Stearns Park Beach
Award-winning sandy shores on Lake Michigan, offering swimming, sunbathing, a lighthouse, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Stearns Park Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Award-winning sandy shores on Lake Michigan, offering swimming, sunbathing, a lighthouse, and family fun.
"Best beach in Michigan! Gorgeous sand, clear water, beautiful sunsets, and plenty of parking."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking, but it can fill up fast on busy days. Arrive early!
♿ Accessible Beach Paths
Enjoy easy access with paved walkways leading right to the sand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stearns Park Beach
Ludington, Michigan
Award-winning sandy shores on Lake Michigan, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and stunning sunsets.
Stearns Park Lighthouse
Stearns Park Beach
A picturesque lighthouse offering scenic views and a great spot for family photos.
Playground & Skate Park
Stearns Park
Fun for all ages with a well-maintained playground and a dedicated skate park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Prime Beach Time
Plan for Activities Beyond the Sand
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking, but it can fill up fast on busy days. Arrive early!
♿ Accessible Beach Paths
Enjoy easy access with paved walkways leading right to the sand.
☀️ Pack for Sun & Fun
Bring sunscreen, towels, and beach toys for a perfect day out.
🍔 BBQ & Picnic Spots
Utilize the picnic tables and BBQ grills for a delightful beachside meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking, but it can fill up fast on busy days. Arrive early!
♿ Accessible Beach Paths
Enjoy easy access with paved walkways leading right to the sand.
☀️ Pack for Sun & Fun
Bring sunscreen, towels, and beach toys for a perfect day out.
🍔 BBQ & Picnic Spots
Utilize the picnic tables and BBQ grills for a delightful beachside meal.
🎶 Summer Concerts
Check local listings for free summer concerts held at the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Stearns Park Beach, often calling it the 'best beach in Michigan' for its clean sand, clear water, and stunning sunsets. The accessibility, family-friendly amenities like the playground, and the picturesque lighthouse are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some minor drawbacks include potential parking congestion on peak days.
"Love coming here. Definitely go in you're in the area.
Watch the Badger come in.
Play ground for kids.
Concerts in summer.
Clean and have bathrooms.
Walking distance to much more.
Food and ice cream are great also."
Katy Brown
"Beautiful memorial here. The beach across road they had a bonfire and band playing. Love the walkway to beach each panel is donation with names and saying on. Toy box there with sand toys. Well kept up."
Linda Blackdeer
"A beautiful park on the beach where you swim, sunbathe and can go on a healthy walk on the path to the lighthouse. We eloped here for 2 days during the heat wave last weekend."
Cris D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stearns Park Beach is located in Ludington, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. It's a popular day trip destination from cities like Grand Rapids and Chicago.
While specific public transport routes directly to the park might be limited, Ludington is a walkable city, and local services may be available. It's best to check local transit schedules for Ludington.
For day-trippers from Chicago or Grand Rapids, driving is the most common and convenient method. The drive offers scenic views of Michigan's landscape.
The closest major airport is MBS International Airport (MBS) in Freeland, MI, or Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, MI, both requiring a drive to Ludington.
From US-10 West, turn left onto Lakeshore Drive, which leads directly to Stearns Park. Follow signs for parking upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Stearns Park Beach is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the beach, playground, and skate park is free for all visitors.
The park and beach are generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like restrooms may have slightly different hours.
No, tickets are not required as it's a public beach. You can visit anytime during park hours.
Generally, you can bring your own food, drinks, and beach gear. Glass containers are often discouraged for safety.
Yes, the beach features accessible walkways and paths, making it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to navigate.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, walk to the lighthouse, use the playground and skate park, and enjoy picnics with BBQ facilities.
Absolutely! It has a fantastic playground, shallow areas for swimming, and a toy box with sand toys, making it very family-friendly.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity. The water is generally clear, and there are designated swimming areas.
The lighthouse, the pier, and the sunset views over Lake Michigan are prime photo opportunities.
Yes, clean restrooms and changing facilities are available for public use.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food and ice cream vendors located within the park, offering convenient options for beachgoers.
Certainly! The park provides picnic tables and BBQ grills, perfect for a cookout.
Besides park vendors, Ludington offers various restaurants, including seafood, casual dining, and BBQ spots.
Yes, there are grocery stores in Ludington where you can purchase picnic items and BBQ supplies.
Many local restaurants offer takeout, which you can enjoy at the park's picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, especially during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for stunning photos.
The lighthouse, the pier, the memorial walkway, and the expansive Lake Michigan shoreline are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and sky, while a telephoto lens can be useful for lighthouse details.
While not specific to the beach, local photography groups or individual photographers might offer tours in the Ludington area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers
The drive itself can be scenic, and upon arrival, you'll find ample parking (though it can fill up on weekends, so an early start is recommended). 🌅 Sunset Chasers & Photographers
The iconic lighthouse provides a stunning foreground element for your photos, and the memorial walkway with its inscribed panels adds a unique touch. The beach's accessibility also means you can get great shots without much effort. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ludington's Coastal Charm
The park itself is designed for enjoyment, featuring accessible walkways that make it easy for everyone to reach the sand, a popular playground for children, and a skate park for teens and adults. Beyond the immediate beach area, the iconic Stearns Park Lighthouse stands as a picturesque landmark, perfect for a stroll and photos.
The park also hosts events like summer concerts, adding a lively atmosphere. Visitors often praise the cleanliness of the beach and water, the stunning sunset views, and the overall accessibility of the park.
The Allure of Lake Michigan Beaches
Many visitors are surprised by the quality of Michigan's beaches, often comparing them favorably to coastal destinations. The clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan are refreshing during the summer months.
+1Stearns Park Beach specifically stands out due to its well-maintained facilities, accessible pathways, and family-friendly amenities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit