The Best Beaches in South Haven, Michigan

South Haven, MI is known for its stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and offers a variety of beach experiences for visitors. Whether you are looking for a busy public beach with concessions or a quiet natural area, South Haven has a beach for you. 

If you are staying with Anchor Point Premier Vacations, many of our properties are a quick walk to these beautiful beaches, ensuring you have easy access to the best of South Haven's shoreline. Find properties that are walkable to a beach (a half mile or less) here.

Location: 60 Water Street, South Haven, MI 

Features: South Beach is a favorite for many and is known for its iconic red lighthouse, the South Pier Lighthouse.  It is ADA accessible and includes a playground, picnic area, restrooms, souvenir shop, and concessions. SoHa Surf Shop offers paddleboard and kayak rentals during the high season.  It has ample paid parking.  The Black River Channel runs alongside this beach, and all ages enjoy watching the boats come through.  Visitors can often catch a glimpse of the large pirate ship "Friends Good Will."  Around the corner from South Beach is a splash pad, providing a safe, sandless area for small children. Pass the splash pad and you continue walking right into the bustling downtown shops and restaurants.  South Beach is a go to spot for our family. The kids love going to South Beach at sunset to get ice cream from the South Beach Cafe.  You can find more of our favorite things to do in our Kid's Guide. 

Location: 45 Lakeshore Drive, South Haven, MI

Features: North Beach offers a large sandy area, concession stand, playground, volleyball courts, restrooms, and paid parking. SoHa Surf Shop offers paddleboard and kayak rentals during the high season.  It is ADA accessible and ideal for those who like to play sports and spread out to enjoy their beach time.  North Beach also has a pier at the end of the Black River Channel. 

Location: 175 North Shore Drive, South Haven, MI

Features: A small beach nestled between private beaches with paid parking. This beach is conveniently located near Stanley Johnson Park.  

Location: 231 North Shore Drive, South Haven, MI 

Features: This smaller beach is perfect for a quieter, more relaxing day. It includes a deck overlooking Lake Michigan, picnic area, shaded grass area, restrooms, and paid parking.  

Location: North Shore Drive and Oak Street, South Haven, MI

Features: Oak Street Beach is a small, quiet spot with limited parking and no restrooms.  A hidden gem between two private beaches, it's a great option for those seeking a peaceful beach experience away from crowds. 

Location: 725 North Shore Drive, South Haven, Michigan

Features: The absence of amenities makes it feel like a private beach. Street parking only. 

Location: End of First Street, South Haven, MIchigan

Features: This is another small, neighborhood beach with no facilities, providing a quiet escape for beachgoers preferring a more private setting. 

Location: 23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven, MI

Features: Van Buren State Park is known for its expansive sandy beach and impressive dunes.  The park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, restrooms, and camping facilities making it perfect for a full day activity or even a weekend getaway.  Paid parking available.  This park is ranked in our favorite kid's activities!

Location: 7715 18th Street South Haven, MI

Features:  Managed by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, Pilgrim Haven Natural Area offers a natural beach area with scenic trails and picnic spots. It has limited facilities, making it a great choice for nature lovers. There are ADA accessible trails and dogs are welcome but must be leashed. 

Location: 76750 13th Avenue, South Haven, MI

Features: Deerlick Creek Beach is a smaller, less crowded beach in a natural setting.  It has trails and limited facilities, ideal for those who enjoy a quieter, more rustic beach experience.  There is a parking lot and carry-in boat access/kayak launch. A rock jetty is on the northern end of the access site. 

Location: 660 Monroe Blvd., South Haven, MI 

Features: Known for it's unique blue staircase leading down to the beach, this spot offers a beautiful view of Lake Michigan.  It's a local favorite for its charm and easy access.  When the kids need a break from the beach, stop by right across the street at Kids Corner Playground.  Free street parking. 

These beaches provide a variety of experiences along the Lake Michigan shoreline in South Haven, Michigan.  The 7 city beaches have a beach flag safety status.  You may click here to see the current beach flag status or text the letters beaches to 888777 for alerts on the flag status (for more information on beach safety, check out our water safety blog here). The most ADA accessible beaches are South Beach, North Beach, and Pilgrim Haven.  Each beach offers unique charm, making South Haven a perfect destination for beach lovers. 

Enjoy your time exploring the beautiful beaches of South Haven!  Consider your next stay along the shoreline at Anchor Point Premier Vacations! 

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