The best beaches in Michigan to ring in summer

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Summer is officially here, and for many of us Michiganders, there’s no better way to kick off the season than by visiting one of our state’s scenic beaches.

Jill Halpin, founder and Chief Beach Officer of My Michigan Beach, joined FOX 17 Weekend Morning News to share her tips for the state’s most beautiful beaches.

The 2024 Michigan Beachy Award winners represent a variety of beach experiences that accommodate different interests and preferences and were selected based on a number of criteria, including ADA accessibility, unique location, dog friendliness and water safety. These include:

• Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor: Perfect for families with calm waters, playground and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
• Empire Village Beach in Empire: A picturesque beach in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and exploring the stunning dunes.
• McCarty’s Cove in Marquette: A hidden gem on Lake Superior offering stunning scenery, unique rock formations and a tranquil retreat.
• Oscoda Beach Park in Oscoda: With its sugar-white sand and pristine waters, this beach is perfect for relaxation and water activities.
• Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin: A nature lover’s paradise with hiking trails, wildlife encounters and breathtaking sunsets over Lake Huron.

If you’re planning a summer vacation, why not enter My Michigan Beach’s Summer Kickoff Sweepstakes? It includes two free nights at the brand new Holiday Inn Express & Suites, right on the beach in downtown Oscoda on the shores of Lake Huron.
The sweepstakes runs June 22-29, and you can enter on the My Michigan Beach website by sharing what’s on your summer bucket list.

For more information on the above topics, as well as ideas for things to do in Michigan, visit the My Michigan Beach website.