Michigan is a stunning Midwestern state in the USA that is known for its long and pristine shoreline. It is a popular state to visit among anglers, having some of the best bass fishing spots. While you are here, you can visit Mackinac Island, which is home to some historic forts and a lush park that has plenty of trails for you to explore. Detroit has lots of museums that offer a glimpse into the history of the city, such as Motown Museum and Detroit Historical Museum. If you are here to frolic on the beaches, you can head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Cheboygan State Park. If you wish to have easy access to some of the most gorgeous waters in the country, check out this list of the best beach resorts in 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 12, 2024.
1. Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center (from USD 119)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and amenities.
Plenty of activities, rustic feel, and modern amenities. Some areas may need maintenance.
Beautiful, tranquil location with convenient access to hiking trails and onsite restaurant.
Varied dining options, excellent breakfast, but some mixed reviews on onsite restaurant.
Set in Drummond, this three-star resort boasts a private beach area, a well-equipped fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool. There is also a tennis court on-site for sports enthusiasts.
After a fun day at the resort’s beach, you can head back to your comfortable and spacious room that is equipped with a kitchenette, a modern bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and a flat-screen TV with kids’ channels provided.
Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center
Address: 33494 South Maxton Road
208.91 km (129.9 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
2. Peterson's Cottages, Ontonagon (from USD 138)
This is a three-star accommodation in Ontonagon with cozy self-catering cottages with fully equipped kitchens for easy meal preparation. For indoor entertainment, each unit comes with a TV with cable channels. You can access the WiFi at no extra charge throughout the premises.
As the property is located just in front of the beach, guests can enjoy numerous water activities, including swimming and canoeing. If you are looking for refreshing beverages, you can take advantage of the vending machines found on-site.
Miller's Cottages
Address: 22608 Lakeshore Rd
371.44 km (230.9 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
3. The Inn at Harbor Shores, Saint Joseph (from USD 163)
Located in the city of St. Joseph, The Inn at Harbor Shores is a four-star property that features both an indoor and outdoor pool that are open all year round, and a spa and wellness center. There are four beaches nearby, and the resort offers free shuttle services to the beaches for its guests.
The cozy rooms here come with a balcony for some stunning views, as well as a flat-screen TV for entertainment. Each unit also has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and soft bathrobes for freshening up after a fun-filled day at the beach.
The Inn at Harbor Shores
Address: 800 Whitwam Drive
299.32 km (186.0 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
4. Cottages at Bay Harbor, Petoskey (from USD 207)
This three-star beachfront paradise in Petoskey offers vibrant and roomy accommodations that are equipped with coffee-making facilities to help you start your day right. Each unit also comes with a microwave for heating up some simple meals, a TV for entertainment, and an ensuite bath for freshening up.
With a private beach area, you can easily relax on a quiet afternoon as you perfect your tan. There is a seasonal outdoor pool for guests who wish to indulge in a refreshing swim without having to leave the premises.
Cottages at Bay Harbor
Address: 3600 Village Harbor Dr
85.88 km (53.4 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
5. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (from USD 189)
Varied pricing, $100-$120 a night more appropriate for some accommodations
Huge resort with golf course, glass elevator, swim and fitness facilities, multiple pools, and private lake access
Perfect location near Traverse City, though a bit far from downtown
Good breakfast, but overpriced dining options and limited doordash choices
The resort, located in Traverse City, is just a short walk away from the private beach, so those who wish to enjoy some water sports will find this accommodation convenient. It features two swimming pools, and the indoor pool is open all throughout the year, so you can enjoy some refreshing laps without having to worry about the weather.
The property has a wellness center that offers fitness and yoga classes, and a spa offering rejuvenating body treatments and hair services. Parking is available for a fee and prior reservation is not necessary.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Address: 100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard
13.35 km (8.3 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
6. Mackinaw Beach and Bay Inn & Suites (from USD 88)
This three-star all-suite resort is set just a short distance from Mackinaw City Beach and has cozy guest rooms that come with a private bathroom equipped with free toiletries, tea/coffee makers, and two flat-screen TVs with cable channels.
The units also come with a balcony where you can sip on your favorite beverage as you take in beautiful views of the surroundings.
Mackinaw Beach and Bay Inn & Suites
Address: 929 South Huron Avenue
135.42 km (84.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
7. Clear Lake Resort, West Branch (from USD 109)
Reasonable prices for 14 units, including cabins and lakefront homes. Boat rentals available.
Cabins equipped with full kitchens, BBQ grills, and dog-friendly. Community feel and ample storage space.
Beautiful, somewhat remote location near Clear Lake. Close to local businesses and trails.
Close to local businesses for dining options. Some cabins have limited storage spots.
Located in the city of West Branch in Michigan, the resort features a private beach area, perfect for those who want to relax with their loved ones on a quiet afternoon. There are water sports facilities on-site, which guests can access at an extra charge. Other activities such as hiking are also offered.
The units here are spacious and come with stunning lake views and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. You can access the parking spaces on the property for free, giving you the option to explore the top attractions in the city by car.
Clear Lake Resort
Address: 3802 Grass Lake Road
114.69 km (71.3 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
8. Chimney Corners Resort, Frankfort (from USD 172)
Reasonable pricing comparable to other properties in the area
Well-equipped cabins with kitchen amenities and cozy gas fireplaces
Perfectly situated across the street from Crystal Lake and close to Lake Michigan beaches and Traverse City
Convenient dining options nearby, such as Rocks Landing, and easy access to restaurants and a grocery store in Frankfort
The resort, located in Frankfort, offers guests quick and easy access to two beaches, namely Frankfort Public Beach and Elberta Beach. Both these beaches are about 5 mi (8 km) from the resort. All units come with complimentary WiFi and a tea/coffee maker.
Select rooms have panoramic views of the nearby lake, which you can enjoy through the large windows. You can have access to the parking spots on the premises at an extra charge if you are planning to explore by car.
Chimney Corners Resort
Address: 1602 Crystal Drive
44.6 km (27.8 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
9. Tawas Bay Beach Resort (from USD 115)
Reasonable pricing for modern facility and beachfront location.
Beachfront location, outdoor bar, pool, sauna, and close to downtown attractions.
Conveniently located within walking distance of downtown area and attractions.
Good dining options with beach bar, but some guests found the restaurant prices high and service slow.
Boasting a location right in front of the beach, Tawas Bay Beach Resort features a private beach area where guests can enjoy some quality time under the sun. Each accommodation comes with free WiFi access for updating your socials, an ensuite bathroom with a hairdryer, and coffee-making facilities for your daily caffeine fix.
There are also facilities on-site that allow you to enjoy some water sports. After an adventurous day, you can head to the wellness center, which features a sauna, a fitness center, and a hot tub.
Tawas Bay Beach Resort & Conference Center
Address: 300 E Bay St
178.71 km (111.1 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
10. Silver sands resort, Mears
Reasonable pricing for a clean, simple room near the beach and town center.
Outdoor grills, spacious pool, and a central location for sightseeing and activities.
Conveniently located near restaurants, shops, and within walking distance to the beach and sand dunes.
Delicious breakfast available at the on-site restaurant, and various dining options nearby.
Situated a short stroll away from the beach, this modern resort in Mears is ideal for couples and traveling families. You can have access to the water sports facilities on the premises at an extra charge. It also has a private beach area where you will enjoy sunbathing.
If you do not wish to leave the property but want to enjoy a refreshing swim, you can take advantage of the seasonal outdoor pool that is heated and fenced for added comfort, safety, and privacy. The picnic area is available for guest use, so you can enjoy al fresco dining with your loved ones in the evening.
Silver sands resort
Address: 8446 w. hazel rd.
136.65 km (85.0 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Explore the best of Michigan
If you are visiting Michigan simply to relax, there are plenty of beaches in this state that will surely leave you in awe and offer you that relaxation. Check out the best beach resorts in Michigan, USA, for a great stay.
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