The Best Michigan Beaches…

Outfit Details: Marysia Antibes Scallop One Piece Wide Strap Tank | Jeasona Womens Lace Crochet Cover Up (love this one as well!) | Michael Stars Ciao Bella Floppy Sunhat | Prada Sunglasses | Hat Attack Small Round Handle Tote | Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (Tulip)

The Best Beaches of Michigan

I’m an Ohio girl and growing up I always heard the commercials for “Pure Michigan” that were enticing you to head up to the state just north of you. I never really knew what that meant though until I got to experience “Pure Michigan” firsthand after we moved here. This summer we finally had the chance to see some of the Michigan beaches ourselves, and I am truly impressed! There are so many beautiful sandy beaches (mostly on the Western side of Michigan) that are perfect for any quick summer getaway. When you live in Michigan (or Illinois for that matter) you don’t have to travel too far to have a fun and enjoyable beach vacation! So this is my personal list of the favorites I have seen thus far (and some that I hope to see):

Tiscorina Beach: This is the beach where these photos were taken. Located a little over two hours from Ann Arbor and within an hour of Chicago, this is a great beach for a weekend getaway. Many say this is the best beach in St. Joseph, Michigan and I have to agree with them. This beach is quiet and not at all crowded and you get nice unobstructed view of a lighthouse as well as Lake Michigan.  The sunset view is simply breathtaking! The water stretches beyond the horizon, and you really do feel like you are by the ocean.

St. Joseph, Michigan is a small costal town. It is primarily a town of industry, however tourism does account for a significant part of the economy. We stayed at the lovely Inn at Harbor Shores, which was about a mile away from Tiscorina Beach. We only stayed for a day, though I wish we could have stayed longer.  Before we left we had a wonderful dinner at Plank’s Tavern on the Water and a delicious breakfast at the Mason Jar Cafe.

Empire Beach: We saw Empire Beach when we went to Traverse City for a family vacation. Empire Beach is located in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. At the beach you can see the sprawling sand dunes for miles. With our small children we didn’t get a chance to hike them, but one day I would love to do it! Located less than 30 minutes from Traverse City, it is easy to get to from the North.

Oval Beach at Saugatuck: I haven’t seen this beach in person, but it is next on my list. Ranked as one of the top beaches by Conde West Traveler, National Geographic, and MTV, this Lake Michigan beach has an excellent reputation. With clean, soft sand and unobstructed views of the water this beach is great for swimming or just relaxing. Saugatuck itself is a quaint town with so many places to shop as well as a wide array of restaurants.

Leelanau State Park: This is a bit further away from southeastern Michigan, as it is just north of Traverse City. Located at the tip of the Lelanau Peninsula, you get gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is located here as well.

Grand Haven Beach: Located within Grand Haven State Park, in Grand Haven Michigan, this beach is beautiful! Sandy shores an a gorgeous view of the lighthouse and pier make this beach popular. Grand Haven itself has so many nice restaurants and affordable hotels that make this beach perfect for a weekend getaway.

Rogers Beach: Known for it’s crystal clear waters, this is one of the most well-known beaches of Lake Huron. The beach itself is located in P.H. Hoeft State Park in northern Michigan. Sunrise views prevail here as it is on the eastern side of Michigan. The park itself is a popular place for camping (though this is not for me).

Marysia Swim Antibes Scallop One Piece Wide Strap Tank

As for my outfit, I am glad to see that one-piece bathing suits are in style again. I love the crisp, white scalloped design of the Marysia Antibes Scallop One Piece Wide Strap Tank. The lace-up detail really adds to the design of this bathing suit. I am wearing an XS and this suit fits me quite well. My lace cover up is perfect for this bathing suit and was under $15! Sadly, the white version is sold out, but this one looks very similar and is also a similar price. With my Michael Stars floppy hat and Prada Sunglasses, overall this is a stylish look for any beach vacation.

Thanks for looking!

xo | April

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