7 Incredible Midwest Beach Getaways

Looking for a great beach getaway without having to drive all the way to the ocean? The Midwest offers a variety of stunning beach destinations along the Great Lakes. With waves and sandy shorelines, you will feel like you are actually at the seashore. From picturesque sand dunes to charming coastal towns, here are the best Midwest beach destinations that offer both relaxation and adventure.

Southwest Michigan

If we had to pick one top Midwest beach town destination, it would be one of the charming towns in Southwest Michigan. These towns along Lake Michigan offer sugar sand beaches, adorable shops and restaurants, and a wide variety of attractions and activities. Our family travels here each year and it never gets old. While St. Joseph and South Haven are our top picks, we have also enjoyed our visits to Holland, Saugatuck, and Grand Haven.

Things to Do

• Spend time at the beach – Silver Beach in St. Joseph, South Beach in South Haven, and Tunnel Beach in Holland are just a few of the dozens of options.
• Learn about history – South Haven is home to a wonderful Maritime Museum that even offers special boat tours. Eden Springs Park in St. Joseph has train rides in a historic former amusement park. Grand Haven has a great and free history museum downtown. Or take a ride on the hand cranked ferry in Saugatuck.
• Kid-friendly attractions – St. Joseph has not one, but two kids museums in town. Kids will also love the carousel in Silver Beach Center, the splash pads in both St. Joseph and South Haven, the Kids Corner playground in South Haven, and the musical fountain in Grand Haven.
• Explore the downtowns – Each charming beach town offers a lovely downtown filled with unique shops and restaurants. Don’t miss grabbing goodies from Cherry Republic in Holland, dining at Clementine’s in South Haven or grabbing an ice cream from Sherman’s Dairy Bar.
• Explore the great outdoors – The area offers great state parks and nature centers such as Warren Dunes State Park and Sarrett Nature Center.

Indiana Dunes

The Indiana Dunes area is within a short drive of the Chicago area. This diverse area of rolling sand dunes and forests offers both a state park and national park for outdoor adventures. The nearby towns offer more attractions and plenty of places for dining making this an incredible Midwest beach getaway.

Things to Do

• Hit the beach – There are many great beaches to visit but West Beach in the national park and Indiana Dunes State Park beach are the most popular.
• Take a hike – Both the state park and national park offer miles of hiking trails. Take on the 3 Dune or Diana Dunes challenges or explore the paved Calumet Dunes Trail
• Learn about history – Check out the unique Century of Progress homes or the historic farm sites in the Indiana Dunes National Park. The Porter County Museum offers historic exhibits for all ages.
• Kid-friendly attractions – Kids will love the half mile long model railway at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, the adorable Butterfly Meadows & Caterpillar Crossing playground, and the Broken Wagon Bison Farm. Don’t miss a meal at the Port Drive-in where the kids meals come in a car shaped box!

Apostle Islands & Bayfield, Wisconsin

For a more adventurous beach escape, the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior offer pristine beaches and historic lighthouses. This cluster of 22 different islands in far northern Wisconsin are filled with unique geography and scenic views. Visitors can use the cute town of Bayfield as a home base to explore the islands by ferry, go kayaking through sea caves, or hike along miles of trails.

Things to Do

• Hit the beach – Meyers Beach is a popular spot for sandy beach fun and the launch point for many kayak tours.
• Head out of the water – Older kids and adults will be awed by exploring the stunning sea caves by kayak while all ages can enjoy a scenic boat tour or ferry ride to various islands. Some islands even offer lighthouse tours.
• Take a hike – There are so many great hikes in the area. The easy Iron Bridge and Beaver Hollow Boardwalk trails are great for kids. Those who can hike a little longer will love the Meyers Beach trail which offers dramatic views of the sea caves.
• Learn about history – Don’t miss the Visitor Center for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Kids can earn Junior Ranger badges. The free Bayfield Maritime Museum offers a great collection of artifacts and a scavenger hunt for the kids.

Door County, Wisconsin

Known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is famous for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and scenic views. Located along a long and narrow peninsula, this is a great Midwest beach getaway to watch both stunning sunrises and sunsets. This beautiful area offers kayaking, fishing, hiking, and quaint villages filled with amazing shops and restaurants.

Things to Do

• Hit the beach – Whitefish Dunes State Park offers a beautiful beach for swimming, picnicking, or sand castle construction.
• Head out of the water – Door County offers many tours out on the water whether exploring Cave Point by kayak or taking a sunset boat cruise.
• Take a hike – Door County has several state parks and nature centers offering miles of hiking trails.
• Visit a lighthouse – Door County has 11 historic lighthouses and many area open for the public to tour and even climb. Cana Island is a personal favorite and extra stunning at sunrise or sunset.
• Visit a museum – The Door County Maritime Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits the whole family will enjoy.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Michigan is filled with stunning beach getaways and Sleep Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is another breathtaking gem. Named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America, Sleeping Bear Dunes offers towering sand dunes, turquoise blue water, and lush forests.

Things to Do

• Head to the beach – The water and sand here look like a Caribbean seashore! Don’t miss the attempt to tackle the dune climb with incredible Lake Michigan views.
• Drive the scenic drive – Take a drive on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive through a covered bridge and past several lake overlooks.
• Take a hike – This national park site features miles of trails with the Empire Bluffs Trail being one of the most popular for its epic views.
• Learn about history – Explore the buildings of the 19th century Glen Harbor village or view the exhibits in the maritime museum or Port Oneida Heritage Center.

Minnesota’s North Shore

Minnesota’s North Shore along Lake Superior is one of the Midwest’s hidden gems. This section of coastline offers breathtaking views, unique beaches, and charming small towns. It’s also a waterfall hotspot with a string of stunning parks and falls to visit.

Things to Do

• Head to the beach – While the waters of Lake Superior are cold, the beaches are absolutely beautiful. Park Point Beach in Duluth offers a long stretch of sandy shore or head to the unique Black Beach in Silver Bay.
• Visit a lighthouse – Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the Midwest. The lighthouse is even open for tours.
• Take a hike – There are endless hiking options available along the North Shore. Gooseberry Falls State Park is a popular option with short hikes leading to several dramatic waterfalls.
• Family attractions – Duluth offers many attractions for families from taking a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railway, exploring the free maritime visitor center, or visiting the Great Lakes Aquarium.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

With its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a must-visit along Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Families can enjoy a boat tour along the rugged coastline, hike through the park’s lush forests, or relax on the quiet beaches. Just be prepared that the Lake Superior water stays very chilly even in summer!

Things to Do

• Head to the beach – Head to Sand Point or Miners Beach to enjoy time in the sand or water
• Take a tour on the water – Take a scenic cruise to view the rugged and colorful rocky islands and coastline or view shipwrecks on a glass-bottomed boat tour. More adventurous travelers can explore the pictured rocks by kayak.
• Take a hike – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has miles of trails. The longer hike to Chapel Rock is one of the most scenic, but families can enjoy the shorter hikes to view Miners or Munising Falls or the Miners Castle rock formations.
• Visit a lighthouse – A flat and easy 1.5 mile walk leads to the Au Sable lighthouse. You can take a guided tour to the top for a wonderful view. Don’t miss walking on the beach near the lighthouse to view two shipwrecks.

With endless outdoor adventures and stunning views, the freshwaters of the Great Lakes offer an incredible beach escape right here in the Midwest. So pack up those sand toys and swimsuits and plan an amazing vacation to the salt-free shore.