Here in the Great Lakes State, most of us are eagerly anticipating our next beachfront adventures. After all, Michigan is known for its abundance of beautiful shoreline areas and waterfront parks, whether we’re partial to Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, or Lake Superior. There’s one underrated beach that boasts stunning blue water and a peaceful vibe, and you’ll want to see for yourself, called Christmas Cove Beach.

Christmas Cove Beach, Michigan is located off E Christmas Cove Rd in Northport.

Google Maps

This small but magnificent Leelanau County gem is the perfect place to unwind when you’re seeking fresh air, soft sand, and some of Michigan’s most beautiful beach views.

Google Reviews/Rich Sutliff

When you arrive, you might just forget that you’re in the Midwest. The waters at Christmas Cove Beach are so vibrant and blue that they could be mistaken for the Caribbean.

Google Reviews/Michael Frodyma

If you’re not a fan of tourist-packed beaches or large state parks, this is the place for you. The area is typically quiet and the beach itself can be described as secluded.

Google Reviews/Dave Jachym

Take time to comb the shoreline for unique bits of beach glass. You could spend hours peacefully searching for water-smoothed rocks and maybe even a few Petoskey stones.

Google Reviews/Mike Scott

There’s a parking area just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, so you can easily make your way from the car to the water. This beach is ideal for casual, laid-back beachgoers.

Google Reviews/Rob Thompson

While the beachfront itself only extends for approximately 200 feet, its small size shouldn’t deter you: Christmas Cove’s beauty and serene atmosphere are incredible.

Google Reviews/Mila Meeks

When you’re looking for a lovely new way to embrace the beauty of Lake Michigan, head to this one-of-a-kind little beach. Its dazzling blue waters will capture your heart in no time.

Google Reviews/Lori W.

If you’re making a list of future beach destinations throughout the state, Christmas Cove Michigan undoubtedly deserves a top spot. This small but breathtaking locale will sweep you away on a peaceful and fun adventure. Are there any other beaches we should consider featuring in a future piece? Let us know by filling out our Only In Your State Attraction Nomination form here.

Google Maps

Google Reviews/Rich Sutliff

Google Reviews/Michael Frodyma

Google Reviews/Dave Jachym

Google Reviews/Mike Scott

Google Reviews/Rob Thompson

Google Reviews/Mila Meeks

Google Reviews/Lori W.

For more waterfront fun, read about this calm beach in Michigan.

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Address: E Christmas Cove Rd, Northport, MI 49670, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas Cove Beach October 29, 2022 AnneMarie What’s the most beautiful beach in Michigan? At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you’ll find beautiful beach scenery characterized by picturesque turquoise blue water views, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forests, and wild shorelines. It’s quite a unique landscape that nature lovers will be thrilled to explore. Warren Dunes State Park has three miles of shoreline and offers a rugged dune formation rising 260 feet above the lake for spectacular views. It’s excellent for hang gliding. Sleeping Bear Dunes is also worthy of a visit, having been named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by ABC’s Good Morning America and also made National Geographic’s list of Top 21 Beaches in the World. What are the best outdoor adventures in Michigan? For those who love waterfalls, a visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park to experience the state’s most famous falls is an absolute must. Isle Royale National Park at Lake Superior is a 45-mile long and 9-mile wide scenic rugged, isolated island with diverse types of adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. For those who enjoy lighthouses, you should take our Lighthouse Road Trip for a tour of Michigan’s ten historic lighthouses. The trip does involve over 18 hours of driving time, so you would want to make it a long weekend getaway, but the sights seen and memories made along the way are well worth the time and expense invested. What are the best hikes with a view in Michigan? Empire Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile round trip hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes through forest foliage, alongside wildflowers during warmer months, across sandy terrain, and by sweeping views of the shoreline. The Detroit RiverWalk is an award-winning, unique bankside pathway approximately three miles along the Detroit River, where you can enjoy public art pieces, restaurants, and even a state park with a lighthouse. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas Cove Beach

October 29, 2022

AnneMarie

What’s the most beautiful beach in Michigan? At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you’ll find beautiful beach scenery characterized by picturesque turquoise blue water views, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forests, and wild shorelines. It’s quite a unique landscape that nature lovers will be thrilled to explore. Warren Dunes State Park has three miles of shoreline and offers a rugged dune formation rising 260 feet above the lake for spectacular views. It’s excellent for hang gliding. Sleeping Bear Dunes is also worthy of a visit, having been named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by ABC’s Good Morning America and also made National Geographic’s list of Top 21 Beaches in the World. What are the best outdoor adventures in Michigan? For those who love waterfalls, a visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park to experience the state’s most famous falls is an absolute must. Isle Royale National Park at Lake Superior is a 45-mile long and 9-mile wide scenic rugged, isolated island with diverse types of adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. For those who enjoy lighthouses, you should take our Lighthouse Road Trip for a tour of Michigan’s ten historic lighthouses. The trip does involve over 18 hours of driving time, so you would want to make it a long weekend getaway, but the sights seen and memories made along the way are well worth the time and expense invested. What are the best hikes with a view in Michigan? Empire Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile round trip hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes through forest foliage, alongside wildflowers during warmer months, across sandy terrain, and by sweeping views of the shoreline. The Detroit RiverWalk is an award-winning, unique bankside pathway approximately three miles along the Detroit River, where you can enjoy public art pieces, restaurants, and even a state park with a lighthouse. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you’ll find beautiful beach scenery characterized by picturesque turquoise blue water views, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forests, and wild shorelines. It’s quite a unique landscape that nature lovers will be thrilled to explore. Warren Dunes State Park has three miles of shoreline and offers a rugged dune formation rising 260 feet above the lake for spectacular views. It’s excellent for hang gliding. Sleeping Bear Dunes is also worthy of a visit, having been named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by ABC’s Good Morning America and also made National Geographic’s list of Top 21 Beaches in the World.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Michigan?

For those who love waterfalls, a visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park to experience the state’s most famous falls is an absolute must. Isle Royale National Park at Lake Superior is a 45-mile long and 9-mile wide scenic rugged, isolated island with diverse types of adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. For those who enjoy lighthouses, you should take our Lighthouse Road Trip for a tour of Michigan’s ten historic lighthouses. The trip does involve over 18 hours of driving time, so you would want to make it a long weekend getaway, but the sights seen and memories made along the way are well worth the time and expense invested.

What are the best hikes with a view in Michigan?

Empire Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile round trip hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes through forest foliage, alongside wildflowers during warmer months, across sandy terrain, and by sweeping views of the shoreline. The Detroit RiverWalk is an award-winning, unique bankside pathway approximately three miles along the Detroit River, where you can enjoy public art pieces, restaurants, and even a state park with a lighthouse.