Sun, Sand, and Serenity

Due to its enormous coastline, the Great Lakes State has its share of fantastic beaches and beach towns.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore [1]: Although the U.P.’s Lake Superior coast isn’t ideal for swimmers — given the lake’s frigid temperatures year-round — the beaches here are perfect for beachcombers, bird-watchers, hikers, and sea kayakers with wetsuits. For relative solitude, venture toward Grand Sable Dunes [2].

Tawas Point State Park [3]: East of Tawas City, this park is noted for its pure white sandy beach, its warm waters, its well-preserved lighthouse, and its incredible view of the sunrise over Lake Huron.

Port Crescent State Park: [4] Near the tip of the Thumb, this park offers three miles of sandy beaches and dunes. Less popular than spots along Lake Michigan, here you’ll have a better chance of finding peace and quiet amid the great outdoors.

Warren Dunes State Park: [5] Situated north of Sawyer, this park offers three miles of sandy beaches, with incredibly high dunes. Beachcombers and swimmers crowd the southern end every summer. Farther inland, hikers and bird-watchers will find a bit more solitude.

Oval Beach: [6] Families flock to this popular Saugatuck-area beach, where swimmers can enjoy relatively warm waters in summer and adventurers can explore the nearby dunes.

Holland State Park: [7] One of Michigan’s loveliest and most accessible beaches lures hundreds of swimmers and sunbathers on summer weekends. The park offers campgrounds, volleyball courts, amazing sunsets, a nearby boating lake, and terrific lighthouse views.

Grand Haven State Park: [8] Easy to reach from downtown, this sandy swimming beach is usually crowded with sun-seekers and metal-detecting enthusiasts in summer. Others come for the fishing pier, campground, picnic area, and photo-worthy lighthouses.

Muskegon State Park: [9] Part of a diverse 1,165-acre park, this two-mile stretch of sand attracts tons of swimmers, beachcombers, surfers, and picnickers every year. Head inland for hiking, fishing, and other recreational opportunities

Silver Lake Sand Dunes: [10] Perhaps the highlight of Oceana County, this stretch of sand is favored among off-road enthusiasts — the only place in the state where off-road dune driving is allowed.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: [11] It’s a must that you visit this natural wonder during your trip to Michigan. Here, you’ll find a curvy stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, with some of the tallest dunes in the state, and ideal places to canoe, fish, hike, and, in winter, ski.