With shorelines on four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is one of the best states in the country for summer beach adventures. And this year, I had the honor of helping select the very best for USA TODAY’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards — a list determined by both expert recommendations and reader votes.
It’s hard to narrow down Michigan’s miles of freshwater coastline, but these ten beaches rose to the top. They’re scenic, family-friendly, and full of everything from red pebble shores to towering sand dunes.
Whether it’s your first time visiting the Great Lakes or your fiftieth, these Michigan beaches offer something special.
Table of contents
- No. 10: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — Empire
- No. 9: Grand Haven City Beach — Grand Haven
- No. 8: Oval Beach — Saugatuck
- No. 7: Silver Lake Sand Dunes Beach — Hart
- No. 6: Hunter’s Point Park — Copper Harbor
- No. 5: South Beach — South Haven
- No. 4: Stearns Park Beach — Ludington
- No. 3: Silver Beach County Park — St. Joseph
- No. 2: Pere Marquette Park — Muskegon
- No. 1: First Street Beach — Manistee
- Why This List Matters
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No. 10: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — Empire
At the western edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes is more than just a beach—it’s a national treasure. Hikers climb 400-foot dunes, families picnic with Lake Michigan views, and paddlers explore hidden shoreline spots. The sandy beaches at the foot of the dunes are ideal for relaxing after a trek, and the Heritage Trail offers an easy path through the park’s forests and meadows.
No. 9: Grand Haven City Beach — Grand Haven
Right next to the Grand Haven State Park, this public beach delivers all the beach-town charm. Families love the soft sand and easy access to snacks, ice cream, and the lively boardwalk. The iconic red lighthouse and musical fountain are local favorites, and you’re just a short walk from shops and restaurants.
No. 8: Oval Beach — Saugatuck
This Lake Michigan gem is tucked behind the dunes near the artsy town of Saugatuck. Oval Beach has been a Midwest beach favorite for decades, thanks to its clean sand, gentle surf, and scenic hiking nearby. Come early for parking and stay late for the sunsets—locals bring beach chairs and picnics and make an evening of it.
No. 7: Silver Lake Sand Dunes Beach — Hart
If the kids want to swim and the grown-ups want to drive dune buggies, this is the spot. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is one of Michigan’s most adventurous beaches. The shoreline here is split between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, with towering dunes in between. Bring the sunscreen—and your sense of adventure.
No. 6: Hunter’s Point Park — Copper Harbor
Located at the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, this peaceful Lake Superior beach is unlike anything else on the list. Red pebbles cover the shoreline, and hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest. It’s a quiet, wild place perfect for rock hunting, skipping stones, or simply sitting still by the water.
No. 5: South Beach — South Haven
This ADA-accessible beach has everything for a classic beach day: grills, picnic tables, concessions, and a playground. South Beach is close to town, making it easy to grab lunch or ice cream. The red lighthouse at the end of the pier is an iconic photo op, and kids love watching boats come and go.
No. 4: Stearns Park Beach — Ludington
Ludington’s Stearns Park Beach is walkable, wide, and welcoming. It’s ideal for families thanks to the playground, picnic spots, and calm swimming conditions. The paved walkway makes it easy to access with strollers, and the concession stands and mini golf across the street make it easy to spend the whole day.
No. 3: Silver Beach County Park — St. Joseph
This beach is packed with things to do: kayak rentals, volleyball courts, splash pads, and even a vintage carousel nearby. Silver Beach has plenty of space to spread out and is just steps from downtown St. Joe. Families love it for its variety and convenience—and those picture-perfect lighthouse views.
No. 2: Pere Marquette Park — Muskegon
Muskegon’s crown jewel offers 2.5 miles of golden sand, two lighthouses, volleyball nets, and a popular beach bar and grill called The Deck. It’s spacious enough to find your own quiet corner, but still buzzing with energy. Locals love the walking trails and sunset views.
No. 1: First Street Beach — Manistee
Manistee’s First Street Beach earned the top spot this year, and it’s easy to see why. The wide sandy shore, volleyball courts, calm waves, and nearby amenities make it a summer favorite. The beach offers easy access to picnic shelters, restrooms, and a playground. It’s the kind of place where generations come back every year—and now it’s Michigan’s best beach of 2025.
Why This List Matters
As someone who’s written about family travel across Michigan for years—and spent more summers on Lake Superior than I can count—it was an honor to help choose this year’s finalists for the 10Best list. Every one of these beaches represents something special about Michigan: natural beauty, family traditions, small-town charm, and the joy of a freshwater summer.
Wherever you choose to dip your toes, I hope this list gives you new ideas for your next Michigan adventure.
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