Beat the heat

We’ve made it to the heart of summer — arguably one of the best times of year in Michigan, especially along the lakeshore. But if the sweltering summer heat is bringing you down — don’t sweat it! We’ve rounded up a list of beaches that offer the perfect cooldown for rising temperatures. 

Kirk Park

9791 Lake Shore Drive, West Olive

Fido will love a visit to Kirk Park, which offers fun for the whole family, including furry friends. The beach features a swimming area and an off-leash dog beach. 

Windsnest Park

7905 Margaret Ave., West Olive

Located on 4 acres, this park offers sandy Lake Michigan beachfront. Enjoy swimming, picnics, an accessible playground and wooden walkway. 

Holland State Park

2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland

One of Michigan’s most popular beaches, Holland State Park is known for its sugar-sand beaches and Insta-worthy views of the Big Red lighthouse.

Tunnel Park

66 N. Lakeshore Ave., Holland 

Named for the concrete tunnel that cuts through a sand dune and leads to beautiful Lake Michigan, Tunnel Park has all the amenities for the perfect beach day. 

Laketown Beach

6710 142nd Ave., Holland

Located between Holland and Saugatuck, this beach is accessed by a wooden stairway that climbs up and over dunes. Beautiful panoramic views guaranteed. 

Olive Shores 

8555 Olive Shore Ave., West Olive 

The 20-acre site of mostly forested area includes hiking trails and a dune climb that lead to the beautiful beachfront. Olive Shores was a filming location of the 2002 film Road to Perdition, starring Tom Hanks. 

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck

This park is home to 2½ miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, coastal dunes, forested areas, 13 miles of trails and the 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area. Four trails take visitors over rolling terrain and sandy trails to Lake Michigan. 

Oval Beach

Perryman Street & Oval Beach Drive, Saugatuck

A summertime favorite, this award-winning beach is known for its sweeping Lake Michigan shoreline and rolling dunes. 

Douglas Beach

Lakeshore Drive, Douglas 

Tucked in between lakefront cottages, this small, but quiet neighborhood beach allows for lake fun without the crowds. A new set of stairs were installed last spring after erosion and high-water damage closed the beach in years prior. 

Ross Park

82 Randall Road, Norton Shores

Located on the south side of Mona Lake, the 43-acre Ross Park features a sandy beach, ball fields and disc golf course. 

Grand Haven State Park

1001 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven 

The 48-acre park consists of sandy Lake Michigan shore and provides scenic views of the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse.

Grand Haven City Beach

South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven 

This wide and sandy beach can be less crowded than Grand Haven State Park. Fido is welcome, too, on a leash, in the mornings (before 11 a.m.) and evenings (after 5 p.m.).  

Rosy Mound Natural Area

13925 Lakeshore Drive, Grand Haven 

This Great Lakes dune system includes high wooded dunes, open dunes and a sandy beach. A 0.7-mile hiking trail from the parking area to the Lake Michigan shoreline includes 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes and scenic views.

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon

With over 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, this park also draws visitors with its towering dune and hiking trails. 

Duck Lake State Park

4733 N. Scenic Drive, Whitehall

This 728-acre park stretches from the northern shore of Duck Lake to Lake Michigan. Enjoy swimming, hiking, metal detecting and fishing! 

Lake Harbor Park

4635 Lake Harbor Road, Norton Shores

This 189-acre park has over 4,000 feet on Lake Michigan, 2,000 feet on the Mona Lake Channel and 1,500 feet on Mona Lake. It can be accessed by foot, bike, car or boat.

Muskegon State Park

3560 Memorial Drive N, Muskegon

Home to 3 miles of breathtaking shoreline (2 miles along Lake Michigan and 1 mile on Muskegon Lake), this park also features trails and an overlook. 

Pioneer County Park

563 N. Scenic Drive, Muskegon

The 145-acre park, located on Lake Michigan, boasts over 2,000 feet of beach frontage. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or playing sports like tennis and volleyball. 

Pier Cove Beach

2290 Lakeshore Drive, Fennville 

This small Lake Michigan beach is a rock hunter’s dream, especially for those seeking lightning stones. 

Pere Marquette Park

3510 Channel Drive, Muskegon

This city park, located on Lake Michigan, offers a wide expanse of beach, playground, volleyball courts, a restaurant, and access to lighthouses and the Muskegon Channel.