Find Your Perfect Spot in the Sand
Among the many reasons people choose to visit our South Michigan Shore communities, there’s one that’s 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 Lake Michigan 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, September and October are fantastic options.
The beach is a dynamic manifestation of the forces of nature. Meaning, 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 grows old.
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
- New elevated dunewalk with seated lookout points
- Playground and picnic tables
- Seasonal kayak and SUP rentals
- Seasonal concession
- Bathrooms
- ADA-approved walkway
- Beach wheelchair available through the City of New Buffalo
- Paid parking 8am–8pm April–October | $7.50/3 hours or $15-20/day
- Walkable to downtown shops, restaurants, and free parking
Road-End Beaches
These smaller public beaches are nestled among private associations backed by grassy dunes and forest, and an occasional lakefront home. Primarily hike or bike-to with limited roadside parking, road-end beaches are accessible via sandy paths or wood stairs. Find them west to the lake on the roads they’re named after. (Click to map.)
Cherry Beach
- 657′ of Lake Michigan shoreline
- Backdrop of undeveloped grassy dunes and forest
- Paid parking Memorial Day–Labor Day | $15/day
- Wood stairs
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
- Paid parking | $11/day or $18-39 for an annual Michigan Recreation Pass
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—or—find an additional trailhead just north of the park entrance on Floral Lane to skip the fees
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
- Paid parking 8am–8pm Memorial Day–Labor Day | $15/day
Words Collette DiJohn Kemper
Images Jodi Bodtke
