If you’re looking for a great beach destination in the Midwest, West Michigan is a wonderful option.
With so many charming communities along Lake Michigan, your hardest decision will be narrowing down your options for a family getaway.
These beach towns in West Michigan are 40 minutes to 1.5 hours from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each of these cities has its own personality and vibe.
You can make it a day trip or extend your visit during your next West Michigan beach vacation. I recommend visiting multiple beach towns during a visit.
We have family in Grand Rapids and always enjoy the variety of beach towns we can visit within a relatively short drive.
I’m often asked by friends and readers about my recommendations for where to go in West Michigan for an upcoming vacation. That’s why I tried to create a resource of your beach town options condensed down to one article.
These are all of my images from previous visits and adventures.
This article contains affiliate links.
Plan a Visit to South Haven, Michigan
(50+ minutes from Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Great Beaches in South Haven
- Deerlick Creek Beach (South Haven Township Park) – 76750 13th Avenue, South Haven
- Covert Park Beach & Campground – 80559 32nd Avenue, South Haven
- Dyckman Beach -175 North Shore Drive, South Haven
Unique Things to Do in South Haven, Michigan
- Take a Tallship Cruise – During a sail on “The Friends Good Will” replica 1810 tall ship, guests learn more about the history of commerce in the early 1800s and the ship’s role during the War of 1812.
- Visit the Michigan Maritime Museum – 260 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI. Learn more about Michigan’s maritime history and Lake Michigan at the Michigan Maritime Museum. The museum also offers several unique on-water tours that are fun for all ages.
- Take a cruise on the Lindy Lou (a replica of a Truscott Fantail river launch.)
Local Ice Cream in South Haven
Sherman Dairy Bar Ice Cream – 1601 Phoenix St, South Haven, MI
Save on Lodging in South Haven, Michigan
- Baymont by Wyndham South Haven – 1555 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI
- Hampton Inn South Haven – 04299 Cecilia Drive, South Haven, MI
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – 72095 County Rd 388, South Haven, MI
- Lake Bluff Inn & Suites – 76648 11th Avenue, South Haven, MI
Save on hotels and vacation rentals in South Haven, Michigan here.
Plan a Visit to Saugatuck, Michigan
(40 minutes from Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Great Beaches in Saugatuck, Michigan
- Oval Beach – 690 Perryman St, Saugatuck, MIOval Beach has been voted “Top 25 Beaches in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler and “Top Freshwater Beach in the US” by National Geographic Traveler. *Oval Beach is NOT a Michigan State Park and requires an entry fee.
- Saugatuck Dunes State Park – 6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck, MI Saugatuck Dunes State Park is another great stop with 2.5 miles of shoreline and 1,000 acres of land to hike and explore.
- West Side County Park – 2152 Lakeshore Dr., Fennville, MI
- Douglas Beach – 3099 Lakeshore Dr, Douglas, MI
- Pier Cove Beach – 2290 Lakeshore Dr, Fennville, MI
Unique Things to Do in Saugatuck, Michigan
There are a lot of great shops in the Saugatuck area that range from artisan, eclectic, boutiques, and traditional touristy shops.
- Saugatuck Dune Rides -6495 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI – Fun for all ages, a dune ride is a one-of-a-kind experience with ups and downs like a roller coaster in the sand.
- Sunset Cruise with Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises – 716 Water St, Saugatuck, MI – Enjoy “golden hour” on a 90-minute cruise on Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River.
- Take a Ride on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry -528 Water St, Saugatuck, MI- The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, “Diane” is the only remaining hand-cranked chain ferry in the United States. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry is hand-trained by train operators and guided across the Kalamazoo River by a chain connected to both sides.
Local Ice Cream in Saugatuck
- ‘Round the Corner Ice Cream -132 Mason St, Saugatuck, MI – This is a great Ice cream shop with super large portions!
- Dairy Dayz – 6471 Washington Ave., Saugatuck, MI
Save on Lodging in Saugatuck, Michigan
- Belvedere Inn & Restaurant – 3656 63rd Street, Saugatuck, MI
- Starlight Resort – 3353 Bluestar Highway, Saugatuck, MI
- The Saugatuck Retro Resort Motel – 6190 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck, MI
You can save on hotels and vacation rentals in Saugatuck, Michigan here.
Plan a Visit to Holland, Michigan
(35 minutes from Grand Rapids, MI)
Great Beaches in Holland, Michigan
- Holland State Park -2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI
- Tunnel Park -66 N, Lakeshore Ave, Holland, MI
- Laketown Beach – 6710 142nd Ave, Holland, MI
Unique Things to Do in Holland, Michigan
Check out these Dutch themed Attractions in Holland
- Windmill Island Gardens – 1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI – Learn about Dutch history and culture in a beautiful setting.
- DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory – 12755 Quincy St, Holland, MI – Watch wood shoe carving on machines, shop for authentic Dutch souvenirs, and watch artists hand paint authentic blue and white delftware.
- Nelis’ Dutch Village – 12350 James St, Holland, MI – Celebrate and learn about Dutch culture at this family-friendly destination with outdoor attractions that younger kids will love.
Great Ice Cream Stops in Holland, MI
- The General Store (near Holland State Park) -2256 Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland, Michigan
- Captain Sundae (multiple locations)
Notable Food Stop in Holland, MI
Bowerman’s on 8th – 2 E 8th St., Holland, MI – Bakery and Cafe that uses fresh blueberries from their farm.
Save on Lodging in Holland, Michigan
You can save on hotels and vacation rentals in Holland, Michigan here.
- Lake Ranch Resort – 2226 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI
- Haworth Hotel – 225 College Avenue, Holland, MI
- Courtyard by Marriott – 121 East 8th Street, Holland, MI
- Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – 61 East 7th Street, Holland, MI
Plan a Visit to Grand Haven, Michigan
(38 minutes from Grand Rapids, MI)
Great Beaches in Grand Haven, Michigan
- Grand Haven State Park- 1001 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI. This is a popular park where you can walk the pier. If you need an additional parking option try the YMCA parking lot nearby.
- North Beach Park– 18775 North Shore Drive, Ferrysburg, MI. A smaller beach that’s typically less crowded.
- Rosy Mound Natural Area – 13925 Lakeshore Ave, Grand Haven, MI. A beautiful hike through the woods to the beach with lots of stairs.
- Kirk Park – 9791 Lakeshore Ave, West Olive, MI
- Windsnest Park – 70-11-16-200-005, West Olive, MI
Unique Things to Do in Grand Haven, Michigan
- Watch the Grand Haven Musical Fountains– Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, 1 N Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI. The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a 25-minute show with synchronized water and light show accompanied by a range of popular music of various genres. You can see the Grand Haven Musical Fountain at dusk from Memorial Day through Labor Day along with Fridays and Saturdays in May and September.
- Take Kiteboarding lessons at MACkite Boardsports Center. Kiteboarding is an extreme sport that combines wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics.
- Go Stand-up Paddleboarding – Enjoy a relaxing pace as you paddle on the lake or if the waves increase, you can try turning your paddleboard into a surfboard.
- Sun Sports Rentals -301 N Harbor Dr #A-1, Grand Haven, MI – Take a Ride on the Lakeshore Transit – (Runs the day after Memorial Day – Labor Day weekend)
Great Ice Cream Shops in Grand Haven, Michigan
- Dairy Treat – 218 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI ( Home of the Rockpile shake made with strawberries, bananas, and pecans.)
- Pier Peddler (On the boardwalk) – 907 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
- Skoops Ice Cream and Drive-Thru – 16830 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven, MI
Iconic Food Stand in Grand Haven, MI
Pronto Pup – 313 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI (deep-fried hot dog with pancake batter or flour instead of cornbread)
Save on Lodging in Grand Haven, Michigan
- Grand Haven State Park Beach – popular campground
- Baymont by Wyndham Grand Haven – 1500 S Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven, MI
- Best Western Beacon Inn – 1500 South Beacon Boulevard, Grand Haven, MI
- Looking Glass Beachfront Inn – 1100 S. Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
- The Harbor House Inn – 114 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI
Save on booking your hotel or vacation rental in Grand Haven, Michigan here.
Plan a Visit to Muskegon, Michigan
(41 minutes to Grand Rapids, MI)
Great Beaches in Muskegon, Michigan
40 minutes- 1 hour from Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Duck Lake State Park – 3560 Memorial Dr, Muskegon, MI
- Pere Marquette Park – 3510 Channel Dr, Muskegon, MI
- Pioneer County Park – 1563 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI
- Lake Harbor Park – 4635 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores, MI
- Muskegon State Park – 3560 Memorial Dr, North Muskegon, MI
- Kruse Park – 3205 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI
- P.J. Hoffmaster State Park – 6585 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores, MI
Unique Things to Do in Muskegon, Michigan
- Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Complex – 462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI – Zipline, experience the only summer wheel luge track (of its kind in North America,) archery, and trail quest. (Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is also an amazing destination to visit in the winter)
- Aquastar Cruises – 560 Mart Street, Muskegon, MI Scenic afternoon and sunset boat cruises on Lake Michigan
- Michigan’s Adventure – 4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI. Experience Michigan’s Largest Amusement Park and Water Park at Michigan’s Adventure for the price of one admission.
*Find the lowest prices on tickets to Michigan’s Adventure here and save on 2-day admission.
- USS Silverside Submarine Museum – 1346 Bluff St, Muskegon, MI. Learn about the history of SS-236 USS Silversides Submarine, one of the most highly decorated Gato-class submarines of World War II at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. Sleep in a submarine at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. An unforgettable overnight adventure! Gain a new appreciation for servicemen and women after the overnight encampment sleeping in a submarine.
- Learn how to kiteboard at the MACshack Kiteboarding School – 1801 Beach St, Muskegon, MI
- Socibowl – 441 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI – Duckpin Bowling, Retro Arcade, Restaurant and Bar.
Local Ice Cream in Muskegon
- Fricano’s Sweet Shoppe – 1050 W Western Ave Suite 101-103, Muskegon, MI
- Coney Land – 1960 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI
- Yummy Delights – 459 E Laketon Ave, Muskegon, MI
Dining Gem in Muskegon, MI
The Deck – 1601 Beach St, Muskegon, MI – Muskegon’s only beachfront restaurant on Pere Marquette Beach. The Deck offers sit-down dining, quick service options, a bar, swing chairs, and live music multiple nights throughout the summer.
Save on Lodging in Muskegon, Michigan
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Convention Center – 939 3rd St, Muskegon, MI
- Shoreline Inn & Conference Center – 750 Terrace Point Road, Muskegon, MI
- Baymont by Wyndham Muskegon – 4677 Harvey St, Muskegon, MI
- Scenic Drive Resort – 1519 North Scenic Drive, Muskegon, MI
You can save on hotels and vacation rentals in Muskegon, Michigan here.
Plan a Visit to Silver Lake, Michigan
(1.25+ minutes from Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Great Beaches in Silver Lake, MI
- Silver Lake State Park – 9679 W State Park Rd, Mears, MI
- Golden Township Park at The Silver Lake Sand Dunes – 8711 W Silver Lake Rd, Mears, MI
Fun Things to Do in Silver Lake, MI
- Craig’s Cruisers – 8343 W Hazel Rd, Mears, MI – Arcade, mini golf, go-karts, and more!
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes – rent sand boards
- Mac Wood’s Dune Rides – 629 N 18th Ave, Mears, MI – 40-minute dune tour with a small group
Ice Cream Near Silver Lake Sand Dunes
- Whippy Dip – 591 N 18th Ave, Mears, MI
- Silver Scoops – 8450 West Hazel Rd., Silver Lake, MI
- Tasty Creationz – 8547 Silver Lake Rd, Mears, MI
Save on Your Stay in Silver Lake, MI
- Dunes Waterfront Resort – 1180 North Shore Drive, Mears, MI
- Sierra Sands Family Lodge – 7990 West Hazel Road, Mears, MI
- Silver Sands Resort – 8446 W. Hazel Rd., Mears, MI
You can find additional savings on hotels and vacation rentals near Silver Lake, Michigan.
Plan a Visit to Pentwater, Michigan
(1.25+ hours from Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Great Beaches in Pentwater, Michigan
- Charles Mears State Park – 400 W Lowell St, Pentwater, MI
- Dog Beach at Charles Mears State Park –
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan
- Check out downtown shops and dining including Cosmic Candy Company Home Of Pentwater Popcorn
- Walk the Pentwater South Pierhead
- Pentwater Water Taxi – 4th St, Pentwater, MI – one-hour docent-guided historical tour or a sunset cruise
- Bike Share Program to use and return during the day – specially marked bikes located at the Village Marina, Police Department, and Channel Lane Park.
Ice Cream Stops in Pentwater, MI
- Pentwater House of Flavors – 210 S Hancock St, Pentwater, MI
- Pentwater Dari Creme – 11 N Hancock St, Pentwater, MI
Save on Your Stay in Pentwater, MI
- Days Inn by Wyndham Pentwater – 7576 South Pere Marquette Highway, Pentwater, MI
- Hexagon House Bed and Breakfast – (10-minute walk Harbor side downtown Pentwater)
Save on additional hotels and vacation rentals near Pentwater, Michigan here.
Plan a Visit to Ludington, Michigan
(1.5 hours from Grand Rapids, MI)
Ludington State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Michigan. After a visit, you’ll understand why.
Top Things to Do in Ludington, Michigan
- Climb to the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse
- Visit Stearns Park Lighthouse
- 1-mile Float Trip on Hamlin Lake to Lake Michigan
- Visit local wineries
Ice Cream Stops in Ludington, MI
- House of Flavors – 402 W Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI
- Kilwins – 118 W Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI
Places to Stay in Ludington, Michigan
- Ludington State Park (camping and a few cabins) – 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI
- Mitten Flats – 4-minute walk from Stearns Park Beach
- Nadler’s Motel – 612 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI
- Holiday Inn Express – 4079 W Us Highway 10, Ludington, MI
- Best Western Lakewinds– 5005 W US Highway 10, Ludington, MI
- Comfort Inn – 5323 W. US 10, Ludington, MI
How to Save on Your Visit to Michigan State Parks
If you plan on visiting a few Michigan State Parks over multiple days I recommend purchasing a Michigan Recreation Passport annual pass.
The passport decal is displayed on the windshield of your vehicle and the passport provides entry to any Michigan state park or recreation area, state forest campground, designated boating access site or parking lot, state-designated trailhead, recreation staging area, or access site related to trails/pathways.
Pay Attention to the Great Lakes Flag Warning System And Weather
You don’t have to worry about sharks or jellyfish at these salt-free beaches but there can still be dangerous rip currents, especially by the piers.
If you find yourself pulled out by a rip current, swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the rip current.
There are no lifeguards at the beaches and it’s important to check the Great Lakes Flag Warning System when you arrive.
Sometimes it may not seem logical to the natural eye like the flag displayed above on a beautiful day but trust the system that’s there to keep you safe.
These are the meanings of each flag by the Great Lakes Flag Warning System from Michigan DNR.
- Green Flag – Low Hazard – Calm condition. Enter the water but exercise caution.
- Yellow Flag – Medium Hazard -Moderate surf and/ or currents. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves.
- Red Flag – High Hazard – High surf and/or strong currents. It’s recommended that you stay on the beach.
- Double Red Flags – Water Access Closed – Don’t enter the water. Dangerous conditions. Respect the new law that prohibits water access.
Other reasons for a Double Red Flag include:
- Severe weather by the National Weather Service
- Hazardous waves
- Active rescue or recovery efforts
- Water contamination
- Unsafe debris washing ashore
The weather on Lake Michigan can also change quickly. Stay up to date by checking the forecast on a weather app.
Sand on the beach can also become HOT. Protect your feet with Sand Socks if you don’t like keeping sandals on your feet while walking across the sand.
Life jackets are a good idea if you have younger kids and baby powder can help get the sand off after your time at the beach.
Sun shades and rashguards are helpful if you have family members that are sensitive to the sun.
