Douglas Beach

There is trash and dog waste found near the staircase, which is not suitable for people who enjoy collecting rocks. The majority of the beach consists of sand, but please note that dogs are not permitted on the beach.

Upon arrival at this beach park, you will be greeted by a sight of seemingly endless steps of varying widths, lengths, and steepness. Contemplating whether it is worth the effort to descend and ascend these steps to reach the beach, you will notice a few individuals on the beach who clearly struggled with the aforementioned steps. However, their determination will inspire you, making you believe that if they can do it, so can you. Encouraged by this thought, you will proceed to descend the steps and finally reach the beach. The delicate and soft tan sand beneath your feet will bring you great delight. As you explore the area, you will observe numerous small rocks scattered where the waves collide with the sand. Eventually, you will come across a flat rock and attempt to skip it, only to feel a tinge of disappointment when a wave interrupts its trajectory. In that moment, you may momentarily forget that you are in Michigan and instead feel as though you are in an exotic location near an ocean. However, this fleeting thought will quickly be replaced by the realization that you are indeed in Michigan. Despite initially believing the lake to be too cold for swimming, you will dip your toe in and discover that it is warmer than expected. Spending some time playing in the water and engaging in typical beach activities, you will eventually decide it is time to leave. As you gaze upon the stairs, you may question why you chose to descend them in the first place. However, with sand clinging to your legs and feet, you will ascend the stairs and wash your feet off. As you load into your car, you may witness a small battle between cars vying for your parking spot. Reflecting on the day spent at the beach, you will feel a sense of fondness and satisfaction for conquering the stairs, ultimately leaving with a feeling of happiness.

The beach was absolutely amazing. When we got there around 6 pm on a Saturday, we were pleased to find plenty of parking available. The beach itself was secluded and peaceful, which was exactly what we were looking for. Admittedly, there were only around 10-12 parking spots, but if you don't enjoy crowded places, it's definitely worth the wait. It's the perfect spot for introverts who want to enjoy the beach. Just be cautious of the riptides and make sure to bring water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky shoreline. The hotels in the area are extremely expensive, and the downtown saugatuck area is not as great as people make it out to be. So, it's a good idea to plan your accommodations in advance or simply make it a day trip, just like we did.

The beach was really nice. It had a cozy and secluded atmosphere. However, parking options were limited and there were quite a few stairs to climb. Additionally, the gate closes at night. Despite these minor inconveniences, I had an absolutely delightful time here and I'm eagerly looking forward to returning. Even my son enjoyed it a lot.

The beach is absolutely delightful. During my visit in the autumn, it exuded tranquility and cleanliness. The stairs leading down to the beach from the dune appear to be recently constructed and have been designed with care, featuring benches and a lookout point. The public area of the beach seems rather small, making it perhaps not the most suitable choice for a scorching hot day when the plan is to relax and sunbathe, but it is absolutely ideal for leisurely walks along the water's edge. Parking availability appears to be quite limited, so walking or biking would likely be the most convenient option.