Michigan has incredible beaches. I’d argue that they’re better than most ocean beaches and you don’t have to deal with salty water and sharks.

I’m a born and raised Michigander so the Great Lakes and sandy beaches are just normal to me. But my boyfriend is from Pennsylvania and apparently people from other states don’t know how incredible Michigan’s beaches and sand dunes are. So while we’re in Michigan this summer, I have to show him why they call it the “fresh coast”.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a day-use park located on the southeast coast of Lake Michigan, about 5 miles north of Saugatuck and 10 miles south of Holland. It’s a simple park without any camping or activities outside of the beach, sand dunes and a few hiking trails. And because the beach is a .6 mile walk from the parking lot, it’s a lot less crowded than most public beaches.

A huge bonus for us is that leashed dogs are allowed in all areas of the park and our dog loves drinking lake water. We hiked a few the trails, all of which wind through the dunes and lead to the lake. Some of the dunes are over 200 ft tall!

After you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, you can head down the road to Saugatuck for food, shopping and drinks. Downtown is a “social district” so bars will serve to-go drinks that you can carry around while you ogle at all of the amazing boats parked on the boardwalk. The perfect way to end a a day at the beach!