Michiganders are lucky, because we have so many fantastic beaches. Whether you’re venturing to Lake Michigan or one of the state’s charming inland lakes, chances are you’ll have a great time.

Still, it’s funny to me that Michigan’s beaches are something of a secret to much of America. When people think of beach getaways, they think of coastal cities, not the Mitten. That said, Michigan’s beaches are starting to get some national attention, and each year, thousands of tourists venture into the state, usually from neighboring states. Offering a freshwater coastline more than 3,000 miles long, the pristine beaches of Michigan truly offer something for everyone.

If you’re a longtime Michigander, you may think that you’ve already seen Michigan’s best beaches, but you haven’t. There are plenty of hidden gems across Michigan’s sandy shorelines. I’ve done some research to find some of the biggest and best beach Michigan beaches, as well as some of the state’s lesser-known beaches. Of course, one of the benefits of hitting up a beach that’s off the radar is more privacy. But, going to a very popular beach can be a fun way to meet new people.

Read on for a massive list of 50 of the best Michigan beaches. My personal favorite are on Lake Michigan, especially near Grand Haven and Saugatuck. Those are the beaches I visited most as a kid, and I find myself heading there over and over again over the years. By the way, one Michigan beach – Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan – was recently named one of the best in the entire world by Condé Nast Traveler, landing in the publication’s top 25 list. It’s pretty cool to think that we have one of the best beaches in the world right here in the Mitten.