Top 10 Places to Surf And Stay Near Lake Michigan, United States

Ricieline
Ricieline  
Updated
| 5 min read

One of the five Great Lakes in North America, Lake Michigan is among the largest in volume and surface area. It’s bordered by multiple states including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. With its vast coastline and many beaches, some locals refer to it as the “Third Coast.” It includes numerous beautiful beaches including popular ones such as Esch Beach and Grand Haven City Beach.

Lake surfing has become a popular activity in the Great Lakes. Surfers from all over the world can enjoy freshwater waves created by local winds on Lake Michigan’s beaches. Book your next surfing trip close to Lake Michigan for a hassle-free stay with easy access to the lake’s waves. Keep reading below for the top places to surf and stay near Lake Michigan, United States.

1. Elegant cottage with private beach (from USD 580)

Catch some waves at Lake Michigan by booking this elegant cottage with a private beach. It’s also perfect for enjoying other lakeside activities such as sunbathing, swimming, body surfing, and kayaking.

The house is ideal for large groups who want to take advantage of its proximity to the lake. Enjoy watching sunsets and stunning views of the lake from the wrap-around porch after a long day of water activities. There’s also a grill and picnic table for small gatherings or barbecue parties.

Stayed at this property?
Pentwater, Michigan, United States
105.22 km (65.4 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
23 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cottage 8 Beds 7 Guests 5 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 7

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the house is super cute clean and spacious
Host:
elizabeth is such a great host
elizabeth was an incredibly friendly and responsive host making sure we had everything we needed for our stay
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2. The Cambridge House (from USD 303)

Styled in a fusion of Victorian and mid-century aesthetics, this elegant home provides a quiet retreat for travelers who want to enjoy Lake Michigan. It’s only a few blocks away from Bradford Beach, perfect for surfers wishing to surf the lake. The hosts can also refer guests to the nearby surf shop for equipment rentals, lessons, and discounts!

The backyard boasts a deck and professionally maintained landscaping that invites guests to unwind. You can also enjoy your morning coffee while people-watching on the front porch or on the upper bedroom balcony.

Stayed at this property?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
76.73 km (47.7 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
26 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 5 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good amount of space and a really nice kitchen
our group appreciated the spacious rooms quality bath and bedroom amenities and the well-stocked kitchen
Cleanliness:
home was very clean and comfy
Host:
hosts checked in and were friendly and approachable
Location:
we walked to brady st and felt it was easy to access third ward area as well
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3. Spacious beachfront home with loft bedroom (from USD 266)

This beachfront home is located in Sheboygan, one of Wisconsin’s most popular surfing spots. Guests can walk right out onto the shores of Lake Michigan to enjoy its waters. Relax and have your morning coffee on the deck while watching spectacular sunrises, or gather around the fire pit with friends on chilly nights.

It’s perfect for larger groups who enjoy being together because of its spacious, open-concept interiors. You won’t run out of entertainment at night with the televisions being hooked up to Netflix, Hulu, Sling, and YouTube. It’s also perfect for families with children as it’s only a few steps away from the playground at King Park.

Stayed at this property?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
3.54 km (2.2 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
166 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
stunning view great house comfortable and beautiful
very comfortable with great mattresses
we enjoyed cooking in the great kitchen walking on the beach with coffee and fires at night
our family made some wonderful memories during our stay in this well-designed but comfortable home
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and put together
it was clean modern and had beautiful decor
very clean and stylish place with everything you needed
the house was also really clean and has a huge deck
Host:
owners were great at communicating
rebecca is a gracious responsive host
the thoughtful touches clearly show the owners pride in this home
we just love this place rebecca is a great host
owners are professional courteous and detailed to make your trip effortless
Location:
the location was great too with easy access to downtown
the location was great for families
perfect location with nice park right up the street
the location was excellent and convenient
excellent house in an excellent location
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4. Classic two-story home in downtown Sheboygan (from USD 185)

Stay in the heart of Sheboygan, a popular surfing destination, at this two-story home right in the downtown area. Surfers can easily hit the waves at Deland Park beach, which is within walking distance from the property. The park even has a pier, lighthouse, various shops, and restaurants.

The front porch is the perfect spot for enjoying a hot beverage while relaxing with your companions. The house is also well-stocked with linens, board games, and books, and it even has a coffee bar with coffee included.

Stayed at this property?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
4.19 km (2.6 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
57 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 6 Beds 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we all loved having coffee and breakfast on the front porch
we had a very comfortable 3 night stay and would definitely come back again
mark and cassie thought of so many details which made our stay so relaxing and comfortable
Cleanliness:
very clean and and plenty if space
it is clean spacious comfortable and quiet
the property was spotless clean and well taken care of
things were immaculately clean
the place was neat and clean
Host:
wonderful accommodations and attentive hosts
they are amazing hosts
the hosts were communicative and gracious
snacks and popcorn left by the hosts was a nice touch
mark and cassie are amazing host
Location:
this house is in a great location that is super close to the beach and downtown
the location of the home was ideal too
the house is very close to the lake and walking distance to a great bakery johnston's bakery
the location was perfect for walking to the many excellent restaurants downtown and the river and lake front
the location was ideal for walking to the beach with the grandkids
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5. Two-bedroom condo with lake views (from USD 141)

Marvel in the beauty of Lake Michigan right from the front and back decks of this two-bedroom condo in Sheboygan. The property’s proximity to the lake is ideal for surfers who wish to catch Lake Michigan’s waves at this popular surfing hub. It’s also conveniently close to the Riverfront Boardwalk and the downtown area with its various shops and restaurants.

Enjoy a worry-free stay with the included laundry facilities, linens, and a fully stocked kitchen. Life jackets and beach toys are also available for guests to use. Guests who want to indulge in a barbecue can also access the public charcoal grills at the nearby public park, which even has a playground.

Stayed at this property?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
3.56 km (2.3 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
94 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire condo 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
so comfortable and relaxing to sit on decks for morning coffee or evening glass of wine
cozy comfortable well thought out space with lake views
the bed was very comfortable with really cozy bedding and blankets
very comfortable home with a well stocked kitchen and incredible beach access
a lot of thought was put into making guests comfortable and it was well stocked
Cleanliness:
clean & communication throughout the process was smooth
the condo was so clean and tastefully remodeled
the house was very clean and we felt comfortable and safe even during covid
this is a beautiful place to stay first everything is so clean and well prepared
place was great very clean and well stocked with food/coffee
Host:
jesse was a great host
host was a great communicator
jesse is a great host
jesse was the nicest host ever
host was very responsive as well
Location:
great location on the water
great location and a wonderfully appointed condo
beautiful home and great location
great place location and overall experience
the house is only 10 min from kohler-andre park with beautiful hikes
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6. Historic home with patio and front yard (from USD 277)

This boutique home is perfect for travelers who want to stay in Sheboygan and surf Lake Michigan’s waves while keeping themselves in a quiet neighborhood. Built in the 1900s, this historic house is outfitted with charming interiors and modern luxuries. It boasts a fully equipped kitchen, beautifully tiled bathrooms, and showers with a bidet and heated seat. It also has an outdoor grill, perfect for having small barbecue parties on the patio or front yard.

Booking also includes the use of e-bikes that guests can use to explore the surrounding areas.

Stayed at this property?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
4.6 km (2.9 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
111 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was great
the master bed felt like sleeping in a hotel
the beds were so comfortable and had the softest sheets ever
the kitchen is truly fully stocked if you plan to cook
we were also very impressed with how well the kitchen was stocked
Cleanliness:
everything was very clean and well maintained
the house was super clean and very adorable
the house was extremely clean and very comfortable
the place is super cute very clean and it was a very relaxing stay
the house is just like the photos-- absolutely adorable incredibly clean and very thoughtfully put together
Host:
absolutely lovely home and host
geoff is a great host
geoff was very responsive and professional
geoff was very communicative and helpful
geoff is highly responsive and helpful
Location:
awesome location and cute little bungalow
the location was great for a walk to the lakeshore and not far from nearby restaurants
cute tastefully appointed home in convenient north sheboygan location
absolutely adorable home close to the lake and everything we wanted to do
the neighborhood is quiet safe and charming
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7. Cozy home with backyard and fire pit (from USD 123)

Stay close to downtown Sheboygan in this affordable house. It’s only a three-minute drive from the shores of Lake Michigan where guests can watch local surfers, enjoy the sunset, or catch some waves themselves. Feel free to enjoy your day out on the beach with the free use of beach chairs, towels, an inflatable paddle board, and life jackets. The hosts can also provide two beach cruisers and a kid’s trailer.

This bright and airy home gives off a cozy and lively vibe with its wooden floors and colorfully accented interiors. Guests can also relax in the backyard or use the fire pit on colder nights.

Stayed at this property?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
4.48 km (2.8 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
84 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 5 Guests 4 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
well-stocked kitchen and very comfortable furniture for working and lounging
great gathering spaces like the living room dining room and outdoor patio
the beds were comfortable and the place had everything we needed for our stay
very comfortable house for our family of five
Cleanliness:
house was very clean and personally decorated
very clean and comfortable stay for our family
was a fantastic stay and the house was impeccably clean
absolutely wonderful very clean easy check in
mike and laurie’s place was very clean and nicely decorated
Host:
owners very responsive to any questions
the host communicated very well
host was super responsive to any questions and beds were very comfortable
and the hosts are very welcoming
the hosts were awesome and very easy to contact
Location:
very peaceful area and close to everything
the best was the proximity to kohler andre state park (about a 10-15 min drive)
great location house was stocked with everything you need can’t recommend this place enough
it was so cozy also a great location
we really enjoyed staying here --- our quiet and extremely cute base for our stay in sheboygan
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8. Victorian home with fenced backyard (from USD 177)

This spacious Victorian home is conveniently situated close to downtown Sheboygan while being in a quiet location. Surfers will be happy to know Lake Michigan is only seven minutes away on foot. Have a fun day at the beach with family and friends with the provided beach essentials, which include folding chairs, beach towels, beach toys, and a cooler.

Enjoy hanging out in the fenced-in backyard with a grill, deck, dining area, and hammock. Pets are also welcome at an additional fee.

Stayed at this property?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
4.15 km (2.6 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
65 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 5 Beds 8 Guests 5 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wonderfully stocked kitchen great outdoor space and deck area
amazing home clean spacious comfortable summer outdoor space well appointed furnishings/etc
the kitchen is fantastic and the backyard is beautifully landscaped
there is also plenty of room outside to lounge and relax
Cleanliness:
spacious & clean
the house is spotless and the decor is wonderful
this house was clean and spacious with a nice backyard
kitchen is well equipped the beds and linens were comfortable and the place was exceptionally clean
beds were comfy bathrooms were clean and jocelyn was a great & thoughtful host
Host:
jocelyn's place was fantastic and she was a responsive host when i had a few questions before our stay
the host left a very sweet card and a bottle of champagne
she was also flexible with check-in which was extremely helpful
our host was extremely knowledgeable accommodating and communicative (with many wonderful suggestions for food and areas of interest)
amazing home host and location 5 stars
Location:
jocelyn’s place suited our family’s needs perfectly
and the location was wonderful right between the downtown area and the beach
close to everything (beach/downtown) responsive host
the location is great it’s an easy walk to both the beach and restaurants on 8th
we enjoyed the yard with our pups and being so close to the lake
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9. Wayne Charles Manor (from USD 249)

Book a unique experience at this luxurious manor with modern and stylish accents. It’s only two minutes away from Lake Michigan, perfect for those wishing to enjoy its waves or simply hang out by its shores. It’s also only two minutes from downtown Sheboygan with its various shops, restaurants, parks, and more.

Lounge beside one of the two wood-burning fireplaces off the home while enjoying views of the beautiful yard and patio with a garden pond. Feel the unique character of the place in the parlor, which has a baby grand piano. You can also have a formal dinner in the dining room.

Stayed at this property?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
4.48 km (2.8 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
117 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
air conditioned bedrooms were very dark and comfortable
the house is clean with great amenities and very cozy
Cleanliness:
the entire home was exceptionally clean & beautifully staged
this place was huge clean beautiful and everything we could as for and more
the house clean and filled with lovely plants
Host:
excellent host that was very accommodating
absolutely gorgeous home and a very accommodating host
on top of that sheboyganers are some of the friendliest people on earth
he was super responsive helpful and gave amazing recommendations for local options
elegant gorgeous place yet very comfy place to hang out- host provided everything one would need
Location:
great location in sheboygan; nice walking area and near the lake
absolutely beautiful and spacious house close to everything you need in sheboygan
perfect location for the ryder cup and location to the town for restaurants
the proximity to beaches and fun parks make this an ideal house for a family vacation
awesome place for chilling out with friends and family
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10. Four-bedroom home with gazebo (from USD 177)

This charming home is perfect for large groups or families who wish to enjoy Lake Michigan. It’s only two blocks away from the lake as well as King Park. Enjoy a comfortable stay in the rental with the fully stocked kitchen, high-speed internet connectivity, and sufficient parking spaces.

Guests can also hang out with family and friends in the private backyard and patio complete with a gazebo with a grill. You can always go surfing in the lake.

Stayed at this property?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
3.15 km (2.0 mi) from Bookworm Gardens
101 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 5 Beds 9 Guests 4 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 9

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the rooms were a perfect fit for my family
the backyard is well taken care of has a grill a bags game table etc
there is a small portable fan if you need white noise or a slight breeze while you sleep
the rooms were large and nicely furnished with very comfortable beds and bedding
beds bedding bathroom all lovely
Cleanliness:
the house was clean and well kept
it was clean and well-stocked with cooking essentials
nice shower plenty of towels and the entire house was very clean
it was clean and looked just like the pictures
the beds were comfortable and the space was clean
Host:
geoff was a great host
host is extremely responsive
great accommodations and friendly hosts
geoff was incredibly responsive when we had any questions
geoff was as responsive as could be
Location:
great location near the lake
beautiful house and great location
great location - just a short walk to the beach and king park
location is good with easy access to a lot of the attractions in the area
perfect location for the great golf in the area
Read more reviews

Catch Lake Michigan's waves on its various beaches

The sheer vastness of Lake Michigan allows for lake surfing to be possible in its fresh waters. With thousands of miles of coastline, it’s home to an abundant number of beaches for travelers and surfers to enjoy. Book a fun and unforgettable adventure in one of these places near Lake Michigan for your next surfing escape.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rish is embarking on her freelance career as a travel and lifestyle writer. Born and raised in the Philippines, she is familiar with the beauty found in various travel destinations. When not...Read more

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