Whether you're looking for a quiet hiking spot, a family-friendly swimming area, or a place to bring your dog, West Michigan has no shortage of great shoreline options. Here's a roundup of the top Lake Michigan beaches and parks near Grand Rapids.
Kirk Park – West Olive
9791 Lakeshore Drive N, West Olive, MI 49460
A favorite for dog owners, Kirk Park offers an off-leash dog beach, wooded dunes, and over a third of a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline. There are nature trails, picnic areas, stairways, a scenic overlook, and beach
access with modern restrooms.Highlights: Dog beach, hiking trails, scenic views, picnicking
PJ Hoffmaster State Park – Muskegon
With three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, towering dunes, and ten miles of trails, Hoffmaster is a go-to for beach days and nature hikes. The park also features a modern campground with shaded sites, plus a dune overlook trail and a rustic youth group campground.
Highlights: Dune climbs, modern and rustic camping, hiking, visitor center
Ottawa Beach and Tunnel Park – Holland
Ottawa Beach includes popular stops like Holland State Park and Tunnel Park. Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, swim areas, kayaking, and views of the Big Red Lighthouse. These are great options for families or a classic beach day.
Highlights: Swimming, water sports, Big Red Lighthouse, nearby trails
Muskegon State Park – Muskegon
3560 Memorial Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445
Stretching along both Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, this park features campgrounds, forested dunes, Snug Harbor, and the historic CCC-built blockhouse lookout.
Highlights: Dual-lake access, scenic overlooks, hiking, camping
Silver Beach County Park St. Joseph
101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Silver Beach is known for its wide sandy beach, summer swim zone, and South Pier access. Located near downtown St. Joseph, it's one of the most accessible and popular beaches in Southwest Michigan.
Highlights: Family-friendly beach, pier access, close to restaurants and shops
Grand Haven State Park – Grand Haven
1001 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Located at the mouth of the Grand River, this 48-acre park includes a modern campground, paved campsites, a designated swimming area, and boardwalk access. It offers iconic views of the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse.
Highlights: Beachfront camping, lighthouse views, swimming, fishing access
North Beach Park – Ferrysburg
18775 North Shore Drive, Ferrysburg, MI 49409
This seven-acre beach park has a barrier-free walkway, picnic shelter, dune deck, playground, and scenic views. The beach is smaller and quieter than nearby state parks.
Highlights: Accessible walkway, dune deck, picnic shelter, playground
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area – Mason County
Part of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, this 3,500-acre wilderness offers nearly four miles of remote Lake Michigan shoreline. Primitive camping and hiking only. The area protects rare habitats and species, and is best suited for low-impact recreation.
Highlights: Wilderness camping, remote shoreline, hiking, wildlife habitat
Before You Go
Many of these parks fill up fast on weekends, especially in July and August. Check ahead for parking updates, accessibility, pet policies, and beach flag safety warnings. If you're planning to camp, reservations are strongly recommended.