Lake Michigan is the third largest freshwater lake in the USA and touches the four states of Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. One of the best sights along Lake Michigan is the city of Chicago, with its bustling city life and vibrant culture. The city’s Navy Pier and South Lake Shore Drive will allow you to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan while experiencing the best Chicago has to offer. For a quieter experience, head to the Illinois Beach State Park with its long shoreline and multiple campsites. One can also visit the cities of Milwaukee and Manitowoc to be able to enjoy everything Lake Michigan has to offer without sacrificing urban amenities. Elevate the experience of your lake vacation by staying right next to the water in a beach resort. Scroll down to find a list of the top beach resorts near Lake Michigan, 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. Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort; Sturgeon Bay (from USD 113)
This lovely waterfront resort features condos with access to several excellent amenities, such as an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a hot tub. Each unit has its very own fireplace and kitchen with separate dining areas. They also have free Wi-Fi access and daily housekeeping for extra convenience. Guests can also enjoy their surroundings by spending time in the resort’s outdoor areas of a garden, picnic, and terrace where they can have barbecue nights.
Further, the property also has a business center with two meeting rooms for those who need to fulfill work commitments.
Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort
Address: 4303 Bay Shore Dr
137.77 km (85.7 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from our room was still quite enjoyable even though it was wintertimeCleanliness:
the people very friendly the room was clean the hiew was amazing and the grounds were well maintainedRead more reviewsHost:
the resort its manager and staff are truly world class we are most gratefulthe woman checking us in was very nice and helpfuli enjoyed my stay with friendly service and super clean rooms
2. Mackinaw Beach & Bay Inn & Suites; Mackinaw City (from USD 88)
This lovely hotel is located on a private beach giving guests the perfect opportunity to admire the lake view and bask in the sun. The hotel also offers a roundtrip airport shuttle for an additional charge as well as a free ferry terminal shuttle. Guests also enjoy access to an indoor pool with sun loungers and a spa tub for leisurely lounging. Moreover, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi access and free self-parking as an additional bonus.
Mackinaw Beach & Bay Inn & Suites
Address: 929 S Huron Ave
135.4 km (84.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the room was clean and everything workedthe room was really cleanwe thought the room was nice & cleanHost:
the staff with all friendly and helpfulthe front desk was very friendly and welcomed usthe front desk staff was very friendly and accomodating our room was clean and pleasantRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and viewfor the location and price we will return to this location (tip your housekeepers good karma)very clean and in a very great location to restaurants and shoppingloved the location with beach access and viewwe especially enjoyed the peace and quiet of the stay
3. Cottages at Bay Harbor; Petoskey
Enjoy complete privacy while having access to resort amenities by booking these beach cottages next to a golf course and on the waterfront. The property features a seasonal outdoor pool flanked by pool loungers and a free children’s club for little guests. Best of all, while staying here, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet each day for an additional charge.
Each cottage possesses its washer/dryer, television, and complete kitchen. They also have a furnished balcony where you can unwind and free Wi-Fi access to complete urgent tasks.
Cottages at Bay Harbor
Address: 3600 Village Harbor Drive
85.87 km (53.4 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Other beach accommodations near Lake Michigan, USA
4. Looking Glass Beachfront Inn; Grand Haven (from USD 168)
Stay at Looking Glass Beachfront Inn to enjoy easy access to Lake Michigan and the on-site garden and terrace. Those working remotely will greatly appreciate the presence of free Wi-Fi in the bedrooms, and adventurous guests can take advantage of the bicycle rental available here. The rooms also have air conditioning and heating to keep you comfortable.
The accommodation provides tour/ticket assistance and a free full breakfast each morning.
Looking Glass Beachfront Inn
Address: 1100 S. Harbor Dr
193.42 km (120.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
5. Breakers Resort & Beach Bar; St Ignace (from USD 99)
This hotel is the perfect choice for those looking to spend most of their time by the water, as it gives guests access to a private beach where they can play beach volleyball or unwind on the sun loungers. You’ll also get to enjoy a free breakfast every day as well as access to an indoor pool, which is perfect for relaxing swims.
The resort also provides a free area shuttle and tour and ticket assistance to help you get around the town. In addition, the rooms possess free Wi-Fi, soundproof walls, and complimentary toiletries.
Breakers Resort & Beach Bar
Address: 927 North State Street
146.08 km (90.8 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
breakfast had hot food and had amazing views of the waterRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the rooms were spacious and cleanthe room was big comfortable and cleanbut the rest of the room was cleanEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
6. The Baywatch Resort; Traverse City (from USD 68)
This 3-star property is near the airport and features complimentary breakfast and laundry facilities. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and concierge services, should you have any requests. For your convenience, there is an on-site business center, which is open 24 hours. You can also make use of the on-site gym to stay fit and follow your workout regime. Additionally, each room is equipped with a microwave and mini fridge to allow you to store and heat leftovers and packed meals.
The Baywatch Resort
Address: 1529 US 31 N
8.09 km (5.1 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Host:
gentlemen at front desk were very friendly and professionalthe staff was very helpful and very friendlywhere else do they have 2 king size beds staff is very friendly toogreat location great staff comfy bedRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful location with great staffmost comfortable bed ever this was a great place to stay and they delivered breakfast to your door
7. Algoma Beach Motel; Algoma (from USD 86)
Located very close to Lake Michigan, this motel offers guests free self parking and free in-room Wi-Fi for their complete convenience. The air-conditioned rooms feature smart TVs for indoor entertainment. You’ll also find attached bathrooms, desk chairs as well as refrigerators to store drinks and food. Daily housekeeping will ensure that your room remains neat throughout your stay. For a fun-filled outdoor experience, the property provides guests with barbecue grills and a designated picnic area.
Algoma Beach Motel
Address: 1500 Lake Street
142.64 km (88.7 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean room and friendly staffHost:
the staff promoted a continental breakfast which turned out to be a handful of packaged pastries from 7-elevenRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for exploring door
8. Bavarian Haus Lakefront Inn; St Ignace (from USD 124)
This hotel is located in the city center of St Ignace and offers guests a free continental breakfast to make their mornings even brighter. Guests can also enjoy an indoor pool and two hot tubs to unwind and relax after long outdoor days. Further, there’s a provision for a free area shuttle to help you travel locally with ease.
Children will also remain thoroughly entertained at this hotel as it will provide them with an arcade room and a playground.
Bavarian Haus Lakefront Inn
Address: 1067 North State Street
146.61 km (91.1 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it was cleanthis is an older facility but it is clean and comfortablevery clean they are continuously updating and it is well cared forRead more reviewsHost:
the staff is always friendly and helpfulEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
9. Cherry Tree Inn & Suites; Traverse City (from USD 97)
Travel with the entire family to this hotel providing family-friendly amenities, such as a game room, laundry facilities, in-room microwaves, and refrigerators. Moreover, there are two pools on-site, indoor and outdoor, and a free area shuttle to avoid delays. Guests can also enjoy concierge services and daily housekeeping and take advantage of the free full breakfast each morning.
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites
Address: 2345 US 31 N
9.41 km (5.9 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had an amazing modern room with a great view of the bayRead more reviewsLocation:
great location staff was amazing pool and beach were perfect we come here yearly :)Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
10. Beachfront Inn; Baileys Harbor (from USD 91)
Enjoy a private beach with sun loungers as well as an outdoor pool at this motel located on the edge of the water. You can enjoy your beautiful surroundings with your loved ones from the property’s terrace or garden. After that, take advantage of a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Additionally, the motel also offers free self parking and free Wi-Fi to each of its guests.
Beachfront Inn
Address: 8040 State Hwy 57
121.71 km (75.7 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view the pool and the breakfast were great they also had fire pits by the water at nightthe facility backs to the lake with outstanding amenitiesCleanliness:
the rooms were so clean and beachy funhowever we quickly discovered a very clean and modern room with a super comfortable bedfirepits are open and the area is clean and comfortableHost:
the staff was eager to pleasethe staff and owners were helpful and friendlythe staff so out of sight with helpfulnesspet friendly very well pricedfriendly and helpful owners with a nice atmosphere and well-maintained roomsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location lovely little property with comfy beds efficient & clean rooms on a cute beach
Lake Michigan is the true treasure of joy
Our fast-paced lives often make us forget the meaning of real happiness. A relaxing lakeside vacation with family or friends is the best way of reminding ourselves of what truly matters. Choose a property from the list above and head to the gorgeous Lake Michigan to create lasting memories.
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