West Beach

Near West Beach, several restaurants offer diverse dining experiences. Caribbean Roots serves up Caribbean-inspired comfort food with a focus on organic dishes and vegan options. 18th Street Brewery is known for its craft beer selection and offers a cozy, sports-friendly dining environment. Tiny's Coffee Bar is popular for breakfast and coffee, featuring a cozy atmosphere. Beach Buds NWI offers a mix of beach entertainment and dining with ice cream options. Quaker Steak & Lube in nearby Portage provides a casual dining experience with a focus on American cuisine.

For accommodations near West Beach, several hotels offer convenient options. The Baymont by Wyndham Portage features an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast, making it a straightforward lodging choice. The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Portage offers a relaxed atmosphere with a fitness room and indoor pool. Comfort Inn & Suites Porter is known for its free breakfast and pool. Additionally, the Hilton Garden Inn Merrillville provides modern amenities like an American restaurant and indoor pool.

West Beach offers various amenities to enhance visitor experience. It features year-round restrooms and potable water at the parking lot, with seasonal facilities like showers and lockers at the bathhouse. The beach includes eight covered picnic shelters, which are wheelchair accessible and reservable. Additionally, the bathhouse and picnic tables are accessible, though the beach itself is not. Concession options provide food and beverages during the summer. Visitors can also find information and souvenirs at the on-site information center.

West Beach provides a range of activities for different interests. Swimming is a popular choice, though lifeguard availability can vary. Hiking trails are a major attraction, with paths like the Dunes Succession Trail offering stunning views of Lake Michigan. For those visiting during winter, sledding on the nearby dunes is a fun activity. The beach is also pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs outside of the lifeguarded area.

West Beach offers several accessibility features. The bathhouse, picnic tables, restrooms, and some picnic shelters are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible parking is also available. However, the beach itself and many trails are not wheelchair accessible due to their natural terrain. Visitors with disabilities can contact park staff for further assistance with planning their visit.

West Beach offers a significant parking area capable of accommodating cars, buses, and RVs. The parking lot is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm and is accessible on all holidays. Fees for parking are part of the general entrance fee for the park, which varies depending on the type of vehicle or group. Accessible parking spots are available for visitors with mobility needs.

West Beach is part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, which is recognized for its natural diversity and ecological importance. The area has a rich history, with its dunes being formed over thousands of years by Lake Michigan's wave and wind action. The beach attracts nature enthusiasts due to its wildflowers and bird species. It also offers a unique perspective on urban vs. natural landscapes, with views of the Chicago skyline contrasting with the natural dunes.

One of the main attractions at West Beach is the opportunity to hike the Dunes Succession Trail, which showcases how sand dunes transform into forests over time. The Long Lake Loop Trail offers birdwatching and scenic views. The beach itself commands breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Nearby, the Indiana Dunes National Park offers ample opportunities for exploration beyond the beach.