It’s already August and for many families that means summer is winding down as we stare down the start of school in just four to five weeks. That may have you thinking about a last-minute vacation, but where should you go? There are plenty of places to explore in Michigan that you may have never been to.
We spoke to Jill Halpin, the Founder of the MI Michigan Beach website, to get her advice on where to go in Michigan. Here’s what she recommended:
Best beach town on Lake Huron - Tawas
Enjoy the beautiful Tawas State Park, or visit East Tawas for some shopping in their cute downtown area. Halpin says this is a great spot whether you have a family, or want to have an adult trip with friends. Tawas is on a bay, so the water is warmer and more shallow than other parts of the lake.
Best Beach town on Lake Michigan - St. Joseph
There are many wonderful towns on Lake Michigan, but Halpin recommends checking out St. Joseph. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive across the state from Detroit. Downtown there is Silver Beach with a picturesque white lighthouse on the pier. The beach itself is white and sandy with lots of amenities. For the kids, there is a giant splash pad nearby, and the adults can check out a nearby winery.
Best place to see the sunset - Empire
This town is on the Northwest side of the state near Sleeping Bear Dunes. You can watch the sun go down on the beach downtown. Halpin says it looks like a movie.
Must-visit spot in the Upper Peninsula - Tahquamenon Falls
While the UP has so much to offer with Pictured Rocks and gorgeous beaches, Halpin says you have to check out Tahquamenon Falls. It’s one of the biggest waterfalls East of the Mississippi. There are lots of hiking trails in the surrounding area, and the falls are ADA accessible.
The (not so) secret beach - Oscoda
Michigan has many beautiful beaches that don’t always get the attention they deserve, and one Halpin says you should check out is just about a mile north of Oscoda. There are two roadside parks just off of US-23 that are well maintained with water that looks aqua blue. It’s private, and beautiful, with lots of room to spread out.
To learn more about the MI Michigan Beach website and hear the full conversation, watch the video above.