If there's one beach you can't miss while you're here, it's Oval Beach. Tucked between the dunes and Lake Michigan, it's one of the area's most iconic spots for a reason. Spend the afternoon swimming, watching the boats on the horizon, hunting for beach glass, or simply stretching out in the sand with a good book. Stay for sunset—it's one of the best you'll find on the lakeshore.
Just a few minutes from downtown Saugatuck, it's easy to make a day of it with lunch, shopping, or ice cream before or after your beach time.
Amenities: Seasonal concession stand, restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, volleyball courts, accessible beach mat, and paid parking.
A trip to Holland isn't complete without a stop at Holland State Park. Home to the iconic Big Red Lighthouse, this is one of the best places to spend a summer day on the lakeshore. Swim in Lake Michigan, build sandcastles, watch boats make their way through the channel, or grab a spot on the beach and stay for sunset.
Amenities: Large sandy beach, playground, picnic areas, concession stand, restrooms, outdoor showers, accessible walkways, volleyball courts, boat launch, fishing access, and paid parking. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Tunnel Park is a local favorite, especially when you want more than just a beach day. Walk through the tunnel carved into the dune to reach Lake Michigan, or climb the stairs to the overlook for one of the best views of the shoreline. There’s plenty of room for a picnic, a great playground for the kids, and a wide stretch of sand for swimming, relaxing, and staying through sunset.
Amenities: Lake Michigan beach access, dune overlook, playground, picnic tables and grills, reservable picnic shelters, volleyball courts, restrooms, vending machines, accessible pathways, and paid seasonal parking.
If you're looking for a quieter beach experience, Kirk Park is one of the area's hidden gems. Tucked between the trees and dunes, it feels a little more peaceful than some of the larger beaches. Wander the wooded trails, climb the dune for a beautiful view of Lake Michigan, or spend the afternoon swimming, reading, and searching for beach glass along the shoreline. It's the kind of place that's easy to lose track of time.
Amenities: Lake Michigan beach access, wooded hiking trails, picnic tables, restrooms, outdoor rinse station, scenic dune overlook, dog beach (north of the main beach), and paid seasonal parking.
