Best Places to Stay in Michigan on the Beach for Amazing Vacation Experiences

Searching the internet and not sure where the best places to stay in Michigan on the beach is?  Maybe you're looking for somewhere new that's amazing for your family, but you don't know where to start.

And, your time is limited and you don't want to be disappointed.  You need a recharge but your not sure where to go?  Your expectations are high but your not sure where to find the right place that fits your needs.

We completely understand, Chris and I spend almost a hundred days a year on the road exploring Michigan and the rest of the USA.  The place where you stay makes all the difference, and the right beach makes the experience memorable.  Like many things the place where you are at in the moment makes the memory positive or negative.  Chris and I have listed our favorite beaches in all of Michigan and our best recommendations where to stay. 

When to Book Your Michigan Place on the Beach

We recommend planning and booking your place on the beach as far in advance as possible. The season of spring and summer fill up as much as two years in advance, so get to planning!  

Especially in popular areas, you will want to get your reservation early.

Many places have a minimum stay, so this changes your choices, and you will want to plan accordingly. 



Places to Stay in Michigan on the Beach Location #1

South Haven Michigan 

We love South Haven!  Chris and I got married here and we spend many days every year visiting and enjoying summer here.  It's a summer tourist spot for sure, so be prepared for larger crowds! It has lots of events and festivals through the summer as well as one of the best beaches in Michigan.

South Haven, MI VRBO Harbor Hideaway Cottage

  • 1/4 mile from Newcome Beach access
  • Short walk to beach and most affordable price point
  • Community pool
  • New build (2021)
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 3 bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
  • Located away from busier North and South Beach
  • Easier parking
  • No Lake View
  • Accessible without crossing bridge that goes up every half hour
  • Have to drive to explore downtown South Haven or walk 20 minutes

Property Offered By:

VRBO


Luxury Stay South Haven Beach Condo

South Haven, MI VRBO Beachfront Lake View | Lake Michigan Condo 

This South Haven Beach rental condo is always a very popular place in South Haven, and for good reason.  It offers a great location near North Beach, great views and private beach access!  When we visit family we walk past this place a lot on the way to eating out or getting ice cream and it always looks fun!  The pool helps in early season provide water activities when Lake Michigan is still a little cooler.  

  • 200 foot Lake Michigan Private Beach (SAY NO MORE!)
  • Heated Pool
  • Sun deck
  • Located on North Shore
  • Walk to Downtown South Haven for diner and drinks


Property Offered By:

VRBO

Find other comparable places to stay in a VRBO South Haven Michigan on the beach!




Pet Friendly South Haven Michigan Places to Stay

Do you have Fido or Garfield and want to bring them with you?  We don't blame you here is a list of places to stay on the beach or in South Haven that are pet friendly. 





Places to Stay in Michigan on the Beach Location #2

Grand Haven Michigan

The reason why we love Grand Haven is it has a small town feel and is a little less busy than South Haven.  It also still has lots to offer in charm and things to do.  Its also located in very convenient location for short drives along Lake Michigan and to see other fantastic Michigan adventures.

Grand Haven, MI VRBO | Cliffside Dunes

  • 4 bedrooms
  • 4 bathrooms
  • Sleeps 14
  • Pet friendly (dog only)
  • Optional Concierge Services: in home chef and fridge pre-stock
  • Private community beach (walkable)
  • Spacious deck patio with grill
  • Close to Grand Haven State Park 
  • Close to Downtown

Property Offered By:

VRBO


Grand Haven Beach House with Lake Views

Grand Haven, MI VRBO | Beach Play House 

  • Lake views
  • Only steps to the private beach
  • 1400 sq.ft cottage
  • 3 bedrooms 5 beds
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 bathroom
  • Deck/patio
  • Beach toys
  • 2 Bikes included


Property Offered By:

VRBO

Find other comparable places to stay in a VRBO Grand Haven Michigan on the beach!




Places to Stay in Michigan on the Beach Location #3

Muskegon Michigan 

Muskegon offers a link to Wisconsin with the High Speed Lake ferry to Milwaukee.  Several years ago we took our car to Wisconsin via the high speed ferry to do a driving tour. During this tour we got our inspiration to build this website.  The driving tour was the point we realized Michigan needed an authentic tour couple. We have been sharing our passion to show Michigan and all its beauty ever since.  Michigan is an awesome place and we love it so much.  You just cant beat our summers and this lake house is a great representation of a Michigan lifestyle!

Make sure and check the calendar this one usually fills up fast.....

Muskegon, MI VRBO | Boat House Mona Lake

  • 4 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
  • Dock with patio and lake view only a few steps away
  • Private lakeside beach and firepit
  • 1280 sq.ft
  • Hot tub
  • Balconies off rooms
  • Grill
  • Pontoon boat included (seasonal)
  • Close to Michigan Adventure Water and Theme Park
  • Calmer water inland lake Mona
  • Quiet private setting

Property Offered By:

VRBO

Find other comparable places to stay in a VRBO Muskegon Michigan on the beach!

Places to Stay in Michigan on the Beach Location #4

St. Joseph Michigan 

The beach town of St. Joseph Michigan is special to Chris and I!  This is where I grew up and I literally spent my summers on Silver Beach as a teenager.  Chris's parents are from here and my parents taught high school here.  While Chris and I met in Battle Creek, MI and he was born in Houghton, our connection has always been St. Joe, and if his parents hadn't of moved he and I would have been in the same school here at St. Joe.  While we were first dating we spent lots of dates in downtown St. Joe and Silver beach.     

St. Joseph, MI | Lake Michigan Overlook House 

  • Beautiful view of Lake Michigan
  • Short drive to public beach access
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1800sq.ft
  • Located in the beach town of St. Joseph

Property Offered By:

VRBO



St. Joe, MI | Paw Paw Lake

So, when we say a hidden gem, Paw Paw lake is the representation of that!  Paw Paw lake is one of the best places to stay in Michigan on the Beach. Chris and I after living in Michigan our whole lives, recently found this lake.  Let that sink in for a second......Ok, so we have probably driven past this lake like a thousand times. 

How do you ask if you miss such a thing? Because it's a hidden gem! Seriously though, we needed to slow down and see with our eyes. We are always on the move, and this is just far enough off the beaten path that it stays out of the view of the masses. This is why we think Paw Paw lake is such an incredible hidden gem!

St. Joe, MI Area | New Modern Farm House on Paw Paw Lake

  • 4000 sq. ft Modern Farm House
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 11 beds 
  • Sleeps 16
  • 6 bathrooms, 5 full baths, 1 half bath
  • Balcony or patio on all 3 levels
  • 15 minutes to St. Joseph, MI with shopping and Silver Beach on Lake Michigan
  • Calmer inland lake Paw Paw
  • Gas grill
  • Wood fire pit
  • 100 foot boat dock on the lake
  • Game room
  • Hot tub

Property Offered By:

Find other comparable places to stay in a VRBO St. Joseph Michigan on the beach!

VRBO






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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
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