Grand Haven Beaches
It’s no question that Grand Haven, Michigan is one of the best places to be on a hot summer day. Known as Coast Guard City, USA, and situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven offers some of the best beaches in West Michigan. Check out where to catch some rays this summer as well as some of our top vacation rental picks with your very own private beach!
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Grand Haven City Beach
The Grand Haven City Beach is located between Noto’s at the Bilmar and Grand Haven State Park beach. This is a great free beach option with bathrooms that you don’t need a pass to get into. Bring your leashed dog along with you before 11a.m and after 5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Grand Haven City Beach is also a great place to hold a wedding ceremony! For more information on rules and regulations for holding a wedding ceremony call city hall at (616) 842-3210.
Grand Haven State Park
Grand Haven State Park is a must-visit beach in Grand Haven, with something to offer for all visitors. The State Park is 48 acres and within walking distance to many restaurants and the quaint downtown area of Grand Haven. Enjoy the sugar sand beach while you take in the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. If you need extra mobility assistance, the park has a track chair available that can easily handle sand, trails, and up to eight inches of water!
On the Northside of the beach, visitors will enjoy watching the boats come out of the channel of the Grand River and into the big lake while walking along the grand haven pier. The pier features two lighthouses which are staples to the Grand Haven area. Bring your fishing gear and throw a line in on either side of the pier for a chance at hooking a big channel cat or salmon.
Planning on staying a while? Good news, Grand Haven State Park has 174 campsites and one modern lodge, all of which are just steps away from the water! Be sure to reserve your site as soon as you can as the park often sells out fast.
Rosy Mound Natural Area
Rosy Mound Natural Area is a smaller beach on Lake Michigan which is a great spot to go if you are wanting to avoid the crowds. This is a natural area and other than walking paths and stairs has been left untouched. On your .7-mile hike out to the beach area, you will enjoy the beauty of untouched nature and wooded sand dunes. Be advised that although there are walking paths and decks with stairs on the walk to the beach, it is a strenuous hike and may not be suitable for everyone.
North Beach Park
Avoid crossing the bridge into Grand Haven during high season and head to North Beach Park in Ferrysburg. North Beach Park has a great beach along Lake Michigan complete with a playground, picnic pavilion, volleyball, and a walking trail up to the dunes. There is a fee to enter the park during peak season. Please use caution when visiting as erosion has made the water get deep fast over the last couple of years – great for swimming! North Beach Park is a great option for a less crowded beach near Grand Haven.
Rentals with a Private Beach
Prefer to avoid the crowd? Rent one of the top home rentals near Grand Haven with a private beach!
- The Dunes – The Dunes vacation rental is a five-bedroom home with 200’ of private beach. Enjoy the sunset over the lake as you sit in the living room and relax after a long day of fun in the sun.
- Windy Dune – Located on the north side of the channel in Ferrysburg, Windy dune is a cute 4-bedroom cottage with 100′ of private beach. Sit on the screened-in front porch and enjoy the views of the lake.
- The Coop – The coop is a six-bedroom cottage on the North Shore in Ferrysburg with a nice deck overlooking Lake Michigan and views of the lighthouses. Walk down the path to your private beach to enjoy swimming and other water activities.
- Walkout Beach House – The Walkout Beach House is on the North Shore and is a gorgeous rental. Built in 2015 this updated contemporary house has five bedrooms and sleeps 15. Enjoy walking out right onto the beach from the lower level and views of the lake from almost all the rooms. This is a must-stay beach house on Lake Michigan!
Staying a while? Be sure to check out the top things to do while in Grand Haven!
Make sure to book yourself someplace great to stay!
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Corissa Moore
Corissa is a wife and mother of two cute kiddos, Ari and Lola. She is currently a stay-at-home mama with a background in hospitality. Corissa loves spending time with her family and exploring the West Michigan area!
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