On a summer weekend, the big state park beaches fill up fast. By late morning you are circling the lot and setting up your towel inches from the next family.
Here's a secret: the smaller beaches are where locals go. These are the ones I would point you to, from north to south. They take a little more effort to reach, and that is exactly why they stay quiet.
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: Our Favorite Lake Michigan Beaches, North to South
My Favorite Small Beaches
1) North Beach Park
North Beach Park in Ferrysburg is a family beach with dune overlooks. It is a good one if you want a little climb with your beach day.
The overlooks are worth the effort for the view up and down the shore.
It is a good pick if you are staying near Grand Haven or West Olive and want a beach that feels a little more tucked away.
2) Olive Shores
Olive Shores in West Olive is a quiet beach at the end of a wooded trail. The walk in through the trees is half the reason to go.
Pack light, since you will be carrying everything down the trail.
A wagon or a backpack makes the walk in much easier if you are bringing kids and gear.
3) Riley Street Beach
Riley Street Beach in Holland is small, quiet and reached by a dune path. Parking is limited, so plan around that.
This is one I would save for a weekday or an early morning.
Bring only what you can carry, since there is a path between the car and the sand.
4) Laketown Beach
Laketown Beach in Holland is a wilder stretch of shoreline down a long wooden stairway. It feels far from town even though it is not.
Remember that you have to climb those stairs back up at the end of the day.
The stairway keeps the crowds down. That is the trade, and I think it is a good one.
READ: Lake Michigan Beach Safety: What I Tell Every Guest
5) Oak Street Beach
Oak Street Beach in South Haven is a small neighborhood access point. Nothing fancy, just a quick way to get to the water.
It is a nice option when you want a short swim without a whole production.
It is close to downtown South Haven, so you can grab lunch in town and be back on the sand quickly.
6) Packard Park and Beach
Packard Park and Beach is a city park with beach access in South Haven. Having a park attached makes it easy for families.
Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it.
It is also a nice spot to watch the sunset before heading back into town for dinner.
One more thing: parking is limited at small beaches. Go early or late and you will have a much easier time. The evening crowd is usually lighter anyway, and you get the sunset.
Every one of these is an easy drive from our homes up and down the shore. Come stay with us and find your own favorite.