Southwest Michigan Beach Guide

Plan the Perfect Beach Day with Our Local Guide to Southwest Michigan’s Top Shorelines

ULTIMATE SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN BEACH GUIDE: PARKING, ACCESS, AMENITIES & MORE

At Third Coast Vacations, we know Southwest Michigan like the back of our (sometimes sandy) hands—and we’ve created the ultimate beach guide to help you make the most of your lakefront getaway.

From popular spots like Silver Beach and Warren Dunes to off-the-beaten-path gems like Cherry Beach and Townline, we break down everything you need to know: parking details, stair access, shoreline info, and local tips. Whether you're chasing sunsets, bringing the pups, or just looking for the perfect swim spot, this guide has you covered—straight from your favorite local vacation experts.

Searching for the perfect place to unwind after a day on the sand? From cozy cottages to luxury lakefront retreats, we’ve got the ideal vacation home waiting for you—click here to explore our full portfolio.

Washington Park Beach

Michigan City, IN

Enjoy 2 miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline at Washington Park Beach, part of a beautiful 140-acre park filled with family-friendly attractions and local history. With a marina, splash park, zoo and Indiana’s only working lighthouse, this beach offers a little something for everyone. No pets allowed.

Parking: Plenty of parking is available. Daily fee is $15 for cars/motorcycles and $30 for trucks
Stairs: Flat and easily accessible—no stairs to navigate, making it great for families and mobility-friendly.
Shoreline: Expansive and clean with soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space to spread out.

New Buffalo Public Beach

New Buffalo, MI

New Buffalo Public Beach offers 800 ft of soft Lake Michigan shoreline, lifeguard‑protected summer swimming, ADA access, bathrooms and more. No dogs allowed at any time

Parking: Paid parking is available. Daily fee is $20, $10.50 per 3 hours. Come early for best chances.
Stairs: No stairs to navigate.
Shoreline:Large beach area with plenty of space to spread out, playground and bathrooms available. Stay off and away from the break wall.

Townline Beach

Union Pier, MI

Town Line Beach in Union Pier is a quiet, 400-foot stretch of soft white sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games.

Parking: Very limited parking for 15 or so cars, go early or drop off and walk in.
Stairs: About 25 - 30 stairs down to the beach
Bathrooms: No
Dog Friendly: No

McKinley Beach

Union Pier, MI

McKinley Beach Access in Union Pier, MI is a peaceful, low-key Lake Michigan spot with 400 feet of soft sand, clear water, and quiet vibes—perfect for a relaxing beach day in Southwest Michigan.

Parking: No parking, walk in only
Stairs: Approx 50 steps down to the beach
Bathrooms: No
Shoreline: 400 feet of sandy shoreline to explore

Berrien Street Beach

Union Pier, MI

Berrien Street Beach is a hidden gem in Union Pier with a sloped walk into the beach, secluded and a bit quieter than most this beach is perfect for beach combing and enjoying a day in the water.

Parking: Very Limited street parking.
Stairs: No stairs, sloped walkway to the beach
Shoreline: Sandy and expansive
Bathrooms: No

Cherry Beach

Harbert, MI

Cherry Beach in Chikaming township is a popular, yet secluded Public beach perfect for a day of splashing in Lake Michigan.

Parking: Paid parking from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fills up fast!
Stairs: 60 stairs down to the beach
Shoreline: 657 feet of sandy shoreline
Bathrooms: No flush toilets, but Porta-Pottys in the summer months

Warren Dunes

Sawyer, MI

Warren Dunes State Park is one of Southwest Michigan’s most iconic beach destinations, offering towering dunes, sweeping lake views, and plenty of space for sun and swim-filled adventures.

Parking: Paid state park entry fee; large lots available but can fill quickly on weekends
Stairs: No stairs, but a sandy trek down the dunes to the beach
Shoreline: Over 2,000 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline
Bathrooms: Full restrooms and changing facilities near the main parking area
Pets: Dog beach open all day on the north end!

Weko Beach

Bridgman, MI

Weko Beach in Bridgman, MI offers a classic Lake Michigan escape with sandy dunes, paddle sports, and charming sunset traditions. It’s an ideal spot for families and outdoor lovers.

Parking: Paid via kiosk Memorial Day–Labor Day ($15/day); seasonal passes available
Stairs: No stairs—park and walk easily down to beach and boardwalk
Shoreline: Approximately 960 feet of sandy Lake Michigan beachfront
Bathrooms: Clean, modern restrooms at the beach house near parking

Grand Mere State Park

Stevensville, MI

Grand Mere State Park offers a rugged, wild beach experience with scenic trails, towering dunes, and a remote stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline—perfect for adventurous beachgoers and nature lovers.

Parking: Free with state park entry; small unpaved lot near trailhead
Stairs: No stairs, but a steep sandy hike over dunes (approx. 0.5 miles)
Shoreline: Roughly 1,000 feet of natural, undeveloped beachfront
Bathrooms: Vault toilets near parking area; no facilities at the beach

Silver Beach

St Joseph, MI

Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph, MI is a vibrant, family‑friendly Lake Michigan destination with soft sandy shores, playgrounds, and scenic piers—perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and summer fun.

Parking: $15/day, over 600 spaces; fills quickly on warm weekends
Stairs: Accessible with barrier-free walkways
Shoreline: Nearly 1,600 feet of designated swimming beach and a spacious 2,450-foot frontage.
Bathrooms: Full restrooms, changing areas, outdoor showers, drinking fountains, plus vault toilets off-season.

Rocky Gap Park

Rocky Gap County Park in Berrien County is a serene Lake Michigan bluffside spot with 1,100 ft of sandy shoreline, panoramic overlook, and easy ramp access—ideal for relaxed swims, picnics, and sunsets.

Parking: Free parking in both upper and lower lots—marked spaces only, no overnight or roadside parking
Stairs: No stairs—access via hard-surface beach ramp from lower lot
Shoreline:1,100 feet of Lake Michigan frontage with sandy beach
Bathrooms: Vault toilets located in the lower park, open late spring to early fall.

Hagar Park Beach

Coloma, MI

Hagar Park Beach offers a charming Lake Michigan escape at a small, "private‑feel" sandy shoreline—ideal for picnics, dog walks, and tranquil swims.

Parking: Free paved lot (around 100 spaces) off M‑63 near Blue Star Highway
Stairs: Wooden walkway leading to a steep stairway (roughly 100 steps) down to beach level
Shoreline: Modest stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline with soft sand, intimate and less crowded
Bathrooms: Seasonal porta‑johns and shaded picnic area with grills and playground

Van Buren State Park

South Haven, MI

ChatGPT said: Van Buren State Park in South Haven, MI is a scenic Lake Michigan destination featuring high dunes, a mile of sandy beach, and family-friendly facilities—perfect for swimming, hiking, and camping.

Parking: Free with Recreation Passport; large paved day‑use lot close to beach
Stairs: No stairs—just easy, level access from paved lot to beach via beach mat walkway
Shoreline: 1 mile of beachfront along Lake Michigan
Bathrooms: Modern restrooms near day use area and outdoor rinse off showers

North & SoutH Beaches

South Haven, MI

Spacious, family-friendly beaches with playgrounds, volleyball courts, concessions, restrooms, and a splash pad

Parking: $7/day via kiosk
Stairs: ADA-accessible decks/walkways—no steep climbs
Shoreline: Over 1,000 feet of sandy beach
Bathrooms: Full restrooms and showers available