The Best Affordable Michigan Beach You’ve Never Heard Of

Families in southeast Michigan who have trekked to the Upper Peninsula will tell you: the long, long drive is absolutely worth it. Tucked along Lake Superior’s coast, in a region most downstaters only dream about each summer, lies a hidden gem that’s both stunning and surprisingly gentle on the wallet. We’re talking about Twelvemile Beach – a pristine stretch of sand in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that was recently crowned the most affordable beach destination in the entire country. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Up North getaway that won’t break the bank, this low-cost Michigan beach should top your summer travel list.

Want a full list of the best U.P. waterfalls? Check out our Michigan's Ultimate Waterfall Road Trip

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Facebook

The Most Affordable Beach in the U.S. – Right Here in Michigan

It might shock you, but according to a 2024 travel study, the nation’s best budget beach isn’t in Florida or California, it’s on Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Twelvemile Beach earned the top spot thanks to rock-bottom lodging and dining costs. On average, a six-night stay for two in the area runs only about $464 (total!) for hotels, with local meals around $20 each, and even craft beers about $7.50. In other words, you can treat the family to a week-long beach vacation here for the cost of a weekend somewhere else. This unbeatable value, combined with world-class natural beauty, makes Twelvemile Beach a no-brainer for families and adventurers alike.

Even Travel + Leisure took note, reporting how Twelvemile Beach “offers unparalleled value” for spring and summer trips. Think about it: you’ll enjoy all the sun, sand, and shoreline fun without the sky-high prices (or the crowds) of more famous coastal hotspots. For Metro Detroiters watching their budget, it’s like the travel gods delivered a gift in our own backyard. And affordability doesn’t mean skimping on experience; this beach delivers million-dollar views for next to nothing.

What to Expect at Twelvemile Beach

So, what is Twelvemile Beach actually like? In a word: breathtaking. As the name suggests, it’s a 12-mile stretch of soft, sandy shoreline along Lake Superior’s southern coast. Think clear freshwater waves lapping the beach, sugar-colored dunes, and a forested backdrop that feels wild and untouched. It’s part of the federally protected Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, meaning it’s preserved for its natural beauty and never overdeveloped.

At the east end of the beach is a day-use and picnic area, perfect for lunch by the water or relaxing with a blanket and a good book. Families love the quiet vibe, and kids can spend hours digging in the sand, skipping stones, or spotting birds along the shore. Just be aware: Lake Superior stays chilly, even in summer, refreshing on hot days, but something to prepare younger swimmers for.

Want to wake up to those lake views? Consider camping right above the beach. The Twelvemile Beach Campground offers 37 rustic sites perched atop the dunes. Each includes a picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring, no electric or water hookups, but you will have vault toilets and a nearby artesian well. These first-come, first-served campsites are perfect for disconnecting, recharging, and watching the sun rise right over Lake Superior.

Check out more budget-friendly beach escapes across Michigan.

Fun Family Adventures Around Twelvemile Beach

One of the best things about Twelvemile Beach is how many low-cost, family-friendly activities surround it. Here’s a roundup of nearby things to do that both kids and adults will love:

Grand Marais Historical Society, Facebook

Pickle Barrel House Museum (Grand Marais)

Address: Lake Avenue & Randolph Street, Grand Marais, MI 49839

Located at Lake Avenue and Randolph Street in downtown Grand Marais, this whimsical little house was originally built for the creator of the “Teenie Weenies” cartoon from the Chicago Tribune. Today it serves as a volunteer-run museum that offers a quick, quirky stop for families. Kids will love the giant pickle-shaped architecture, and there are a few interactive exhibits inside. Right next door? A cozy tavern serving burgers, pizza, and kid-friendly meals.

Waterfall Tour Across Pictured Rocks

Address: Various locations across Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising to Grand Marais)

Downstaters may not think of waterfalls when they think “Michigan,” but the Upper Peninsula has dozens of stunning falls—and several are close to Twelvemile Beach.

Some favorites:

Miners Falls – a tall, thundering waterfall accessible via a short wooded trail.
Munising Falls – an easy, paved path leads to this peaceful waterfall, great for little ones.
Sable Falls – just west of Grand Marais, and includes a staircase to a breathtaking view.

Each one is a perfect quick stop on your way to or from the beach and adds a little adventure to your trip.

Shipwreck Boat Tour (Munising)

Address: Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours | 1204 Commercial St, Munising, MI 49862

Lake Superior has claimed more than a few vessels in its day, and now you can see the remains of real shipwrecks on a family-friendly glass-bottom boat tour.

Tours include:

Views of two shipwrecks (the Bermuda and Herman H. Hettler)

Rock formations around Grand Island
The historic East Channel Lighthouse
Multicolored cliffs along the shoreline

Kids love the novelty of seeing the sunken ships beneath their feet, while adults enjoy the scenery and storytelling.

Dog Sledding Summer Tour (Husky Haven Sled Dogs – Shingleton)

Address: E17769 Nugent Lake Rd, Shingleton, MI 49884

While sled rides only happen in the winter, Husky Haven Sled Dogs offers a summer experience that’s just as memorable, especially for curious kids. Families can visit the kennel to meet the dogs, learn how a sled is built, and see how the team works. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that blends education, animal interaction, and U.P. culture.

If you return in winter, they offer full sledding tours with 8 to 10-mile runs through the woods, plus a kennel tour and mushing history lesson.

Au Sable Light Station Hike

Address (Trailhead): Hurricane River Campground | H58, Grand Marais, MI 49839

Take a scenic 1.5-mile walk from the Hurricane River day-use area to the Au Sable Light Station, a historic red-brick lighthouse that’s been guiding ships since the 1800s. The flat trail is easy enough for most kids and offers peekaboo lake views and shoreline access along the way.

During summer, you may be able to tour the lighthouse tower and learn about maritime history. Even if the tower isn’t open, the walk and setting are worth it, especially with a picnic lunch.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Facebook

Grand Sable Dunes & Log Slide Overlook

Address: Log Slide Overlook, Grand Sable Dunes | H58, Grand Marais, MI 49839

One of the most iconic stops in Pictured Rocks, the Log Slide Overlook sits just west of Grand Marais and offers a sweeping view over hundreds of feet of golden dunes rolling into Lake Superior.

Fun fact: loggers once used this giant sand slope to “slide” timber down to the lake. Brave kids and teens might attempt the run down (and slow, sandy climb back up!). Bring a camera, the views here are postcard-worthy.

Archie’s Bay West Diner (Grand Marais)

Address: E21825 Veteran St, Grand Marais, MI 49839

It’s rare to find a truly vintage diner experience, but Archie’s Bay West Diner delivers, and then some. This 1950s-style diner features teal bar stools, shiny aluminum, and vinyl booths, serving up comfort food and retro vibes.

Menu highlights:

Kid-favorite pizzas and ice cream scoops
Classic diner breakfasts with tall stacks of pancakes and hot coffee
Burgers, omelets, and hearty Midwest favorites

It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger just a little longer, and maybe snap a photo or two.

Here’s our favorite road trip route. Read Our Best Road Trips from Detroit: Weekend Getaways Worth the Drive

Why Twelvemile Beach Should Top Your Summer Bucket List

Twelvemile Beach offers more than just affordability. It offers freedom to unplug, explore, and spend quality time surrounded by Michigan’s most breathtaking natural scenery. From beachfront camping and crystal-clear waters to nearby adventures like waterfalls, shipwrecks, and sled dogs, this corner of the Upper Peninsula is built for memory-making.

And while it may be a haul from Metro Detroit, that’s part of the magic. You’ll cross the Mackinac Bridge, pass into another world of pine forests and quiet roads, and wind up on the shores of a Great Lake that still feels wild and untouched.

So pack the car. Download your maps. And head north, because the best beach vacation in America might just be waiting for you right here in Michigan.

DON'T KEEP US A SECRET - SHARE WITH A FRIEND OR ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

THINKING OF MOVING TO Metro Detroit, OR LOOKING TO RELOCATE IN THE AREA? VIEW A LIST OF CURRENT HOMES FOR SALE BELOW.
Metro Detroit Homes for Sale

Sort by:

$1,895,000
↓ $100,000
3250 Oak Hollow Drive, Scio township
4 Beds 6 Baths 7,170 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025038596

New

$1,890,000

67770 Overlook Trail Dr, Washington township
5 Beds 5 Baths 4,586 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050191381

$1,885,500

2605 Fairway, Oakland charter township
3 Beds 4 Baths 3,809 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240033732

$1,884,900

4995 Saddleridge Trl, Ann Arbor city
4 Beds 4 Baths 5,714 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250002165

$1,850,000
↓ $150,000
636 S Ashley Street, Ann Arbor city
4 Beds 5 Baths 3,131 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025025774

$1,849,900

1840 Sadie Shore Drive, Commerce charter township
5 Beds 5 Baths 4,762 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025049794

$1,800,000
↓ $100,000
1270 John R Rd, Rochester Hills city
6 Beds 4 Baths 5,333 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250018690

$1,799,000
↓ $200,999
13459 Haddon St, Fenton charter township
4 Beds 5 Baths 3,196 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250030003

New

$1,795,000

2891 Gale Road, Superior charter township
5 Beds 6 Baths 5,378 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025052519

$1,795,000
↓ $80,000
521 W Deeplands Ln, Village of Grosse Pointe Shores city
4 Beds 4 Baths 4,414 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050160392

$1,749,000
↓ $246,000
530 N Division Street Unit: Unit B, Ann Arbor city
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,474 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025037366

$1,719,900

70910 Renata Crt, Bruce township
4 Beds 4 Baths 4,428 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250034703

$1,699,000

2086 Autumn Hill Drive, Scio township
4 Beds 6 Baths 8,147 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025041255

$1,695,000
↓ $204,000
355 Lincoln Rd, Grosse Pointe city
6 Beds 8 Baths 8,733 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050144007

$1,689,000

5700 Seven Mile Rd, Salem township
4 Beds 5 Baths 3,250 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20230103631

$1,670,000

54 Belle Meade St, Village of Grosse Pointe Shores city
5 Beds 5 Baths 5,809 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050190429

$1,650,000
↓ $150,000
7255 E Baldwin Rd, Atlas township
6 Beds 5 Baths 7,074 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250013907

$1,645,000

1584 Vista Dr, Oakland charter township
3 Beds 4 Baths 3,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050182278

$1,600,000
↓ $100,000
404 W Liberty Street, Ann Arbor city
2 Beds 1 Bath 5,318 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025037513

$1,600,000
↓ $150,000
202 Orchard Hills Drive, Ann Arbor city
5 Beds 5 Baths 3,542 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025024093

$1,600,000

4990 Saddleridge Trl, Ann Arbor city
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,610 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250002168

$1,600,000

5300 Belford Road, Holly township
4 Beds 1 Bath 2,624 SqFt Residential MLS® # 72024010741

New

$1,599,000

3367 Lone Pine Road, West Bloomfield charter township
6 Beds 8 Baths 6,162 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025052160

$1,599,000
↓ $101,000
632 S Ashley Street, Ann Arbor city
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,538 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025025773

$1,599,000
↓ $101,000
48556 Harbor Dr, Chesterfield township
4 Beds 4 Baths 4,218 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250035932

$1,598,000
↓ $100,000
19127 Maybury Meadow Court, Northville township
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,800 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81024059031

$1,575,000

1132 Longshore Drive Unit: Unit #2, Ann Arbor city
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,412 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025050136

$1,565,999
↓ $84,000
334 University Pl, Grosse Pointe city
6 Beds 6 Baths 8,076 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050183900

$1,550,000

5557 Cobble Lane, Webster township
6 Beds 6 Baths 6,778 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025051069

$1,550,000

2521 N Vermont Avenue, Royal Oak city
5 Beds 5 Baths 4,947 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025038657

$1,550,000
↓ $100,000
8252 Sandi Ln, Bruce township
3 Beds 4 Baths 4,933 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050176785

$1,549,900

70903 Renata Crt, Bruce township
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,610 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250034723

$1,549,000
↓ $50,900
26918 Koerber St, St. Clair Shores city
4 Beds 5 Baths 5,200 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050171855

New

$1,500,000

59 Fordcroft St, Village of Grosse Pointe Shores city
4 Beds 4 Baths 8,463 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050191003

$1,500,000

1923 N Vermont St, Royal Oak city
5 Beds 6 Baths 7,378 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050189652

$1,500,000

37330 Lakeshore Dr, Harrison charter township
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,991 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050173316

$1,500,000
↓ $150,000
607 Fairbrook St, Northville city
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,308 SqFt Residential MLS® # 219078024

$1,500,000

5845 Beech Daly Rd, Taylor city
2 Beds 1 Bath 928 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240067977

$1,500,000

22440 23 Mile Rd, Macomb township
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,102 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240065412

$1,499,900

9098 Dexter Pinckney Road, Dexter township
5 Beds 4 Baths 2,625 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025048637

$1,499,000
↓ $90,000
2969 Heather Way, Ann Arbor city
4 Beds 3 Baths 3,477 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025046505

$1,499,000

2734 E Wattles Rd, Troy city
3 Beds 2 Baths 2,300 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050187369

$1,499,000
↓ $50,000
70501 Renata Crt, Bruce township
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,125 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250016520

$1,499,000

64164 W 8 Mile Rd, Green Oak township
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,032 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240075767

$1,495,000
↑ $100,000
1136 Longshore Drive Unit: Unit #1, Ann Arbor city
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,412 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025036397

$1,495,000

19790 Westchester Dr, Clinton charter township
5 Beds 6 Baths 5,006 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050179594

$1,495,000
↓ $255,000
16600-16620 Greenfield Rd, Detroit city
92 Beds 80 Baths 45,852 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 58050175782

$1,475,000

2925 Exmoor Road, Ann Arbor city
5 Beds 6 Baths 6,927 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025050577

The Perna Team and Michael Perna are the best real estate agents in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor. The Perna Team and Michael Perna have been hired as a real estate agent by hundreds of home owners to sell their homes in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor.

The Perna Team were great to work with, and we’d absolutely recommend them to anyone buying a home in Metro Detroit. I even asked for a few of her business cards in case I run into someone who needs a realtor. Thanks again for everything!

Posted by Michael Perna on July 9th, 2025