West Michigan has some of the best freshwater beaches in the country. I will happily argue that with anyone. Soft sand, clear water and sunsets over the lake. That is the whole pitch.
These are the ones we go to ourselves, listed from north to south. Pack the beach bag, check the wind and go.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: Quieter Beaches Locals Love
My Favorite Lake Michigan Beaches
1) Grand Haven State Park
Grand Haven State Park has wide sand, the pier and the red lighthouse, right at the end of the boardwalk. It is the classic beach town scene.
Walk the boardwalk in, and you have half your day planned.
Go on a summer evening and stay for the sunset over the pier.
2) Kirk Park
Kirk Park in West Olive is a quieter county beach with dune stairs and woods. It is great for families.
Pack a picnic and stay a while.
It is a good pick if you want a beach day without the big crowds.
3) Holland State Park
Holland State Park has Big Red, the channel and a classic summer scene. Get there early on weekends.
Watch the boats come through the channel while you sit on the sand.
Parking fills up fast on summer weekends, so plan to arrive in the morning.
4) Tunnel Park
Tunnel Park in Holland lets you walk through a tunnel in the dune to the beach. Kids love it.
It is a fun one to save for a day when the kids need a little extra excitement.
It is a fun one for families, and a good change from the usual beach day.
5) Oval Beach
Oval Beach in Saugatuck is my pick for the prettiest beach on this stretch of the lake. It is seasonal, so check before you go.
If you only have one beach day, this is where I would spend it.
Pack a lunch and plan to stay a while.
READ: Lake Michigan Beach Safety: What I Tell Every Guest
6) Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a hike through the woods to a long, quiet beach. The walk keeps the crowds smaller.
Pack light and bring water for the walk back.
It is a great pick if you want to get away from the crowds for a few hours.
7) South Beach
South Beach is South Haven's main beach, next to the pier and the lighthouse. Easy to reach from downtown.
Go for an evening swim and stay for the sunset.
It is right by downtown, so it is easy to fit in before or after dinner.
8) Van Buren State Park
Van Buren State Park has dunes and a big beach just south of South Haven. It is a good pick when you want room to spread out.
Climb a dune, then cool off in the lake.
It is a good one to save for a day when you want a long walk on the beach.
Every one of our homes is within a short drive of at least one of these. Pick a home, then pick your beach.
Come stay with us and spend the long days on the sand.