With the weather rapidly warming and the sun’s glorious golden rays shining down, the beach beckons. We have compiled this guide to ensure that you have an awesome beach day in Michigan City. So, whether you’re a local who wouldn’t mind a refresher or visiting, this is your quintessential guide to Michigan City’s beaches.                  

Knowing  Where to Go:

When it comes to beaches, we have no shortage of incredible spots to play in the surf and sand! Whether it is in the view of the iconic Michigan City Lighthouse at Washington Park, further up the shore near Long Beach, or closer to Beverly Shores. Knowing where you want to go to the beach is key.        

Beverly Shores to Michigan City:

This stretch of coastline is perhaps the most beautiful while remaining easily accessible to the general public. Quite a few small beaches are dotted along the shoreline in this area. A true gem is Kemil Beach, located in Beverly Shores in the shadow of the historic World’s Fair Homes. The beach is vast and relatively flat, and is commonly a local favorite for sunset! 

What to Know about this Stretch of Beach:

  • Pay close attention to parking. In many spots, a National Park parking pass is required.
  • Bathrooms are often a trek from the shoreline, if available.
  • These beaches tend not to be accessible for those with mobility issues. There is a beautiful viewing platform located in Beverly Shores that provides a spot for those with mobility issues.
  • You must bring any snacks, as there are no vendors along the shoreline in this area.
  • There are no lifeguards in this stretch of beach.
  • This beach is dog-friendly, but you’ll have to keep them on a leash.

Michigan City – Washington Park:

Nestled along the famous Michigan City Lighthouse, this beach features incredible amenities for a fantastic day at the beach. Located in Washington Park, there is plenty to do, from the Zoo, playgrounds, a splash pad, and bathrooms, not to mention walking out on the lighthouse pier! This beach also features a long accessible spot for individuals with mobility issues to view the beach. In addition, there are several volleyball courts, and lifeguards are usually on duty. 

What to Know about this Stretch of Beach:

  • There is an entry fee for the park ($20). If you are a Michigan City local, you can obtain a sticker for your car for free.
  • It is recommended that you pack a lunch at the beach, as dining options may be limited. If you do bring lunch, know that glass is not allowed on the beach.
  • Dogs are also prohibited on the beach (there is a dog park nearby, however).
  • Jumping off of the lighthouse pier is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous.

Long Beach to the Michigan State Line:

This stretch of beach is a local and vacationers’ paradise, and it is easy to understand why. This stretch of shoreline, while incredibly beautiful, is difficult to access as a general visitor. Large beachfront homes and communities line this stretch of the shore, prohibiting parking along these beaches. One must walk in to access them, and this can be quite a long walk. As homes hug this part of the shoreline, bathrooms and additional amenities are not available.   

What to Know about this Stretch of Beach:

  • This stretch of beach is difficult to access without an invitation or a designated spot to park from a local.
  • This part of the shoreline is relatively quiet due to accessibility issues for the general public.                
  • Lifeguards are not on duty for this part of the shoreline.
  • Bathrooms and food for sale are not found on this stretch of the beach.

No Matter Where You Go Along Lake Michigan’s Beautiful Shoreline:

No matter where you go to the beach along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, there are a few “must knows.” As a true Insider’s Guide, here is what you need to know to have a fun and safe day at the beach.

  • The Lake is beautiful and can be DEADLY. Unfortunately, several individuals lose their lives in Lake Michigan every year. Lake Michigan has an undertow (aka rip current) that can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard. Know how to spot an undertow and pay attention to marine warnings. Undertows are most common on high-wave days when the Lake is most fun, but also so incredibly dangerous.      

Source: Weather.gov

  • What You Pack In, Pack Out. Our beaches are beautiful and a resource for locals and visitors alike. Keeping them clean and safe is a community responsibility, so be sure to pick up after yourself at the end of your beach day. While we are on the topic of things to bring to the beach, please refrain from bringing glass if you can. While some beaches will allow it, nothing ruins a fun day at the shore like needing stitches from broken glass hidden in the sand.
  • Sunscreen is Your Friend! Even in the early May sunlight, a bad sunburn is still possible and very common. The sun is incredibly powerful reflecting off our beautiful lake, so be sure to apply sunscreen liberally and according to the manufacturer’s directions.                 

While we might be biased, we think we have some of the most beautiful coastline in the United States right here in Michigan City. Whether it’s a fun family day at the beach, a romantic sunset picnic, or a walk with your four-legged best friend, we hope you enjoy our beautiful coastline and that this quick primer sets you up for the best beach day ever!