Choosing the Best Family Beaches in Michigan can make all the difference. The right spot means happy kids playing contentedly on the shore, while the wrong one can lead to a day of whining and frustration.
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Discovering the 12 Best Family Beaches in Michigan
With over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, there are plenty of stunning beaches to explore in Michigan. Whether you’re looking for a beach with splash pads, playgrounds, or just beautiful scenery, Michigan has plenty to offer.
Here are 11 of the best family-friendly beaches in Michigan to visit in 2024, along with popular nearby hotels to make your stay even more enjoyable.
1. Empire Beach – 1st Best Michigan Beaches for Families
Located in the heart of downtown Empire, Empire Beach offers a wide sandy shore, restrooms, and a play structure for kids, all with stunning views of the 450-foot bluffs of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
With 35 miles of Lake Michigan beach to explore, it’s perfect for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Don’t miss the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive nearby, which offers 12 stops along a 7.5-mile route with some of the most picturesque views in the state. Parking at Empire Beach is just $1.
Nearby Hotels:
- The M-22 Inn Glen Arbor: A cozy spot just a few miles from Empire Beach with comfortable rooms and easy access to local attractions.
- Sleeping Bear Resort: Located in Lake Ann, this resort offers cabins and cottages perfect for families.
2. McCarty’s Cove – 2nd Best Family Beaches in Michigan
McCarty’s Cove is a popular Michigan family beach vacations in Marquette on Lake Superior. The park offers scenic views, rock hunting along the shore, picnic tables, restrooms, and volleyball nets.
For adventurous families, the rock formations near the shore are perfect for climbing. During the warm summer months, a lifeguard is on duty. This beach is also a recipient of the Michigan “Beachy Awards.”
Nearby Hotels:
- Landmark Inn: A historic hotel located in downtown Marquette with elegant rooms and great views of Lake Superior.
- Hampton Inn Marquette/Waterfront: This family-friendly hotel offers a pool and easy access to McCarty’s Cove.
3. Miners Beach – 3rd Best Family Beaches in Michigan
Miners Beach, located in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, offers nearly a mile of sandy shore along Lake Superior with breathtaking views, including Bridalveil Falls.
This beach has an ADA-accessible ramp leading to a platform with panoramic views of the lake, along with restrooms and picnic facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for families traveling with pets.
Nearby Hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview: Offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of Lake Superior, just a short drive from Miners Beach.
- Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites: Located in Munising, this hotel offers family-friendly amenities like an indoor pool and hot tub.
Also Read – Important Beach Gears to carry.
4. Port Crescent State Park – 4th Best Family Beaches in Michigan
Situated at the tip of Michigan’s “Thumb,” Port Crescent State Park boasts three miles of shoreline along Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. The shallow, sandy waters warm quickly under the sun, making it ideal for swimming.
The park is located between the resort town of Caseville and its neighbor, Port Austin. It’s also a designated Dark Sky Park, offering stunning night sky views perfect for stargazing and catching glimpses of the Northern Lights.
Nearby Hotels:
- Lakeside Motor Lodge: A charming motel in Port Austin, offering comfortable accommodations near the park.
- The Blue Spruce Motel: Located in Caseville, this motel is close to the beach and other local attractions.
5. Warren Dunes State Park – 5th Best Family Beaches in Michigan
Located between New Buffalo and St. Joseph, Warren Dunes State Park offers nearly 2,000 acres of beach, sand dunes, and forested trails.
With three miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan, this pet-friendly beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and even hang-gliding. The sand dunes rise up to 260 feet, providing a great spot for kids to run and play.
Nearby Hotels:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Joseph Stevensville: Offers modern amenities and a convenient location near Warren Dunes.
- The Inn at Harbor Shores: Located in St. Joseph, this resort offers waterfront views, a pool, and a golf course.
6. Silver Beach – 6th Best Family Beaches in Michigan
Silver Beach in St. Joseph has a fun and lively atmosphere with plenty of activities for families.
It was named a “Top 10 Family Beach” by Parents Magazine. The beach offers 1,600 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, a splash pad, beach volleyball, a concession stand, and the historic Silver Beach Carousel. Nearby, you can visit Tiscornia Beach, which features a picturesque pier and lighthouse.
Nearby Hotels:
- The Boulevard Inn & Bistro: Located in downtown St. Joseph, this hotel offers spacious suites and is within walking distance of Silver Beach.
- Silver Beach Hotel: A family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool, located just minutes from the beach.
7. Starlite Beach – 7th Best Family Beaches in Michigan
Starlite Beach in Alpena is perfect for families with young children. It offers shallow waters for swimming, a splash pad, play structures, a volleyball court, and picnic facilities.
The beach is dog-friendly and located near Alpena’s restaurants and ice cream shops, making it easy to grab a bite after a day at the beach.
Nearby Hotels:
- Ramada by Wyndham Alpena: Offers an indoor pool, hot tub, and family suites, conveniently located near Starlite Beach.
- Big Bear Lodge: A cozy, family-owned lodge with rustic cabins just a short drive from Alpena’s beaches.
8. Grand Haven State Park and City Beach – 8th Best Family Beaches in Michigan
Grand Haven State Park and City Beach are located next to each other along a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. These beaches offer amenities such as concessions, paddleboard rentals, restrooms, and playgrounds, catering to all ages.
The beaches are also close to the Grand Haven Pier and the Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light, providing easy access to some of Michigan’s most iconic lighthouses.
Nearby Hotels:
- Best Western Beacon Inn: A convenient option with modern amenities and an indoor pool, located near the Grand Haven beaches.
- Harbor House Inn: A charming bed and breakfast offering comfortable rooms with easy access to downtown Grand Haven and the beach.
9. Ludington State Park – 9th Best Family Beaches in Michigan
Ludington State Park is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, featuring two lakes (Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake), the Big Sable River, and the historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
This park offers hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and beautiful beaches. It’s also ADA-accessible, with track wheelchairs available for exploring the many forest trails.
Nearby Hotels:
- Ludington Beach House: A family-friendly motel located right near the beach with easy access to Ludington State Park.
- Comfort Inn Ludington: Offers an indoor pool and is located a short drive from Ludington State Park.
10. Petoskey State Park – 10th Best Family Beaches in Michigan
Set on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey State Park is one of the best spots in the state to find the famed Petoskey Stone.
The park offers a wide, sandy beach with shallow waters perfect for younger kids, while older kids can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach’s clear, aqua-blue water, along with nearby concessions and restrooms, makes it an ideal destination for a family day out.
Nearby Hotels:
- Stafford’s Bay View Inn: A historic inn with stunning views of Little Traverse Bay, located near Petoskey State Park.
- AmericInn by Wyndham Petoskey: Offers comfortable rooms and an indoor pool, located just a short drive from the park.
Plan Your Best Beaches in Michigan for Families Getaway
From expansive state parks to charming city beaches, Michigan offers some of the best family-friendly beaches in the country, perfect for day trips, weekend getaways, or extended vacations. What’s your favorite family beach in Michigan? Let us know if there’s one you think should be added to the list.