The midwestern state of Indiana is a multicultural melting pot with African-American, Hispanic, and European communities. The tourist attractions are equally diverse. While in Indianapolis, you can immerse yourself in art, history, and culture at Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, and Indiana State Capitol. Families with kids can visit Indianapolis Zoo and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. If you’re vacationing in May, you can join other spectators at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and catch the Indy 500. Indiana is also home to 24 state parks and numerous lakes. Turkey Run State Park near Marshall is great for hiking, biking, canoeing, and horseback riding. Meanwhile, Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton is home to West Beach, Kemil Beach, and Dunbar Beach. If you’re more enthusiastic about sand castles, blue waters, and tan lines, read on for the best beach resorts in Indiana, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Oakwood Resort, Syracuse
The historical Oakwood Resort sits on the banks of Lake Wawasee, a beautiful spot for rest and recreation. The establishment boasts 79 guestrooms and suites with either lake or courtyard views, giving visitors plenty of choices. Meanwhile, larger groups can opt for a lake house.
Travelers will have 27 acres (10.93 hectares) of well-maintained grounds to explore, with paved and unpaved paths for walking, jogging, and hiking. Health buffs will also find a fitness room, complimentary bicycles, and a 1-mile (1.61-kilometer) bike route. Also up for grabs are kayaks and paddleboards.
The in-house Oakwood Coffee & Creamery offers Starbucks refreshments and snacks to keep your energy up. You can then head to The Pier & Back Porch for dinner and enjoy great food, sunset views, and live music on the weekends.
Oakwood Resort
Address: 702 East Lake View Road
112.98 km (70.3 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very relaxing resort with a beautiful setting if they had a pool it would be perfectCleanliness:
the hotel itself was very cleanthe bathroom in our room was clean with great water pressureour bed was comfortable and cleanRead more reviewsHost:
staff was very nice and accommodatingthe staff is also very friendly and helpfulresort was very nice as was the staff
Other beach accommodations in Indiana, USA
2. Potawatomi Inn & Cabins, Angola (from USD 107)
Reasonable pricing for food, but the lodging could be overpriced for the facilities.
Indoor pool, sauna, library, game room, and the ability to dock boats are standout amenities. However, the facilities are in need of repairs, and the historic rooms may feel old and cramped.
Beautiful location within a state park, with easy access to hiking trails, a large lake, and a beach. However, the park entrance fee is an additional cost for hotel guests.
The food is well-priced and delicious, with options like hot cinnamon doughnut holes. However, the restaurant service can be slow, and the buffet may not offer the best value for money.
Potawatomi Inn & Cabins is located within Pokagon State Park, giving guests equal access to the amenities of the establishment and the park. You’ll find suitable accommodations, from cozy double rooms to spacious cabin suites for a party of six. There are also options for guests with mobility issues.
There are many amenities to look forward to, including game and craft rooms, a library, and a fitness center. Outdoors, spend time on the sun deck or by the firepit. Guests can also cut across Lake James aboard a kayak or a paddleboard. You’ll also find an aquatic center with a pool, a hot tub, and a sauna, the best spots to unwind after outdoor adventures. Two on-site restaurants will take care of your dining needs as well.
Potawatomi Inn & Cabins
Address: 6 Lane 100 A Lake James
168.73 km (104.9 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
3. Lakefront vacation home, Terre Haute
This beachfront vacation rental will hit the spot for those looking for a restful holiday by the lake. You’ll feel right at home with a full kitchen, a laundry room, and two spacious bedrooms with a wide bed.
When you’re not off swimming or sightseeing, take advantage of the souped-up living room. You can turn on the big TV for movie marathons, play a friendly round of pool, or relive your childhood and power up the arcade game.
Beach House on Lake
Address: 545 Izack Walton Road
244.73 km (152.1 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
4. Delightful basement apartment with pool and beach access, Gary (from USD 244)
This vacation rental is the antithesis of a typical basement. It’s bright, soundproof, and thoughtfully decorated. It also has a streamlined navy blue kitchen popping against the pristine white walls and light wood floors. The layout was maximized to accommodate six guests, and having two bathrooms will certainly be convenient.
The cozy living area and smart TV invite you to stream your favorite shows with high-speed Wi-Fi. If you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, that is. You will be welcome to splash around in the shared heated pool, warm up by the firepit, and prepare an alfresco dinner with the barbecue grill. Don’t forget to follow the private path that leads to Lake Michigan’s beach too.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it is a basement so no natural light but still bright and comfortableRead more reviewsHost:
brent & becky were the perfect hoststhey were great host and very attentiveawesome space awesome hosts awesome location
Superhost
5. Stunning family home on the shore, Gary (from USD 281)
A family or group of eight will have an unforgettable stay in this waterfront home. The interiors look straight out of a magazine, featuring a seamless blend of traditional, coastal, and industrial design elements. Cooking in the kitchen will be a joy, and you may want to have every meal on the deck for the fresh air and lake view. Still, every room has a surplus of windows, bringing the outside in.
Two flat-screen TVs, board games, and books will keep your group entertained indoors. If you want to explore the area, Indiana Dunes State Park is about 10 miles (16.09 kilometers) away. There are also numerous bars, wineries, and restaurants within an 18-mile (28.97-kilometer) radius. However, the beach is steps away if you’d rather stick close to home.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i’d bring extra toiletries - shampoo shower gel etc including hand soap with you for your stayHost:
the owners were very easy to contactrex and peggy were communicative and very helpfulbeautiful condo right on the beach friendly helpful hosts easy to contactRead more reviewsLocation:
close access to the indian dunes national park was and added bonusa fabulous home on lake michigan close to the indiana dunes national parkit was perfect for our family to come together from various locationsthe location is gary indiana which has great accessibility to both chicago and michiganbeautiful views great location everything we needed in the house
6. Multi-level beach house, Michigan City (from USD 457)
Are you planning a weekend getaway for your extended family or pack of friends? This multi-level home in Michigan City can host 16 guests. The interiors have been updated, with several seating areas to converge and catch up. You can also savor the breeze and lake view out on the decks. There are three at this rental. Additionally, the beach is 200 steps away.
The kitchen is well-equipped to produce a delicious spread. There’s also a barbecue grill on the lower deck. You can take turns manning the grill between swims, and you won’t need to wash up to enjoy the feast. Furthermore, the deck has plenty of seats that can take a beating. You can sprawl out with a plate of food, then head back to the water after eating.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds and the linens were awesomebeautiful home slept 15 people very comfortably with plenty of extra roomthe kitchen was very well stocked with equipmentthe kitchen was very well stocked and had everything we neededCleanliness:
bathrooms were all very clean and nicegreat stay and very cleanspotless right on a beautiful beach and plenty of room for all our gueststhe place was large spacious and cleanloved staying here for a weekend getaway the place was clean and check in was easyHost:
owners are very communicative and graciousthey were extremely responsive and very accommodating with our requestshosts are responsive and helpfulthe host was friendly and helpful we will definitely be backtodd is very communicative and their home is amazing the pictures do not do it justiceRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is beautifulhouse and location are awesomenice location right on the beachgreat house location plenty of roomthis is an amazing house with an amazing location
7. Relaxing beach house with a sizable deck, Porter (from USD 405)
A group of outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate this laidback beach house. There’s a spacious deck to soak up the sun and relish the fresh air. You’ll find gas and charcoal grills to host a fun barbecue. Once the water beckons, follow the wooden stairs to the lake and swim to your heart’s content. The host also provides kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other beach paraphernalia for your enjoyment.
You can go for an early morning jog before breakfast or stroll on the beach after dinner. There are also wooded trails for running, hiking, and cycling. Cross-country skiing is possible in the winter. If you want to venture further, Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are easily accessible from the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house felt cozy but had comfortable sleeping space for 10the space is well designed to accommodate a big group and the beds are comfortablebeds were comfortablethe kitchen was fully set up to cook which worked out great for usmaybe 70's feel? with an awesome yellow counter top and a green bathroomCleanliness:
quiet neighborhood very clean and comfortableplace was very clean and well equipped for a larger groupthe cottage was clean had a lot of room and wonderful large windows to see the lakeHost:
just make sure to communicate promptly and clearly with hostRead more reviewsLocation:
lot of good restaurants are close byfantastic location and access to the lakeit was nice being so close to the beachnice location small beach front but you can walk to much more open beaches easilywe had a wonderful stay and the location was fantastic
8. Bright and airy beachside rental, Porter (from USD 285)
This bright and airy beachside rental has all the comforts of home. The kitchen has the essentials to prep your favorite meals. You can grab a quick bite at the breakfast bar before heading to the beach to swim, kayak, and paddleboard. The living area has a great view and comfy seating, great for unwinding and catching up, reclining with a good book, or watching TV.
This Airbnb rental will suit a small family, boasting two bedrooms, one with a queen and the other with three single beds. There’s also free parking, Wi-Fi if you’re working remotely, and books and toys to keep the little ones occupied.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was very well equipped (including for big holiday cooking)Cleanliness:
it was very clean and had everything we neededvery clean and perfect locationthe cabin was very cleanthe two bedroom was very clean and literally steps from the waterlocation was very nice very clean and everything you need is thereHost:
hosts were friendly and accommodatingsusan was a responsive hostexcellent place to stay and helpful host the sound of the waves at night is downright healingsusan was extremely responsive welcoming and helpful both before and during our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
nice place in a great location right on the lakethis beach location is wonderful; beautiful sunsets and right by the state parkgreat place right on the watersuch a great location with easy access to the shore and parksproximity to the national and state parks is wonderful
9. Villa Santorini, Miller Beach (from USD 1559)
The beachfront Villa Santorini will be hard to beat. This gorgeous 6,000-square foot (557.42-square meter) luxury home is on par with high-end establishments. The master suite alone is praise-worthy, boasting a private deck with views of Lake Michigan, heated bathroom floors, a jetted tub, and a wet bar with a wine fridge. If you want to stay in, a whopping 11 smart TVs sit around the home, so no one will have to fight over the remote.
Other awesome amenities await, including a gourmet kitchen worthy of a master chef and a media room with a 75-inch (190.5-centimeter) smart TV and a wet bar. Enjoy nightly barbecues at the custom 4,000-square foot (371.61-square meter) outdoor living area with an eight-person hot tub, a fireplace, and a gas grill. The outdoor shower and lounging areas are available seasonally.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great views and roomsthe view was beautiful and the kitchen is incrediblewe hope to return and take better advantage of the lovely patio and kitchenthe space and setting are stunning and we appreciated the many comfortable spots to work and relaxlots of televisions with plenty of viewing options strong wifiCleanliness:
double dishwashers and double garbage receptacles makes four easy clean up for large partieshome was clean and well equippedHost:
the host is very nicethe host was responsive to any and all questions we hadthe owners are also very organized and responsivethey were really friendly and understanding to us during a very rough time in our livesthey respond quickly to texts and are very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
gorgeous house and location we want to go back in the summervilla santorini was a wonderful location for our small family weddingfantastic place for a large family gatheringall in all very nice place with some improvements needed
10. The MAIN HOUSE at the Dream Retreat, Miller Beach (from USD 360)
The MAIN HOUSE can host 19 guests, suitable for getaways with friends and families. Experience the best of Miller Beach in this sprawling, well-appointed home with beautifully decorated interiors and multi-level decks. Indoors, you’ll find a gourmet kitchen that will delight aspiring chefs with its professional-grade appliances and caffeine addicts with its complimentary Nespresso and Keurig pods. You may want to flip a coin for the master bedroom, which boasts a stunning en suite bathroom with a jetted tub and a commercial-grade sauna.
The beach is accessible through a walk through the dunes. After frolicking on the shore, you can convene on the main deck with your companions. Fire up the Napoleon grill, brown some steaks, and dine alfresco. A seven-person hot tub and a firepit complete the relaxing outdoor setup.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
house was very clean and beds were comfortableHost:
property owners were always there when we needed them and very responsivewe did notify the host and they were kind enough to drop off mouse traps (eye roll)Read more reviewsLocation:
location to beach was excellent almost like a private beach
An idyllic setting for beach getaways
Indiana is home to dozens of lakes, a great alternative for sun worshippers planning a beach getaway. When you’re ready to plan your outing, remember to consult this list of the top beach resorts in Indiana, USA, to find the most idyllic setting for you and your companions.
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