Summer is here, and you know what that means: beach vacations in Indiana! So what’s a soul to do, then, when they can’t quite manage to make it out to the shores of California or Florida to soak up the sun? Easy: stay right here in (or pay a visit to) the Hoosier State and check out any one of our own stellar beaches. These beautiful beaches in Indiana will transport you right to the Caribbean for an afternoon, making you totally forget that you’re actually land-locked. Here are seven places in Indiana that are like a Caribbean paradise in the summer. They’re all perfect examples of paradise in Indiana:
- Miller Beach National Lakeshore
Steve Johnson/Flickr
Steve Johnson/Flickr Lake Street Beach is a part of the breathtaking Miller Beach National Lakeshore, and it hangs out on the southernmost shore of Lake Michigan. It’s the only area of Miller Beach with totally unspoiled views of the lake, and truly, it feels like paradise. Miller Beach, Gary, IN 46403, USA
- Central Avenue Beach
Tom Gill/Flickr
Tom Gill/Flickr The beautiful Central Avenue beach is located in the beautiful beach town of Beverly Shores, Indiana. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and it’s an amazing place to relax and unwind. Once you’re done with the beach, make sure to check out the shops and restaurants in beautiful Beverly Shores, which is a dark sky city in Indiana. During the spring and summer months, keep your eyes peeled for bank swallows coming and going among the dunes. Beverly Shores, IN, USA
- Indiana Dunes National Park
Rob Saker/Flickr
Tom Gill/Flickr A few of the entries on this list revolve around Indiana Dunes Park, and for good reason: the area is unique and unlike anywhere else in the Hoosier State, and its beauty is dazzling. This particular beach is the only one requiring a fee on this list, so be sure to visit the Indiana DNR website for all pertinent info, including permits. Indiana Dunes National Park, 1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304, USA
- Kemil Beach
unwiht/Flickr
Kat/Flickr What? Another beach at Indiana Dunes near Beverly Shores? We think yes, and you’re gonna love it, we promise. Kemil Beach is a sandy little slice of paradise with lots of interesting historic homes built nearby. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and you’re going to want to stay the entire time. This beach probably has the bluest water in Indiana.
- Lake James Beach/Pokagon State Park
Just Will/Flickr
Holly Higgins/Flickr Lake James Beach is the major draw to Pokagon State Park. It’s the only area of this stretch of shoreline that isn’t developed, and even better still, they have sailboat races here. Can’t beat that - talk about an ocean vibe! Lake James, Indiana, USA
- Lake Monroe
Sean Underhill/Flickr
nessie grace/Flickr Lake Monroe is home to three public beaches, each more stunning than the last. This reservoir is positioned to the southeast of Bloomington, Indiana, and its peak months are from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lake Monroe, Indiana, USA
- Brookville Lake
Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr
Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr Brookville Lake has two beaches, plus camping! This one is a dam, so the water levels may vary. Make sure to check out Visit Indiana for the most up-to-date information on water levels and more. Brookville Lake, Indiana, USA
So, what do you think of these beautiful beaches in Indiana? Which ones are your favorites, and which ones did we leave out? Tell us about your favorites and you might see them featured one of these days! Craving even more Indiana beach fun? This water park in Indiana is a blast and a half on the hottest of summer days.
Steve Johnson/Flickr
Lake Street Beach is a part of the breathtaking Miller Beach National Lakeshore, and it hangs out on the southernmost shore of Lake Michigan. It’s the only area of Miller Beach with totally unspoiled views of the lake, and truly, it feels like paradise.
Miller Beach, Gary, IN 46403, USA
Tom Gill/Flickr
The beautiful Central Avenue beach is located in the beautiful beach town of Beverly Shores, Indiana. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and it’s an amazing place to relax and unwind. Once you’re done with the beach, make sure to check out the shops and restaurants in beautiful Beverly Shores, which is a dark sky city in Indiana. During the spring and summer months, keep your eyes peeled for bank swallows coming and going among the dunes.
Beverly Shores, IN, USA
Rob Saker/Flickr
A few of the entries on this list revolve around Indiana Dunes Park, and for good reason: the area is unique and unlike anywhere else in the Hoosier State, and its beauty is dazzling. This particular beach is the only one requiring a fee on this list, so be sure to visit the Indiana DNR website for all pertinent info, including permits.
Indiana Dunes National Park, 1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304, USA
unwiht/Flickr
Kat/Flickr
What? Another beach at Indiana Dunes near Beverly Shores? We think yes, and you’re gonna love it, we promise. Kemil Beach is a sandy little slice of paradise with lots of interesting historic homes built nearby. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and you’re going to want to stay the entire time. This beach probably has the bluest water in Indiana.
Just Will/Flickr
Holly Higgins/Flickr
Lake James Beach is the major draw to Pokagon State Park. It’s the only area of this stretch of shoreline that isn’t developed, and even better still, they have sailboat races here. Can’t beat that - talk about an ocean vibe!
Lake James, Indiana, USA
Sean Underhill/Flickr
nessie grace/Flickr
Lake Monroe is home to three public beaches, each more stunning than the last. This reservoir is positioned to the southeast of Bloomington, Indiana, and its peak months are from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Lake Monroe, Indiana, USA
Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr
Brookville Lake has two beaches, plus camping! This one is a dam, so the water levels may vary. Make sure to check out Visit Indiana for the most up-to-date information on water levels and more.
Brookville Lake, Indiana, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Paradise in Indiana May 22, 2022 Tori Jane What are the most beautiful beaches in Indiana? Who says you can’t have an amazing beach getaway in Indiana? We sure don’t, because we know better – there are plenty of awesome beaches in the state thanks to its many lakes (including proximity to the mother of all Midwestern lakes, Lake Michigan). Some of our favorite beaches in Indiana include Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which is easily the single most unique beach in the state. Not only does it look and feel like the ocean, but it’s also surrounded by beautiful natural dunes! Another amazing beach in Indiana is Kemil Beach, which is a gem and a half. Who needs lengthy trips to the coast when you can stay right here in the Hoosier State? Where can I go on tropical getaways in Indiana? As we alluded to above, you can absolutely have some relaxing tropical getaways in Indiana! Some of our favorite tropical beaches in Indiana include the ones we mentioned above and lots more. Pokagon Beach is stunningly beautiful and will make you feel like you’re far away from it all. Whihala Beach is another tropical getaway, and in Gary, we recommend checking out West Beach, which is perfect for running away on a hot summer day. What is the most beautiful hidden oasis in Indiana? With as many beautiful hidden places to escape to in Indiana, it’s kind of hard to choose just one or two! Of course, there are all the beaches we listed above, but if you’re wondering, yes, there are more. Who knew all these lakes in Indiana had so many gorgeous beaches that rival the coasts? Pokagon State Park in Angola is another favorite, and so is Pike Lake Beach in Warsaw. Gary’s Miller Beach is to die for, and we also love Indiana Beach in Monticello, which includes a wonderful amusement park as well. If you’re looking for a hidden oasis in Indiana, check these out – you’re sure to fall in love with them!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Paradise in Indiana
May 22, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the most beautiful beaches in Indiana? Who says you can’t have an amazing beach getaway in Indiana? We sure don’t, because we know better – there are plenty of awesome beaches in the state thanks to its many lakes (including proximity to the mother of all Midwestern lakes, Lake Michigan). Some of our favorite beaches in Indiana include Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which is easily the single most unique beach in the state. Not only does it look and feel like the ocean, but it’s also surrounded by beautiful natural dunes! Another amazing beach in Indiana is Kemil Beach, which is a gem and a half. Who needs lengthy trips to the coast when you can stay right here in the Hoosier State? Where can I go on tropical getaways in Indiana? As we alluded to above, you can absolutely have some relaxing tropical getaways in Indiana! Some of our favorite tropical beaches in Indiana include the ones we mentioned above and lots more. Pokagon Beach is stunningly beautiful and will make you feel like you’re far away from it all. Whihala Beach is another tropical getaway, and in Gary, we recommend checking out West Beach, which is perfect for running away on a hot summer day. What is the most beautiful hidden oasis in Indiana? With as many beautiful hidden places to escape to in Indiana, it’s kind of hard to choose just one or two! Of course, there are all the beaches we listed above, but if you’re wondering, yes, there are more. Who knew all these lakes in Indiana had so many gorgeous beaches that rival the coasts? Pokagon State Park in Angola is another favorite, and so is Pike Lake Beach in Warsaw. Gary’s Miller Beach is to die for, and we also love Indiana Beach in Monticello, which includes a wonderful amusement park as well. If you’re looking for a hidden oasis in Indiana, check these out – you’re sure to fall in love with them!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Who says you can’t have an amazing beach getaway in Indiana? We sure don’t, because we know better – there are plenty of awesome beaches in the state thanks to its many lakes (including proximity to the mother of all Midwestern lakes, Lake Michigan). Some of our favorite beaches in Indiana include Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which is easily the single most unique beach in the state. Not only does it look and feel like the ocean, but it’s also surrounded by beautiful natural dunes! Another amazing beach in Indiana is Kemil Beach, which is a gem and a half. Who needs lengthy trips to the coast when you can stay right here in the Hoosier State?
Where can I go on tropical getaways in Indiana?
As we alluded to above, you can absolutely have some relaxing tropical getaways in Indiana! Some of our favorite tropical beaches in Indiana include the ones we mentioned above and lots more. Pokagon Beach is stunningly beautiful and will make you feel like you’re far away from it all. Whihala Beach is another tropical getaway, and in Gary, we recommend checking out West Beach, which is perfect for running away on a hot summer day.
What is the most beautiful hidden oasis in Indiana?
With as many beautiful hidden places to escape to in Indiana, it’s kind of hard to choose just one or two! Of course, there are all the beaches we listed above, but if you’re wondering, yes, there are more. Who knew all these lakes in Indiana had so many gorgeous beaches that rival the coasts? Pokagon State Park in Angola is another favorite, and so is Pike Lake Beach in Warsaw. Gary’s Miller Beach is to die for, and we also love Indiana Beach in Monticello, which includes a wonderful amusement park as well. If you’re looking for a hidden oasis in Indiana, check these out – you’re sure to fall in love with them!
