Ludington's shoreline is a place you and your family start and end the day. With 28 miles of sugar-sand shoreline for beach-goers, water-recreation opportunities, family-fun events, and sunset bonfires , Ludington's beaches are the perfect destination for your vacation adventures!

What to know about Ludington's Beaches

Ludington's award-winning beaches are known for the sugar sand, amenities and beautiful landscapes. From building sandcastles to playing beach volleyball to just laying around catching some sun, a day at the beach is a day well spent. As the day comes to a close and the sun begins to set, the sky over Lake Michigan is painted with vibrant colors of orange, pink and purple. Locals and visitors gather each night along the lakeshore, with an ice cream cone in hand, to salute the sunset and welcome the SS Badger back to port. Not sure which beach to choose?

• Top Summer Beach - Stearns Park Beach: Stearns Park Beach is the area’s most popular beach. Known for its close proximity to downtown Ludington, outstanding amenities and clean, family-friendly atmosphere, this beach is a great place to relax and play. It boasts of two concession stands, shuffle board, a skate park, playground and more. This beach wasn’t named by USA Today as one of the Top 50 All-American Beaches in the U.S. for nothing!  

• Where the Locals Go - First Curve: The shoreline along M-116, which leads to the Ludington State Park, offers miles of sandy shoreline for beach goers to enjoy. Referred to as “First Curve” by the locals, this stretch of beach along Lake Michigan is a quieter, more natural setting. It provides a great place to relax, catch some rays or enjoy a great summer read. 

• Best Dog Beach & Secluded Beach - Buttersville Beach: We can’t forget about our four-legged friends! Ludington offers a couple great spots to let your dog enjoy the beach too! Buttersville Beach and south of the breakwall at Stearns Park Beach are both great areas to let your dogs run wild and cool down with a dip in Lake Michigan. Buttersville, similar to M-116, offers a more secluded and natural setting, which is a great environment to relax.

Sunset Beach Bonfires - A Must-Do for Beach Lovers

Summer in Ludington is as vibrant as the sunsets; there are always exciting events happening for everyone! One for beach lovers is the popular Sunset Beach Bonfire series. On the fourth Thursday of June, July and August, visitors and locals alike are invited to gather at Stearns Park Beach to enjoy a free, community bonfire overlooking Lake Michigan. Bring your beach chairs and blankets to enjoy a true "Up North" evening that includes a bonfire, live accoustic music and, of course, a beautiful sunset.