There aren’t any oceans in Michigan, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pretend. After all, the Midwest might not offer oceanfront views, but we’re firm believers in the beauty of the sprawling Great Lakes and the best beach towns in Michigan. Our gorgeous bodies of water offer everything from recreational spaces to scenery that will make you feel like you’ve uncovered the Caribbean of Michigan. It’s no surprise that many folks who hail from outside the Great Lakes State are utterly shocked by the scope and scenery of our waterfront areas — so when you’re searching for that ocean experience without leaving the Great Lakes State, check out these five wonderful beaches that feel like oceans in Michigan.
- Grand Haven City Beach (Grand Haven)
Google Reviews/David Korba
Google Reviews/Amber Camp You’ll quickly feel like you’ve landed in a quaint oceanfront beach town when you check out Grand Haven City Beach and its surrounding areas. City Beach Park itself consists of just under 20 acres, offering visitors the chance to unwind atop soft white sand while basking in the West Michigan sunshine. Whether you’re enjoying a beachfront picnic, rollerblading along the sidewalk, or swimming off the 3000-foot shoreline, you’ll surely fall in love with this Lake Michigan delight. In fact, you might just forget that you’re in the midwest. Talk about the ideal day trip destination when temperatures are balmy! Grand Haven City Beach, S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417, USA
- Great Sand Bay (near Mohawk)
TripAdvisor/hoosierref
TripAdvisor/hoosierref There’s so much to love about Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, but the views from Great Sand Bay are among the highlights. Locals and visitors alike rave about the fantastic swimming conditions here, which make it an ideal place to explore during warmer months. Gaze out at serene views of Lake Superior, marvel at towering sand dunes in all their glory, or snap a few photos of the sky at sunset. There’s an ocean-like majesty to this area that simply must be seen to be believed, so make sure it’s prioritized on your next Michigan travel itinerary. Great Sand Bay, M-26, Mohawk, MI 49950, USA
- Oscoda Beach Park (Oscoda)
TripAdvisor/Al W.
TripAdvisor/Adem A. It’s easy to enjoy a family beach day at Oscoda Beach Park, which sits along the shores of Lake Huron. While the beachfront itself is spectacular, offering silky white sand and relaxing waves, its extra amenities are just as fantastic. Enjoy a meal in the grill and picnic areas, spend time with your kids on the playground, or shoot some hoops on the basketball court. There’s even a bandshell for special events throughout the year. From kayaking to frisbee to splashing in the water, you’ll find countless ways to adore this locale – and you’ll surely be returning for more fun. Oscoda Beach Park, 201 E River Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750, USA
- Van’s Beach (Leland)
TripAdvisor/Pam H.
TripAdvisor/Pam H. Make your way to the historic and charming community of Leland for a breathtaking beach excursion at Van’s Beach, which features blue waters that rival the Caribbean waves. While it might not be the most famous beach in the Great Lakes State, it undoubtedly deserves a spot on your Michigan bucket list. In addition to its sparkling blue shores, Van’s Beach is a perfect place to hunt for Petoskey stones, beach glass, or Leland bluestones. When you’re finished, stroll through downtown Leland and its historic Fishtown to appreciate all the area has to offer. Van’s Beach, 205 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654, USA
- Harrisville State Park (Harrisville)
Google Reviews/Adam Douglas
Google Reviews/Sheri DeGraff This gem off of Michigan’s iconic Route 23 features just over 100 acres and a full mile of sandy beachfront to explore. While the beach itself is nothing short of magnificent, it also sits just a stone’s throw from other attractions, including the gorgeous Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. As you settle in along the beach to appreciate passing boats, blue skies, and sunshine galore, you might just feel like you’re enjoying an oceanfront getaway. If that weren’t enough, you can even extend your adventure by spending the night in the park’s on-site campground Those blue waters are calling your name! Harrisville State Park, 248 State Park Rd, Harrisville, MI 48740, USA
Now that you’re tuned into the top beaches that feel like oceans in Michigan, you’ve got plenty of possibilities for your upcoming adventures throughout the state. While there are plenty of beautiful beaches in Michigan, we know that there’s always more to discover — and our readers are bonafide experts! We would love to hear about your favorites, so share your thoughts in the Facebook comments or make an official recommendation by filling out our nomination form. Whether you’re preparing for day trips in Michigan or simply seeking a close-to-home outing with loved ones, you’ll be headed out on an adventure in no time.
Google Reviews/David Korba
Google Reviews/Amber Camp
You’ll quickly feel like you’ve landed in a quaint oceanfront beach town when you check out Grand Haven City Beach and its surrounding areas. City Beach Park itself consists of just under 20 acres, offering visitors the chance to unwind atop soft white sand while basking in the West Michigan sunshine. Whether you’re enjoying a beachfront picnic, rollerblading along the sidewalk, or swimming off the 3000-foot shoreline, you’ll surely fall in love with this Lake Michigan delight. In fact, you might just forget that you’re in the midwest. Talk about the ideal day trip destination when temperatures are balmy!
Grand Haven City Beach, S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417, USA
TripAdvisor/hoosierref
There’s so much to love about Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, but the views from Great Sand Bay are among the highlights. Locals and visitors alike rave about the fantastic swimming conditions here, which make it an ideal place to explore during warmer months. Gaze out at serene views of Lake Superior, marvel at towering sand dunes in all their glory, or snap a few photos of the sky at sunset. There’s an ocean-like majesty to this area that simply must be seen to be believed, so make sure it’s prioritized on your next Michigan travel itinerary.
Great Sand Bay, M-26, Mohawk, MI 49950, USA
TripAdvisor/Al W.
TripAdvisor/Adem A.
It’s easy to enjoy a family beach day at Oscoda Beach Park, which sits along the shores of Lake Huron. While the beachfront itself is spectacular, offering silky white sand and relaxing waves, its extra amenities are just as fantastic. Enjoy a meal in the grill and picnic areas, spend time with your kids on the playground, or shoot some hoops on the basketball court. There’s even a bandshell for special events throughout the year. From kayaking to frisbee to splashing in the water, you’ll find countless ways to adore this locale – and you’ll surely be returning for more fun.
Oscoda Beach Park, 201 E River Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750, USA
TripAdvisor/Pam H.
Make your way to the historic and charming community of Leland for a breathtaking beach excursion at Van’s Beach, which features blue waters that rival the Caribbean waves. While it might not be the most famous beach in the Great Lakes State, it undoubtedly deserves a spot on your Michigan bucket list. In addition to its sparkling blue shores, Van’s Beach is a perfect place to hunt for Petoskey stones, beach glass, or Leland bluestones. When you’re finished, stroll through downtown Leland and its historic Fishtown to appreciate all the area has to offer.
Van’s Beach, 205 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654, USA
Google Reviews/Adam Douglas
Google Reviews/Sheri DeGraff
This gem off of Michigan’s iconic Route 23 features just over 100 acres and a full mile of sandy beachfront to explore. While the beach itself is nothing short of magnificent, it also sits just a stone’s throw from other attractions, including the gorgeous Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. As you settle in along the beach to appreciate passing boats, blue skies, and sunshine galore, you might just feel like you’re enjoying an oceanfront getaway. If that weren’t enough, you can even extend your adventure by spending the night in the park’s on-site campground Those blue waters are calling your name!
Harrisville State Park, 248 State Park Rd, Harrisville, MI 48740, USA
Still searching for outdoor fun in the Great Lakes State? You’ll want to read about these underrated state parks in Michigan.
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Address: Grand Haven Beach, Grand Haven, MI 49417, USAAddress: Great Sand Bay, Michigan, USAAddress: Beach Parking Lot, Oscoda, MI 48750, USAAddress: Van’s Beach, 205 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654, USAAddress: State Park Rd, Harrisville, MI 48740, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oceans In Michigan May 20, 2022 Sophie Boudreau Are there any inland lakes in Michigan with ocean vibes? The Great Lakes are undoubtedly our state’s most famous bodies of water, but Michigan is home to plenty of great rivers and inland lakes, too! One such spot boasts some of the bluest water in Michigan, and you might just want to spend all day unwinding along its shore. That’s right: we’re talking about Torch Lake, a beloved destination for boaters, swimmers, and beach bums alike. You don’t have to hop on a plane and head to a tropical island to appreciate ocean-inspired fun. What are some of the most underrated waterfront destinations in Michigan? If you appreciate checking out lesser-known spots throughout the state, particularly during the peak of tourism season, you’ll enjoy reading about the best hidden beaches in Michigan. These locales might not be as famous as some of their counterparts, but that shouldn’t stop you from dropping by – in fact, you might just find yourself enamored by their quiet atmospheres, gorgeous shoreline views, and rugged natural beauty. From Oscoda Beach Park to Christmas Cove Beach, there’s a spot for every sort of beachgoer. Does Michigan have any culinary options for ocean fanatics? For those who appreciate oceanside atmosphere, one tropical restaurant in Michigan is an absolute must-visit. Located in St. Clair Shores, Waves Chill & Grill offers a nautically inspired style and all sorts of Caribbean flavors that might just make you feel like you’ve been swept away to an island paradise. Whether you’re sipping a refreshing cocktail, enjoying a seafood platter, or fueling up before exploring Lake St. Clair itself, you’ll have a blast here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oceans In Michigan
May 20, 2022
Sophie Boudreau
Are there any inland lakes in Michigan with ocean vibes? The Great Lakes are undoubtedly our state’s most famous bodies of water, but Michigan is home to plenty of great rivers and inland lakes, too! One such spot boasts some of the bluest water in Michigan, and you might just want to spend all day unwinding along its shore. That’s right: we’re talking about Torch Lake, a beloved destination for boaters, swimmers, and beach bums alike. You don’t have to hop on a plane and head to a tropical island to appreciate ocean-inspired fun. What are some of the most underrated waterfront destinations in Michigan? If you appreciate checking out lesser-known spots throughout the state, particularly during the peak of tourism season, you’ll enjoy reading about the best hidden beaches in Michigan. These locales might not be as famous as some of their counterparts, but that shouldn’t stop you from dropping by – in fact, you might just find yourself enamored by their quiet atmospheres, gorgeous shoreline views, and rugged natural beauty. From Oscoda Beach Park to Christmas Cove Beach, there’s a spot for every sort of beachgoer. Does Michigan have any culinary options for ocean fanatics? For those who appreciate oceanside atmosphere, one tropical restaurant in Michigan is an absolute must-visit. Located in St. Clair Shores, Waves Chill & Grill offers a nautically inspired style and all sorts of Caribbean flavors that might just make you feel like you’ve been swept away to an island paradise. Whether you’re sipping a refreshing cocktail, enjoying a seafood platter, or fueling up before exploring Lake St. Clair itself, you’ll have a blast here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Great Lakes are undoubtedly our state’s most famous bodies of water, but Michigan is home to plenty of great rivers and inland lakes, too! One such spot boasts some of the bluest water in Michigan, and you might just want to spend all day unwinding along its shore. That’s right: we’re talking about Torch Lake, a beloved destination for boaters, swimmers, and beach bums alike. You don’t have to hop on a plane and head to a tropical island to appreciate ocean-inspired fun.
What are some of the most underrated waterfront destinations in Michigan?
If you appreciate checking out lesser-known spots throughout the state, particularly during the peak of tourism season, you’ll enjoy reading about the best hidden beaches in Michigan. These locales might not be as famous as some of their counterparts, but that shouldn’t stop you from dropping by – in fact, you might just find yourself enamored by their quiet atmospheres, gorgeous shoreline views, and rugged natural beauty. From Oscoda Beach Park to Christmas Cove Beach, there’s a spot for every sort of beachgoer.
Does Michigan have any culinary options for ocean fanatics?
For those who appreciate oceanside atmosphere, one tropical restaurant in Michigan is an absolute must-visit. Located in St. Clair Shores, Waves Chill & Grill offers a nautically inspired style and all sorts of Caribbean flavors that might just make you feel like you’ve been swept away to an island paradise. Whether you’re sipping a refreshing cocktail, enjoying a seafood platter, or fueling up before exploring Lake St. Clair itself, you’ll have a blast here.
