7 Best Beaches in South Haven [recommended by a local]
South Haven has five miles of jaw-dropping sandy beach shoreline, which makes it one of Michigan’s most visited places. But which beach should you go to? From family beaches to shoreline rock hunting spots, we’ll save you the headache of guessing and hoping you choose right. Here’s a local’s recommendation for the best beaches in South Haven (including their amenities and parking info).
The 7 Best Beaches in South Haven
1. South Beach
*photo credit Salt Family Travels*
Most well-known for being the “family beach” in town, this is a great place to bring the kids for an afternoon at the beach. The big red lighthouse is the main attraction here–walk up and down the pier and snap a photo with South Haven’s famous lighthouse.
Great for:
Families
Swimming
Walking the famous pier
Kayaking/paddleboarding
Amenities:
Grills
Picnic tables
Children's play equipment
Restrooms
Food stand
Kayak + paddleboard rentals (seasonal)
Parking:
Free for beach parking sticker or $10 parking fee
2. North Beach
*photo credit KZOOKIDS*
South Beach is the spot for groups of friends who want to get together and have an unforgettable beach day. Growing up, this was known as the “college beach” to us locals. Bring your stereo, coolers, and beach towels–this is the place to be for a good time! Play beach volleyball? Even better. Bring your volleyball net and ball and set it up right on the beach for free.
Great for:
Large groups
Swimming
Walking the (2nd famous) pier in town
Beach volleyball
Amenities:
Food stand
Bathrooms
Picnic area
Children's play equipment
Beach volleyball courts
Parking:
Free for beach parking sticker or $10 parking fee
3. Deerlick Creek Beach
*photo credit South Haven Visitors Bureau*
Ah, the best place to escape the hustle and bustle of South Haven beaches. Located a short drive South of downtown, a relaxing beach experience is within reach! Don’t forget to bring your kayak.
Great for:
Swimming
Dogs
Avoiding crowds
Kayaking
Rock hunting
Amenities:
Public toilet
Kayak launch
Parking:
Free (limited) parking
4. Oak Street Beach
*photo credit South Haven Visitors Bureau*
Oak Street Beach is a 30-foot sandy public beach set between two private properties. This is a great place to beach-it for the day when the other beaches in South Haven are just too wild. It’s also the perfect option for couples to wander down from their downtown Bed and Breakfast.
Great for:
Families
Couples
Swimming
Amenities:
Bathrooms
Parking:
Free for beach parking sticker, $10 parking fee, or street parking
5. Pilgrim Haven Beach
*photo credit Two Weeks in a Hammock*
Located in the Pilgrim Haven Natural Area, this beach is the ideal spot for wildlife lovers. Getting to the beach involves walking a trail through the beautiful park. Keep in mind that this beach is more rocky than other South Haven beaches, but if you love rock hunting, this is the place to be. When you’re done playing in the waves, feel free to hike around the park’s trails!
Great for:
Rock hunting
Exploring
Families
Kayaking
Swimming
Wildlife viewing
Dogs
Amenities:
Bathrooms
Parking:
Free parking lot
6. Packard Park Beach
*photo credit Flashpacking America*
This is a hidden gem located right between two private beaches–but don’t count it out yet. You get the views of the busy North Beach and South Beach pier without all the hecticness; it’s the perfect mixture of secluded and fun. The deck area overlooking Lake Michigan is something to brag about too.
Great for:
Families
Swimming
Climbing small dunes
Lake Michigan views
Amenities:
Bathrooms
Grills
Picnic tables
Deck
Parking:
Free for beach parking sticker, $10 parking fee, or street parking
7. Van Buren State Park Beach
*photo credit State of Michigan DNR*
Because this beach is located within a state park, you have to pay a fee to enter. But once you’re in, there’s so much to do. Head down to the beautiful rocky beach, go hiking, grill out in the park–endless fun awaits. But here’s a friendly little note from a local: Cell service is terrible out there. Don’t be surprised if you can’t get any texts or calls.
Great for:
Families
Swimming
Walking up and down the shoreline
Metal detecting
Hiking through the sandy dunes
Amenities:
Picnic tables
Grills
Children's play equipment
Bathrooms
Parking:
Pass is $11 for MI residents or $32 for out-of-state residents
So, What’s Your Pick? 7 Best Beaches in South Haven
Whether you seek a serene spot for a peaceful day by the water or a bustling beach with amenities galore, South Haven has it all. From the family-friendly shores of South Beach to the tranquil ambiance of Pilgrim Haven, there's a stretch of sand to suit every beachgoer's preference.