You don’t have to live on the west coast to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the water. In fact, the public beaches in Harbor Country, Michigan are the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Michigan’s Sunset Coast is a gem nestled in the midwest on the pristine southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. This string of gorgeous beaches opens up at the City of New Buffalo public beach to the south and concludes at Weko Beach to the north.
Just one hour from Chicagoland, two hours from Grand Rapids, MI, and a mere 30 minutes from South Bend, IN, Michigan’s Sunset Coast is a destination for vacationers from all over the region. Regular visitors are drawn to the particularly warm and clear waters of these beaches, the multitude of recreational activities and water sports, the majestic sand dunes, and the singing (yes, singing) sand under your feet.
New Buffalo Beach – New Buffalo, MI
Welcoming you into Harbor Country, Michigan is the famed New Buffalo Beach. This beach consists of 800 glorious feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s lined with grassy sand dunes that have their own elevated paths and viewpoints from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor.
Just outside of New Buffalo’s charming downtown, New Buffalo Beach truly has it all. For $20 per day (sunrise and sunsets are free), you can park and enjoy all of the amenities a beach could offer, such as seasonal kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and concessions, picnic tables and playground. The beach is also walkable to eateries and shops in town, not to mention options for free parking. Lifeguards are on duty from 10am-6pm between May-October and bathrooms are on-site.
Warren Dunes State Park – Sawyer, MI
For a guaranteed great day at the beach, head to Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, MI. The visually arresting sand dunes alone are reason enough to check this beach out. The dunes running alongside the beach are famous for rising 240 feet above the lake, and the park itself offers 1950 acres of recreational area. Open year-round, Warren Dunes State Park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals in the summer, and snowboarding, sledding, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Warren Dunes State Park is known to be an ideal camping spot, with 221 modern dune campsites and rentable mini cabins, as long as you have a recreation passport. There is a large portion of the 2.5 lake Michigan shoreline devoted to a dog beach, so bring your pups! Enjoy the concession stand and rent out picnic areas for your parties. Note that alcohol is not allowed, nor are bikes. You will most definitely be refreshed by a day spent among the dunes on this spectacular beach.
Town Line Beach – Union Pier, MI
If you’re looking for a smaller, serene and less crowded beach, head to Town Line Beach in Union Pier, MI. This beach offers approximately 400 feet of soft, white sand. There is “an impressive stairway”, according to one reviewer, leading down to the beach, with two or three landings along the way where you can soak in the sublime views.
This beach is kept in pristine condition and is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. You could even catch a game of beach volleyball. Parking is limited to nearby roads, so you might consider riding your bike, when possible. Those looking for intimate coves and special spots will not be disappointed, and doggies are allowed in designated areas.
Cherry Beach – Harbert, MI
According to one review, Cherry Beach in Harbert, MI is “One of the absolute best beaches in southern Michigan. A hidden gem.” To experience this small but stunning beach, you have to walk down an extensive flight of steps, stopping at landings along the way, until you find yourself on a stunning 657’ stretch of fine sand and clear blue water of Lake Michigan.
Cherry Beach is still relatively secret and rarely busy. Think “Caribbean-like” without the crowds and the noise of food and drink vendors. Dogs are not allowed, parking is limited, and you will have to endure the Portapotty. But it will all be worth it. Pack your own basket of food and drink and stray off the path to enjoy the pristine beauty of Cherry Beach. For star-seekers and romantics, bring a towel for nighttime star gazing.
Weko Beach – Bridgman, MI
On the north end of Harbor Country is Weko Beach in Bridgman, MI. This gem of a beach is a mere 96 feet of soft sand surrounded by grassy sand dunes and forest. Unlike some of the other Harbour Country beaches, Weko Beach is easily accessible. It offers restrooms and has concessions available. It is one of the only beaches in Harbor County where a boat ramp is easily navigated and your boat can be smoothly launched.
Visitors can ride kayaks along the shore, hunt for colorful beach glass, witness the stunning views of Lake Michigan on a wood-structured walk alongside Weko Beach, and on Sunday nights you can lie on the beach while taking in the sounds of musical talents from all over the area during Weko Beache’s summer concert series. And if that weren’t enough, a bugler plays Taps each night on Weko Beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
