P.J. Hoffmaster State Park
Norton Shores, MI
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Norton Shores has about three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline backed by forested dunes, plus the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center. The Dune Climb Stairway, close to 200 steps, ends at an overlook high above the lake. Down at the waterline the beach is wide enough that it rarely feels crowded.
Miles of beach and a great dune overlook, though the stairway is a real climb.
How we score beachesDo the Dune Climb Stairway before the beach, while your legs are fresh. It's a lot harder with wet sand in your shoes.
A Michigan Recreation Passport (or nonresident pass) is required.
Paths lead from the beach lot to the sand; the Dune Climb Stairway is long and steep.
Swimming is at its best from early July into August. The visitor center runs programs year round, and the stairway view is spectacular in fall.
More Great Lakes beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
Empire, MI · Great Lakes
Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
New Buffalo, MI · Great Lakes
New Buffalo City Beach is the first real Lake Michigan beach you hit crossing from Indiana, a wide stretch of sand at the end of Whittaker Street beside the harbor and the Galien River channel. Chicago weekenders fill it in summer. The town's shops and restaurants are a five minute walk back up the street.
Warren Dunes State Park
Sawyer, MI · Great Lakes
Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer has roughly three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and some of the tallest dunes in southwest Michigan. Tower Hill rises about 260 feet above the lake, and climbing it and running back down is a rite of passage. On a hot July Saturday the beach feels like a small city.