When I think about beautiful beaches, Florida comes to mind immediately. But it might surprise you that some of the best beaches are actually north of Indiana.

What Makes a Great Beach?

I think that we can all agree that a clean beach is a good beach. A beach that is free and not always super crowded is also important to vacationers. I asked ChatGPT what Americans look for in a good beach, and here are some of the top responses:

Water Quality & Conditions

If I can’t see my feet in the water, I don’t want to be in it.

Read More: Indiana’s Most Scenic Highway: The Barn Quilt Trail

Amenities

Restrooms and changing facilities are very convenient to have. Free parking and admission are also very high on the list. Umbrella/chair rentals or shaded areas, because even though you want to bask in the sun, a shady spot is also very important.

Nearby food options or beachside bars help make an awesome beach experience. If you can pack lunch and snacks, that’s a good option, too.

Most Beautiful Beaches

According to Condé Nast Traveler there are two beaches in Michigan that are nice enough to be in the top 29 beautiful beaches in America. If you are up for a 6-hour car drive, you should take a look at what these beaches offer.

ALSO READ: This Tiny Indiana Town Is Home to the Midwest’s Biggest Flea Market

Grand Haven City Beach, Michigan

Photo by Moriah Bender on Unsplash
Photo by Moriah Bender on Unsplash
loading...
The 48-acre park mostly consists of white sandy beaches, providing ample room for sunbathing, volleyball, and sand castles. It's a must that visitors stay to catch an unobstructed view of the Michigan sunset from the pier

Twelvemile Beach, Michigan

PhotoTwelvemile Beach, Michigan
PhotoTwelvemile Beach, Michigan
loading...
The appropriately named Twelvemile Beach is one of the most popular camping spots for people exploring the lake, thanks to its water views and ample space to set up a tent for the night.

Explore Michigan's Top Ten Beaches in 2025

Twenty beaches were in the running for "Best Michigan Beach" in a 2025 USA Today and 10best readers' poll.

These glorious Michigan locations were chosen by a panel of experts and then it was put up to a public vote. Check out the Top Ten Beaches in Michigan and then the ones that did not make the cut after that.

Gallery Credit: Janna

Grand Rapids Development Projects On The Horizon

Grand Rapids is investing heavily in some city-changing entertainment projects. Here are the big ones to know about.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

More From My WJLT 105.3