Michigan’s freshwater coastline stretches for thousands of miles, so it can be hard to figure out the best place for a quiet beach vacation. That’s where we come in!
After a decade of chasing my three boys up dunes and down boardwalks, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes Michigan beach towns work for a chill family vacation.
They are the ones where the lake is calm enough for floating and fishing all day long. The ice cream shop is within walking distance from the cabin (and shoes are always an option). And the biggest decision of the day is whether to swim before breakfast or wait until after.
Friend, the following destinations check all of the boxes: calm water, clean and accessible beaches, kid-friendly lodging, and just enough things to do without overwhelming the itinerary. They are the best quiet beach towns in Michigan.
Table of contents
- Pentwater: One of the Best Quiet Beach Towns in Michigan for Families Who Camp
- Union Pier: A Family-Focused Beachtown with Nature Trails and Cottage Rentals
- East Tawas: A Top Quiet Beach Town on Lake Huron with Lifeguards and Campgrounds
- Empire: Quiet Beach Town Living in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Caseville: A Quiet Saginaw Bay Beachtown with Lifeguards and Walkable Streets
- Oscoda: One of the Best Quiet Beach Towns in Michigan with River Adventures
- Frankfort: A Quiet Lake Michigan Beachtown with Trail Access and Family Resorts
- Port Austin: A Quiet Thumb Coast Destination for Michigan Family Beach Vacations
- Ludington: A Lake Michigan Beachtown with Calm Inland Waters for Families
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Pentwater: One of the Best Quiet Beach Towns in Michigan for Families Who Camp
Pentwater, a sweet beach town on the Lake Michigan shoreline, boasts a harbor, a walkable downtown, and an easy-going pace. Families looking for something relaxing to do won’t have to look far. For a little workout (and a lot of floating) check out Pentwater River Outfitters’ paddle trips along the Pentwater River. After a long day at the beach, cool off at one of the free evening concerts on the Village Green. Need a beach read for the kids? Check out the adorable Storybook Village. This bookstore is so much more than a place to buy books. Developed by an educator and an architect, Storybook Village is an interactive play space that has been nationally recognized.
Where to Stay
Charles Mears State Park is a local gem, with its long sandy beach, calm waves, and nearby campground that offers electric hook-ups, bathhouses, and a playground. The campground is just steps from the water, and local kids often spend their mornings biking the nearby trails.
If camping isn’t the right fit, then check out Pentwater Cottage Rentals. There are a variety of cottages that provide everything that a family would need to settle right in for a week or two.
Union Pier: A Family-Focused Beachtown with Nature Trails and Cottage Rentals
Down in Harbor Country, Union Pier is an under-the-radar spot close to the Indiana border. It’s the perfect place to visit Lake Michigan without the summer crowds of New Buffalo. Families with young children will love Townline Road Beach for its shallow waters and soft sand. Older kids will get a kick out of Galien River County Park. My boys love the treetop canopy walk, marsh boardwalk, and fishing platform. A morning hike at nearby Warren Dunes State Park during the spring or fall is a must for bird lovers. It’s a stopover on a bird migration route!
Where to Stay
Goldberry Woods Inn & Cottages is a standout spot for a family stay. Guests can expect bikes, kayaks, farm breakfasts, and plenty of room for everyone. This unique modern farm resort offers 3- to 4-bedroom family cottages complete with firepits, fireplaces, and screened in porches.
East Tawas: A Top Quiet Beach Town on Lake Huron with Lifeguards and Campgrounds
On Lake Huron’s Sunrise Coast are the towns of East Tawas and Tawas City. We think they are one of the best family beach combos in the state. First, East Tawas City Park Beach is ideal for younger swimmers, with a gradual slope and seasonal lifeguards. The park includes a shaded campground with electric hookups and lakefront views. And just a short drive away, Tawas Point State Park is known for warm, shallow water and a walkable lighthouse tour. In 2023, it was awarded a Best of the Midwest award from Midwest Living!
Where to Stay
The Tawas Bay Beach Resort offers comfortable family suites and an indoor pool and sauna. In the summer guests will love the watercraft rentals, beach games, nightly bonfires, and live entertainment.
Empire: Quiet Beach Town Living in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Tucked into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire is a small town that offers big nature experiences. Families often split their beach days between Empire Beach—with its lifeguards, picnic tables, and playground—and nearby North Bar Lake, a smaller inland lake that’s separated from Lake Michigan by a walkable sandbar. The water here warms up fast and stays calm, which is perfect for little swimmers. A scenic drive along Pierce Stocking or a hike along the Empire Bluff Trail are the perfect ways to end a day.
Where to Stay
D.H. Day Campground offers rustic but beautiful sites under shaded trees, while Empire Lakeshore Inn and M22 Inn provide quintessential lakeside suites that families will love.
Caseville: A Quiet Saginaw Bay Beachtown with Lifeguards and Walkable Streets
Up in Michigan’s Thumb region, Caseville is known for its wide beach and quiet bay waters. Caseville County Park is located right off Main Street, making it easy to go from building sandcastles to grabbing dinner. The park includes a beach with lifeguards, a large playground, restrooms, and a full-service campground. (Families often book early to get a good spot.) Beyond the beach, there’s plenty to explore at Port Crescent State Park or at the Thumb Octagon Barn, which hosts festivals and historical events throughout the summer.
Where to Stay
Sandcastles on the Beach offers beachfront motel rooms with enough space for the kids, and Bella Vista Inn and Sunset Bay Resort is a family-friendly motel that has beachside rooms, suites, penthouses, and weekly beachfront chalet rentals, with upper levels accessible by stairs only.
Oscoda: One of the Best Quiet Beach Towns in Michigan with River Adventures
Oscoda is a peaceful stretch of the Lake Huron coast, with access to both open water and river adventures. Oscoda Beach Park is a popular spot with a playground, picnic shelters, and a pier for watching the sunrise. There’s also tubing and kayaking along the Au Sable River, a local favorite for warm days. Nature-loving families will enjoy stops at the Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center and Iargo Springs, where wooden steps lead down to a peaceful freshwater spring.
Where to Stay
Lodging options include the Oscoda KOA Resort, which offers cabin rentals and weekend events for kids. For rustic charm and big pine trees, Old Orchard Park Campground is nestled near Foote Pond and offers scenic wooded sites.
Tucked just north of Oscoda, Havenwood Shores offers families a cozy retreat with 12 comfortable cabins, a private Lake Huron beach, an indoor pool and sauna, and easy access to the Huron National Forest.
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Frankfort: A Quiet Lake Michigan Beachtown with Trail Access and Family Resorts
Frankfort’s quiet beaches, rolling dunes, and colorful sunsets make it an ideal spot for families looking to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan. Point Betsie Lighthouse offers a glimpse into Great Lakes history, while the town’s maple-lined streets and Victorian homes create a charming place to stroll and explore local shops and galleries. Frankfort Beach is well-loved by families. There is a large play structure, restrooms, and a shoreline that stays swimmable for most of the summer. The nearby Betsie Valley Trail provides a scenic and safe place to bike or walk.
Where to Stay
Harbor Lights Resort in Frankfort offers a range of accommodations, from motel rooms to spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condos, just steps from a private Lake Michigan beach and the walkable downtown. Families enjoy the indoor pool and spa, daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, and convenient amenities like a courtyard with grills, in-room comforts, and coffee and donuts in the lobby.
Port Austin: A Quiet Thumb Coast Destination for Michigan Family Beach Vacations
At the tip of the Thumb, Port Austin draws families with its nature trails, unique rock formations, and small-town charm. Our favorite family activity is to rent kayaks to paddle out to Turnip Rock. Bird Creek Park, right in town, has a family-friendly beach, playground, and picnic spots. Port Crescent State Park stretches along the shoreline with quiet beaches and a campground that feels remote and serene. Families who enjoy stargazing will want to bring a telescope—the dark sky preserve here offers some of the best night views in the entire state.
Where to Stay
Lake Vista Resort provides beach access from their adorable white-washed cabins with kitchenettes and outdoor grills. The Blue Spruce Motel offers lawn games and simple, yet spacious rooms for weekend getaways.
Ludington: A Lake Michigan Beachtown with Calm Inland Waters for Families
Ludington strikes the perfect balance for families, offering both open-water beach access and calm inland lake options. Stearns Park Beach, located near the idyllic downtown, is known for its pier, clean restrooms, playground, and seasonal lifeguards. Just north of town, Hamlin Lake offers shallower, warmer water within the boundaries of Ludington State Park. The campground at the state park is a favorite for family reunions and weekend getaways, with multiple beach access points, clean facilities, and organized nature programs. Families in Ludington also enjoy lighthouse hikes, visits to the Sandcastles Children’s Museum, and watching the S.S. Badger ferry return to port.
Where to Stay
Parkview Cottages offers historic rentals in Ludington, just steps from the beach and Stearns Park. Guests can choose from enchanting cottages, apartments, or a small home, all with full kitchens, cable TV, and outdoor spaces with grills. The rentals are close to downtown shops, Lake Michigan, and local attractions.
Michigan’s best quiet beach towns for families offer more than soft sand and scenic sunsets—they provide a break from the fast pace of modern life. These destinations will charm families with accessible nature, safe swimming, and peaceful places to stay. Whether it’s a quick weekend in a motel near the dunes or a weeklong stay in a lakefront cabin, these towns combine low-key appeal with practical comforts.
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