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Michigan's West Coast Beaches

Submitted by Candy Christman, July 10, 2009
Lake Michigan beachSaugatuck beach along the shore of Lake Michigan
Question: Charlotte Ross asks: We'd like to drive from Kansas City to Lake Michigan.  Any suggestions on where to go that would be about a day's drive (8-12 hours) and have a good beach and things for us to do with my 8 year old grandson?
 
Answer: Vickie Sievert-Leclerc, business support consultant at the AAA office in Dearborn, Mich. says: You will find many beautiful white, sandy beaches anywhere between Muskegon and Ludington, Mich.  Although beautiful, the waters of Lake Michigan may not be warm. We have used TripTik Travel Planner to show you the area. This tool shows a map with icons that mark the locations of AAA Approved hotels and restaurants, as well as attractions, events taking place during your visit, places you can get AAA member discounts, where to find gasoline, and more. Just click the Show button to display the icons and zoom in to see them. You can also book your hotel reservations right from the TripTik maps. 
michigan's adventure amusement park
In Muskegon, you’ll find Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park which is a AAA GEM attraction. Your grandson will surely enjoy the many rides and roller coasters. You can check out the park’s special events and find a park map. If you have time, visit Muskegon State Park.  Go around sunset time to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the water.

Just south of Muskegon, stop at Saugatuck, Mich. en route. The town’s population is only about 1,000, but you will find beaches with sand dunes. You can even rent dune buggies! Enjoy the many boutiques while visiting Saugatuck, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and more.
[Beaches], [Great Lakes], [Q&A with AAA], [Michigan], [Lake Michigan]
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About the Author

  • Image Candy Christman Candy Christman worked at AAA for 30 years before her recent retirement.  Some of Candy’s favorite vacations were taken in various corners of the globe, including Puerto Madryn, Argentina,...

Comments (1)

Submitted by Nancy W, July 16. 2009 18:32
As a kid who grew up along the Jersey Shore, I didn't think a lakefront beach could be anything like those that lined the Atlantic Coast. I was pleasantly surprised on my first summer trip to Muskegon. While the sand was grittier than I was used to, the beaches were quite nice.

Pere Marquette Park at Beach Street and Lakeshore Drive is a good place to spend the day. There are plenty of amenities - playground, volleyball courts, picnic area, snack bar, restaurant. If you don't mind a bit of a chill, the swimming area is guarded and the lake winds often generate enough surf to propel a boogie board. Take a stroll along the pier to the lighthouse (great photo opps)and chat with a local fisherman. Muskegon folks are quite friendly, and there are plenty who enjoy sharing a tale or two. This area is especially beautiful at sunset.

Saugatuck, about an hour down the coast from Muskegon, is a really nice quaint little town with shops, cafes and more beautiful beaches. There are plenty of festivals and other events throughout the year, such as the Village Arts and Crafts Show on July 25. Don't know if the vendor will be there, but I had a great Polish sausage sandwich and perogies while I was there a few years back. The nearby town of Holland also offers a lot of things to see and do.

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    Beth GrangerElizabeth “Beth” Granger joined AAA as an Auto Travel Counselor in 2007 and has taken to the travel industry like a duck to water. A Michigan native, she currently resides in Missouri with...