Top Michigan Beaches to Explore in 2025

Looking for the best beaches in Michigan? We’ve explored the stunning shorelines of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron to find the perfect spots for swimming, hiking, and capturing those unforgettable views. These top Michigan beaches offer experiences that rival any ocean coastline. From towering dunes and crystal-clear waters to hidden coves and spectacular sunsets.

Let’s dive into the best beaches in Michigan for your 2025 adventures…

Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a living testament to the power of glaciers. Towering ridges of golden sand rise above lush forests, and every ridge crest delivers a panoramic vista of blue-green water stretching to the horizon. It’s a place where sunrise and sunset light transforms ordinary dunes into glowing landscapes—perfect for photographers, hikers, and anyone craving a sense of wild discovery.

• Dune Climb Trail: Conquer the famous steep ascent for unbeatable lake views.
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: Seven overlooks reveal varied dune shapes and shoreline angles.
• Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Rent gear in nearby Glen Arbor to explore hidden bays and sandbars.

Plan your visit on a weekday morning between late May and early June to experience cool, calm waters and minimal crowds at the base of the dunes.

On Michigan’s southwest shoreline, Warren Dunes State Park blends dramatic vertical faces of sand with dense wooded backdrops. Each dune climb reveals a new perspective over Lake Michigan, from rocky outcrops to smooth sandy beaches below. Beyond the dunes, shaded trails wind through hardwood groves, making this park a year-round playground for adventure and relaxation alike.

• Dune Hike: Scale “Tower Hill” for a 360° panorama over lake and forest.
• Winter Sand Sledding: When the dunes frost over, bring a saucer and ride down snow-packed slopes.
• Picnic Shelters & Playgrounds: Convenient family-friendly spots just steps from the sand.

Bring along a plastic sled for dune-boarding, one of the most unique activities in any Michigan state park. YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Grand Haven’s mile-long beach is the heart of a classic lakeshore town, where families flock to sunbathe by day and gather at the band shell by night. The red-and-white-striped lighthouse serves as an iconic backdrop for sunset selfies, while the adjacent pier walk stretches half a mile into open water. Quieter coves nearby and kayak rentals make it easy to escape the bustle without straying far from town amenities.

• Outdoor Band Shell: Free concerts Wednesday and Saturday nights (June–August).
• Lighthouse & Pier Walk: A 1.5-mile stroll filled with photo opportunities.
• Kayak Rentals: Explore sandy shoals and hidden inlets around the harbor entrance.

Cap off your day with a locally made waffle cone on the pier—then stay to watch the lighthouse beam come alive after dark.

Marquette’s hidden gem, Presque Isle Park, juts into Lake Superior with a rugged coastline that alternates between rocky promontories and tucked-away sand pockets. Cool breezes off the lake keep air temperatures pleasantly mild on warm days, and the mix of granite outcrops and soft sand is a photographer’s dream. Miles of multi-use trails crisscross the peninsula, inviting exploration on foot or by bike.

• Bay View Overlook: Spectacular sights of Marquette Harbor and distant islands.
• Secluded Coves: Discover mini-beaches hidden among sculpted rocks.
• Mountain Biking & Hiking: Well-maintained trails wind through mixed hardwoods and pines.

Park at the north entrance and follow the forest path to stumble upon quiet, little-known beaches—especially beautiful when autumn colors mirror on the water.

Tawas Point State Park is a slender, sandy finger stretching nearly 1,000 feet into Lake Huron—earning its nickname, “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” On either side, shallow waters lap gently against the shore, making it one of the best safe-swimming spots in the state. The stately Tawas Point Lighthouse stands sentinel at the tip, while rolling dunes and marsh habitats draw migrating birds throughout the year.

• Birdwatching Platforms: Ideal for spotting spring and fall migrants, including warblers and shorebirds.
• Lighthouse Tours: Climb the tower during summer months for sweeping lake views.
• Shallow Swim Zone: Perfect for families with little ones learning to wade and splash.

Time your visit for the annual Tawas Point Birding Festival (usually late May) to join expert-led walks and banding demonstrations.

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly swims or sandy thrills these five beaches showcase the best of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. Plan your visit in shoulder season for smaller crowds and exceptional light—then grab your paddleboard, sled, or camera and explore beyond the beaten path. Your ultimate Michigan beach adventure starts here.