By now I’m sure you realize that you live in the best state, for summer. When it comes to summer, beaches are on our bucket lists, and Michigan is surrounded by endless bodies of beautifully blue water. Now that life seems to be resuming it’s time to plan your next trip to the beach! We’ve got you covered with our list of our five favorite Michigan beaches as well as things to do at each one.
Leelenau Peninsula
Location| Northwest Michigan- The “Little Finger” of the Lower Peninsula
Beach Life| There are a ton of beach options, but Lake Michigan Beach Park is a family favorite. There are picnic tables, restrooms, paved parking, and a smaller lake within Lake Michigan, thanks to a sand bar, for the littles under 12 to enjoy.
The Leelenau Peninsula is surrounded by beautiful beaches. The Leelenau State Park is located at the upper corner of the peninsula and National Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must see.
Silver Lake State Park
Location| Mears, Michigan
Beach Life| If you want a beach area with family fun and adventure then this is your place. Silver Lake State Park is one of Lake Michigan’s beautiful coastlines. It is separated by sand dunes which also create Silver Lake. Running down the dunes and renting boats or jet skis are just a few of the fun adventures to have.
Mac Woods Dune Rides are a major hot spot here. Enjoy a fast pace ride along the dunes, which usually feature a photo-op and exploration time, on Lake Michigan.
Cheboygan State Park
Location| Cheboygan, Michigan
Beach Life| Lake Michigan is beautiful, but it isn’t the only gorgeous lake in our state. For example, Lake Huron is another royal blue body of water to enjoy this summer.
Cheboygan State Park offers scenic trails that lead to miles of Lake Huron Shores. This rustic venue has fishing, boating, and rustic cabins for lodging.
South Higgins Lake State Park
Location| Roscommon, Michigan
Beach Life| The Great Lakes are not the only source of beach life. Higgins Lake is an inland lake that offers the perfect lake for swimming without getting muck on your feet.
Take your family on the boat and park at the sand bar for swimming, sunbathing, and the perfect beach day with friends. Don’t forget to stop at Nibbles for a tasty treat to end your day.
Oval Beach
Location| Saugutuck, Michigan
Beach Life| This scenic beach is located in the quaint, Michigan beach town, of Saugutuck. Oval beach is a roughly 10 minute drive from the downtown district shopping and eateries. This beautiful, lake Michigan coastline is one of the best fresh water beaches according to National Geographic. It costs $10 per car or $50 for a seasonal pass, but is well worth the endless swimming, sun soaking, and beautiful photo-ops.
You can take the Chain Ferry from the channel located downtown all the way to a walking path that leads to the beach. This only costs $2 per person with children under two, pets, and bicycles free!
