The Most Breathtaking Beaches Along Lake Michigan's Pristine Coastline

When you dream of a beach vacation, the Midwestern United States might not be the first place to come to mind. However, the Midwest is full of underrated cities, off-the-beaten-path adventures, hidden gems like the Minnesotan North Shore, and miles of coastline. Lake Michigan should definitely be on your radar if you love sandy beaches and gorgeous scenery. It's located in the Northern Midwest in the Great Lakes region, which is often referred to as the "Third Coast." There are five Great Lakes, but Lake Michigan is the only one that is located entirely within the United States. The states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan all enjoy portions of its coastline.

If you didn't know any better, you might mistake the vast Lake Michigan for the ocean. It's 118 miles wide and 307 miles long, and in most places, it's impossible to see the land when looking out from the beach. It is the fifth-largest lake in the world, and there are more than 1,640 miles of beautiful coastline to explore.

During the winter, the climate in the Great Lakes region can be quite brutal, but air and water temperatures gradually increase during the summer months. By August, water temperatures reach around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making Lake Michigan perfect for swimming. Lake Michigan's sugary white sand beaches provide the perfect place to sunbathe, build sandcastles, and soak up the summer vibes. From lively urban beaches to secluded dune-covered shores, Lake Michigan's coastline is the ideal beach destination in the Midwest –– and here are some outstanding beaches you can visit to see for yourself.

If you're a fan of adorable beach towns, head straight to Saugatuck — one of the best towns to visit on the Great Lakes. Saugatuck is located on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, about three hours from Detroit. There's a ton to do in town, but Oval Beach is the main attraction. Covered in golden sand and towering dunes, the expansive beach has been ranked amongst the top beaches in the world. Located just 10 minutes by car from downtown Saugatuck, there are plenty of amenities for beachgoers. Public bathrooms are available, and there's a concession stand where you can purchase snacks and beverages. Parking costs $15 per vehicle.

After spending the day swimming in the freshwater and lounging in the sun, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy in Saugatuck. Known as Michigan's "Art Coast," the town is full of unique galleries and studios where you can admire the work of local and internationally recognized artists. Cute boutiques sell handcrafted gifts, decor, jewelry, and clothing. Make sure to check out the public art displays around town, which include murals and sculptures. There's a ton of live music in the summertime at local bars and venues, so bring your dancing shoes. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also popular activities around Saugatuck and Oval Beach. If you want to get your heart pumping, climb the stairs to the top of the massive Mount Baldhead sand dune. For the perfect cozy vacation or romantic getaway, book a room at one of the town's many quaint inns or bed and breakfasts. Prices start at around $150 per night.

Ludington State Park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near the town of Ludington and is one of the state's most popular parks. The 5,300-acre preserve is home to some epic freshwater dunes and 7 miles of sandy beaches. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is one of the main attractions within the state park. One of the most stunning lighthouses on the Great Lakes, Big Sable Point is traditionally decorated with black and white stripes and was completed in 1867. It has guided sailors safely to shore for over 100 years. The historic lighthouse stands 112 feet tall, and visitors can climb to the top to enjoy beautiful views and visit the gift shop located in the original Keeper's Quarters.

Once you've had your fill of soft sand and freshwater, explore the rest of Ludington State Park via the 21 miles of hiking trails. Pack your camping gear and book a site at one of the three campgrounds located within the park for the ultimate outdoorsy summer getaway. Ludington State Park is closed at the time of writing for extensive renovations and improvements, but it's scheduled to reopen on July 1st, 2025 — right around the time that the water temperatures warm up for swimming!

Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts. About 15 miles of coastline fall within the confines of the national park, which encompasses 15,000 acres in total. Lake Michigan has transformed the land over thousands of years, creating a diverse landscape full of dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies. Countless species of flora and fauna call the area home, so it's an excellent destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. On a clear day, it's possible to see Chicago's skyline from the beach.

There are multiple parking lots with beach access, most of which have public restrooms and drinkable water. Most beaches open at 6 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. During the summer, there are lifeguards on duty daily at West Beach, which is one of the most popular spots for families. There are also locker rooms and showers available. The beaches within the national park are open throughout the year. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but the colder months offer their own special magic. In the wintertime, the waves of Lake Michigan freeze into layered sheets of ice and mounds called shelf ice.

Dunewood Campground is located within the national park and has 66 campsites that cost $25 per night. There are restrooms and showers on-site. RVs are welcome, but there aren't any electrical hookups. If you're looking for more luxurious accommodations, consider booking a stay at the historic Cypress Log Cabin, which was built in the 1930s and sleeps up to 12 people. There's a four-night minimum, and the cost is around $1,000 per night.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is managed by the United States National Park Service and is located on Lake Michigan's northwest shore. Established in the 1970s, the preserve includes 71,000 acres and 35 miles of coastline. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is adored by tourists and locals alike and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in the United States. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft, and massive dunes contribute to the stunning views. Within the park, you'll find two islands, rivers, and thick forests.

Well over a million people visit each year. While the park does get crowded during peak tourist season, there is plenty of space to spread out and tons of activities to keep every type of traveler busy. When you aren't relaxing on the beach, you can take a hike — there are around 100 miles of trails to choose from. For a strenuous but rewarding hike, try to tackle the Dune Climb. Scale the 284-foot tall sand dune and then up and down several more for around three hours until you reach the lake.

Biking is another popular pastime, and a paved bike path runs between the Dune Climb start point and the town of Glen Arbor. The Platte River is the perfect place to kayak, tube, raft, and canoe. If you need a break from the sun, head to the Maritime Museum or explore the historic village of Glen Haven.

If you're more interested in urban thrills than the great outdoors, you'll still find the perfect beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and it's a hotspot for art, culture, and nightlife. The city sits right on the shores of Lake Michigan so residents and tourists have easy access to some incredible beaches without ever having to leave the city. North Avenue Beach is located in Chicago's iconic Lincoln Park which is one of the city's crown jewels. Visiting the park is one of the fun free things to do during any Chicago trip, and 20 million people visit each year. In addition to the beach, you can experience world-class attractions, native plant species, and wildlife. Within Lincoln Park, you'll find a zoo, museums, and tons of public art displays.

North Avenue Beach is located on the northern end of the park. There are about 22,000 square feet of soft white sand where you can spread out a blanket and sunbathe, and lifeguards are usually on duty during the summer. It's the perfect place to cool off after a day of sightseeing. There are plenty of activities and amenities all around the beach including boat rentals, jet ski rentals, walking trails, beach chair rentals, and places to eat and drink.

If you want to stay close to the beach, you'll find several gorgeous hotels nearby. Hotel Lincoln is around a 15-minute walk from North Avenue Beach in Chicago's Old Town district. The four-star hotel has high-end amenities, funky decor, onsite eateries, and a rooftop bar with epic views. Room prices start at around $250 per night.

To formulate our list of beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, we researched dozens of destinations in multiple states and narrowed or list down to some of the most popular spots by pulling information from online reviews posted on TripAdvisor and Google. We also studied blogs, government sources, and official tourism websites to better understand each beach. 

Our top picks are aimed to offer something for every type of traveler, from visitors who prefer unspoiled natural beauty to those who also want to experience nearby nightlife and urban living. We searched for beaches that offered fun activities like hiking, shopping, boating, visiting historical sites, camping, and swimming. We favored top-ranking, protected beaches as well as those that offered amenities like bathrooms and lifeguards for beachgoers.