Gorgeous Coastal Vacation Destinations with Pristine Beaches in the Midwest

Jul 10, 2025

Today we’re sharing some of our favorite coastal-vibe beach getaways that you can enjoy without leaving the midwest! That’s right, the beaches and destinations on our list are evocative of any west coast, east coast, or gulf coast beach without having to drive very far! You’ll enjoy fine sand beaches, pebbly coastal views, shoreline hikes, and more. What’s not to love about an affordable and accessible beach day? Exactly! So, what are you waiting for? Hop on in your new car from Classic Toyota of Waukegan and let’s hit the road to summer vacation bliss.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a beautiful Lake Michigan beachfront and is the place to be for summer sun and fun. Enjoy an afternoon of sunning on the sand, stroll along the beach, or jump in for a swim. Did you know that you can also surf on Lake Michigan? Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak offer lessons for adventure seekers. Additional places to explore include North Bar Lake and Glen Lake which offer a little bit warmer and shallower water than Lake Michigan. Platte River Point Beach offers the option to swim in both the river and Lake Michigan, and it’s also perfect for tubing and paddleboarding or even just quietly floating. Esch Beach is located at the mouth of Otter Creek and makes a fantastic family destination; leashed pets are also welcomed in some areas of the beach. Glen Haven Beach is a one-stop shop for summer fun including picnicking, camping, and water sports!

Ludington State Park has several beaches to choose from. Hamlin Lake Beach has calm waters and sandy beaches, and is truly a prime location for family summer vacation. It’s also got a lovely playground, picnic shelter area, restrooms, and concessions for your convenience. The second beach extends along the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a more lowkey beach experience including sunning, swimming, and playing in the waves.. There are also miles and miles of gorgeous sand dunes to explore as well on either side of the state park.

Big Bay State Park is located on the eastern side of Madeline Island, largest of the Apostle Islands. You’ll find stunning sandstone bluffs with 4 miles of shoreline along Lake Superior. It also has a 1-mile boardwalk, a 1.5 mile swimming beach with sand, and family campgrounds for a full experience. You’ll feel like you’re vacationing on the ocean, instead of a lake. It’s a truly pristine location for summer vacation.

Orchard Beach State Park sits atop a 100-foot bluff overlooking the stunning waters of Lake MIchigan. You’ll find stellar panoramic lake views, unmatched sunsets, and beachside hikes. Due to recent erosion issues, visitors don’t have any beach/water access, but there’s still plenty to do! With 201 acres on the shore of Lake Michigan, you’ll be able to enjoy some coastal summer camping, several miles of self-guided hiking trails, plus you’ll be very close to local shopping, eateries, and even boardwalk along the river. Hop in your car and head down a short ways away to 5th Avenue Beach to enjoy some fun in the sun and sand with your family.

Oval Beach Michigan is part of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, and you’ll see exactly why it’s included on several “best of beaches” lists with some of the world’s best! You’ll find plenty of parking, a picnic area, concession stand, and miles of sweeping shorelines framed by rolling dunes. It’s got gorgeous fine sand beaches for sandcastles, sunning, and strolling, as well as crystal blue waters that are perfect for swimming and fishing. You’ll never know you’re not on a coastal ocean shoreline, except for the lack of saltwater and sharks of course. It’s the perfect tropical oasis in the Midwest!