Holland - all beaches

This place is fantastic for relaxing with friends and family on sandy beaches! Just keep in mind that you'll need a recreational passport or ticket to enter. Michigan residents have the option to get a pass with their local vehicle registration number. If you don't have that, you can easily get a day pass at the entry kiosk for about $10. Just be aware that on holidays, the entry can get crowded with long lines for vehicles. It took us about 30 minutes to enter on Memorial Day weekend, so plan accordingly. It's a good idea to bring food, snacks, water, and seating mats with you since there's only one store with limited options. Restrooms are closed for the season, so you'll have to use the makeshift ones provided. If you have kids, bring strollers because there are concrete paths in the sand that allow you to stroll them around almost to the end of the beach. There are plenty of trees around, providing sheltered spots with great views of the red lighthouse and lake. We also saw several rented boats sailing around, which added to the scenery. Overall, with proper planning, this place is an amazing destination for a sunny day!

This beach is my absolute favorite. It is incredibly easy to reach, and while I could complain about the lack of stones since I enjoy collecting rocks, it is still a fantastic beach for swimming and also has a lovely park nearby. The beach and park together make it so convenient to spend an entire day there. The $8 parking fee is definitely worth it. What sets this beach apart is its unique character, as it offers more than just sand.

When I went to Windsnest Park in Michigan, I was absolutely amazed by its vast 4-acre scenery. The sandy beach along Lake Michigan was truly stunning. I had such a wonderful time swimming and having a picnic there. What really impressed me was the considerate addition of play equipment that was accessible for people with disabilities. Additionally, the availability of restrooms, plenty of parking, and a lovely wooden pathway that provided unmatched views of Lake Michigan truly made my experience even better. It's definitely a must-visit place for anyone in the area!

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.

There is parking available on the street. The beach is not very large, but it is sufficient for a pleasant swim. It is not a long walk to reach the beach, although there is some uphill terrain to navigate. Around 250 stairs need to be climbed. There are no restrooms or places to change, so it's important to come prepared. It could be a good spot to roll a watermelon down a hill.