Youve probably seen the iconic Point Betsie Lighthouse on a windswept bit of shoreline on a calendar or photo somewhere. This part of the UP is great for hiking and mountain bikingbut, if you time it right, you can find a pretty unforgettable stretch of sand in the 20-minute window that is summer. In addition, Saugatuck its sister city of Douglas, are filled with art galleries, and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts brings plays, films and lectures to the community all year long. These places offer food with unique flavors to suit every palate. With thousands of miles of coastline, youre bound to stumble upon your new favorite stretch of sand. Lexington is small, and its a refreshing kind of spot that will make you come back again and again. Were talking about those spots just beyond the sparkling water and sandy beaches where youll find food, fun and memoriesand if youre lucky perhaps a glass of wine or craft beer and something fun to take home with you. You might want to plan for at least two days to fully experience this northern Michigan beach town. For instance, Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is a commercial airport that flights to several major cities in the US, with flights departing around the country daily. Its true: some of the best beach towns in America are located in Michigan. The large, sandy beach has plenty of room for swimming in the mild waves of Lake Huron and walking the dunes that define its landscape. Some of the best Michigan beach towns are found all along its Lake Michigan freshwater coastline. Address: 4490 Beach Road, Cheboygan, Michigan. Start in Leland, home to the famous Fishtown, and travel though Michigans wine country. Glen Arbor is a few miles north of Sleeping Bear Dunes National . You can also use our interactive Michigan Travel and Beach Map for more places to visit in Michigan. The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven is a harborfront museum and research library right in heart of downtown that offers on-water experiences aboard a real tall ship! Cheboygan has some of the most crystal-clear water, surprisingly warm in the shallow bays in Michigan, and its sometimes overlooked as a beach town. Mermaid Waterfront Bar and Grill, The Butler, The Barge, Red Dock Caf, and The Coral Gables are among many excellent waterfront restaurants to choose from. Saugatuck Dunes State Park, filled with stunning natural beauty, is nearby too. And if trudging through giant sand piles isn't your idea of a vacation well spent, the 9-mile Alligator Hill Trail through the forest also offers great views of Lake Michigan. With a boardwalk leading to a long pier and lighthouse, its a spot you wont want to miss. Let yourself get carried away shopping for home dcor, jewelry, fine arts for your home or office, and accessories for your pets. This massive body of water has a water surface of 22,300 square miles and is home to several small island including. At the mouth of the St. Joseph River, Silver Beach County Park provides sandy expanses, views of the pier, lighthouses and modern outdoor sculptures. 12 Best Beaches on Lake Michigan | PlanetWare Minocqua. Also known as Michigans Art Coast, this area is home to a cute shopping district lined with chic boutiques and eateries. If youre planning to stay overnight (and we think youll want to), weve put together a list of some of my favorite places to stay in Saugatuck. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. South Haven For Great Food Positioned at the mouth of the Black River this gorgeous Michigan coastal town should be high on your list. Aside from its historical sites, this town is the ideal place to come to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Its not a beach town without the perfect ice cream store, and Ludington has one of the best in the state. Holland is near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa. You cannot beat the scenery or the warm water on Mackinaw City Beach in northern Michigan. Walking the long pier to the pretty red lighthouse is a summer rite of passage for many vacationers who return here year after year. Whether its taking a scenic drive and admiring the shores of Lake Michigan, participating in outdoor sports, taking a tour of the lighthouse, or visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes, youre sure to find an activity that excites and enriches you. As the fifth largest lake in the world (! If you love to hike, there is the Best Valley Trail, and if youre looking for a thrill suitable for the entire family, then you most certainly want to visit the Edge Adventure Course and Zip Line at Crystal Mountain. The western shore of Lake Michigan begins with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and continues north to the Chicago River, where it eventually spills out into the Mississippi River. Go beyond the town and youll find so much to do. Go for a swim, lounge on the white sand, sail around the bay, go fishing, try out the water-sports galore, or explore the quaint town of Fort Erie. Together, there's still not a whole lot going on beyond taking a million selfies on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the 260-foot Dune Climband that's the charm. If you enjoy shopping, downtown South Haven offers several locally owned and operated shops, perfect for finding excellent gifts for family and friends. You can also find many beautiful bodies of water: inland lakes and rivers fed by the waters of Lake Michigan. Before the sun sets and the sky goes dark, Lake Huron is a fun place for boating and fishing. 1. Discover the best beaches on the Great Lakes The SS Badger carferry is a majestic sight when its visiting port, and people gather in Ludington to watch as it ferry across Lake Michigan, bringing visitors and their automobiles. MTV named this beach one of the Top Five Beaches in the United States of America. You'll find plenty of ways to get on the water at the base of Grand Traverse Bay's West Arm. There, go have dinner and raid the wine cellar at Chandler's, a northern Michigan favorite. Best beach town on Lake Michigan - Michigan Forum - Tripadvisor 10+ Best Lake Michigan Beaches (with Photos) - Trips To Discover Harbor Springs is a little more upscale, with a smaller downtown shopping district with art galleries and boutiques. Be sure to observe leash regulations for the safety of your pup and others. A cruise on the SS Badger from the carferry port in Manitowoc to the port in Ludington Michigan is a great way to travel across Lake Michigan for all ages, and provides a shortcut for travelers hoping to avoid the traffic of Chicago and Milwaukee. . Its also home to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state: the ADA-Accessible Holland State Park. Muskegon has long been more of an industrial city than beach town, but that has changed in recent years. Sure, they're all magnificent, but Lake Michigan has the endless sandy shoreline. PRO-TIP: Use our Guide to the Best Places to Stay in South Haven MI to find a great hotel or B and B. You can see wildflowers along the banks and park along the road to access the beach and restrooms. There are also loaves of bread and other baked products, syrups, jams, juices, meats, and cheeses. Around Christmas, South Haven has a host of holiday festivals to enjoy. Home to two major attractions, the S.S. Badger Carferry to Milwaukee and Ludington State Park, this is one of the most-visited towns in the summer in Michigan. Holland has many other annual events and celebrations that are worth the visit. Check out the masses of flowers, birds and trees at Galien River County Park from a 300-foot canopy walkway that includes a 60-foot-high overlook tower. Just 90 minutes from Chicago, youll find a beautiful public beach. Located on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay, Port Autin offers miles of sandy beaches. The Grand Haven Area offers some amazing views, and you can stroll for miles on the beach, climb the dunes, or set up a picnic with friends to enjoy them. When it comes to food, youll find everything from the most amazing breakfasts to cafs, coffee houses, steakhouses, and even catch-and-cook seafood establishments. You can bar hop or bike ride, stroll through galleries and museums, and enjoy beach days both solitary and jam-packed with volleyballers and sailors. Its the pristine beach and pretty, pink Little Sable Point Lighthouse that youll want to visit. You're not going to be transported to Cape Cod out herebut you are most certainly going to eat some delicious fried cod. Dont miss this, or the cute town of Frankfort (complete with its own craft brewery). Remember, beach vacations are not complete until youve discovered your perfect beachtown. You can visit many of the areas boutiques, they even have some just for children. One of the best Lake Michigan beach towns, St. Joseph's attractions are perfect for family fun, both inside and outside. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore People climbing on the dunes at Sleeping Bearn Dunes National Lakeshore If you want a variety of beaches, landscapes, and lots of things to do, a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore should be on your list of places to see in Michigan. Since you're here, make the 30-minute drive south to Eagle River for a stop at Fitzgerald's (aka "The Fitz"), an inn and restaurant located right on the shores of Lake Superior that serves excellent smokehouse barbecue and a massive selection of hard-to-find craft beers and fine whiskeys. The good news is that reputable personal injury lawyers work on contingency. Grand Haven on Michigans west coast is also known as Coast Guard City. Check. This is a Michigan beach town through and through. New Rose Varieties for Frills, Fragrance and Victorian Charm. BEST Michigan Beach Towns (2023): Your Ultimate Guide to FUN and everything in this town is centered on the beautiful lake. After youve explored a bit, meander back up a bit and walk along the long pier that extends into beautiful Tawas Bay. Petoskey is an outdoors-lovers paradise, with endless hiking and biking trails, and the popular Petoskey State Park. Then theres Bayfront Park, with its clocktower, gazebo, waterfall, and central promenade that connects to the Downtown Gaslight District. There's a (admittedly small) public beach at Marina Park, but there's also fantastic dining at places like Martha's Leelanau Table and 9 Bean Rows, plenty of cute boutiques in downtown Suttons Bay, and the entire Black Star Farms estate campus with its winery and tasting roomcomplete with an onsite inn in the very likely event that you never want to leave. But love for the city on Grand Traverse Bay has hit a fever pitch. A Pair of Flower Farmers Sows a New BeginningTwicein Madison County, Iowa. It has even been considered as one of the top twenty-five beaches in the world. In fact, its hard to believe this stunning shoreline exists in the Midwest of the United States, just a short drive from Chicago. Its walkable labyrinth lets you catch some Zen. Michigan's Best Beach Towns Near Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and More Other fun activities in the Petoskey area include ziplining, ax throwing, river rafting, biking, gambling, water parks, and more. This means that they don't get paid until you get paid. Youll pass Good Hart (dont miss the Good Hart General Store and its delicious cookies) as you head toward Cross Village. 1. Lastly, if youre into gaming, there is the Turtle Creek Casino. If you need a sweet treat to round out the perfect day, The Boardwalk Deli and Ice Cream, Blue Star Caf, and Ice Cream Treats, await you in Saugatuck, one of the seven best beach towns along Lake Michigan. You can save a little money without sacrificing fun for your Michigan vacation rental, by exploring lodging options that are in town or not directly located on the water. If you enjoy sticking your toes in the sand, then Grand Haven Area is the perfect place for you to take a vacation. This LGBTQ+-friendly coastal destination attracts sunshine seekers every summer itching to experience the beauty of Saugatuck Dunes State Park and the gentle waves of Oval Beach. Home Lake Michigan 2023: Michigan Ultimate Travel Guide. It manages to be both rustic and sophisticated, and nowhere is that balance more apparent than in the epicenter of Leelanau, Suttons Bay. They dont call it the Riviera of the Midwest for nothing. In addition, National Geographic Travelers listed this beach as one of its Top Freshwater Beaches in the country. Best Bet: The Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails crisscross 60 miles of the area, including a trail through town. 3319 . It's also the gateway to the Old Mission Peninsula's excellent wineries and home to some of Michigan's best farm-to-table restaurants, such as Farm Club, The Cooks House, and Taproot. Individually, there's not a whole lot going on outside of the dunes and the states finest kitesurfing conditions. The beaches and beach towns are some of the top travel destinations in the country. Were talking wild waves crashing on to a sandy shoreline or calm, rolling surf gently lapping the shores. Check.Shady park with neat benches and well-tended gardens? That it knows itas, apparently, does everyone elsedoesn't diminish its charms. Venture beyond the town to two popular vacation spots: Mullet Lake and Black Lake. The sprawling Pere Marquette Park beach, with its playground, volleyball courts and restaurant, may be the one of the best-kept secrets on the entire coastline, but lets keep that between us. Within the park, you'll find warm, shallow waters at the Hamlin Lake Beach area, and just to the north is the 3,450-acre Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area with plenty of wilderness, sand, and lighthouses to explore. because its simply delightful to explore. This pretty spot is more than just a beach town; its home to an old-fashioned downtown that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Most Charming Michigan Beach Towns You Can't Miss Maybe youve heard East Tawas called the Cape Cod of the Midwest? Thats the name some call East Tawas, MI, and it certainly could be. Stop by the historic Lake Michigan Beach House and tour the exhibits and aquariums related to Michigan's . According to chicagoparent.com, Ludington, with nearly thirty miles of sandy beaches, is viewed as one of the Top 50 All American Beaches in the United States. In addition, this beautiful beach town offers the Lud Public Run Club Loop, Lakestride Routes, 5K Runs on the Beach, and more. As for Mackinaw City, it serves as a holding pen for the island, with a substantial number of shops and small restaurants crammed right by the ferry docks. The historic buildings of Manistee abutt the water. Hike down the 3-mile beach at Warren Dunes State Park, or test your endurance climbing the dunes. Check.A cure downtown with fun shops and restaurants? Indiana Dunes National Park, Chesterton, IN. THE 10 BEST Michigan Beaches (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor At the top of the list among Michigan lakes, Lake Superior was named the 2 nd -best lake to swim in by USA TODAY voters. Where the edge of Lake Michigan meets the Great Lakes State, seven West Michigan beach towns create the most beautiful vacation destinations in the Midwest. On Chicago's South Side, a New River Trail Guides the Way Through Nearly Two Centuries of Black History. Bookstores, Fudge and Ice-Cream shops, gift shops and boutiques line the street for a few blocks. Here we have highlighted for you, in no particular order, the seven best beach towns along Lake Michigan. ), Lake Michigan is big. 14 Top-Rated Beaches in Michigan | PlanetWare Beach-lovers can explore Van Buren State Park's sandy beaches and massive dunes. St. Ignace St. Ignace sits at the northern base of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Come for the sand and surf. The biggest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior offers . The Galien River is perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding. Peak Michigan at the collision of two Great LakesLocated where the waters of Lakes Huron and Lake Michigan meet at the impasse of Michigan's peninsulas, you can only get to Mackinac Island by boat. After indulging in their insane breakfast spread (think prosciutto ricotta omelets and French toast with mascarpone crme frache and fresh berries), grab one of the loaner bikes, cycle along the shore, and get yourself a Neapolitan Milk Stout from Saugatuck Brewing Company before napping and checking out the sunset at the lesser-known Douglas Beach. 15 Best Lake Towns in America - Travel + Leisure Both the beautiful Tawas Bay waters and large harbor are jam-packed during the summer, when visitors flock to this lakeshore beachtown. The real draw, however, is the town and surrounding area, filled with wineries, boutiques, country markets, eateries and more. We love walking the streets of Grand Haven; there a lovely shady park near the town center perfect for a picnic. Sawyer. Shared style crushes help a designer pull from childhood memories to shape a new Chicago area home for a long-time friend. As far as Michigan beach towns go, pretty little Lexington checks all the boxes: Large, picturesque harbor? Whether you think of them as Michigan beach towns or Michigan beachtowns, these unique spots along the Michigan shoreline make perfect vacation spots, day trips or road trips for some pure Michigan fun. Many Lake Michigan beaches offer accessibility to the shoreline and surrounding areas to users of wheelchairs and other devices. Youll find a few brick-lined streets with ice cream shops, little stores and and cafes all within steps of Oscoda Beach Park, a beautiful ADA accessible park on the shores of Lake Huron. Lake Michigan, one of North America's five Great Lakes, provides an enormous shoreline that stretches across parts of Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and of course, Michigan. Sure, youve heard of Oval Beach in Saugatuck (voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Conde Nast). In addition, Petoskey offers many places to enjoy the outdoors, one of which is the Boyne Mountains which provides a terrific ski experience. The days dont get any more picturesque than this. Silver Beach, the sprawling downtown beach, is pure Lake Michigan fun. For example, you can go on a cruise on an enormous ship along the West Grand Traverse Bay, take a carriage ride at the Fantail Farm, or enjoy excellent performances at one of the cities art venues. You don't have to go far to find your idyllic beach vacation, though many visitors come from across the nation to enjoy the best Lake Michigan beach towns. You may even want to shop for yourself, adding to your wardrobe, home decor, or antique collection. Its worth noting that this historic badger carferry is designated a continuance of route U.S.10, a highway which traverses the Midwest beginning in Michigan. Its big in size, big on fun and big in the opportunities for making lasting travel memories. Like Traverse City, Holland has its own selection of fine distilleries, breweries, and wineries that you must take time to check out. Silver Beach County Park. Lake Ontario. Jenn and Adam O'Neal put down roots at Pepperharrow Farm, a 20-acre homestead near Des Moinesand worked with nature to bring it back to life after a devastating 2022 tornado. Plan your getaway to Grand Haven, Holland, South Haven, St. Joseph, Muskegon, Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Saugatuck . No matter where youre at in Michigan, youre never that far of a drive from the water. The 8 Best Beaches Along the Great Lakes | SmarterTravel Just a short drive from the Detroit suburbs has you feeling like youve stepped back in time when you visit Lexington. Michigan Beachtowns | Michigan 7. Cozy up for the night at the gorgeous Hotel Walloon, a boutique hotel that has been painstakingly crafted to honor the historical style of the original Walloon Lake Village, and wake up the next day and rent a tricked-out boat from Tommys; they can hook you up with water ski gear, wakeboards, tubes, and life vests. Thats only a small part of the charm of this nautical beach town. 3) Tulip Time: Every May, the city of Holland becomes a real-life Dutch impressionist painting as it celebrates the budding of hundreds of thousands of technicolor tulips, an annual celebration held since 1929 that honors the city's Dutch settlement heritage. Michigan Beachtowns | Visit West Michigan | West Michigan Lakeshore 1,089. East Tawas. Best Bet: Visit the Box Factory for the Arts, a space with studios, concerts and receptions. From gorgeous beaches and bustling beach towns to endless miles of quiet dune trails and wide-open vistas, the entire coast is an adventure waiting to happen. Rounding out this list of gorgeous beach towns in Michigan is the breathtaking yet tiny town of Saugatuck. Theyre lined with endless shops, boutiques and restaurants worth taking your time to explore. Armstrong De Graaf International Fine Art Gallery, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Its not just this gorgeous beach in Michigan that draws visitors to Saugatuck all year long, or the opportunity for endless outdoor adventure. The West Michigan Pike byway is the best way to explore West Michigan Beach Towns. We ALL agree that Michigan beaches are amazingbut have you heard about our Michigan beach towns? Take a day trip out to Beaver Island, the largest in Lake Michigan with over 100 miles of hiking trails and pristine waters for kayaking. 12 Best Lake Michigan Beaches With White Sand and Stunning Views Trip Ideas Beach Vacations 12 Best Lake Michigan Beaches With White Sand, Rolling Dunes, and Stunning Views These. Holland True to the name, Dutch culture anchors this community with must-see lakefronts at Holland State Park and Tunnel Park. In the fall, people have been known to flock to Holland Park for the annual Labor Day Boardwalk. Here, many walk cruise around on their bicycles, admiring the gorgeous scenery and backdrop of Lake Michigan. That's the dream! Two ferry services offer transportation across Lake Michigan, both originating from Wisconsin and landing on the middle of the west Michigan coast. 4 Michigan lakes among top 10 for swimming in America - Detroit Free Press While exploring the area, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best restaurants Petoskey has to offer. My Michigan Beach is committed to helping improve accessibility to Michigans Great Lakes beaches. Its part of the Lake Michigan basin, which covers almost 50,000 squares miles and includes part of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Featured in this tiny beach town is Oval Beach. Lake Michigan Beaches | West Michigan Beaches | Michigan Beachtowns In the spring, you can come to Holland, enjoy the Dutch-themed amenities, and even join in the Tulip Time Festival, which attracts thousands of people to the area every year. 9 BEST Lake Towns in Michigan - Lake Living Guide 2023 The channel in Charlevoix shows how the town lives with water. In addition to the pretty beaches, youll find top-notch golf courses and fishing charters, too. Thousands travel every year to Michigans beautiful little beach towns. The Au Sable River is home to dams and ponds, too, which are fun to see and quite picturesque. The crown jewel is Pere Marquette Beach, one of the Great Lakes's best-maintained patches, whose white sands and azure waters look almost Caribbean (except, of course, when they're frozen). In the sweet Indiana town of Winona Lake, restored cottages house shops while boats ply a peaceful canal. The proximity of these stores to the beachfront makes it convenient to hop back and forth all daya little splashing in the water; a little walk to the cream shop; a little lying on the beach; a little walk to the sandwich shop. Definitely end your day with a beer on the balcony patio at Cheboygan Brewing Company, where the focus is on classic German styles. Sawyer 's easy access from Chicago and Detroit (it's about 80 miles east of Chitown and about 200 miles west of Detroit) and hundreds of acres of sand dunes make it a top pick for a Michigan beach vacation. There are lake shore resorts in Michigan located right on the beach and many nearby offering outdoor adventure, serene relaxation and a short walk to the Lake Michigan beach. This little beach town offers everything from Mediterranean & Greek food to All American foods like burgers, chicken, and shrimp. Were sharing some of the best beaches here, and you might also want to check out our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Beaches and our Guide to 10 Secret, Must See Beaches, too. Michigan is a dog-loving state, and many beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline welcome furry companions. 8 Best Small Towns To Visit In The Great Lakes Region The classic starting points for a visit here are the Michigan Maritime Museum and 1810 replica Friends Good Will tall ship. Tamales are a project, but many handseven tiny onesmake lighter work. When you need a break from the sun, head to the nearby Curious Kids Children's Museum, and Curious Kids Discovery Center, or The Silver Beach Carousel. In addition, this town features numerous art galleries, art shows, and art festivals. The shore is wilder here, be sure and stop at Legs Inn. Its close to many Michigan breweries, too, so you can try a craft beer or hard cider after a day of exploration. Drive through Michigans famous Tunnel of Trees from Harbor Springs to Cross Village a scenic road trip. Blocks of brick buildings downtown hold independent shops, galleries, eateries and brewpubs. Tawas Point State Park, on Tawas Bay, even has a pet-friendly, fenced-in section of shoreline so your dog can safely run and play on the sugar-sand beach and in the warm, shallow waters. Ludington State Park. This little beach town, located on Lake Michigan, is an incredible place to visit. Visit South Haven Michigan | West Michigan Beachtowns | Lake Michigan Beer enthusiasts should make sure to take an hour out of their day and check out Bire de Mac Brew Works for a few cold ones with a side Mackinac Bridge views and excellent bar food. Eagle River beach has stretches of sand on the shores of Lake Superior. The West Michigan beach town was one of 20 winning vacation spots. If you are a food connoisseur, this quaint town on Lake Michigan has many tasty options to suit your palate. The DeZwaan Windmill, moved here from the Netherlands, anchors Windmill Island Gardens and still grinds winter wheat and corn.
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