Wondering where to find the best beaches along the shoreline of Michigan’s five Great Lakes?
According to the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, South Beach in South Haven, about 23 miles from Benton Harbor, is the best beach in Michigan. And First Street Beach in Manistee is the Best Lake Beach in the U.S. and No. 2 beach in Michigan.
Michigan, home to hundreds of miles of family-friendly freshwater beaches, is perfect for a summer getaway and USA TODAY readers took a look at the best of the bunch.
“With shoreline on four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan offers visitors hundreds of miles of family-friendly freshwater beaches, perfect for summer vacation. From spectacular sunsets to awe-inspiring dunes, there’s a beach for every taste,” USA TODAY said.
First Street Beach, in Manistee, is situated at the mouth of the Manistee River on Lake Michigan.
“(It creates) a scenic stretch of sand framed by dunes and a historic lighthouse. Beachgoers stroll the long south pier for views of the harbor while others spread out along the wide shoreline for swimming, picnicking, and beach volleyball. Adjacent Douglas Park adds grassy picnic areas and additional space for lakeside relaxation,” USA TODAY said.
Top-ranked Michigan beach, South Beach, which sits along the southern shoreline of Lake Michigan, “has everything you’d need for a day of fun in the sun: grills, a picnic area, playground, restrooms, and views of the red South Haven lighthouse,” a review from USA Today 10 Best reads.
The beach, which is also ADA-accessible, has an award-winning shoreline with downtown walkability, access to beachside amenities such as kayak and paddleboard rentals, and, of course, plenty of sand.
In addition to South Beach, here’s a look at the rest of the top 10 beaches in Michigan — all on Lake Michigan — and how each of them ranked:
What are the best Michigan beaches, according to readers?
Warren Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan
Located in Sawyer, the Warren Dunes State Park has an expansive beach with wooded trails throughout, allowing visitors to explore the Lake Michigan shoreline.
“Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and birdwatching to swimming in the lake — and even sandboarding down the massive dunes.”
Warren Dunes has been a runner-up for best beach in Michigan in 2018, 2024 and 2025.
Grand Haven City Beach on Lake Michigan
Overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven City beach features a lively boardwalk, iconic lighthouse and a vibrant waterfront scene.
“From swimming in the lake to sunbathing on its sandy beaches, Grand Haven City Beach provides a quintessential Great Lakes beach experience — with plenty of restaurants and facilities nearby.”
The beach was a runner-up for best in Michigan in 2024 and was No. 9 a year ago.
Esch Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Esch Beach, a part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, has no lifeguards and minimal amenities, but the steep sandy walk to the water keeps crowd sizes limited.
“Esch Beach, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is an unhurried stretch of soft white sand sitting at the mouth of Otter Creek where it spills into the aqua water of Lake Michigan’s Platte Bay. The creek’s sun-warmed shallows are practically begging for bare feet.”
Tiscornia Beach Park in St. Joseph
The Tiscornia Beach Park in St. Joseph occupies 16 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline. The park mostly appeals to families with its dunes, shaded picnic pavilion, and water that’s perfect for swimming.
“The walkway leading out to the North Pier Lighthouse is popular for fishing and sunset gazing.”
The beach was a runner-up in 2018, 2024 and 2025.
Oval Beach in Saugatuck
Juts off the shores of Lake Michigan, the soft sandy shores of Oval Beach in Saugatuck allow for a serene escape for beach lovers.
“Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from sunbathing and swimming to hiking through scenic trails. It’s also fun for guests of all ages to go sailing along the coast and admire the breathtaking scenery.”
Oval beach was ranked 4th in 2018, 7th in 2024 and 8th in 2025.
Pere Marquette Park on in Muskegon
Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon features 2.5 miles of shoreline, soft golden sand, and stunning sunsets.
The amenities feature a scenic walking path, two historic lighthouses, volleyball courts and a deck with live music. The beach is a West Michigan treasure for visitors and locals alike.
Pere Marquette was ranked No. 1 in 2018, 6th in 2024 and No. 2 in 2025.
Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph
Amenities at the Silver Beach County Park in Berrien County include access to grills and picnic tables, concessions, beach volleyball and kayak/paddleboard rentals.
The beach, located in St. Joseph, faces Lake Michigan and was ranked No. 3 in 2024 and 2025.
3. Stearns Park Beach in Ludington
Located in Ludington and offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Stearns Park Beach, near downtown, offers a laid-back beach experience with a charming ambience.
“This beach offers accessible walkways and facilities, picnic tables, grills, concession stands, and a playground by the water.”
Stearns Beach was ranked 6th in 2018, 2nd in 2024 and 4th in 2025.
2. First Street Beach in Manistee
Just 25 miles north of Ludington, First Street Beach in Manistee offers many opportunities for fun and relaxation by the water.
“Whether you’re making epic sandcastles with the kids, lobbing the beach volleyball with friends, or lounging in the sun while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Michigan,” the beach is a great destination for all ages.
The Manistee beach was the No. 1 lake beach in 2026, and was the No. 1 beach in Michigan in both 2024 and 2025, and 3rd in 2018.
Who does the rankings?
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlights the very best travel, food, drink and lifestyle.
The panel includes industry experts who nominate their favorite attractions across a range of categories. Editors then vet the nominations and set a final list of nominees to be presented to the voting public.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Best beaches in Michigan? What USA TODAY readers said
Reporting by Jalen Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jalen Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
