Michigan’s coastline is nothing short of magical. With over 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline, the Great Lakes State is home to an incredible variety of beaches—from soft sandy stretches backed by towering dunes to quiet, rocky coves perfect for collecting Petoskey stones. I’ve spent years exploring these coastlines, and every beach I return to feels like a different slice of paradise.
This list isn’t just a round-up—it’s a personal travel guide built on real memories. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly shores, secluded escapes, or dramatic sunsets, these are the 13 prettiest beaches in Michigan that have truly taken my breath away.
What Makes a Michigan Beach “Pretty”?
Before diving into the list, let’s define what makes a beach stand out in a state surrounded by lakes.
Definition List
- Petoskey Stone
Michigan’s state stone—fossilized coral often found along Lake Michigan’s shores. - Dune Cliffs
Towering sand formations carved by wind and water, offering panoramic views. - Dark Sky Park
Protected areas with minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing. - Recreation Passport
An annual pass required for vehicle entry to many Michigan state parks.
Green Point Dunes – A Forest-Framed Secret
Location: 1198 Green Point Rd, Frankfort, MI
Access Fee: None
Best For: Hikers, solitude lovers, scenic photographers
Green Point Dunes is a lesser-known escape I stumbled upon thanks to a local tip. After a peaceful mile-long hike through pine forest and a descent down wooden stairs, the trail opens up to a quiet beach that feels completely untouched.
● ● One-mile forest trail to access the beach
● ● No crowds, no noise—just the crash of waves
● ● Rich mix of polished rocks and driftwood
● ● Pine trees come right up to the sand
This spot is so remote that it often feels like I have the entire shoreline to myself, especially during the shoulder seasons.
The Coves at Pictured Rocks – Limestone Meets Caribbean Blue
Location: Twelvemile Beach, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Access Fee: National Park Pass required
Best For: Adventure hikers, kayakers, rock hunters
The first time I hiked to The Coves, I felt like I’d discovered a portal to the Caribbean. Tucked near the end of Twelvemile Beach, this limestone-lined shoreline glows turquoise under the midday sun.
● ● 1.5-mile one-way hike through forest and caves
● ● Crystal-clear waters and secluded coves
● ● No amenities—pack water and snacks
● ● Unbeatable views of Lake Superior’s clarity and power
Note: Pets aren’t allowed here, and there are no services once you leave the trailhead. It’s rugged, raw, and absolutely worth the effort.
Port Crescent State Park – Sunrise to Stars
Location: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI
Access Fee: Michigan Recreation Passport
Best For: Dog owners, stargazers, long beach walks
Port Crescent has one of the most expansive and walkable beaches I’ve visited in Michigan. Situated at the tip of Michigan’s “Thumb,” this park offers a 3-mile sandy stretch that’s dog-friendly, peaceful, and full of surprises.
● ● Dog-friendly hiking trails and shoreline
● ● Gorgeous sunrises over Lake Huron
● ● Designated Dark Sky area—perfect for night photography
● ● Great for picnics and family day trips
On clear nights, I’ve watched the Milky Way stretch above me while listening to the gentle lap of the lake. It’s a place that makes you feel small—in the best way possible.
Oval Beach in Saugatuck – Charm Meets Sunset Magic
Location: Perryman St. & Oval Beach Dr., Saugatuck, MI
Access Fee: $10 per vehicle (Memorial Day–Labor Day); $50 season pass
Best For: Sunset lovers, couples, easy access
Oval Beach in Saugatuck feels like a hidden portal just minutes from a quaint downtown filled with art galleries, boutiques, and local ice cream shops. On my first visit, I sat in the sand as the sun sank into Lake Michigan, casting purples and golds across the waves—it was pure cinematic beauty.
● ● Gentle dunes and soft, clean sand
● ● Parking close to the beach—great for families
● ● Well-maintained restrooms and picnic areas
● ● Known for vibrant sunset views and occasional beach snowfall
Tip: Head to the small overlook above the parking lot for a panoramic photo op before descending to the water.
Sturgeon Point State Park – Where History Meets the Horizon
Location: 6036 Point Rd, Harrisville, MI
Access Fee: Michigan Recreation Passport
Best For: Lighthouse lovers, history buffs, tranquil scenery
Sturgeon Point offers something a bit different—a wide, rocky shoreline framed by the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, which dates back to 1870. My visit here felt like walking through a postcard. The historic vibe, the old Bailey School House, and the sound of waves breaking over a stone-strewn beach made for a peaceful afternoon.
● ● Tour the lighthouse during open hours
● ● Rugged shoreline with top-tier rock hunting
● ● Vault toilets and limited facilities—pack accordingly
● ● Excellent spot for photos and quiet reflection
Note: This beach isn’t built for lounging, but it’s perfect for exploration and a history-meets-nature experience.
Brevoort Lake – Upper Peninsula’s Hidden Jewel
Location: Hiawatha National Forest, Moran, MI
Access Fee: None
Best For: Camping, rope swings, secluded family fun
Less than an hour from the Mackinac Bridge, Brevoort Lake surprised me the most on my last Upper Peninsula trip. It’s not just a lake—it’s an inland beach playground. With steep sand hills, forested edges, and spots only accessible by boat, Brevoort offers something few other beaches do: privacy with a view.
● ● Waterfront camping available with fire rings and boat access
● ● Natural dunes and sandy hills with rope swings
● ● Incredible sunsets over the lake—quiet and reflective
● ● Great for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding
One of my favorite memories here was swinging off a sandy bluff into the water while the sky turned orange behind us—pure Michigan summer magic.
Empire Bluff Trail – Combine Hiking and Beach
Location: Off Wilco Rd, Empire, MI
Access Fee: Sleeping Bear Dunes Park Pass
Best For: Hiking enthusiasts, drone photographers, nature lovers
While not technically a beach itself, this short hike leads to one of the most dramatic beach views in the entire state. The Empire Bluff Trail offers a 1.5-mile round-trip hike ending in a jaw-dropping overlook of Lake Michigan’s turquoise waters and Empire Beach below.
● ● Trailhead just minutes from Empire Beach
● ● Moderate hike through beech-maple forest
● ● Panoramic views perfect for landscape photography
● ● Visit in early morning or golden hour for best light
Tip: Hike it before or after your beach day to avoid the mid-day crowds and enjoy cooler temps.
Peterson Road Beach – Peace and Pine-Lined Shores
Location: Near Glen Arbor, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Access Fee: Park Pass Required
Best For: Seclusion, photographers, quiet sunset views
Peterson Road Beach is one of those blink-and-you-miss-it turnoffs, but once you find it, you’ll wonder why it isn’t packed. After a short gravel drive, you’ll reach a peaceful, pine-flanked shoreline with rolling dunes and wide-open skies.
● ● Ideal for sunset strolls and peaceful reading sessions
● ● Less crowded than nearby Sleeping Bear beaches
● ● Perfect picnic spot without the tourist buzz
● ● Wide views of Lake Michigan and soft sandy entry
Best paired with a scenic drive down M-22—one of the most beautiful roads in the Midwest.
Christmas Cove Beach – Hidden Among the Vineyards
Location: Northport, Leelanau Peninsula
Access Fee: Free
Best For: Wine country breaks, hidden escapes, locals-only vibe
Christmas Cove is tucked away in Michigan’s wine region, and most visitors miss it completely. I found this spot after a tasting tour along M-204 and turned down a gravel road out of curiosity—what I found was a stretch of beach wrapped in solitude.
● ● Excellent for rock hunting and quiet walks
● ● Not well-marked, so use GPS coordinates
● ● Calm water ideal for reflective moments
● ● Close to cider houses and boutique vineyards
Tip: Bring snacks and water—no amenities here, just sand, stones, and serenity.
Quick Comparison Table – Michigan’s Prettiest Beaches
Here’s a side-by-side look at what each of these gorgeous beaches has to offer.
| Beach Name | Best For | Entry Fee | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Beach | Scenic views & families | $1/hr or free walk-in | Manitou Island & Bluffs backdrop |
| Green Point Dunes | Hikers & solitude | Free | Forest-to-beach hike |
| The Coves | Adventure & clarity | Park Pass Required | Caribbean-blue water & limestone formations |
| Port Crescent State Park | Sunrise & stargazing | Recreation Passport | Dark Sky designation |
| Oval Beach | Small-town sunsets | $10 per car | Walkable from Saugatuck |
| Lakeport State Park | Rock hunting & calm vibes | Recreation Passport | Rare Petoskey stones |
| Sturgeon Point | History lovers | Recreation Passport | Lighthouse & schoolhouse |
| Brevoort Lake | Campers & hidden spots | Free | Rope swings & sandy hills |
| Empire Bluff Trail | View seekers | Park Pass Required | Dramatic overlook of beach & bluffs |
| Peterson Road Beach | Peaceful photography | Park Pass Required | Dunes and pine-backed shoreline |
| Christmas Cove | Wine trail detour | Free | Solitude and clean pebbles |
| Esch Road Beach | Families & low crowds | Park Pass Required | Stream access and gentle waves |
Final Thoughts on the 13 Prettiest Beaches in Michigan
I’ve walked barefoot through rocky coves, climbed wind-blown dunes, and watched sunsets that felt like they could stop time. These 13 beaches are more than just places to sunbathe—they’re sanctuaries, playgrounds, and memory-makers. Whether you’re planning your first Michigan beach trip or looking to go beyond the usual tourist favorites, I hope this guide helps you explore deeper, stay longer, and fall in love with the water’s edge all over again.
Bring water shoes, pack a cooler, and don’t forget to look up at the stars when the sun finally sets. Michigan’s prettiest beaches aren’t just on the map—they’re waiting to be part of your next story.
