, play, and take a refreshing plunge into the clear water below.
As the day winds down, the lake becomes the perfect backdrop for a classic Upper Peninsula sunset, with golden hues reflecting off the still water.
Oval Beach
📍 Location: Perryman St. & Oval Beach Drive, Saugatuck, MI
💰 Entry Fee: $10 per car (9 AM–8 PM, Memorial Day–Labor Day), $50 season pass
A Classic Michigan Beach with Small-Town Charm
Tucked away through a tree-lined entrance, Oval Beach is one of Saugatuck’s most beloved destinations. Its mix of soft sand, rolling dunes, and sparkling Lake Michigan waters make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the shore.
Visitors can take in the view from the parking overlook or head down the sandy path to the water’s edge.
A Sunset Like No Other
Oval Beach is breathtaking at any time, but it truly shines at sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky explodes with color, reflecting across the waves for an unforgettable view.
Even in the off-season, the beach holds a special magic—like the time a light October snowfall dusted the sand, creating an unexpected yet stunning contrast against the lake.
Respecting Michigan’s Hidden Beaches
Exploring Michigan’s hidden beaches is a privilege, and it’s up to all of us to help preserve their beauty.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun, hunting for rocks, or taking in a breathtaking sunset, remember to adventure responsibly—leave no trace, respect local wildlife, and carry out everything you bring in.
These secluded shores offer some of Michigan’s most stunning natural landscapes. By keeping them clean and untouched, we ensure that future visitors can enjoy the same peaceful, unspoiled beauty.
Let’s do our part to keep Michigan’s hidden beaches just as breathtaking as we found them!
