Michigan West Coast Beaches
Welcome to The Great Lakes!
Michigan is home to the Great Lakes of Michigan, Superior, Huron, and Erie. When visiting the southwest coast, you will find yourself on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, the second-largest Great Lake! The west coast is littered with the beautiful, cozy towns of Saugatuck, Douglas, South Haven, Grand Haven, and Holland. Indulge in our soft, sandy beaches, fish off our grand piers, and visit our historic red lighthouses. Our home of Michigan is sure to create memories for you and your loved ones that will last a lifetime!
First, Tucked at the heart of Saugatuck is the expansive sands of Oval Beach! Known as Condé Nast Traveler's "Top 25 Beaches in the World" for its rolling dunes and stunning shoreline, it is among the most popular beaches by locals and tourists alike.
So whether you are on a solo trip, visiting with friends and family, or celebrating a special occasion, this beach is the place to be. While basking on the beach, you must take a short hike up to Mt. Baldhead. From the peak is a stunning view of Saugatuck and the Kalamazoo River.
While visiting the west coast, visiting Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a must! This beautiful nature preserve features tree-covered dunes towering over 200 feet tall and miles of sunny beaches. It is also home to the Shore Acres Park, which offers a 19-hole disc golf course, mountain biking trails, and hiking trails. Follow any of their tree canopy trails to the sand dunes and beaches and enjoy!
To the south, you will stumble onto South Haven Beach Park! Known as quite the hot summertime swimming spot. This beach is equipped with grills, picnic areas, and restrooms so that you can stay all day!
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds, Pier Cove is the spot. Once called "the busiest port between St. Joseph and Muskegon," it has now become a small secret beach known only by locals. Follow the long stairway to a quiet sandy strip of Lake Michigan. You can even take a look for beach glass and shells, however, please respect marine and lake life and leave all beach glass, shells, and stones at the beach.
Last but certainly not least, is the lovely Holland State Park! Just north of town, this beach is a must-stop for its sugary sand beach, magnificent sunsets, iconic Big Red Lighthouse, and towering dune of Mt. Pisgah. Chill on the beach, swim in the cool, clear Michigan water, and enjoy the local concessions!
While visiting our amazing beaches, please keep a few things in mind. The Great Lakes, due to their immense size, have rip tides, so be aware of your swimming abilities and educate yourself on how to get out of them. Be smart and be safe! There are often little to no trash cans, so what you pack in, please pack out. Even when it is cloudy or cold, the sun will still leave its mark, so be sure to lather on that sunscreen.
We hope you have a wonderful stay here in Michigan and soak up all its beauty!