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A warm breeze, a good book, a cool drink, sun
and sand! The perfect formula for a wonderful day! The Guide decided
to find the best but also the most unknown public beaches on the Lake
Michigan
shoreline. We drove from Saugatuck to New Buffalo; we sought the advice
of several visitors and convention bureaus, and we found 8 lovely beaches
for you to discover and explore for yourself.
-“The Best of Both Worlds Beach,” South Haven
Hidden, but not lost…
Most people know where South Beach is, in South Haven. There are  plenty
of signs to get you there, plenty of parking… and plenty of people.
It’s a fabulous beach, but not exactly hidden. However, just south
of South Beach is a nice escape from the masses. As you exit the parking
lot of South Beach, turn right onto Monroe and you will quickly notice
a beautiful church on the left side of the road. Directly across from
the church is a nice grassy area and a deck with steps leading down to
this quiet beach. There is plenty of free parking along the street here,
and a seagull’s view of the shoreline from the deck up above. As
you descend the steps and cross through the small, grassy dunes, you’ll
have your pick of the beach. You’ll also have the choice to take
a nice stroll down the shore to the pier, playground, and refreshment
stand at the more populated South Beach. Because I did not see a sign
for the beach, I thought I’d name it, “The Best of Both Worlds
Beach.”
Other Details:, No lifeguards, No camping, and No trash receptacles that
I could see but amenities are available at South Beach.
-“Oak Street Beach,” South Haven
Leave at dusk, or rent a cabin!
Just north of North Beach, about a half mile up North Shore Drive, is
this little gem surely to provide peace and quiet on those hot beach-perfect
days. The beach offers free parking, and a short walk to the shore down
a set of steps. Hours are from sunrise to 10 p.m….unless you decide
to rent one of the cute little cabins right next to the beach. This would
be the perfect weekend getaway, not too far away, but hidden just enough
to feel fully vacated. There are vacation homes along this stretch of
beach, so you won’t feel completely secluded, but this little public
beach is far enough from the crowds to offer the beach-goer a sense of
discovery.
Other Details: No restrooms, No camping, No lifeguards, and No animals
or glass allowed.
-“West Side Park,” Ganges Township
Multi-use and hidden…
This park is located at 2152 Lakeshore Drive, just south of M-89 and
Saugatuck. It is  found tucked into a quaint residential area, and the
first thing you’ll notice is the giant, fenced-in playground and
large pine trees. The park part of this hidden beach is certainly noteworthy,
there is a baseball diamond, plenty of picnic tables, pavilions, grills,
restrooms, and a stone memorial. You’ll have to cross the park
to get to the steps going down to the beach, and once you’re there
you’ll think you’ve been suddenly transported to a private
beach far up north. The beach is wide and far. This is definetly the
place for the whole family.
Other Details: No camping, No lifeguards, Free parking from what I could
tell
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