Best Michigan beaches for families (our top picks!)
It's known as the Great Lakes State, and with all those beautiful lakes comes just as beautiful beaches. If your next trip has you headed to the marvelous state of Michigan, there is an array of stunning beaches ideal for families. From miles of shoreline to calm waters and a variety of family-friendly amenities, these beaches offer the perfect setting for fun-filled days in the sun. Here are our 11 best beaches in Michigan for families:
Top 3 Michigan beaches for picnics:
1. Grand Haven State Park
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven State Park is a great place for sunbathing and swimming. This park has multiple picnic areas with picnic tables, grills, and plenty of space for the whole family to spread out. Picnic shelters are also available near the beachfront, perfect for a quick escape from the sun or to enjoy lunch with young children. Visitors can take a stroll to the pier and lighthouse or take a hike through the sand dunes for a breathtaking view of the lake.
2. Warren Dunes State Park
The Warren Dunes State Park is located in Southwest Michigan. This beach offers everything your family needs for an enjoyable beach trip. There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, and numerous hiking trails if you want to take a break from the beach activities. The beach has soft, pleasant sand and beautiful sand dunes that make you feel like you're in the tropics. The kids will love exploring the different trails and playing beach sports. Snack bars provide enough food for the whole family, and there are plenty of facilities for changing and cleaning up.
3. South Haven Beach - South Beach
South Haven’s South Beach, located in southwest Michigan, is one of the best sandy beaches perfect for a picnic. This beach offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, a lighthouse, and a beautiful walkway. The beach provides visitors with picnic tables, grills, and picnic shelters, making it easy to have lunch with the whole family. The beach also includes a playground perfect for young children to burn off some energy after eating and a pedestrian bridge for a beautiful view of the Black River that flows into Lake Michigan.
Don’t miss these…
Top 5 Michigan beaches to cross off your bucket list:
1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear blue water, and stunning rock formations, this beach area offers breathtaking views. Hiking trails lead you along the shoreline, where you can explore unique geological features and catch glimpses of bald eagles soaring above. The park also has an observation deck for panoramic vistas of Lake Superior. With its white sand beaches and nature trails, Pictured Rocks is an outdoor lover's dream.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a premier destination located in the northwest part of Michigan, about 28 miles from downtown Traverse City. While the destination itself is notable from the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to the famed Dune Climb, Sleeping Bear is also home to seven total area beaches including Platte River Point, Peterson Beach, North Bar Lake, Esch Beach, and Glen Haven Beach. All offer stunning views of Lake Michigan with plenty of space for recreational activities like swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Picnic tables and picnic shelters are located near select beach areas, and visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the lake and sand dunes while having a meal. All are perfect for perfecting a favorite pastime - Petoskey stone hunting.
3. Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a haven for outdoor activities. The park features miles of hiking and nature trails that wind through forests and sand dunes, offering scenic views at every turn. The beach area boasts soft, white sand where you can relax or swim in the refreshing water. For bird watchers, Ludington State Park is a perfect spot to observe bald eagles in their natural habitat. With easy access to the beach and a variety of outdoor activities, Ludington State Park is also a great destination for nature lovers.
4. Petoskey State Park
Petoskey State Park beach is a picturesque oasis located on a bay of Lake Michigan in Petoskey. This beach is renowned for its unique treasures – Petoskey stones – that can be found scattered along the shoreline. With its soft sandy beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Petoskey State Park offers the perfect setting for swimming, kayaking and SUP rentals, and picnicking. Visitors can work up a sweat hiking the nearby trails, then take a refreshing dip in the lake, or stroll along the shore when done.
5. Tawas Point State Park
Tawas Point State Park, located on the shores of Lake Huron, is a haven for outdoor activities. This beach area is home to miles of hiking and biking trails, along with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and bird-watching. The park features scenic views of the lake and Tawas Bay, and visitors can even climb to the top of the Tawas Point Lighthouse for panoramic vistas. With its sandy beaches and diverse outdoor activities, Tawas Point State Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Love waterparks?
Top 2 Michigan beaches for outdoor activities:
1. Oval Beach
Oval Beach is located on the southwestern side of Michigan. This beach is renowned for its spotless and soft sand, large and gentle waves, and shallow water. The shallow water makes it easy for kids of all ages to play and swim without worrying about big waves. Still, for those wishing to challenge the waves, you can head closer to deeper water. Your family will enjoy the beach volleyball and basketball courts available, as well as a splash pad for the young ones (and those young at heart). There is a snack bar, and you can enjoy some ice cream while soaking in the sun.
2. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
This magnificent jewel on the shore of Lake Michigan is an expansive park that offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness and appreciate the beauty of the night sky like never before. This beach is perfect for stargazing enthusiasts, and its location in the park is specifically designed to minimize light pollution, providing visitors with unobstructed views of the stars. During the day, visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan, the picturesque sandy shores, and the verdant, rolling hills. Hot tip: This is known as a perfect location for seeing the Northern Lights.
