Michigan is the Great Lakes State, uniquely surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and offering 3,288 miles of freshwater shoreline — more than any other state except Alaska. From the dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to the vibrant arts scene of Detroit, Michigan combines stunning natural landscapes with world-class cities, a rich automotive heritage, and a thriving food and craft beer culture.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Michigan.
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- Restrooms
- Picnic tables
- Kayak/canoe launch (Platte River)
- Lifeguard (seasonal)
- National park entry required
Sleeping Bear Dunes — Platte River Point Beach
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- Restrooms
- Picnic area
- Playground
- Lifeguard (summer)
- Free parking
Empire Beach (Lake Michigan)
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Concession stand
- Pier
- Campground adjacent
- Playground
Grand Haven State Park Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Changing rooms
- Campground
- Dune hiking
- Food concession (seasonal)
Warren Dunes State Park Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic area
- Campground
Traverse City State Park Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Food concession
- Chair rentals
- Paid parking
Oval Beach (Saugatuck)
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- Restrooms
- Picnic tables
- Swimming
- Nearby waterfall (Miners Falls)
Pictured Rocks — Miners Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Picnic area
- Petoskey stone hunting
- Campground
Petoskey State Park Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Lighthouse
- Birdwatching
- Campground
Tawas Point State Park Beach (Lake Huron)
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- Restrooms
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Free beach
- Quiet inland lake
Lakelands Trail and Lake Ann Beach
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.