
New Buffalo Beach
Pristine Lake Michigan beach with family-friendly amenities and a charming downtown, perfect for day trips and relaxation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

New Buffalo Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine Lake Michigan beach with family-friendly amenities and a charming downtown, perfect for day trips and relaxation.
"This beach had great amenities right when you get to the beach access. Bathrooms, food options, and foot/body showers are all right there."

🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking lot fills fast! Arrive early or be ready for a walk. Options: $10.50/3 hrs or $20/day.
🏖️ Beach Amenities Galore
Restrooms, concessions, and showers make for a comfy beach day. Great for families!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New Buffalo Beach & Lakefront Park
Lakeshore Drive
Pristine sands, family-friendly playground, and convenient amenities make this a top spot for sun and fun.

Dune Overlook & Boardwalk
Adjacent to the beach
Enjoy stunning Lake Michigan views and a peaceful stroll along the boardwalk, even if you're not hitting the sand.

Downtown New Buffalo Exploration
Walking distance from the beach
Discover charming shops, diverse restaurants, and local eateries after a day of sun and surf.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at New Buffalo Beach
Essential Amenities & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking lot fills fast! Arrive early or be ready for a walk. Options: $10.50/3 hrs or $20/day.
🏖️ Beach Amenities Galore
Restrooms, concessions, and showers make for a comfy beach day. Great for families!
🚶♀️ Walkable Town Access
Beach is steps from downtown shops & restaurants. Perfect for a day trip combo!
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan. A must-do!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking lot fills fast! Arrive early or be ready for a walk. Options: $10.50/3 hrs or $20/day.
🏖️ Beach Amenities Galore
Restrooms, concessions, and showers make for a comfy beach day. Great for families!
🚶♀️ Walkable Town Access
Beach is steps from downtown shops & restaurants. Perfect for a day trip combo!
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan. A must-do!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Excellent playground and shallow water make it ideal for kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise New Buffalo Beach for its clean sands, convenient amenities like restrooms and showers, and family-friendly atmosphere with a great playground. The proximity to downtown shops and restaurants is a major plus, and many enjoy the beautiful sunset views. Some find parking can be challenging and expensive during peak times.
"This beach had great amenities right when you get to the beach access. Bathrooms, food options, and foot/body showers are all right there. While the beach itself was quite busy, it was large enough that people could spread out. The dunes and dune overlook was also a nice addition to check out. Its walking distance to most shops and restaurants downtown as well which was nice."
Abbey Metzger
"First time here visiting new buffalo Michigan for a day trip. The beach is very nice pretty clean and there was a lot of space. Parking can be a little difficult but not too bad. We really liked walking around the town and visiting the shops and restaurants. Would recommend and will be back."
Rachel Arias - Tripp III
"Beautiful! This beach has so much area to walk, a very nice playground, and wonderful views. It was a beautiful place to watch the waves. We attempted to fish, but didn’t catch anything. Still enjoyed every minute!"
Rachel T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
New Buffalo Beach is located in New Buffalo, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car via I-94. The beach is situated on Lake Michigan and is a popular destination for day trips from Chicago and other nearby cities.
While there isn't direct public transportation to the beach itself, you can take Amtrak to the New Buffalo station and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare to reach the beach, which is a short distance away.
Many visitors opt for a road trip, especially from Chicago, as it offers flexibility. The drive is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, several other public access beaches are nearby, including Townline Beach and McKinley St Beach, offering different vibes and parking options.
From Chicago, take I-94 East to Exit 1 for US-12 East towards New Buffalo. Turn right onto Whittaker Street, then left onto Lake Shore Drive, where you'll find the beach access and parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, New Buffalo Beach has a paid parking lot. Fees can vary, with options like $10.50 for 3 hours or $20 for the whole day.
The beach is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for amenities like restrooms and concessions may vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check local listings for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the parking lot. There isn't usually an option to buy them in advance. Arriving early is recommended to ensure you can park.
While the beach itself is accessible year-round for walks and enjoying the scenery, amenities like restrooms and concessions are seasonal and typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Parking fees are charged per vehicle. Expect to pay around $10.50 for a 3-hour stay or $20 for a full day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find restrooms, concession stands, outdoor showers for rinsing, and a great playground for children. There's also a walkway for easier access to the lakefront.
Absolutely! The beach has a fantastic playground and the water is often shallow, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for families.
While some visitors attempt to fish, it's not typically known as a prime fishing spot. The clear waters are more suited for swimming and wading.
Yes, the beach is within walking distance of downtown New Buffalo, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, including popular spots like The Stray Dog and David's Deli.
The water in Lake Michigan here is known for being clear and can be quite shallow for a good distance, allowing you to walk out quite far.
📸 📸 Photography
The dune overlook offers panoramic views of the lake, perfect for sunset shots. The beach itself, with its clear water and sandy shores, provides beautiful natural backdrops.
Golden hour, both in the early morning and late afternoon leading up to sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for your photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary and are subject to local ordinances. It's best to check with the New Buffalo Parks Department or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
It's ideal for landscape photography, family portraits, engagement shoots, and capturing the essence of a classic beach town.
Yes, from certain vantage points on the beach or boardwalk, you can capture scenic views that include the shoreline and the charming town in the distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing beach toys and sandcastle-building tools to maximize the fun. The paved walkway also makes it easier to navigate with strollers or wagons carrying beach gear. Many families find it to be a stress-free and enjoyable outing.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Chicago
🚶♀️ Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring New Buffalo's Lakeside Charm
The dunes and dune overlook provide a scenic vantage point, offering breathtaking views of the expansive lake, especially during sunset. This area is not only beautiful but also offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a moment of tranquility. Whether you're looking for active fun or a relaxing escape, New Buffalo Beach delivers a memorable lakeside experience, drawing visitors back year after year.
For those planning a visit, understanding the parking situation is key. The paid parking lot can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Visitors have noted fees around $10.50 for 3 hours or $20 for the entire day, so arriving early is highly recommended. Despite the crowds, the beach's size allows for ample space to spread out, and the clear, shallow waters of Lake Michigan are a major draw for swimmers and waders alike.
A Day Trip Itinerary for New Buffalo
After soaking up the sun, head into the charming downtown area for some retail therapy. Shops like Lakeside Goods MI offer unique finds. For lunch, consider Post Boy NB for a casual bite or explore other local eateries. Don't forget to indulge in some local ice cream, perhaps a PB Brownie from Nancy's at the Lake. The proximity of the beach to the town makes it easy to transition from a day of beach activities to exploring the local shops and restaurants without needing to drive.
Many visitors find New Buffalo to be a refreshing escape, with its picturesque setting and welcoming atmosphere. The town's culinary scene is a significant draw, with spots like The Stray Dog offering good food and a fun atmosphere, complete with rooftop seating for scenic views. This combination of natural beauty and local charm makes New Buffalo a highly recommended destination for a quick getaway.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit