15 Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns to Visit in 2024

Are you wondering which Lake Michigan beach towns to visit this year?

If so, you’re in luck! In this post, I list the top 15 towns to consider putting on your travel bucket list.

Read on to learn more about each town and what it has to offer.

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15 Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns

Each beach town offers some unique experiences and beautiful natural parks. With lovely strips of sand, cute downtowns, and loads of outdoor activities, you are sure to have a great vacation once you discover which town is ideal for you!

1. Saugatuck

Saugatuck is a quaint Michigan beach town on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, only 40 miles away from Grand Rapids and one you should definitely consider visiting!

Voted the Best Beach Town 2020 by Midwest Living Magazine, it has a lot going for it.

Not only is Saugatuck full of art galleries and studios, but this cute place also has award-winning beaches, beautiful waterways, and grassy dunes. Plus, the culinary scene is thriving— you’re sure to find something delicious to eat.

With six pristine beaches to choose from and a gorgeous Harbor Natural Area, Saugatuck is a haven for travelers.

If you like to hike you should check out Mount Baldhead. Saugatuck is truly a fantastic place to spend your summer vacation!

If you decide to visit, make sure to book The Belvedere Inn. This beautiful inn feels chic and vintage, complete with a library and picturesque grounds. Only 3 miles away from the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, it’s conveniently located as well!

2. Manistee

Boasting 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Manistee is definitely the best beach town for soaking up some sunshine!

With an adorable small-town feel, Manistee is anything but boring. Not only are there tons of beaches to explore, but over 200 miles of rivers and fisheries for all four seasons. Not just a good summer-time destination, this town has year-round adventures available.

If you enjoy water sports and outdoor activities, Manistee has lots of opportunities for you! Kayaking, canoeing, bicycling, and hiking trails abound. Plus, with lots of shops and delicious restaurant fare, you can enjoy stocking up on mementos and refueling after the day’s adventure.

The Manistee Inn & Marina is a great place to stay in this quaint town. The location of this inn makes it truly ideal— just steps from the picturesque Manistee River. Plus, you’re only a three-minute walk from the theater, art galleries, and more.

3. Grand Haven

Grand Haven is a town that has it all! Not only are there multiple beaches to hang out at, but this beach town includes a long boardwalk lined with fantastic restaurants.

You can enjoy shopping in the downtown area, then take a fun trolley ride around town when you need a break.

There’s even the option of mini golf, or watching the “Musical Fountain.” These 20-minute synchronized light, music, and water fountain shows are one of a kind and a great way to end a day on vacation!

No matter what kind of vacation you’re wanting, chances are Grand Haven can deliver.

I’d recommend staying at the Harbor House Inn.

Located right across the street from the Grand Haven boardwalk, you can’t beat the location. Since this is a bed and breakfast, start each morning with freshly baked cinnamon rolls, fresh coffee, and fruit. After a full day enjoying the outdoors, pick up a game or book in the on-site library or relax in the gardens.

4. Holland

Holland is a haven for anyone who loves the outdoors. Not only are there miles of paved paths that you can walk or bike around on, but there’s also an award-winning downtown!

With multiple beaches near this town, you’re sure to find a spot good for catching some sun. A notable one is Tunnel Park, with 22 acres and a unique tunnel that goes through the dune! It’s the perfect place to sunbathe, swim, or watch the sunset.

Holland State Park is an iconic lake state park where you can spend the whole day! Check out Big Red Lighthouse to camp for a night or to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay while in Holland I’d recommend the Hampton Inn Holland. It’s got great reviews, a pool and hot tub to enjoy, and even a basketball court. Only a 13-minute drive down to the lakeshore, its convenient location makes it a great spot to stay.

5. Muskegon

The historic city of Muskegon has lots to offer any kind of traveler! The town has two historic lighthouses and several historic maritime vessels that have been converted into museums.

Not interested in history? Don’t worry- there are plenty of other things to do!

Check out the Muskegon Farmer’s Market— the largest open-air market in West Michigan, or the Western Market chalets. Micro pop-up shops make supporting locals easy as pie!

Plus, with easy access to both the Muskegon Rivera and Lake Michigan, there’s an abundance of water activities.

If you stay in Muskegon, make sure to check out Grand Haven State Park! Only 17 miles away from downtown Muskegon, it is worth making the trip. This 48-acre park features scenic views, a fantastic swimming beach, and a fun boardwalk.

There’s no better place to stay than at the Weather Vane Inn while you’re in Muskegon.

Located on an idyllic lake, the rooms all have fireplaces and scenic balconies. Plus, you can rent a kayak or bicycle right from the inn. It doesn’t get better than that.

6. Charlevoix

Charlevoix is a big city with a small-town feel. In fact, it’s one of the best small towns in Michigan. If you stay in Charlevoix you can enjoy lots of water activities like fishing, swimming, paddle boarding, and canoeing.

Spend a day out on the town exploring the boutique shops and restaurants.

Ever wanted to go skydiving? Skydive Charlevoix specializes in first-time skydivers and will give you amazing views of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix during the adrenaline-pumping drop.

Plus, if you’re interested in architecture, you can check out the Earl Young Mushroom Houses. These houses were tailor-made to fit each site they were built on and feature unique designs. They’re considered architectural treasures.

With so many places to stay, it can be hard to narrow it down. The Earl at Charlevoix is a fantastic option, with chic modern rooms and an indoor pool. The icing on the cake? It’s only an 11-minute walk away from Michigan Beach Park.

7. South Haven

South Haven is the port city that makes it easy to fall in love with Western Michigan. This town has it all— delicious restaurants, award-winning wineries, boutiques, and, of course, awe-inspiring scenery.

You can bike the 34-mile Kal-Haven trail that connects South Haven and Kalamazoo, hang out at the beach, go on a farm tour at Bumbleberry Acres. You can even golf!

South Haven also has a charming downtown area and multiple marinas.

Get connected to the roots of the town by staying at the Historic Hotel Nichols. Elegant and stylish, this hotel is right in the downtown area and just a few steps away from the harbor.

This family-owned lodging has been open for over 100 years! If you’re staying between Memorial Day and Labor Day you’ll even get a hot, made-to-order breakfast.

8. St. Joseph

St. Joseph, colloquially known as St. Joe’s, is a vibrant town with wide sandy beaches that are only a few minutes away from the art-focused downtown.

With impressive grand Victorian homes lining the streets and a large marina full of ships and boats, St. Joe’s is picturesque. One of the best beaches, Silver Beach, is located right downtown!

With a kids’ museum, a long pier, and a mix of upscale shops and farmers’ markets, this beach town is accessible for all budgets and types of vacationers.

Plus, it’s the start (or finish!) of the West Michigan pike trail, a historic byway connecting multiple beach towns into an amazing road trip. If that sounds like fun, don’t miss my post on a perfect Lake Michigan road trip.

With 92 luxury rooms, The Inn at Harbor Shores Resort is a great place to stay. With on-site dining and a resort-like feel, the inn is the sort of place you want to spend all your time.

Plus it’s located on the shore of Lake Michigan, so you’re just steps away from the water. What more could you want?

9. Ludington

With one of the top-rated beach parks in the Midwest, Ludington is a great place to stop and spend your vacation! With 7 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, there’s the opportunity for camping, boating, fishing, swimming or even hiking.

No matter where you are in the area, you’ll be close to sandy beaches for Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. Make sure to check out Ludington State Park, or take a day trip down to the impressive Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

More interested in history? Check out the S. S. Badger Car Ferry, the largest car ferry to sail the Great Lakes, and the two historic lighthouses within the town. You could even book a cruise on the S.S. Badger and end your trip in Ludington!

Choose to stay in the Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast and enjoy the neoclassical elegance management has worked so hard to preserve. Plus, this B&B gives you the option of volunteering at a local nonprofit. Cool!

With a homey feel and home-cooked breakfast every morning, prepare to fall in love with this Ludington hotel’s charm.

10. Traverse City

Traverse city is home to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, which alone makes it a great place to visit!

At 400 feet above the lakeshore, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are the largest freshwater dunes in the world—and are insanely impressive.

Traverse City has a lot more to offer in addition to the dunes, including incredible microbreweries, fantastic dining options, and tons of outdoor recreational activities. Go during the summer months to take advantage of the extra hours in the day!

I would recommend staying at the Wellington Inn and enjoying the rooms filled with antiques. The inn has a 24-hour guest kitchen that you can use. It is within convenient walking distance to restaurants, stores, and—most importantly— the waterfront.

11. St. Ignace

St. Ignace is a fantastic spot to make your home base for a vacation by Lake Michigan! Technically on the shore of Lake Huron, this beach town is located right between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

Not only is the town itself full of fantastic things to do (such as a seasonal farmers market, shopping, and historic museums), but it’s also close to lots of superb outdoor activities.

✅ Interested in visiting Mackinac Island? Book a ferry and take a day trip!

✅ Want to see ships lock through the canal? Check out Soo Locks!

✅ Want to see rolling, forested dunes? Check out Cut River Bridge and Roadside Park.

Handily located on the shore of Lake Huron, Best Western Harbour Point Lakefront is a great place to stay. Only an 8-minute walk from St. Ignace’s bustling downtown and 2 miles away from Straits State Park, the location cannot get much better. Plus, there’s a pool and a free breakfast to enjoy!

12. Marquette

Great for outdoor enthusiasts, Marquette has scenic mountain peaks and miles of shoreline. The town itself is beautiful and worth visiting, with appealing shops, cute streets, and museums.

Come to Marquette and take advantage of the great options to bike or fish and kayak in the glorious waters of Lake Michigan.

Love to hike? Trek up the rugged mountain for gorgeous views. If you’re going in the fall, this is a fantastic time to enjoy the brilliantly colored fall leaves in Michigan!

Get the most bang for your buck and stay at Superior Stay Hotel. This is a well-reviewed, affordable place to stay in Marquette. Located a little off the beaten track, it’s in a quiet area and yet is still within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the lake trails.

13. Escanaba

Escanaba, located on the Upper Peninsula, is one of the best Lake Michigan beach towns and has something to offer any kind of traveler. With museums, lighthouses, farmers’ markets, and (of course) sandy beaches, you won’t run out of things to explore.

If you enjoy fishing, check out the Big and Little Bays de Noc!

✅ Paddleboard, kayak, swim, or hike the surrounding areas and discover the extreme beauty in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

✅ If you enjoy horseback riding, Escanaba is the beach town for you!

If you don’t mind staying a little way out of town, Terrace Bay Hotel overlooks the Little Bay de Noc and features large rooms with scenic balconies. The restaurant in the lobby is also highly-praised, so you won’t need to go far afield to find a delicious meal.

14. Manistique

For a quiet and relaxing getaway, head over to Manistique! With a calm pace of life, Manistique is a great place to unwind and shop, picnic on the shore of Lake Michigan, play tennis, or take a dip in the water.

Make sure to check out Kitch-Iti-Kipi, the largest freshwater spring in the entire state!

Located only 11 miles out of Manistique, this spring is 40 feet deep. The crystal clear waters reflect the surrounding trees and sky and reveal the beauty beneath. It’s gorgeous!

With a cute boardwalk in town, beaches, and plenty of restaurants, you won’t regret spending time in the upper peninsula.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the Quality Inn & Suites. This casual hotel is only a 5-minute walk away from the iconic boardwalk making it an ideal place to stay. No driving is necessary!

15. New Buffalo

Seventy miles away from Chicago, New Buffalo is ideal for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Complete with 16 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, this beach town has loads of fun things to see and do.

You can take a sailing excursion, explore the Galien River Marsh Trail and hike in Warren Wood’s State Park. There are multiple beaches to choose from with plenty of sandy shorelines.

Fancy a day trip? Head north to Warren Dunes State Park and enjoy idyllic riverside hikes. Hiking the dunes can be challenging due to the shifting sand, so go prepared to sweat!

Not just a haven for outdoor lovers, New Buffalo has a thriving theater scene, antique shops, and is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Make sure to sample a glass (or two!) while you’re in town.

If you feel like splurging, The Harbor Grand is a fantastic, high-end hotel right by the harbor. Just two blocks away from New Buffalo’s downtown area and only a 6-minute walk away from the beach it’s perfectly situated to take advantage of all this beach town has to offer.

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Lake Michigan Beach Towns: FAQ’s

In this section, you’ll find the answers to your frequently asked questions about Lake Michigan’s beach towns, including which is the nicest and prettiest beaches, as well as which side of Lake Michigan is better and which cities surround Lake Michigan.

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Conclusion: Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns

Now that you know a bit about the best beach towns on Lake Michigan, you’re ready to plan the rest of your vacation!

No matter which beach town you choose, you’re sure to have a blast playing in the beautiful outdoors, reveling in charming small town vibes, and enjoying the immensity of Lake Michigan itself.

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