The lakes that border Michigan are part of the Great Lakes and thus the state boasts wonderful beaches and 3,288 miles of coastline. On the west side of the state, beaches along Lake Michigan provide sandy shores for swimming, sunbathing, or watching a beautiful sunset, while on the east side, the facilities at the Lake Huron beaches are first-rate.
But with all the choices, which of these can be considered the gem of gems, the best beach in the state of Michigan? I’ve gone through a careful evaluation of sand quality, beautiful scenes, and other features and amenities, and is now down to the most promising sites for each side of the state of Florida.
It is a known fact that Grand Haven State Park earns the trophy for the best beach and it is located on the western coast of Michigan along the shore of Lake Michigan. The park also contains more than 48 acres of beachfront and is recognized for its beautiful sugar sands with dunes of more than 130 feet. The shore of the lake is smooth in that it has a low gradient hence perfect for swimming or wading into deeper waters. The views over Lake Michigan are also breathtaking, and sunsets are particularly beautiful.
Grand Haven State Park boasts several facilities that it offers to the public, and there are over 158 sites for camping alone, as well as restroom and shower facilities. Some of the amenities at the beach area include shade, tables, barbeque grills as well as mini-play equipment for the children. One of the most popular features of the park is the red pier and catwalk protruding more than 500 feet beyond the surface of Lake Michigan. The beautiful and active downtown of Grand Haven is also within the vicinity.
Switching over to the East Coast of Michigan on Lake Huron, the most closely related scenic beach is Nikona Beach. Sited in the Tawas Point in the Tawas Point State Park in the so-called ‘Sunrise Coast’, it ranks among the best beaches in Michigan.
It has an extensive sandy shore for as far as the eyes can see, and massive sand hills which can rise to as high as one hundred feet on the shoreline. Some of the extensive features of the lake include the fact that it has a gradual sandy bottom which makes wading and swimming enjoyable. Nikon has a great view of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron – it is said that if the weather is right one can see Lake Huron 30 miles off. Sunrises here are equally beautiful too With these visuals, let us take a look at some of the different types of […]
The park has a spacious recreation area including restrooms, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, 186 campsites, and more. East Tawas, the neighbor, is a picturesque harbor with shops and cafes for spectators.
Two, it contains the Tawas Point Light, one of the few lighthouses with a full-access exterior and interior. The lighthouse is a perfect one for taking pictures, especially near the background of Lake Huron.
While Michigan does not only boast of beautiful sandy beaches on both the eastern and the western sides of the state, if I had my way in choosing only one beach that is deserving of the “best beach in Michigan” title, I would not hesitate to choose Grand Haven, State Park. The sugar sand beach and the enticing view of Lake Michigan are other attractions that are found at this park. A modern downtown of Grand Haven with various shops, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment facilities is only a few steps from the shore.
Some runners-up for best Michigan beach include
Lakeport State Park – Another preferred Lake Huron beach in the ‘Thumb’ area of Michigan, it is renowned for its 2.5-mile sandy beach, high sand cliffs, and spectacular sunrises/set.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park – Over 2000 acres are still virtually untouched and are located along a very rare type of coastline in Michigan, the freshwater coastal dunes. Features a +2,000 feet of beautiful shoreline on Lake Michigan.
Holland State Park – A prime beachfront spanning the shores of the famous Lake Michigan sugar sand, Holland State Park also has scenic dunes, picnic amenities, and a fishing pier that serves as a vantage point for scenic views.
Bay City State Recreation Area – Located near the Saginaw Bay shoreline, this park features a sandy beach and a breathtaking view of the sunsets over Lake Huron. Wetlands and woodlands are also included in a park that has a coastal environment.
Warren Dunes State Park, where hikers are astonished by 260-foot tall dunes, stunning three miles of sandy beaches, and breathtaking views of the crystal clear lake.
All of the beaches in Michigan are unique in their special way but when comparing all the beaches in the Great Lakes State, Grand Haven State Park reigns supreme as the best beach in Michigan. From its little, colorful town, to fantastic features, and that beautiful lakeshore, Grand Haven is one of the best places for a great Great Lakes sand and sun experience.
Some runners-up for best Michigan beach include The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s Saunders Point Beach in Munising, the white and polished limestone along the Petoskey State Park on the Little Traverse Bay, and the expansive sandy Arcadian shore at the Orchard Beach State Park.
Choosing a beach in Michigan is like choosing between the pieces of cake; you are spoilt for choice. Thus, enjoy your visit and start discovering the beautiful shorelines that make Michigan a midwestern and coastal state to visit. Regardless of your destination, a beautiful day is within your grasp to play in the sand and revel in Michigan’s shoreline beauty.
What's the overall best beach in Michigan?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers stunning sand dunes, crystal-clear water, and breathtaking views.
Where can I find a family-friendly beach?
Grand Haven City Beach provides a classic beach experience with soft sand, calm waters, and plenty of amenities.
Which beach is best for surfing and water sports?
Silver Lake State Park offers unique dune riding and access to Lake Michigan for water sports enthusiasts.
Where can I find a secluded beach?
Twelvemile Beach in Grand Marais provides a peaceful escape with stunning natural beauty.
What beach is best for exploring nature?
Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City offers miles of pristine shoreline and diverse wildlife.