Find your favorite stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline
Beaches on the southern end of the Lake Michigan shore are truly awe-inspiring, with 16 miles of majestic, uninterrupted coastline. Starting in New Buffalo, nine publicly accessible beaches—stretching beneath rolling, grassy dunes and peaceful, shady forests—are all within a 15-minute drive. Along Red Arrow Highway, you can always find your spot in the sand.
New Buffalo Beach
Everything for a perfect day at the lake
A warm welcome to Michigan’s expansive beaches, New Buffalo Beach features 800 feet of shoreline with a backdrop of grassy dunes. Walkable from downtown shops and free parking, there’s something for everyone here: a playground, picnic pavilions, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals, seasonal concessions, and ADA accessible overlooks. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty, too. Climb the elevated dune walk to seated lookout points that offer prime viewing of the adjoining harbor—and glorious sunsets.
Paid Apr–Sept, 8am–8pm
Modern restrooms, foot showers
Road-End Beaches
Peaceful spots off the beaten path
If biking or strolling to the sand is more your speed, these four smaller, sometimes quieter beaches are waiting at the end of tree-lined residential roads. Parking is limited and mostly available on public roadsides, though Townline Road Beach has a few spots. Local tip: Pack light. Road-end beaches are accessed via tiered wooden staircases—or at Berrien Street Beach, a sandy path.
Roadside
Click to map:
Cherry Beach
Where the forest meets the dunes
At this beach in Harbert, nature shows off many of its best assets: shady woods, grassy dunes, and 268 feet of shoreline. All together, it makes Cherry Beach a year-round favorite—but be prepared to descend and climb a few flights of wooden stairs. During peak summer months, come early for the best chance at parking.
Paid May–Aug
Restrooms
Warren Dunes State Park: Main Beach
Miles of Lake Michigan shoreline
In Sawyer’s 1,500-acre state park, three miles of golden beaches are nestled at the foot of towering dunes. The main beach greets visitors with ample parking, seasonal concessions, picnic spots, seasonal kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals, and ADA-access. If you’re ready to escape to the shade, walking paths into the forested dunes await.
Paid park admission
Modern restrooms, foot showers, camping
Warren Dunes State Park: Mt. Randall Loop
A hike-in, pet-friendly adventure
A challenging hike that’s worth the effort, the Mt. Randall Loop is a 1.5 mile trek through undeveloped forest and grassy dunes. At the end, you’re rewarded with secluded, sandy bowls and beaches. It’s never crowded—even during peak summer—and dogs are allowed. To skip the park fees, look for an additional trailhead on Floral Lane, just north of the main entrance.
Paid park admission
Restrooms at trailhead parking
View on Map | Explore the Loop
Weko Beach
Dunes and unforgettable views
Up in Bridgman, Weko Beach has an enticing series of elevated dunewalks that overlook 960 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. Picnic tables, a playground, seasonal concessions, ADA access, and seasonal kayak, sand board, and stand-up paddle board rentals… all the essentials for setting up camp and staying ’til the sun sets over the lake.
Paid May–Aug
Modern restrooms, changing rooms, showers, foot showers
Before you roll out the beach blanket, keep a few things in mind:
Our local beaches are miraculously spacious and peaceful throughout the year—except in July and August. If sharing space isn’t your thing but you crave the summer experience, June, September, and early October are fantastic options.
The beach is an expression of nature’s many moods. It’s always changing! Year-to-year and truly even day-to-day, you’ll see a new landscape. Sometimes wide, sometimes narrow. Sometimes velvety singing sands, sometimes a pebbly shore. Mother Nature keeps it fresh, so the love affair never fades.
Rules prohibiting beach fires, pets, and alcohol are most likely enforced during peak summer months. Beach people are easy. We trust you to respect the lakeshore.
words Lena Singer, Collette DiJohn Kemper
images Jodi Bodtke, Benjamin Sass, Alexander Kramer
updated May 2026
