Among many reasons to visit Lake Michigan shore communities, one is universally shared: majestic, awe-inspiring beaches. Long ago dubbed ‘The Gateway to Michigan,’ New Buffalo marks the start of nearly 16 miles of continuously accessible shoreline, offering nine public beaches within a 15-minute drive.

As you explore, keep a few things in mind:

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 a dynamic manifestation of nature. It’s always changing! Year-to-year and truly even day-to-day, we’re presented with a new landscape. Sometimes wide, sometimes narrow. Sometimes velvety singing sands, sometimes rocky shore. Mother Nature keeps it fresh, so the love affair never fades.

Enforcement of rules prohibiting fires, pets, and alcohol is most likely during peak summer months. Beach people are easy. We trust you to respect the lakeshore.

New Buffalo Beach

• 800′ of Lake Michigan shoreline
• Adjoining recreational harbor
• Backdrop of grassy dunes and paths
• Elevated dunewalk with seated lookout points
• Playground and picnic tables
• Seasonal kayak and SUP rentals
• Seasonal concession
• Bathrooms
• ADA-approved walkway toward the shore and along the dunes
• Walkable to downtown shops, restaurants, and free parking
• Paid parking 8am–8pm April–October | $7.50/3 hours or $20/day

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Road-End Beaches

These smaller public beaches are nestled among private associations backed by grassy dunes, forests, and an occasional lakefront home. Primarily hike or bike-to with limited roadside parking, road-end beaches are accessed via wood stairs or sandy paths. Find them west to the lake on the roads they’re named after. (Click to map.)

• Townline Road
• McKinley Street
• Berrien Street
• Harbert Road

Cherry Beach

• 657′ of Lake Michigan shoreline
• Backdrop of undeveloped grassy dunes and forest
• Paid parking Memorial Day–Labor Day | $15/day
• Wood stairs

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Warren Dunes State Park: Main Beach

• 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline
• Backed by a boardwalk, parking lot, and towering 260 foot dunes
• Seasonal concessions
• Seasonal kayak and SUP rentals
• Bathrooms
• Campground
• ADA-accessible via beach wheelchair
• Paid parking | $11/day or $18-39 for an annual Michigan Recreation Pass

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Warren Dunes State Park: Mt. Randall Loop

• 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline
• Backdrop of undeveloped grassy dunes, bowls, and forest
• Hike-in only: 1.5 miles direct to beach or 4 mile scenic loop
• Never crowded (even in July and August)
• Pets allowed
• Paid parking | $11/day or $18-39 for an annual Michigan Recreation Pass
• Find an additional trailhead just north of the park entrance on Floral Lane to skip the fees

View on Map | Explore the Loop

Weko Beach

• 960′ of Lake Michigan shoreline
• Backed by a boardwalk, parking lot, grassy dunes, and forest
• Playground and picnic tables
• Seasonal kayak and SUP rentals
• Seasonal concession
• Bathrooms
• Campground
• ADA-accessible May-September via beach wheelchair and mobi-mats
• Paid parking 8am–8pm Memorial Day–Labor Day | $15/day

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words  Collette DiJohn Kemper
images  Jodi Bodtke
updated  Aug 6, 2024