Best Beaches in Grand Haven

Kirk Park Beach is a picturesque and family-friendly destination located in Montauk, New York. Situated on South Emerson Avenue, it offers a lifeguard-protected ocean beach with daily parking options. The beach is known for its accessibility, featuring a food truck, ADA-accessible restrooms, and vehicular beach access with a permit required. It's a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and picnicking, with the convenience of the IGA grocery store nearby for supplies. The beach is open year-round, making it a great choice for both summer and off-season visits.
Kirk Park Beach is praised for its clean environment and family-friendly crowd, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a relaxed beach experience without the pretentiousness often associated with other Hamptons beaches. The beach's proximity to Montauk village allows for easy walking access, enhancing its appeal as a local favorite.
The beach's laid-back atmosphere and accessible amenities make it a hidden gem in the Hamptons, offering a true Montauk experience without the usual hassle.

Norman F. Kruse Park is a 52.3-acre park located in Muskegon, Michigan, offering approximately one mile of beautiful Lake Michigan beach. The park is renowned for its breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes. It features a wooden stairway boardwalk, four large picnic shelters, playgrounds, and a designated dog beach area where dogs can run off-leash. The park is open from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm, making it a perfect spot for both morning and evening activities.
Visitors can enjoy nature trails, accessible dune walks, and overlooks, providing ample opportunities for exploration. The park's picnic shelters are equipped with charcoal grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and infant changing stations, making it an ideal location for family gatherings.
The park's unique blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities makes it a must-visit destination in Muskegon.

Grand Haven State Park is a picturesque 48-acre beachfront park located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, Michigan. It offers stunning views of the Grand Haven pier and lighthouses, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The park is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and volleyball. It also features a modern campground with 174 sites, a rental house, and various amenities like picnic areas and a playground. Visitors can enjoy fishing from the pier and take in the scenic views of Lake Michigan. The park's proximity to the Grand River and its boardwalk adds to its charm, providing a scenic walkway that connects to the commercial district of Grand Haven.

The park's history dates back to 1920 when it was established as one of Michigan's first state parks. Originally a 35-acre public beach, it has grown to become a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's accessibility features, including an accessible walkway and beach wheelchairs, ensure that everyone can enjoy its beauty.

Grand Haven State Park is not only a great place for relaxation but also offers a range of activities and attractions nearby, such as the Musical Fountain and the Harbor Trolley, which enhance the overall experience of visiting this beautiful coastal area.

Buchanan Beach is a secluded, small beach located between Grand Haven and West Olive, Michigan. It is often referred to as a 'townie' beach due to its local charm and lack of major facilities. The beach offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great alternative when other beaches in the area are crowded. Buchanan Beach is accessible via Buchanan Street, which dead-ends at the beach. The area is known for its scenic views and is a popular spot for those seeking a more laid-back beach experience.

Buchanan Beach does not have dedicated facilities like restrooms or lifeguards, but it provides free parking along the side of the road. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a simple, no-frills beach experience. The beach's proximity to Grand Haven allows visitors to easily access nearby attractions and amenities.

Despite its lack of facilities, Buchanan Beach offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan's shoreline. It is a great spot for those who prefer a quieter, more secluded beach experience.

Rosy Mound Natural Area is a stunning Great Lakes dune system located in Grand Haven, Michigan. It features high wooded dunes, open dunes, and a beautiful sandy beach along Lake Michigan. The area offers a 0.7-mile hiking trail that includes over 1,000 feet of stairs, providing breathtaking views of the dunes and the lake. Visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks, a unique shade canopy, and a dune boardwalk trail. The beach is perfect for those seeking a secluded spot, though it requires a hike to access. The area is open year-round, but dogs are not allowed, except for service animals.

Rosy Mound is a popular spot for nature lovers and hikers, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of Michigan's coastline. The area is well-maintained, with modern restrooms near the parking lot and rustic ones near the beach. Picnic tables and grills are available for those who want to enjoy a meal amidst nature.

The proximity to Grand Haven makes it an ideal day trip or part of a longer vacation, allowing visitors to combine outdoor activities with the amenities of the nearby town.

Hoffmaster State Park is a stunning public recreation area located on the shores of Lake Michigan, five miles north of Grand Haven in Norton Shores, Michigan. The park spans 1,200 acres and features three miles of beautiful sand beach along Lake Michigan. It is known for its towering dunes and offers a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching. The park is named after Percy James Hoffmaster, a key figure in the development of Michigan's state park system. The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center provides insights into the sand dune ecosystem and offers nature programs.
Visitors can enjoy scenic trails, including the Dune Climb Stairway and the Homestead Trail, which offer breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The park also features a modern campground, making it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and families.
With its unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Hoffmaster State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Michigan's coastline.

Olive Shores, located in Port Sheldon Township, Michigan, is a picturesque beach offering a serene getaway with its soft, white sand and stunning views of Lake Michigan. The beach stretches approximately 2,000 feet, providing ample space for sunbathing, strolling, or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. With modern restrooms and a barrier-free trail loop, Olive Shores is well-equipped for visitors. The surrounding area includes scenic parks like Hemlock Crossings and Pigeon Creek Park, offering additional recreational activities.
The best time to visit Olive Shores is during the summer months when the air temperature ranges from 70 to 80°F, and the water temperature in Lake Michigan is between 60 and 70°F. This makes it ideal for swimming and other water activities.
The beach is part of the Ottawa County Parks system, ensuring well-managed facilities and a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Lakeside Beach in Port Huron, Michigan, is a vibrant waterfront destination on Lake Huron. It offers 1050 feet of sandy beachfront, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is equipped with amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, a playground, and a splash pad for kids. Visitors can enjoy volleyball games or simply relax and watch boats anchoring offshore. The beach operates from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, with daily hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The area is also known for its accessible features, including an ADA beach access mat and a beach wheelchair for those with mobility needs. The nearby city offers a variety of dining and lodging options, enhancing the overall experience.
Lakeside Beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a mix of relaxation and recreational activities in a scenic setting.

Windsnest Park is a picturesque four-acre park located on Lake Michigan's shoreline in Port Sheldon, Michigan. It underwent a complete renovation in 2019, which included the installation of new play equipment, restrooms, a picnic shelter, and parking. The park is managed by the Ottawa County Parks Department and requires an Ottawa County parking pass. Visitors can enjoy the beautifully designed handicap-accessible features along the boardwalk and play structure.

The park's scenic views and tranquil environment make it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. Its proximity to other local attractions and natural areas enhances its appeal for both locals and tourists.

Windsnest Park is one of several parks in the area, contributing to Port Sheldon Township's reputation as a haven for outdoor activities and scenic beauty.

North Beach Park, located in Ferrysburg, Michigan, offers a serene and picturesque setting along Lake Michigan's shoreline. The park spans 7 acres and features 745 feet of sandy beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy a barrier-free beach walkway during the summer months, as well as a dune stairway leading to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of Lake Michigan. The park includes amenities like picnic shelters, playgrounds, and modern restrooms. It's a popular spot for families and those seeking a tranquil beach experience.

The park's proximity to Grand Haven makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter alternative to the bustling Grand Haven State Park. North Beach Park is also connected to the North Ottawa Dunes trail system, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

The beach itself is well-maintained and clean, making it ideal for relaxation and water activities. However, it's important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so visitors should exercise caution when swimming.