About

Welcome to West Beach, the biggest and busiest beach in the national park. Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, this beach provides something for everyone: sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, birdwatching…

There’s also a picnic area near the parking lot, and even a designated spot for dune climbing. There are hiking trails, like the Long Lake Loop, which winds through lush forests, wetlands, and rolling sand dunes. And then, there’s the Diana of the Dunes Dare. If you dare, you can take the one-mile Dune Succession Trail, which includes a strenuous climb up two hundred and seventy steps to the top of Diana’s Dune.

Year-round restrooms and potable water are available at the parking lot. Seasonal restrooms, potable water, showers, and lockers are available at the bath house, and seasonal restrooms and potable water at the picnic area.

Lifeguards are stationed at the swimming area in front of the bathhouse in summer months. Lifegaurds are on duty 10:00 am - 6:00 pm including set up and take down of equipment.

There are 8 covered picnic shelters near the West Beach parking lot that are wheelchair accessible. Cooking fires at the picnic shelters are permitted in the provided grills or an approved carry-in grill. The parking lot is paved and has spots for 600 cars and 20 buses and RVs.