The Best Beaches to Visit on Lake Huron

Lake Huron: Discover it

You are welcome to Lake Huron Michigan.

Lake Huron is the third largest inland lake in the United States. Its shoreline is varied, with everything from wide sandy beaches with clear water to wild waves that crash on rocky coastlines.

This lake is full of delights on every wave, from Port Huron to Port Austin along Michigan’s Thumb Coast to Tawas and Oscoda to Mackinac to the Les Cheneaux Islands.

Lake Huron: The Sweetwater Sea

Michigan, also known as the Sweetwater Sea is located on the border of the lake’s more than 9,000-square mile area with Ontario, Canada. Beautiful places like the Georgian Bay and Manitoulin Island, as well as the eastern shores of Lake Huron, are equally diverse and beautiful.

Lake Huron is a holiday-land paradise where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing and hiking along with exploring the lighthouses.

I was raised on Lake Huron’s shores and have learned all about the wonders of this Michigan shoreline. Here are some of my favorites spots that will make your trip to this unique place unforgettable.

Get started exploring the Michigan Great Lake by reading this article.

Michigan’s Lake Huron Coast is worth exploring

You’ve found the right place if you want to explore Lake Huron’s coastline. This unique coastline is lined with gorgeous beaches, harbors, fun towns, and lighthouses. It’s a great place to enjoy some relaxing travel.

Lake Huron is known for its wide sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This is a great spot to swim, splash and play in the freshwater surfing. It’s also home to the Shipwreck Sanctuary of Great Lakes, located near Alpena’s Thunder Bay.

The Lake Shoreline is an incredible natural Michigan treasure. Once you have visited, we think you will agree. Explore the beauty thousands of people have discovered along the shores Lake Huron.

PRO TIP: Make sure to get up early to see the sunrise if you are planning on visiting. Nothing is more thrilling than watching the glowing ball of fire rise above the lake. As the day begins, watch as thousands of sun shines on the water.

Michigan’s Sunrise Side
Lake Huron, located on the east coast of Michigan’s lower peninsula is famous for its stunning sunrises.

Lake Huron

Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes. Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan and Lake Erie are the other four. Lake Superior is the fifth.

These interconnected lakes, which connect to the Atlantic Ocean via St. Lawrence River, are the largest freshwater system worldwide and supply more than one-fifth the world’s freshwater.

Lake Huron, the second-largest of the Great Lakes, has a surface area greater than 23,000 miles. It is also the third-largest freshwater lake in the world.

Where to start your Lake Huron Travel Adventure

Michigan’s Lake Huron coast begins in Port Huron, and continues north along Lexington and Port Sanilac. These towns are all charming and friendly and have harbors and beaches.

The Lake Huron coast runs along the tip Michigan’s Mitte (also known as the “Thumb”) region and into Saginaw Bay. Here you will find bustling resort towns like Caseville and Port Austin.

Visitors flock to both beaches, which are great for boating, swimming and relaxing in the sunshine. Here you’ll find Michigan’s top beaches, including Port Crescent State Park’s sandy dunes.

Map of Lake Huron for Travel

Michigan Beaches are great for exploring the Lake Huron.

These Michigan Beach Towns offer a variety of beaches.

Alpena

Caseville

Greenbush

Harrisville

Lexington

Mackinaw City

Mackinac Island

Oscoda

Tawas

Port Sanilac

Harbor Beach

Cheboygan

Port Huron

Rogers City

Lake Huron’s Northern Michigan Coast

You’ll find more popular spots north of “The Thumb” and a shoreline lined by cottages and beaches with lots of fun towns to explore.

Tawas City, East Tawas and are often referred to as “Tawas “. Both towns boast spectacular public beaches. These spots offer comfortable settings, including well-maintained parks and plenty of beachfront for tourists to enjoy.

Oscoda, one of the most populous cities on this stretch of the coast, offers a vast beachfront park with everything you need to have a great day at the seaside (you can read more here).

Greenbush and Harrisville are two of the most popular swimming spots in Michigan. This area is home to many mom-and-pop rental properties that offer a wonderful beach getaway.

PRO-TIP – Harrisville also houses the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. This charming spot is a must-see.

Thunder Bay and Beyond: Lake Huron Coast

Continue north along Michigan’s Lake Huron coast to Alpena.

This historic city, located on the 45th parallel, is home to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and some incredible beaches. This area of the coast is interesting because you will find both remote and rocky beaches as well as busy family beaches.

You will find plenty to do in this area, including outdoor activities and exploring nature. This is where you can find out more.

Further north than Alpena, is Presque Isle. Here you will find two famous lighthouses. This area is very popular with boaters. The coastline here is stunning, with the water turning aqua colors.

Rogers City is not far away. Rogers City, also known as the Nautical City or simply Rogers City, is a charming town with a large downtown harbour and cute downtown.

The town of Cheboygan, located north, is the next stop. Here you’ll find stunning Lake Huron views and beautiful state parks.

Lake Huron Vacations

Lake Huron has so many activities and stretches of shoreline that Lake Huron tourism keeps growing.

Visitors to the area have many options, from exploring the lighthouses and beaches to visiting the state parks and historic lighthouses.

Best Lake Huron Beaches

Lake Huron is the perfect spot for beach lovers.

Lake Huron is a natural, beautiful, and unpretentious beach destination that offers a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere for all ages.

The shoreline of Lake Huron is varied, so it’s important that you know what kind of beach you desire when you plan your Michigan beach vacation.

Are you looking for an active beach that offers activities such as beach volleyball and a skateboard park.

There are more than 4,000 miles to choose from on Lake Huron’s coastline.

Lake Huron’s Friendly Beaches

Discover the coastline of Lake Huron, including Fort Gratiot Lighthouse at the base Lake Huron’s Blue Water Bridge.

The charming and charming Lexington is just a short drive away. It has a cute downtown and a family-friendly beach. Port Sanilac is a quiet little town that boasts a beautiful beach and easy access to the popular resort towns Port Austin and Caseville.

Further north, along Lake Huron’s coast, is the Tawas area. Here you will find warm bay waters and an old-fashioned downtown. Oscoda Greenbush, Harrisville all have some of the best sandy beaches in Michigan. They are perfect for swimming or splashing at the shoreline.

Alpena, located in historic Thunder Bay is an area that’s often overlooked. It boasts top-notch nature museums as well as beautiful natural areas and beaches. This area is very family-friendly. Rogers City, Cheboygan and Mackinac Island are two port cities that pride themselves on their natural beauty.

ADA and Wheelchair Access to Lake Huron Beaches

Many beaches on Lake Huron offer wheelchair- and other device-friendly access to the shoreline.

East Tawas City Park provides access INTO the water via a MOBI Chair. It is free to use and can be found at the park office.

Oscoda Beach Park provides excellent access to Lake Huron’s shoreline and a paved access to a pier.

My Michigan Beach is dedicated to improving accessibility to Michigan’s Great Lakes beaches by sharing information and encouraging access. More ADA- and Wheelchair Accessible Beaches are available HERE

These are the Top Family-Friendly Beaches in Lake Huron

These beaches are family-friendly.

Albert E. Sleeper State Park
Alpena’s Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park
Caseville County Park
Harrisville State Park
Lakeport State Park
Lexington State Harbor Beach

Dog-Friendly Beaches at Lake Huron
Michigan is a dog-friendly state. Many beaches along Lake Huron’s shoreline are open to furry friends. For the safety of your dog and other pets, be sure to follow leash regulations.

For more information on Michigan beaches that are dog-friendly, see the Michigan Beach Map.

Best Lake Huron Beachtowns

There are many beach towns along Lake Huron: You’ll find small-town charm in places like Lexington and Harrisville as well as Port Austin.

You’ll find a more crowded resort vibe in areas such as Caseville, Tawas, and Mackinaw City. You’ll find smaller and larger retailers in bigger areas like Alpena, Oscoda, and Cheboygan. However, they maintain a friendly atmosphere.

Unique little towns along the Lake Huron coast offer the best of both: traditional in appearance, but up-to-date with their offerings.

Craft breweries, wineries and cafes will be found all over the city. Many of these towns have small galleries, gift shops, boutiques and museums.

Charming Lake Huron Beachtowns

Festivals and craft fairs at the beach are summer and fall highlights. Fun for all ages is guaranteed.

Shopping for the latest swimwear or beach accessories in Michigan? You’ll find it in one the many unique shops located in the beach towns.

Find the perfect spot for your vacation by exploring all the beaches along Lake Michigan.

The Best Places to Stay at Lake Huron

The number of affordable, comfortable and unpretentious accommodations along Lake Huron’s coast is one of its best assets. You will find a variety of accommodations along the shoreline of Lake Huron, including a row upon row of family-owned resorts and beachfront cabins.

Many of these resorts are family favorites and many families return year after year to the same beaches. You will find larger vacation rentals along the coast as well as hotels or motels.

Lake Huron Beach Cabin Rentals

You will find many options for beach cabin rentals if you start north of Port Huron, along the Lake Huron shoreline.

There are many campgrounds and state parks that offer lodging for those who want more rustic or practical options.

These Six Great Places are great places to look for private vacation rentals on Lake Huron Beach.

Airbnb
Holidu
HomeAway
Hometogo
Rent Michigan Cabins
VRBO

Lake Huron is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s not just about the stunning beaches, with their wide sandy beaches and endless expanses of crystal-clear waters. It’s also about the beautiful blue lake that is perfect for swimming or splashing.

Because the water is shallow, it warms up along the shoreline in July and August to a comfortable swimming temperature.

Lake Huron is a water sports paradise

Lake Huron offers incredible opportunities for water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding and kite surfing.

Lake Huron Fairs and Festivals

The beaches of Lake Huron are alive with festivals and fairs that celebrate all the great things Michigan has to provide. These are some of the best Michigan summer festivals you should not miss:

Cheeseburger at the Caseville Festival
Alpena Brown Trout Festival
Rogers City Nautical Fest
Tawas Blues at the Bay

Lake Huron Art Fairs

Most Lake Huron beaches have art galleries that you can browse or shop.

These are some of the most amazing Lake Huron art fairs.

Alpena Art on the Bay
Cheboygan Arts Festival
Lexington Fine Art Street Fair
Tawas Bay Waterfront Festival of Fine Arts

Marathon on the AuSable River Canoe in Oscoda

It is truly one of the most famous canoe races in the world: 120 miles of paddle over rivers and dams, uphill and downstream.

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is a highlight of July for visitors to the shores on Lake Huron. It starts in Grayling, MI, and finishes more than 14 hours later at the shores.

More than 50,000 spectators line the AuSable riverbanks to cheer the paddling teams on.

Lake Huron: Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is Lake Huron?

Lake Michigan’s deepest point is 751 feet.

Is there a shark in Lake Huron

There are no sharks at Lake Huron. Lake Huron is not a saltwater lake.

What is Lake Huron Water Temperature?

The water temperature at Lake Hurons varies through the year. The July temperature was 74 degrees in 2020. However, it is much colder during the winter months.

What is Lake Michigan Huron?

Under the Mackinac Bridge, Lakes Michigan and Huron join in northern Michigan. Although they are often referred to as distinct entities, these bodies of water are in fact connected.

Are Lake Huron’s water levels rising?

The water levels in Great Lakes vary from one year to the next. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ latest six-month forecast, the water level in the upper Great Lakes is expected to drop by 2021 after two summers of record-high levels.

3 thoughts on “The Best Beaches to Visit on Lake Huron”

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February 25, 2023 at 2:21 am

Reading your article helped me a lot and I agree with you. But I still have some doubts, can you clarify for me? I’ll keep an eye out for your answers.