The 8 Best Beach Resorts in Michigan | Right on the Beachfront & Sand
We analyzed all the properties across the state and found the best beach resorts in Michigan that offer exceptional lakefront access, cozy rooms, and unforgettable lake views.
Whether you’re after a romantic escape or a family trip packed with breezy lakeside moments, these Michigan beachfront resorts bring serious comfort and scenery to the table.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the absolute best beach resorts Michigan has to offer, we researched hundreds of guest reviews across Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
We focused on beach quality, overall guest satisfaction, property size, amenities, room variety, and how well each resort performed across multiple categories—from food to family-friendliness.
Top 8 Beachfront Resorts in Michigan for 2025
8. Breakers Resort and Beach Bar
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Saint Ignace, Michigan
Key Highlights:
- Private sandy beach along Lake Huron with stunning island views
- Two onsite restaurants including the lively Breakers Beach Bar
- Newly renovated rooms with private balconies facing the water
Breakers Resort and Beach Bar is where relaxed lakefront comfort meets surprisingly lively energy thanks to its onsite bar scene and gourmet restaurant setup.
The resort stretches out along a beautiful slice of Lake Huron, just a little bit south of the Mackinac Bridge, which makes for some pretty epic views morning or night.
Guests here often rave about the water-facing rooms—virtually every suite has a balcony that opens up to the lake breeze.
It’s almost like you’re sitting on the water, which is a rare treat among beachfront resorts in Michigan.
The beach itself tends to be quiet and well-maintained, making it ideal for lounging, kayaking, or casually strolling during sunset.
Dining is super casual but tasty, with Breakers Beach Bar offering drinks just steps from the sand and the breakfast buffet getting solid marks from families and couples alike.
And if you’re planning on hopping over to Mackinac Island, the ferry terminal is ridiculously close—only about a five-minute walk, more or less.
7. Harbor Lights Resort – Most Affordable
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Frankfort, Michigan
Key Highlights:
- Directly on Lake Michigan with wide-open views and soft sandy beaches
- Affordable suites with kitchenettes, perfect for long weekend stays
- Indoor pool and hot tub for year-round use
Harbor Lights Resort is that very reliable, budget-friendly Michigan beach resort that keeps things cozy without cutting corners on location or convenience.
The beachfront here is generous, with a big stretch of powdery sand that tends to stay peaceful even on busy summer days.
It’s located just at the edge of Frankfort’s charming little downtown, so you can easily wander into shops or grab some ice cream between swims.
Rooms are modest in style but come through with nice perks—like full kitchens and space for up to six people, which makes it a solid pick for families or longer stays.
The resort’s heated indoor pool area is another plus, especially if the weather shifts and you still want to splash around.
Also, the nearby food scene is strong, with restaurants and casual lakeside grills less than a five-minute walk away.
For travelers trying to stretch their budget without giving up prime lake access, Harbor Lights Resort might be one of the best beachfront resorts in Michigan in its price class.
6. Bayshore Resort
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Key Highlights:
- Private sugar-sand beach on Grand Traverse Bay
- Indoor heated pool and whirlpool spa
- Victorian-style rooms with updated amenities
Bayshore Resort kind of brings that classic, elegant beachside resort vibe to the heart of Traverse City.
It’s situated directly along the bay with a lovely private beach area that often stays quieter than nearby public stretches.
Families love the safe, shallow swim zone while couples appreciate how calm the water tends to be—perfect for paddleboarding or just floating lazily.
The rooms are slightly old-school in decor, yet feel incredibly clean and surprisingly well-outfitted with things like fireplaces, jetted tubs, and balconies facing the lake.
There’s also a good-sized indoor pool and hot tub area that provides a nice backup for cloudy days or after-dinner relaxation.
Food-wise, Bayshore doesn’t have a restaurant onsite, but you’re only a short walk or quick drive from some of the most talked-about dining in northern Michigan.
If you’re into wineries or scenic drives, the Old Mission Peninsula is close by and definitely worth exploring after a beach day.
Among Michigan beach resorts, Bayshore stands out for its mix of elegance, walkability, and pretty exceptional value.
5. Magnuson Grand Hotel Lakefront Paradise
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Paradise, Michigan
Key Highlights:
- Directly on Whitefish Bay with private beach access
- Indoor pool and hot tub for relaxing any time of year
- Close to Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point
Magnuson Grand Hotel in Paradise—yes, the town is actually named Paradise—is arguably one of the most remote but surprisingly comfortable beachfront resorts in Michigan.
The location is what really makes it shine, sitting right on the calm waters of Whitefish Bay, which is part of Lake Superior.
The private beach here might be lesser known, yet it’s extremely peaceful, and the wide views over the bay are absolutely worth waking up early for.
Rooms are functional with a rustic twist—think comfy beds, practical furniture, and balconies overlooking the water.
There’s a heated indoor pool and a hot tub, both of which are appreciated given how quickly the weather can change up north.
The resort isn’t flashy, but it’s clean, welcoming, and close to major Upper Peninsula attractions like Tahquamenon Falls, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, and the birdwatching gem of Whitefish Point.
If you’re craving a Michigan beachfront resort that feel removed from crowds and still deliver on comfort, this one fits the bill in a big way.
4. Cherry Tree Inn & Suites – Best-Seller
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Key Highlights:
- 200 feet of private beach frontage on East Grand Traverse Bay
- Indoor and outdoor pools, plus a lakeside hot tub
- Complimentary breakfast and shuttle to downtown
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites, located on East Bay in Traverse City, is one of those places that tends to be fully booked for a reason—it simply checks all the boxes.
From its spacious rooms to an ideal beach location, it’s definitely among the most popular Michigan beach resorts for families and couples alike.
The beach here is especially well-kept, and they even provide complimentary beach chairs, kayaks, and paddleboards to guests.
Rooms are bright and spacious, with many featuring full kitchens and private balconies overlooking the water, which is perfect for longer vacations.
They’ve also got multiple pool options, including both indoor and outdoor setups, and a whirlpool tub right by the lake, which tends to be a favorite for evening dips.
One major perk is the free shuttle to downtown Traverse City, so you can explore the breweries and restaurants without worrying about parking.
It’s a fantastic pick for travelers looking for Michigan beachfront resorts with lots of extras packed into the experience.
3. Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Bay Harbor, Michigan
Key Highlights:
- Lakefront resort with over 5 acres of private beach
- Full-service spa, golf course, and outdoor heated pool
- Elegant suites with balconies and lake views
The Inn at Bay Harbor might be one of the most refined and polished beach resorts in Michigan, delivering serious luxury by Lake Michigan’s edge.
The resort spans several acres, featuring a private beach that rarely feels crowded, even during peak season.
The outdoor heated pool area has plush lounge seating, and the spa services here are top-tier, including deep tissue massages and facials with lake views in the background.
Each room leans toward upscale elegance with hardwood floors, fireplaces, and some of the comfiest beds you’ll probably find up north.
Dining at the onsite Vintage Chophouse is a big hit, and breakfast at The Sagamore Room offers lakefront views along with a full spread.
Golfers will also love the adjacent Bay Harbor Golf Club, which has some of the most scenic fairways in the state.
It’s a full-service experience that sets the bar extremely high for Michigan beachfront resorts aiming for upscale charm.
2. Mission Point Resort – Top Value Pick
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Key Highlights:
- 18 acres of Lake Huron shoreline on iconic Mackinac Island
- Five restaurants, full-service spa, and expansive lawn games
- Over 240 rooms and suites, some with lake views
Mission Point Resort, located on Mackinac Island’s peaceful eastern shoreline, delivers a resort experience that’s packed with nostalgic charm and open-air luxury.
The property spreads across 18 lakefront acres, offering expansive lawns, Adirondack chairs facing the water, and unbeatable sunrises over Lake Huron.
Rooms here range from traditional guest suites to family-style accommodations, and many offer lovely lakefront views with that unmistakable island breeze.
Multiple dining options across the property give guests a variety of flavors, from local whitefish to creative small plates and cocktails on the patio.
The spa is also highly rated, and the lawn games—croquet, bocce, and more—add an old-school flair that kids and adults both enjoy.
Without cars on the island, your stay becomes slower, calmer, and more grounded—making it one of the best beach resorts in Michigan.
1. Delamar Traverse City – Top Overall
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Key Highlights:
- Over 500 feet of private beach on West Bay
- Three restaurants and rooftop cocktail lounge
- Modern rooms, indoor pool, spa services
Delamar Traverse City is where luxury, design, and lakefront living blend into the best beach resort in Michigan.
The resort underwent a massive renovation and reopened with a bright, sleek interior and refined outdoor lounging areas, including beach cabanas, modern fire pits, and lakefront daybeds.
The private beach here is incredibly well-maintained, with a long shallow shoreline that’s ideal for both kids and paddleboarders.
Rooms are modern, crisp, and thoughtfully designed with plush bedding, walk-in showers, and balconies with unobstructed views of Grand Traverse Bay.
The resort’s three restaurants include Bistro with a strong wine list, Artisan for elevated cuisine, and a rooftop lounge offering full views of the bay.
Its location also gives you easy access to downtown Traverse City and the region’s best wineries and parks.
Overall, Delamar delivers a high-end experience that still manages to feel friendly and approachable—making it our top choice.
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