Make a Splash in the Best Beach Towns in Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan has a way of sneaking up on people.

Stretching just 35 miles along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, this corner of the state feels worlds away from the busier beach destinations of the Midwest. Yet packed into that short stretch are seven distinct towns — each with its own rhythm, personality, and reason to stay a while.

Some serve up surfside sophistication. Others invite you to slow down, breathe in the lake air, and forget what day it is. Together, they make up the heart of Michigan’s “Third Coast.”

Whether you’re cruising down Red Arrow Highway for the weekend or plotting an entire week of sandy exploration, this guide covers the best of the best—from iconic beaches and local eats to nature preserves, boutique stays, and everything in between.

We know it can be tough to know where to start, so we’ve put together a local’s guide to lake life, laid-back vibes, & Third Coast charm…

New Buffalo

New Buffalo is where the lake meets a little luxury — polished but not pretentious — a marina town where beach days blend seamlessly into cocktail hours, and casual afternoons turn into candlelit dinners.

The main beach stretches 800 feet along the shoreline where the Galien River meets Lake Michigan, and it’s one of the easiest to access in the region, especially if you’re walking in from town.

If you’re the type to mix beach towels with boat decks, this is your town. Third Coast Paddling offers on-the-water rentals, or you can join a guided cruise with Captain John for a leisurely loop along the coast.

For those with angling ambitions, Far Out Fishing Charters will not only help you catch dinner — they’ll clean it for you, too.

Back on land, New Buffalo’s restaurant scene is built for lingering. Hummingbird Lounge offers velvet-backed vibes and top-tier cocktails. David’s Delicatessen serves up hearty matzo ball soup and stacked sandwiches with locally sourced flair.

For dinner, Skip’s pairs classic surf and turf with a strong drink and a come-as-you-are attitude, while The Stray Dog’s rooftop scene buzzes with energy and lake breezes.

Don’t Miss:

• The canopy walk at Galien River County Park
• Small-town history at the New Buffalo Railroad Museum
• Sunset sails with New Buffalo Sailing Excursions

Union Pier

Union Pier isn’t trying to impress you — and that’s its charm. This low-key, tree-lined, and totally unplugged tiny community trades big crowds for barefoot bakery runs and secretive beaches known only by their street names (think Townline, Berrien, and Pier Beach).

There’s no flashy boardwalk here — just quiet residential roads, tall trees, and a rhythm that encourages slow mornings and long walks.

Start your day at Black Currant Bakehouse, where sourdough and biscuit sandwiches steal the show. Rent a beach wheelchair or cruiser bike from Red Arrow Ride and make your way toward the lake.

After a swim, sample local pours at the neighboring tasting rooms of St. Julian and Round Barn.

Dinner options range from cleverly dressed hot dogs at Barndogg to seasonal dishes at Union Pier Social. For something unexpected, Tapa Taco merges Spanish-style tapas with tacos in a setting that feels laid-back but creative.

Don’t Miss:

• Barefoot strolls to road-end beaches
• Afternoon wine flights at Round Barn or St. Julian

Sawyer

Tucked between the trees and the lake, Sawyer is for people who’d rather hike dunes than hunt for souvenirs.

Outdoorsy, quiet, and easy to miss (in the best way), its biggest draw — Warren Dunes State Park — is 1,500 acres of towering sand dunes, wooded trails, and three miles of shoreline.

Note: You’ll need a Recreation Passport to enter, but it’s worth every penny.

If you’re up for a smaller stroll, the Jens Jensen Nature Preserve honors the landscape architect’s belief that wild nature is beauty enough. Birdsong, shade, and silence come standard.

Back in town, the Sawyer Home & Garden Center functions as both a general store and a gourmet market. Pick up snacks, a bottle of Michigan wine, or something you didn’t know you needed until you walked past it.

End the day with dinner at Susans Sawyer (if you can get a table) or down-to-earth comfort food at Beach Bucket — complete with milkshakes and photo ops in front of two hungry bear statues.

Don’t Miss:

• Hiking the dunes at Warren Dunes State Park
• Sculpture-spotting at Fritz Olsen’s hidden garden studio
• Post-hike burgers and root beer floats at Beach Bucket

Bridgman

A nursery town turned sunset haven, Bridgman may not boast the biggest attractions, but it wins people over with its homespun charm.

Weko Beach is the town’s pride and joy, with tall dunes, wide sand, and one of the best sunset traditions on the coast — a live bugler playing Taps from the overlook each evening.

Captain Mike’s Fun Park delivers retro thrills with mini golf and bumper boats, while Lavender Bliss Flower Farm invites visitors to walk, snip, and pretend they’re starting their own flower empire.

Blueberry lovers head straight to Starbuck’s Blueberry Farm for U-pick sweetness and — if you’re lucky — a jar of homemade jam.

On the food front, Mikey’s Drive-In keeps things classic, Lake Street Eats caters to the crowd, and Molly’s Beach Walk hits the spot for blueberry baked goods.

Craft beer fans will want to stop at Lake Time Brewing for a rotating tap list and shareable snacks.

Don’t Miss:

• Sunset and Taps at Weko Beach
• DIY bouquets at Lavender Bliss

Stevensville

Underrated, uncrowded, and surprisingly serene, Stevensville may be one of Southwest Michigan’s quietest beach towns, but that’s why it works. With bigger names like St. Joseph nearby, this town stays low-key and uncrowded.

Grand Mere State Park offers wild trails, inland lakes, and a beach that requires a sandy hike, so only the determined reach it. That means no snack bars, no lines, and plenty of space.

Lincoln Township Beach is easier to access and just as scenic. In midsummer, you can cut lavender at Hickory Creek Lavender Farm or pick berries at Bredeweg Acres.

Grab an early breakfast at C&J Bert’s before the beach or enjoy classic Italian at Tosi’s under the trees. For lakefront views and fresh seafood, Grand Mere Inn is your best bet, while DogSlinger gives burgers and hot dogs a creative makeover.

Don’t Miss:

• Natural seclusion at Grand Mere State Park
• Lavender season strolls
• Fresh whitefish with a view at Grand Mere Inn

St. Joseph

Postcard-perfect and packed with family fun, St. Joseph is one of the most developed beach towns in the area. But don’t let that fool you. It balances its bluff-top beauty with beach-town playfulness.

Silver Beach is the big draw, and with volleyball courts, calm water, and restrooms, it’s easy to see why. Just north, Tiscornia Park offers a quieter shoreline and a fantastic lighthouse view.

From the restored Silver Beach Carousel to hands-on fun at Curious Kids’ Museum, this town leans family-friendly. Don’t skip Lookout Park for one last panoramic lake view before you head home.

Start your day at Dino’s with pancakes the size of your plate. Come sunset, grab perch or pot roast at Sandbar & Grille or step up your game with steaks and a view at 221 Main.

Don’t Miss:

• Carousel rides, lighthouses, and blufftop photo ops
• Curious Kids’ Museum for rainy-day play
• Silver Beach sunsets with fries on the side

Benton Harbor

Just across the river from St. Joe, creative, gritty, and totally unexpected, Benton Harbor flips the script. This is where creatives go to work and wander.

The Benton Harbor Arts District is full of galleries, murals, and studios, with The Livery brewpub and Water Street Glassworks anchoring the vibe.

Families should head to Sarett Nature Center, a sprawling nature preserve with boardwalks, trails, and wildlife education. Eden Springs Park — complete with quirky train rides—adds a dash of history and whimsy, while Rocky Gap Park and Jean Klock Park offer sandy spots without the summer crowds.

Brunch at Mason Jar Cafe is a must (don’t skip the cinnamon roll pancakes), while beer drinkers will love North Pier Brewing’s chill patio. Houndstooth takes a more refined route, serving bold seasonal dishes in a sleek downtown space.

Don’t Miss:

• Sarett’s 1,000 acres of woods and wetland wonder
• Mini trains and oddball fun at Eden Springs
• Art walks and brunch dates in the Arts District

Your Third Coast Road Trip, Wrapped

Every beach town in Southwest Michigan brings something different to the table — whether it’s blueberry farms and bonfires or sailing trips and sidewalk cafes.

Some cater to the seekers of soft sand and cold drinks. Others feel like they were built for people who pack books and binoculars instead of beach chairs.

Whatever your vibe, there’s a stretch of shoreline here with your name on it. All you have to do is get in the car, roll the windows down, and follow the Red Arrow until something tells you to stop.

The lake will take it from there.