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Endless Beach Experiences

With more than 1,700 miles of shoreline along Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron, the Upper Peninsula offers an endless variety of beach experiences. No two stretches of shore are quite alike. One day might lead you to a wide sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing; the next to a rocky cove filled with agates, dramatic cliffs or miles of secluded wilderness.

Beyond the coastline, the U.P. is home to more than 4,000 inland lakes, each with its own scenery and pace. From quiet forest lakes and sandy swimming spots to sprawling waters ideal for boating, fishing and paddling, there's always another shoreline waiting to be discovered.

 

From iconic Great Lakes shores to hidden inland escapes, these beaches showcase the remarkable diversity of the Upper Peninsula. 

Three people and two dogs enjoy a peaceful moment on a sandy beach. Waves lap the shore, and lush, tree-covered hills are visible in the background.

Bete Grise Beach

A crescent of golden sand and crystal-clear water on the Keweenaw Peninsula, perfect for long walks… Read More

Aqua blue water of Lake Superior at Miners Beach

Miners Beach

Framed by sandstone cliffs and forested bluffs, this Pictured Rocks favorite combines stunning… Read More

Sunset over a serene beach with tall grass in the foreground. Two figures stand near the water's edge, creating a peaceful and intimate scene.

Au Train Beach

A relaxed stretch of shoreline where Lake Superior meets the Au Train River, popular for swimming… Read More

A red lighthouse sits atop a rocky outcrop surrounded by vibrant autumn trees near a serene beach. Two people walk along the sandy shore under a bright blue sky.

McCarty's Cove

A family-friendly beach in Marquette offering soft sand, calm swimming, and views of the city's… Read More

A woman walking with a fluffy white dog on a grassy beach along Lake Michigan. The calm water and clear blue sky set a peaceful tone. A small tree is nearby.

Sand Dunes Beach

Miles of sandy shoreline backed by towering dunes create one of the most scenic beach drives in the…

Aerial view of a peaceful lakeside park with lush greenery, winding roads, and a marina filled with boats. The scene conveys tranquility and natural beauty.

Ludington Park

Located in Escanaba, this easily accessible beach features sandy shores, shallow water, and… Read More

A dog stands at the water's edge on a sandy beach, with lush green forest and hills in the background, under a lightly clouded sky. Serene and natural.

Great Sand Bay Beach

A secluded Lake Superior beach known for its sweeping shoreline, tranquil setting, and excellent…

rocks stacked on top of each other and a man walking along beach behind them

Whitefish Point

Famous for shipwreck history and powerful Lake Superior scenery, this remote beach offers a uniquely… Read More

A serene lakeside scene with people enjoying a sandy beach and green field. Families picnic, others play volleyball. Trees line the background.

Lake Gogebic

The U.P.'s largest inland lake provides sandy swimming areas, boating adventures, fishing… Read More

Aerial view of a lush green forest atop rocky cliffs bordering the clear blue waters of Lake Superior. The peaceful scene conveys a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.

Great Lakes

The Upper Peninsula is bordered by three of the world's largest freshwater lakes — Superior, Michigan and Huron. Together they create thousands of miles of shoreline waiting to be explored.

A woman sitting on a rock at the Les Cheneaux Islands, located in the Upper Peninsula

Islands

Scattered across the Great Lakes, the U.P.'s islands offer a different kind of shoreline adventure. Discover quiet beaches, historic communities, rocky coastlines and untouched natural areas accessible by ferry, boat or kayak.

Scenic lakeside view with the Copper Harbor lighthouse in the distance, bordered by lush greenery and rocky shores. The scene is calm, with a clear, blue sky above.

Lighthouses

Along the shores of Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, historic lighthouses stand watch over ever-changing water and endless horizons. Explore scenic grounds, climb iconic towers and uncover stories of the keepers who guided vessels safely home.

Four kayaks float on clear, green water near rugged, rocky cliffs along Lake Superior with lush greenery. The scene evokes tranquility and outdoor adventure.

Paddling

Experience the U.P.'s shorelines from the water for a unique, up-close vantage point. Paddle along sandstone cliffs, through sheltered bays, around remote islands, and across crystal-clear inland lakes: countless waterways offer unforgettable views and peaceful exploration.