A few weeks back, I asked ’Ganders to spill the sunscreen on their favorite Michigan beaches—and wow, did you all deliver. This list is loaded with local-approved gems and off-the-beaten-path spots, so if you’re expecting the usual overcrowded tourist traps, think again.

Whether you’re into dunes, snacks, kayaking, or just laying in the sand, there’s something here for you. Read on as the ’Gander’s Jinny Song guides us through this special beach edition.

A view of the Pere Marquette Beach, and breakwater lighthouse. (Image via Michiganguy123/Public Domain)

By Jinny Song

If the recent heatwave has made you crave a swim in cool waters or has sparked an urge to get a tan, look no further than these beaches in the Mitten State, including:

1. Pere Marquette Beach

Pere Marquette Beach (pictured above) is known for its wide stretch of soft white sand and crystal-clear water. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing with a lakeside view. Recommended to us by a retired Muskegon mayor, this spacious, family-friendly beach comes with plenty of amenities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and daily beach cleaning. One reader who recommended the beach to us called it a spot they’d return to in a heartbeat.

For those who like to explore, a walk down the Muskegon Channel offers views of the Muskegon South Breakwater Light and Pierhead Light and access to the historic USS Silversides submarine. Water sports lovers will also appreciate on-site rentals for paddleboarding, kayaking, and kite surfing. With accessible walkways and free Wednesday parking, Pere Marquette offers something for everyone and remains a local favorite year after year.

2. Peterson Beach Sleeping Bear Recreation Area

Peterson Beach Sleeping Bear Recreation Area. (Image via Kylie H / Creative Commons)

No beach list would be complete without Michigan’s iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. With sweeping dune views and stunning sunsets from overlooks like the famous No. 9 stop on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, this destination feels almost otherworldly. The beach and park are not short of things to do either, with options to kayak, hike scenic trails, bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, or catch the Northern Lights. There are pet-friendly areas, campgrounds, stargazing spots, and even nearby wine tours and island backpacking. Sleeping Bear is not just a beach or park, it’s an adventure waiting to be experienced.

If water sports and hiking are not your cup of tea, hidden gems like Peterson Beach on the Leelanau Peninsula offer a more secluded area with a breathtaking view of the lake. On a clear day, you may just be able to catch a view of South Manitou Island. Peterson Beach is a bit more grassy, and the water can be a bit more rough, but if you want to take a remote walk along the beach with the sound of waves crashing as your soundtrack, it’s the place for you.

3. Duck Lake State Park

A view of Duck Lake State Park from above. (Image via Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

Located where Duck Lake flows into Lake Michigan, Duck Lake State Park offers the best of both worlds: the calm inland waters of a local lake and the expansive shoreline of the Great Lake. There are two parking lots for easy access: one near the Lake Michigan beach and another on the Duck Lake side. A scenic drive runs through the park, and a boardwalk underneath it connects the two sides, making it easy to explore both areas in one visit.

This park is perfect for outdoor lovers, offering activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, paddling, and boating. The sand dunes are surrounded by mature forests, pine groves, and pockets of open meadows, creating a peaceful setting. With hiking trails, campsites, picnic areas, and gorgeous views, Duck Lake is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of both a quiet inland lake and the powerful expanse of Lake Michigan, all in one trip.

4. Silver Beach County Park

Silver Beach County Park. (Image via Berrien County)

Silver Beach in St. Joseph is a fan favorite for a reason—it’s the ultimate family-friendly beach destination. Located just steps from downtown St. Joe, this beach offers something for everyone: soft sand, calm waves, and easy access to fun extras like a splash pad, vintage carousel, and nearby pizza joints. It’s perfect for a full-day outing with the kids or a relaxed afternoon by the lake.

The park is open year-round, though most amenities operate from May through early October. Expect modern conveniences like restrooms, outdoor showers, and accessible beach wheelchairs and walkways. From volleyball courts and playgrounds to kayak and paddleboard rentals, Silver Beach is made for both active fun and laid-back lounging. Note that parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and costs $8 for Berrien County residents and $15 for non-residents during peak season (May–September). Walking into the park is free, but leave the RV at home as large vehicles aren’t recommended.

5. Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Sunset on Silver Lake Sand Dunes. (Image via NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory/ Creative Commons)

Silver Lake Sand Dunes is the kind of place that becomes a core memory. One reader reminisced about the best days of their life while hauling a playpen and cooler across the dunes in the ’70s. With such testimonies, the Dunes prove itself to be a timeless destination. With sweeping views of Lake Michigan and miles of rolling dunes, it’s a spectacular spot for both adventure and nostalgia.

From mid-May through Labor Day weekends, a voucher system is in place to manage high-demand parking, especially during weekends and holidays, so plan ahead. Beyond the dunes themselves, the surrounding area offers a little bit of everything: sandboarding, dune rides, lighthouses, paddleboarding, bike trails, and even off-road ATV rentals. The Silver Lake Dunes also provide more unique options for activities with golf courses, petting zoos, and bakeries. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just soaking in the view with homemade baked goods, Silver Lake is a must-visit.

6. Lake Erie Beach in Sterling State Park

Beach view at Sterling State Park. (Image via Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

If you’re a Southeastern Michigander (like me!) and don’t have enough time or energy on the weekends to get out to these West Side locations, let me introduce you to Lake Erie Beach. Just 30 minutes from Ypsilanti, Lake Erie Beach at Sterling State Park is a hidden gem that blends convenience with natural beauty. It’s the only Michigan state park located directly on Lake Erie and it doesn’t disappoint. With free parking included in your annual state park pass, it’s an easy and affordable day trip.

The park is open year-round and packed with features: sandy swimming beaches, accessible restrooms and boat launches, hiking and biking trails, a fish cleaning station, and even full-amenity cottages if you want to extend your stay. There’s also a modern campground, playgrounds, concessions, and rentals for paddle sports. Whether you’re fishing offshore or enjoying a picnic by the lake, Sterling State Park offers a full outdoor experience with a welcoming, family-friendly vibe.

7. PJ Hoffmaster State Park

Sunset at PJ Hoffmaster State Park. (Image via A Healthier Michigan/ Creative Commons)

For generations of West Michigan families, PJ Hoffmaster State Park has been the go-to spot for summer beach days, and it’s easy to see why. With three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and forested hiking trails, it’s a perfect mix of scenic beauty and family-friendly fun. One reader shared with us how their family has made weekly trips here since 1979, now passing the tradition on to their grandchildren.

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, hiking to panoramic lake views, or exploring the interactive exhibits at the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, Hoffmaster has something for every age and season. The park features modern restrooms, picnic areas, a beach house, and even beach wheelchair access. In cooler weather, the trails and nature center make for an ideal afternoon escape. Year-round outdoor activities, from swimming to snowshoeing, make this Muskegon-area gem worth a visit anytime.

8. Sturgeon Bay Dunes – Wilderness State Park

Aerial photo of Wilderness State Park. (Image via Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

The beach of the Sturgeon Bay Dunes, located inside the Wilderness State Park, is a peaceful, scenic escape for those seeking quiet and solitude. This stunning stretch of coast lies just north of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and offers a more secluded alternative to the park’s more well-known beaches. One reader recalled nestling in a white sand dune in August, surrounded by fluttering monarch butterflies and cooled by the crystal-clear waters—this destination makes postcard-esque moments possible.

This hidden gem is perfect for nature lovers looking to unplug and reconnect with the outdoors. While it doesn’t have the bustling amenities of more developed parks, that’s part of its charm. The beach offers raw natural beauty with secluded coves, grassy dunes, and a peaceful shoreline where you can swim, picnic, or simply breathe in the quiet. On a clear day, you may even catch views of distant islands across the water. If you’re craving a beach day that feels wild and wonderfully off the grid, this is the place to find it.

9. Ottawa Beach at Holland State Park

Holland State Park in the summertime. (Image via Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

Ottawa Beach at Holland State Park has long been a cherished summer destination for countless Michigan families. Known for its expansive shoreline and soft, golden sand, this Lake Michigan beach offers the ideal mix of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities. Visitors can stroll the scenic boardwalk, fish from the twin piers, or capture the perfect photo of the iconic Big Red Lighthouse standing tall across the channel.

With designated areas for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax. The park includes modern restrooms, a concession stand, a playground, and two well-equipped campgrounds–one is mere steps from the beach while the other is nestled a bit further inland. For more adventurous visitors, a dune stairway and hiking trail connect Lake Michigan to Lake Macatawa, offering panoramic views and a peaceful outdoor escape. Whether you’re staying for the afternoon or the whole week, Ottawa Beach never disappoints.

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This email is written by Karel Vega, newsletter editor at The ‘Gander. Have a question or comment? Reply back to this email!