Summer is upon us. This means longer days, warmer weather, and the bluest skies. All these ingredients mix a perfect recipe for a beach day. 

If you’re like me, you’ll agree summer is the best time to visit West Michigan beaches. When I hop in the car and head west, my favorite site is the T-intersection road sign with a blue backdrop behind it. Because it means I’ve arrived at the Lake. That’s Lake Michigan, often capitalized in West Michigan shorthand to mean “the Big Lake.” 

Whether you prefer large or small, campground or no campground, secluded or near-to-town, strenuous trails or flat terrain, there is a West Michigan beach for you. Try out a few different beaches to find your new favorite. Perhaps, this list will inspire your West Michigan beach summer bucket list. 

Holland State Park:

Situated among beautiful beach homes and cottages, Holland State Park is only a few miles from the main strip of restaurants and shops. With a broad stretch of sand, this large popular beach offers fishing, camping, and a boat launch. With its iconic lighthouse, fondly known as “Big Red,” a visit to Holland State Park isn’t incomplete without a stroll on the peer to the lighthouse. One of my favorite parts of this beach is walking to the local ice cream shop, The General Store, a half-mile away. Holland State Park is the quintessential West Michigan beach experience. The walkway and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. There is only one access point into the beach, so if it’s later in the day, be prepared to sit in a line-up for 10 – 30 minutes. Don’t want to wait? Consider parking and biking in. Learn more here. 

Pro-Tip: 

Holland State Park and many of the beaches listed here are state parks, which require a Michigan State Recreation Passport to enter. For Michigan residents, you can purchase an annual pass at the park for $17 or pay $10 for daily admission. Or pay the $36 annual pass for non-Michigan residents. Michigan residents can also purchase The Michigan State Recreation Passport when you renew your vehicle registration for $14. If you have 2 cars, but only buy one Recreation Passport, always take that vehicle to the beach!  

Lake Harbor Park:

Lake Harbor Park is near the Mona Lake Channel in Norton Shores, which provides great fishing. A picnic shelter overlooks the channel, and a wooden walkway leads to the beach area. Interpretive trails lead to the wooded area of the park. This park could be a great spot for a picnic or a grill out. Check out more about Lake Harbor Park here. 

Pere Marquette Park Beach:

The Pere Marquette Park Beach is in Muskegon, located along the channel. It offers many amenities, including beach volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a playground. Sitting alongside the beach, a local restaurant, called The Deck, offers a large menu with outdoor dining, yard games, and swings. Throughout the summer, they offer live music performances. Visiting the Pere Marquette Park Beach and finishing the day at The Deck makes for a perfect day of leisure and fun at the beach. Daily parking rates at Pere Marquette are $7 Monday – Thursday and $10 Friday – Sunday. Learn more about Pere Marquette Park Beach here. 

Oval Beach:

Known for its beautiful rolling sand dunes and pristine blue water, Oval Beach is one of the most scenic beaches around. It’s a great spot for a beach stroll or swimming. Pro tip: get there early in the summertime since this beach can be a popular destination in the Saugatuck area. Parking is $10 a day or $50 for a seasonal pass. The beach is ADA accessible. Learn more about Oval Beach here. 

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park:

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is perfect for those wanting to get outdoors, be active, and learn. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park stretches for three miles along Lake Michigan. The Dune Climb Stairway takes you to the top of the tallest dune in the park, and it is just one of ten miles of trails in the park. Other amenities are offered at the park, including a campground and the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center. Visitors can learn all about the park’s sand dune ecosystem. Check out P.J. Hoffmaster State Park here. 

Saugatuck Dunes State Park:

If you love a nice challenging hike, Saugatuck Dunes State Park is for you. With 13 miles of trails, this park is a great spot for being active. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is more rugged.  The rolling terrain of the park makes most of the trails strenuous. The quickest trail from the parking lot to the beach is .75 miles long, so keep this in mind when you arrive. There are no concessions at this park and only pit toilets. Learn more about Saugatuck Dunes State Park here. 

Laketown Beach:

Hidden away from the crowds is Laketown Beach. This is the beach if you want the perfect sunset watching spot and frankly, a great spot for a photoshoot. Every time I’ve been at Laketown Park, there is at least one photoshoot going on—especially near sunset. To get to the beach and to view the magnificent panoramic views of Lake Michigan, you must climb. There is a steep staircase over the sand dune, so it is not the most accessible beach. Additionally, there are no amenities at this beach, so pack accordingly. While it’s hidden and hard to access, these views of Lake Michigan will surely not disappoint. Learn more about Laketown Beach here. 

Tunnel Park:

The tunnel at Tunnel Park is a picture-worthy spot. To get to the beach, you need to climb down the staircase, which you will have to climb back up when you leave. The park is great for swimming, picnicking, and playing at the playground, making it a terrific spot for kids. Check out more about Tunnel Park here. 

Grand Haven State Park:

If you like walkability and the bustle of a summer town, I recommend Grand Haven State Park. There are plenty of beach volleyball courts, a pavilion, a campground, and a lighthouse at Grand Haven State Park. Easily walk to shops and restaurants from the beach with the adjacent boardwalk. While there, try the corndogs at Pronto Pup, located right on the channel. Throughout the summer, Grand Haven hosts popular annual events, such as the Coast Guard Festival, the Kite Festival, and the Sand Sculpture Contest. Check out Grand Haven’s website to learn more about events in the area. The beach and boardwalk are wheelchair accessible. Check out here for more information about the State Park. 

Windsnest Park:

Windsnest Park is small, but quiet. This park is four acres in size and about 20 minutes from Grand Haven. It has a playground and restrooms and has easy accessiblity from the beach to the parking lot. If you’re looking for an underrated park, this park may be right for you. The daily motor vehicle fee is $8. Check out more about Windsnest Park here. 

Meinert Park and Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve:

Meinert Park tends to be relatively quiet and offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Flower Creek. The park has a campground, picnic tables, and grills. The beach area is small, but there is still adequate space to set up a towel. To get to Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve, walk a quarter mile north along the beach at Meinert Park. At Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve, a walkway takes you to the stunning view of Lake Michigan. The walkway area is wheelchair accessible, and parking at Meinert Park is $5. Learn more about Meinert Park and Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve. 

Silver Lake State Park:

Stretching three miles across the area, Silver Lake State Park has a campground, beach access to Silver Lake, and plenty of sand dunes. The park also has an Off-Road-Vehicle area, which is the only place east of the Mississippi like it. There are several different ways to enjoy the dunes. You can rent vehicles, ride with a commercial company, or bring your own vehicle marked with an ORV sticker. Or check out the Jeep Invasion during the first weekend in June. The combination of beach access, campsites, and ORV territory makes this park a perfect place for adventure seekers. Learn more about Silver Lake State Park here. 

West Michigan is truly blessed with its beaches. Whether you’re planning a week-long camping trip or a day trip, hopefully this list inspires you to explore the West Michigan coastline this summer. 

Note: Although tagged with the “lake” moniker, make no mistake, Lake Michigan has the power of an ocean. Look for and respect the safety flag/signal system, supervise children, and know your limits.