Great sunset picture opps
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New Buffalo Beach

4.6
·2k reviews·New Buffalo, United States

Pristine Lake Michigan beach with family-friendly amenities and a charming downtown, perfect for day trips and relaxation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Great sunset picture opps

New Buffalo Beach

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Pristine Lake Michigan beach with family-friendly amenities and a charming downtown, perfect for day trips and relaxation.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"This beach had great amenities right when you get to the beach access. Bathrooms, food options, and foot/body showers are all right there."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Paid parking lot fills fast! Arrive early or be ready for a walk. Options: $10.50/3 hrs or $20/day.

🏖️ Beach Amenities Galore

Restrooms, concessions, and showers make for a comfy beach day. Great for families!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New Buffalo Beach & Lakefront Park

New Buffalo Beach & Lakefront Park

Lakeshore Drive

Pristine sands, family-friendly playground, and convenient amenities make this a top spot for sun and fun.

Dune Overlook & Boardwalk

Dune Overlook & Boardwalk

Adjacent to the beach

Enjoy stunning Lake Michigan views and a peaceful stroll along the boardwalk, even if you're not hitting the sand.

Downtown New Buffalo Exploration

Downtown New Buffalo Exploration

Walking distance from the beach

Discover charming shops, diverse restaurants, and local eateries after a day of sun and surf.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at New Buffalo Beach

New Buffalo Beach can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure parking and a good spot on the sand. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience. The paid parking lot fills up quickly, so have a backup plan or be prepared to walk a bit.

Essential Amenities & Access

This beach offers convenient amenities like restrooms, concession stands, and outdoor showers for rinsing off sand. A walkway makes it easier to access the lakefront with gear or strollers. It's also within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Beautiful sunsets, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

New Buffalo, MI List of Must Do’s: ☀️New Buffalo Beach Super clean, concession stand, restrooms, outdoor showers to rinse sand, & a great kids playground. There is also a walkway that makes it much easier to get lakeside with your crew! ☀️Stray Dog - good food, fun atmosphere, and roof top seating with views all around! ☀️Farmette - New favorite for us, and definitely a planned stop for each v...
thelakehouseandcabana
39 likes • 2.4K views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Paid parking lot fills fast! Arrive early or be ready for a walk. Options: $10.50/3 hrs or $20/day. Reddit

🏖️ Beach Amenities Galore

Restrooms, concessions, and showers make for a comfy beach day. Great for families! TikTok

Two of our favorite spots for sun, sand and Lake Michigan views:⁣ ☀️ New Buffalo Beach & Lakefront Park⁣ ☀️ Silver Beach in St. Joseph⁣ ⁣ From beach days to sunset strolls, these are must-visits on your next stay.⁣ ⁣ #bluefishvacations #lakemichiganbeaches #newbuffaloMI #stjosephmichigan #beachday #familyvacation #southwestmichigan #vacationrentals
bluefishvacations
78 likes • 5K views
Location details ☀️⤵️ Do you think this picturesque beach town along the shores of Lake Michigan lives up to its name? 👏🏻😍 New Buffalo is known for stunning sunsets, an outstanding culinary scene, and amazing local shops 📌 Save this post to help you plan your next getaway! 🍝🥂 Where to eat/drink: @thestraydogbargrill @davidsdeli @beerchurchbrew @postboynb @hbirdlounge @terraceroomhg @sonn...
wellplannedadventures
6.6K likes • 501.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Town Access

Beach is steps from downtown shops & restaurants. Perfect for a day trip combo! Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views

Catch breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan. A must-do! InstagramReddit

8 hours in New Buffalo, MI Itinerary ☀️ ☕️ coffee & croissant at @farmettemichigan 🌊 wandering New Buffalo Beach 🥕 goodies at @newbuffalofarmersmarket 🛍️ shopping (my favorite was @lakesidegoods_mi) 🍹 lunch at @postboynb 🍦 PB Brownie ice cream at @nancysatthelake #newbuffalo #michigan #chicago #daytrip #itinerary #midwest #chicagoinfluencer
windycity_sisters
89 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Paid parking lot fills fast! Arrive early or be ready for a walk. Options: $10.50/3 hrs or $20/day. Reddit

🏖️ Beach Amenities Galore

Restrooms, concessions, and showers make for a comfy beach day. Great for families! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Town Access

Beach is steps from downtown shops & restaurants. Perfect for a day trip combo! Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views

Catch breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan. A must-do! InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

Excellent playground and shallow water make it ideal for kids. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise New Buffalo Beach for its clean sands, convenient amenities like restrooms and showers, and family-friendly atmosphere with a great playground. The proximity to downtown shops and restaurants is a major plus, and many enjoy the beautiful sunset views. Some find parking can be challenging and expensive during peak times.

"This beach had great amenities right when you get to the beach access. Bathrooms, food options, and foot/body showers are all right there. While the beach itself was quite busy, it was large enough that people could spread out. The dunes and dune overlook was also a nice addition to check out. Its walking distance to most shops and restaurants downtown as well which was nice."

Abbey Metzger

"First time here visiting new buffalo Michigan for a day trip. The beach is very nice pretty clean and there was a lot of space. Parking can be a little difficult but not too bad. We really liked walking around the town and visiting the shops and restaurants. Would recommend and will be back."

Rachel Arias - Tripp III

"Beautiful! This beach has so much area to walk, a very nice playground, and wonderful views. It was a beautiful place to watch the waves. We attempted to fish, but didn’t catch anything. Still enjoyed every minute!"

Rachel T

What People Like

Clean sands and clear water
Convenient amenities
Family-friendly playground

What People Dislike

Expensive parking fees
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

New Buffalo Beach is located in New Buffalo, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car via I-94. The beach is situated on Lake Michigan and is a popular destination for day trips from Chicago and other nearby cities. Instagram

While there isn't direct public transportation to the beach itself, you can take Amtrak to the New Buffalo station and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare to reach the beach, which is a short distance away.

Many visitors opt for a road trip, especially from Chicago, as it offers flexibility. The drive is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours. Instagram

Yes, several other public access beaches are nearby, including Townline Beach and McKinley St Beach, offering different vibes and parking options. Instagram

From Chicago, take I-94 East to Exit 1 for US-12 East towards New Buffalo. Turn right onto Whittaker Street, then left onto Lake Shore Drive, where you'll find the beach access and parking.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, New Buffalo Beach has a paid parking lot. Fees can vary, with options like $10.50 for 3 hours or $20 for the whole day. Reddit

The beach is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for amenities like restrooms and concessions may vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check local listings for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the parking lot. There isn't usually an option to buy them in advance. Arriving early is recommended to ensure you can park. Reddit

While the beach itself is accessible year-round for walks and enjoying the scenery, amenities like restrooms and concessions are seasonal and typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Instagram

Parking fees are charged per vehicle. Expect to pay around $10.50 for a 3-hour stay or $20 for a full day. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find restrooms, concession stands, outdoor showers for rinsing, and a great playground for children. There's also a walkway for easier access to the lakefront. TikTok

Absolutely! The beach has a fantastic playground and the water is often shallow, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for families. TikTok

While some visitors attempt to fish, it's not typically known as a prime fishing spot. The clear waters are more suited for swimming and wading. Reddit

Yes, the beach is within walking distance of downtown New Buffalo, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, including popular spots like The Stray Dog and David's Deli. Instagram+1

The water in Lake Michigan here is known for being clear and can be quite shallow for a good distance, allowing you to walk out quite far. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dune overlook offers panoramic views of the lake, perfect for sunset shots. The beach itself, with its clear water and sandy shores, provides beautiful natural backdrops. Instagram+1

Golden hour, both in the early morning and late afternoon leading up to sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for your photos. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary and are subject to local ordinances. It's best to check with the New Buffalo Parks Department or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance.

It's ideal for landscape photography, family portraits, engagement shoots, and capturing the essence of a classic beach town. Instagram

Yes, from certain vantage points on the beach or boardwalk, you can capture scenic views that include the shoreline and the charming town in the distance.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

New Buffalo Beach is a fantastic choice for families. The dedicated playground is a huge hit with children, and the shallow, clear waters of Lake Michigan provide a safe environment for little ones to splash and play. TikTok The beach's amenities, including restrooms and concession stands, add to the convenience for parents. TikTok Plus, the easy walkability to downtown means you can easily grab snacks or a meal without a long trek. Reddit

Consider packing beach toys and sandcastle-building tools to maximize the fun. The paved walkway also makes it easier to navigate with strollers or wagons carrying beach gear. Many families find it to be a stress-free and enjoyable outing. TikTok

🚗 Day-Trippers from Chicago

New Buffalo is a prime destination for a day trip from Chicago, offering a refreshing escape to the lake. The drive is manageable, typically around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it feasible for a single day. Instagram Focus your visit on enjoying the New Buffalo Beach for a few hours, taking advantage of its amenities and the beautiful lake views. TikTokInstagram Afterwards, explore the charming downtown area for lunch and some boutique shopping before heading back. Instagram This itinerary balances relaxation with a taste of local life, ensuring a fulfilling day trip. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget-Conscious Travelers

While parking has a fee, New Buffalo Beach offers a lot of value. Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save on dining costs. Instagram Enjoy the free activities like swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the boardwalk. Reddit The playground is also a free source of entertainment for kids. TikTok Visiting on a weekday can also help avoid peak weekend crowds and potentially offer a more relaxed experience without additional cost. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring New Buffalo's Lakeside Charm

New Buffalo Beach is a gem on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a classic beach town experience. Visitors rave about its cleanliness and the convenience of amenities like restrooms, concession stands, and outdoor showers, making it easy to spend a full day by the water. TikTok The beach features a well-maintained playground, perfect for younger visitors, and a walkway that ensures easy access to the lakefront, even when carrying beach gear. TikTok Beyond the sand, the beach is a gateway to the vibrant downtown area, just a short walk away, where you can explore unique shops and enjoy a diverse culinary scene. Reddit

The dunes and dune overlook provide a scenic vantage point, offering breathtaking views of the expansive lake, especially during sunset. InstagramReddit This area is not only beautiful but also offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a moment of tranquility. Reddit Whether you're looking for active fun or a relaxing escape, New Buffalo Beach delivers a memorable lakeside experience, drawing visitors back year after year. Reddit

For those planning a visit, understanding the parking situation is key. The paid parking lot can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Visitors have noted fees around $10.50 for 3 hours or $20 for the entire day, so arriving early is highly recommended. Reddit Despite the crowds, the beach's size allows for ample space to spread out, and the clear, shallow waters of Lake Michigan are a major draw for swimmers and waders alike. Reddit

A Day Trip Itinerary for New Buffalo

A day trip to New Buffalo offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and town exploration. Start your morning with a coffee and croissant from a local bakery like Farmette Michigan, fueling up for a stroll along New Buffalo Beach. Instagram Enjoy the clean sands, the playground, and the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan. TikTok

After soaking up the sun, head into the charming downtown area for some retail therapy. Shops like Lakeside Goods MI offer unique finds. Instagram For lunch, consider Post Boy NB for a casual bite or explore other local eateries. Instagram Don't forget to indulge in some local ice cream, perhaps a PB Brownie from Nancy's at the Lake. Instagram The proximity of the beach to the town makes it easy to transition from a day of beach activities to exploring the local shops and restaurants without needing to drive. Reddit

Many visitors find New Buffalo to be a refreshing escape, with its picturesque setting and welcoming atmosphere. Instagram The town's culinary scene is a significant draw, with spots like The Stray Dog offering good food and a fun atmosphere, complete with rooftop seating for scenic views. TikTokInstagram This combination of natural beauty and local charm makes New Buffalo a highly recommended destination for a quick getaway. Instagram

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