3 Best West Michigan Beaches on Lake Michigan
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Michigan, don’t worry… I’m here to help you find the perfect West Michigan beaches to spend your hard-earned relaxation time!
As residents of Michigan, we spent the better part of this past winter trekking through blizzards and sliding on icy roads but now that the summer sunshine has finally arrived, I think we all deserve a nice day at the beach!
Our beautiful mitten is outlined by the sandy beaches of the Great Lakes and sprinkled with smaller lakes throughout. With so many options it can sometimes be difficult to decide where to spend your day off.
1) Holland State Park
Sometimes it’s not just the place itself that makes a beach worth visiting but also the surrounding area attractions that give you the perfect day. The sandy shore at Holland State Park and the bustling streets of Downtown Holland complement each other so well; spend the day at the beach and do some shopping and dining that night!
If you’re looking to grab a quick lunch Downtown before claiming your spot by the water, try Gregordog, home of the best hot dogs in Holland! When you’ve had your fill, head to the State Park and spend some time splashing in the waves and lounging on the sprawling, sandy beach.
While you’re there, don’t forget to take a walk on the pier to watch the sailboats as they drift lazily in and out of the Macatawa Bay and past the aptly named Big Red Lighthouse. If you get hungry later, you can always take a break from the sun to stop by the Ottawa General Store (located near the State Park) for some delicious ice cream or bike to Dune Dogz for a freshly made corn-dog!
2) Rosy Mound Natural Area
This is the place to go if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Michigan and its diverse dune ecosystems. The Rosy Mound Natural Area has a self-service station for the parking fee of $7 a day – it’s worth every penny to get to hike through the thick forests and rolling dunes that lead you to the freshwater swells of Lake Michigan.
The 0.7-mile hike from the parking area to the water might make you break a sweat as you climb up and down the 1,000 feet of stairs. That being said the view is that much more magnificent after the workout.
Why not jump in the lake to cool off? After all, it’s only a few steps away from the end of the wooden trail! When you’re done at the beach you could meander down the road to Downtown Grand Haven for some good food and entertainment.
3) Grand Haven State Park
The beach at Grand Haven State Park is just what you’re looking for if you love classic beaches with expansive shores and great swimming. The blue sky is almost always dotted with colorful kites that can be seen zipping through the air.
The pier alone is worth the trip, and the lighthouse that accompanies it makes for a pretty incredible view. It’s a popular place for fishing and it’s a great way to get close to the crashing waves in the deeper water without getting your feet wet!
What West Michigan beaches do you love to visit during the summer?
These are just a few of my favorite Lake Michigan beaches in West Michigan, but I’m sure you know of many more to recommend! It’s always nice to learn of new nearby favorites and also get ideas for future road trips.
