Shelby Zellmer

July 1, 2025

Best Lake Michigan Beaches in Indiana

Discover Indiana’s top Lake Michigan beaches—from the Dunes to Michigan City. Plan your perfect Midwest beach getaway this summer.

Travel Guide

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Make the most of your home state.
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Make the most of your home state.
Always stay IN the know.

Every week we highlight new and exciting things happening across Indiana.

Every week we highlight new and exciting things happening across Indiana.

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☀️ Lake Michigan's Best Beaches (Yes, in Indiana!)

Craving a beach getaway but don’t want to hop on a plane or drive halfway across the country? Surprise! Indiana has some seriously stunning beach towns right on Lake Michigan perfect for a summer escape.

With golden sand dunes, charming lakefront communities and postcard-worthy sunsets, Indiana’s 45-mile slice of Lake Michigan is wildly underrated. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a long weekend retreat, here are the top beaches and beach towns in Indiana to put on your summer bucket list.

Golden Hour on Indiana’s coast (South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority)

🏖️ Indiana Dunes National Park – Chesterton

If you're only going to hit one Indiana beach this summer, make it this one. Located in the heart of the Indiana Dunes National Park, this beach features three miles of pristine shoreline and some of the most iconic sand dunes in the Midwest.

You can sunbathe, swim, hike the nearby trails and then cap it off with a sunset that’ll have your camera working overtime. Bonus: the Dunes are just an hour from Chicago, but they feel like a total escape.

📍 Perfect for: Hiking + swimming, nature lovers, sunset chasers

🐚 West Beach – Portage

West Beach is a favorite for families, and with good reason! There’s a large bathhouse, picnic areas, lifeguards on duty and a loop trail that gives you scenic views of the lake and surrounding dunes. You can also get a view of the Chicago Skyline on a clear day!

It’s less crowded than some of the other spots but still delivers big on beauty. Pack a cooler, bring your crew, and stay all day.

📍 Perfect for: Family beach days, picnics, laid-back hiking

🎨Washington Park Beach – Michigan City

Want a beach town with major character? Washington Park Beach in Michigan City gives you gorgeous views and attractions within walking distance. The beach itself is wide, sandy and walkable with a historic lighthouse at the end of the pier.

After some beach time, stroll into town for shopping, art galleries, and restaurants. Don’t miss a scoop from Lakeshore Coffee & Specialties or a photo op at the iconic Michigan City Lighthouse.

📍 Perfect for: Small-town charm, pier walks, lighthouse lovers

🐾 Kemil Beach – Beverly Shores

Looking for something a little quieter? Kemil Beach is one of Indiana’s lesser-known gems. It’s a peaceful spot tucked between dunes and forests, and it’s a favorite among locals for a reason: it’s beautiful, calm and offers a more off-the-beaten-path kind of vibe. Kemil Beach also allows dogs as long as they are on a leash!

There’s no commercial strip here, just you, the sand, and the sound of waves. Perfect for reading, relaxing, or just unplugging for the afternoon.

📍 Perfect for: Peace and quiet, nature photography, introvert beach days

🧭 Plan Your Perfect Lake Michigan Weekend

No matter which beach you choose, Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline delivers. The water is clear, the towns are welcoming, and the views? Unbeatable. So if you’re dreaming of sand between your toes without crossing state lines, skip the plane ticket and head north for a beach getaway that’s right in your backyard!

Oh, and bring the sunscreen! 🧴

☀️ Lake Michigan's Best Beaches (Yes, in Indiana!)

Craving a beach getaway but don’t want to hop on a plane or drive halfway across the country? Surprise! Indiana has some seriously stunning beach towns right on Lake Michigan perfect for a summer escape.

With golden sand dunes, charming lakefront communities and postcard-worthy sunsets, Indiana’s 45-mile slice of Lake Michigan is wildly underrated. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a long weekend retreat, here are the top beaches and beach towns in Indiana to put on your summer bucket list.

Golden Hour on Indiana’s coast (South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority)

🏖️ Indiana Dunes National Park – Chesterton

If you're only going to hit one Indiana beach this summer, make it this one. Located in the heart of the Indiana Dunes National Park, this beach features three miles of pristine shoreline and some of the most iconic sand dunes in the Midwest.

You can sunbathe, swim, hike the nearby trails and then cap it off with a sunset that’ll have your camera working overtime. Bonus: the Dunes are just an hour from Chicago, but they feel like a total escape.

📍 Perfect for: Hiking + swimming, nature lovers, sunset chasers

🐚 West Beach – Portage

West Beach is a favorite for families, and with good reason! There’s a large bathhouse, picnic areas, lifeguards on duty and a loop trail that gives you scenic views of the lake and surrounding dunes. You can also get a view of the Chicago Skyline on a clear day!

It’s less crowded than some of the other spots but still delivers big on beauty. Pack a cooler, bring your crew, and stay all day.

📍 Perfect for: Family beach days, picnics, laid-back hiking

🎨Washington Park Beach – Michigan City

Want a beach town with major character? Washington Park Beach in Michigan City gives you gorgeous views and attractions within walking distance. The beach itself is wide, sandy and walkable with a historic lighthouse at the end of the pier.

After some beach time, stroll into town for shopping, art galleries, and restaurants. Don’t miss a scoop from Lakeshore Coffee & Specialties or a photo op at the iconic Michigan City Lighthouse.

📍 Perfect for: Small-town charm, pier walks, lighthouse lovers

🐾 Kemil Beach – Beverly Shores

Looking for something a little quieter? Kemil Beach is one of Indiana’s lesser-known gems. It’s a peaceful spot tucked between dunes and forests, and it’s a favorite among locals for a reason: it’s beautiful, calm and offers a more off-the-beaten-path kind of vibe. Kemil Beach also allows dogs as long as they are on a leash!

There’s no commercial strip here, just you, the sand, and the sound of waves. Perfect for reading, relaxing, or just unplugging for the afternoon.

📍 Perfect for: Peace and quiet, nature photography, introvert beach days

🧭 Plan Your Perfect Lake Michigan Weekend

No matter which beach you choose, Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline delivers. The water is clear, the towns are welcoming, and the views? Unbeatable. So if you’re dreaming of sand between your toes without crossing state lines, skip the plane ticket and head north for a beach getaway that’s right in your backyard!

Oh, and bring the sunscreen! 🧴

☀️ Lake Michigan's Best Beaches (Yes, in Indiana!)

Craving a beach getaway but don’t want to hop on a plane or drive halfway across the country? Surprise! Indiana has some seriously stunning beach towns right on Lake Michigan perfect for a summer escape.

With golden sand dunes, charming lakefront communities and postcard-worthy sunsets, Indiana’s 45-mile slice of Lake Michigan is wildly underrated. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a long weekend retreat, here are the top beaches and beach towns in Indiana to put on your summer bucket list.

Golden Hour on Indiana’s coast (South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority)

🏖️ Indiana Dunes National Park – Chesterton

If you're only going to hit one Indiana beach this summer, make it this one. Located in the heart of the Indiana Dunes National Park, this beach features three miles of pristine shoreline and some of the most iconic sand dunes in the Midwest.

You can sunbathe, swim, hike the nearby trails and then cap it off with a sunset that’ll have your camera working overtime. Bonus: the Dunes are just an hour from Chicago, but they feel like a total escape.

📍 Perfect for: Hiking + swimming, nature lovers, sunset chasers

🐚 West Beach – Portage

West Beach is a favorite for families, and with good reason! There’s a large bathhouse, picnic areas, lifeguards on duty and a loop trail that gives you scenic views of the lake and surrounding dunes. You can also get a view of the Chicago Skyline on a clear day!

It’s less crowded than some of the other spots but still delivers big on beauty. Pack a cooler, bring your crew, and stay all day.

📍 Perfect for: Family beach days, picnics, laid-back hiking

🎨Washington Park Beach – Michigan City

Want a beach town with major character? Washington Park Beach in Michigan City gives you gorgeous views and attractions within walking distance. The beach itself is wide, sandy and walkable with a historic lighthouse at the end of the pier.

After some beach time, stroll into town for shopping, art galleries, and restaurants. Don’t miss a scoop from Lakeshore Coffee & Specialties or a photo op at the iconic Michigan City Lighthouse.

📍 Perfect for: Small-town charm, pier walks, lighthouse lovers

🐾 Kemil Beach – Beverly Shores

Looking for something a little quieter? Kemil Beach is one of Indiana’s lesser-known gems. It’s a peaceful spot tucked between dunes and forests, and it’s a favorite among locals for a reason: it’s beautiful, calm and offers a more off-the-beaten-path kind of vibe. Kemil Beach also allows dogs as long as they are on a leash!

There’s no commercial strip here, just you, the sand, and the sound of waves. Perfect for reading, relaxing, or just unplugging for the afternoon.

📍 Perfect for: Peace and quiet, nature photography, introvert beach days

🧭 Plan Your Perfect Lake Michigan Weekend

No matter which beach you choose, Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline delivers. The water is clear, the towns are welcoming, and the views? Unbeatable. So if you’re dreaming of sand between your toes without crossing state lines, skip the plane ticket and head north for a beach getaway that’s right in your backyard!

Oh, and bring the sunscreen! 🧴

Written By:

Shelby Zellmer

Written By:

Shelby Zellmer

Shelby Zellmer

Small Town Breakdowns

Share Your Favorite Small Towns

Help us uncover Indiana's most unique small towns. Submit your favorites and we'll highlight what makes them special!

Small Town Breakdowns

Share Your Favorite Small Towns

Help us uncover Indiana's most unique small towns. Submit your favorites and we'll highlight what makes them special!

Small Town Breakdowns

Share Your Favorite Small Towns

Help us uncover Indiana's most unique small towns. Submit your favorites and we'll highlight what makes them special!

Hidden Gems

Share Your Indiana Hidden Gems

Know a secret spot in Indiana? Share your favorite hidden gem—trails, eats, oddities, or local legends—for a chance to get featured.

Hidden Gems

Share Your Indiana Hidden Gems

Know a secret spot in Indiana? Share your favorite hidden gem—trails, eats, oddities, or local legends—for a chance to get featured.

Hidden Gems

Share Your Indiana Hidden Gems

Know a secret spot in Indiana? Share your favorite hidden gem—trails, eats, oddities, or local legends—for a chance to get featured.

Discover the heart of the Hoosier State with Get Indiana, your go-to source for everything Indiana. Dive into a wide range of topics, from local events and hidden gems to business, travel, food, and more. At Get Indiana, we bring you reliable, comprehensive, and engaging articles that keep you connected to the pulse of our state. Enjoy fresh perspectives on community stories, insightful features, and in-depth guides, all crafted with a commitment to accuracy and local pride.

Explore Indiana effortlessly with Get Indiana, your trusted resource for all things Hoosier. Join us on a journey through the diverse and vibrant life of Indiana, delivering a rich and dynamic reading experience.

Discover the heart of the Hoosier State with Get Indiana, your go-to source for everything Indiana. Dive into a wide range of topics, from local events and hidden gems to business, travel, food, and more. At Get Indiana, we bring you reliable, comprehensive, and engaging articles that keep you connected to the pulse of our state. Enjoy fresh perspectives on community stories, insightful features, and in-depth guides, all crafted with a commitment to accuracy and local pride.

Explore Indiana effortlessly with Get Indiana, your trusted resource for all things Hoosier. Join us on a journey through the diverse and vibrant life of Indiana, delivering a rich and dynamic reading experience.

Discover the heart of the Hoosier State with Get Indiana, your go-to source for everything Indiana. Dive into a wide range of topics, from local events and hidden gems to business, travel, food, and more. At Get Indiana, we bring you reliable, comprehensive, and engaging articles that keep you connected to the pulse of our state. Enjoy fresh perspectives on community stories, insightful features, and in-depth guides, all crafted with a commitment to accuracy and local pride.

Explore Indiana effortlessly with Get Indiana, your trusted resource for all things Hoosier. Join us on a journey through the diverse and vibrant life of Indiana, delivering a rich and dynamic reading experience.

Discover the heart of the Hoosier State with Get Indiana, your go-to source for everything Indiana. Dive into a wide range of topics, from local events and hidden gems to business, travel, food, and more. At Get Indiana, we bring you reliable, comprehensive, and engaging articles that keep you connected to the pulse of our state. Enjoy fresh perspectives on community stories, insightful features, and in-depth guides, all crafted with a commitment to accuracy and local pride.

Explore Indiana effortlessly with Get Indiana, your trusted resource for all things Hoosier. Join us on a journey through the diverse and vibrant life of Indiana, delivering a rich and dynamic reading experience.

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