If there is one thing about Grand Rapids that you can count on, it's that all the beaches are going to be PACKED on a beautiful sunny day. I was recently in Massachusetts and visited the coastline and, not to knock on their beach, but the salt water was just not for me when we have the Great Lakes to swim in. We are truly spoiled to have so many fantastic beaches so close to us, and it isn't just me saying that.

 

Not one but two Michigan beaches recently received praise as being among the best lake beaches in the country.

 

Photo by Dmitry Pavlovsky on Unsplash
Photo by Dmitry Pavlovsky on Unsplash
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Fodor's Travel, a travel guide company that has offered in-depth travel tips for over 80 years, recently ranked the top 15 best lake beaches in the US, and Michigan appeared on the list twice (honestly, it would have been rather embarrassing if the Great Lakes State didn't get multiple mentions).

 

So which Michigan beaches made the list?

 

North Shore Beach (Grand Haven)

Grand Haven State Park comes in at number seven on the list. Fordor mentions the beach's proximity to the downtown area, the lovely pier, and the walk along the Grand River Channel.

Google Maps
Google Maps
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North Shore Beach was picked specifically since it is secluded and tranquil while still having Grand Haven State Park's benefits just close enough (it's just northwest of downtown). It should be noted that the beach has lost quite a bit of its coastline in recent years, so if you've never been, now is the time to go.

 

The Beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes (Traverse City)

You can't mention beaches in this state without bringing up Sleeping Bear Dunes. With over 35 miles of shoreline, beautiful clear water, miles of hike-able dunes, and more beach towns than you can count, a trip to Sleeping Bear is a no-brainer. I have been to Sleeping Bear on multiple occasions to hike, go for a dune buggy ride, and get reeeal sunburnt.

 

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
Tommy McNeill, TSM
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Sleeping Bear Dunes
Mark Frankhouse/TSM
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School is out for the summer, so now is the time to take a trip to these nationally recognized beaches.

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