Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance Review

Love Michigan's Ultimate Treasure: West Shore. Dogs not allowed on beach per se, but are allowed on trails...and if you wander to the water so be it. Dunes to climb, trails to hike, plan on hoofing it for at least 15 min before you reach the shore - pack light. Or good for walks with friends or by one's self or with a canine companion. 30 min from GR. My favorite state park in Michigan.

Great beach, could use more parking and better trail markings.

One of the best beaches around! Bit of a hike but it's totally worth it!

Great hike in the forest growing on the dunes, ending at the magnificent shore of Lake Michigan. Great swimming

Trails are fun to walk through , and they take you to the beach.

Wonderful hiking, dunes, bald Eagles, beaches...fantastic all seasons, even winter!

Fun hike in the woods that lead to the sand dunes. There s a trail that will take you right down to the lake. It s fairly flat and improved surface so most people can take advantage of this access to see the lake and dunes. I chose the trails through the woods and adventures on some of the non-marked trails that are in the network. These lead to the tops of the dunes where you can get a great view of the lake and dune ecosystem from above. Then there s a trail that will lead you down the sand dunes out through the grassy area right to the water. Be sure to wear proper footwear for this hike as you have dirt, sand, mud, water and more to work through

This was a pretty nice hike. Not at all difficult, it was the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. We saw many children out with their parents, some as young as 2! We hiked the South trail out to the beach and then walked the beach up to the Livingston trail, for a 4-mile route. The forest was very pretty and the trail very well marked for easy navigation.

Before the hike, we grabbed a sandwich from Farmhouse for a beach picnic. Highly recommend!

After our 4-miler, we set off on the North trail to the beach, where we relaxed for a few hours before returning along the North trail to grab a refreshment from Saugatuck Brewing!

This is the perfect way to spend a late summer/early fall day in the area!!

Not to long of a hike, still has a decent amount of beach left. Fair amount of parking.

The trail to the beach was kind of long and had lots of hills but it was peaceful and beautiful. I would not recommend this beach as a place for families with small children if your children can t walk the trail or dunes on their own, especially if you re carting a bunch of beach things (chairs, towels, toys, etc). By the time we got to the lake, there weren t many flat areas to set up and in some areas, the drop down to the beach is steep. I was nervous my preschooler might fall going down or have a tough time getting back up. Overall, I can see the positives of the place but I wouldn t go back with my young kids.

A little bit challenging with small children but worth it!

Great hiking and well marked trails. Each one has some variety and great views. The north trail leads you to an overlook from the top of a dune.

Loved it, cant wait to see the water next time, the disc golf course was excellent

Fabulous hike this evening. Miles upon miles of trails. So lovely the climb.

Very nice 1.25 mile walk through woods to beach. Gentle hills; options for more or less step trails. Three other 1 to 2 mile trails to beach overlooks.

Taking the trail through the woods down the sand to the beach is spectacular.

Great place to do a little hike or a bigger hike. Many trails to choose from, to get to Lake Michigan.

It was an amazing hike to a spectacular view of the lake

Long walk for my 6 year old neice who thinks shes 60 but getting over there was worrh it. Its a beautiful walk all the way through and there even a disc golf course way in the beginning of our walk. When get down to the dunes its a beautiful place to just sit and relax and watch the water while the little splashed around!

Great winter hiking to the beach. Did you say you like a white sand beach? We got'em.

What a great beach! About a mile hike to get to any of the 4 access points.

1000 acres of untouched Michigan forest on Lake Michigan.

It's probably about a mile walk there, and the beach is pretty short, but it's super nice and relaxing!!

Whether the lake is high or low, this is the place to go. There s an easy walk to the beach, but the hike to the north beach is especially beautiful. If you embark, you walk through deciduous trees, wetlands, dunes, and pine forests before you finally get to the lake. It takes my breath away every time; I can t help but swim. This park is best visited on any day other than Saturday when the fancy pants boaters come with their swag, so if you want a quiet spot, go early on the weekend. Otherwise, it s one of my favorites.

Short hike to the beach, north loop only takes 30-40 mins and is beautiful. The trail is sandy I would recommend stable footwear instead of flip flops or sandals.

Omgoi I love swimming, not the classes but I love it there so green

One of my favorite beaches in Michigan. The hikes to the beach are lovely, since the walk out is a little longer the beach tends to be quiet.

A nice hike plus a treat by the beach. Had a wonderful time trekking thru the dunes. Even had a chance to see a deer!

Loved it the site was super once you walked to it. But the closer you got the deeper the sand was

Pretty nice! Could use a little tlc on the beach. Please leave no trace (trash) behind folks!

Too long of walk on a sany Rocky trail, not easy for disabled or babies and toddlers, its not made for wheelchair or stroller accessible

Incredible views during the hike from parking lot to beach(wear decent shoes, it was approximately a mile) but clean and gorgeous

Great place and not packed full of people like Holland parks

Amazing! It was like being on the East Coast only closer to home. Glad I found and plan on returning.

Great hiking! Unfortunately it was bitter cold and stepping out of the trees was like standing in a wind tunnel. But from what I could see through my squinted, watery eyes, it was quite the view!

One of my favorite spots for hiking, all year round. Beautiful and peaceful!

Unfortunately without everyone pitching in, theres a lot of trash and obstacles on this beach. If you're reading this, do a good deed and pick something up on your way out!

Love this course....kind of windy being that it's so close to the lakeshore

Such a beautiful area. My family spends quite a bit of time here in the summer. Less crowded than beaches in Holland. Worth the hike through the woods to the beach.

One of those wonders of the world! Just to think you're at the 6th largest lake in the world!

An absolutely beautiful beach on Lake Michigan! However, something important to note, the parking lot at the park is about a 20+ minute walk to the beach. You will park & walk through the woods (up & down hill on sometimes slipper terrain) before you get to the beach (I would not do this at night or alone). Then, when you finally do arrive you will be at the top of the dunes. This is not bad just something to note. You do not just pull up to the beach and get out. The beach, the dunes and the water are all simply gorgeous. The water looks like a Bob Ross painting! Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful if you are unfamiliar with direction. Lots of people enjoying picnic lunches or sunbathing (on the beach and on the top of the dunes). Plenty of parking!! Overall a must see if you are only visiting Michigan!

I will always come here again and again to hike to the beach. Going through the woods, turning from soil to sand by the end. It really is a spectacular way to experience South West Michigan. You feel like you truly get it all here. Beach, woods, disc golf and fun stories from locals about the "spooky" things that have supposedly gone on in that area. AKA Melonheads... Anyway! There is nothing to be disappointed by here!

Huge park, with Awesome views and Great basket placement. For all skill levels. 5 's for sure! Has a Mansion next to the first tee pad..

Amazing little hike to the beach. Easy to get around, perfect to have an outing with the family (there are few hills, wouldn t recommend for people that have walking difficulties).

The beach is absolutely beautiful and untouched, very natural and peaceful. We went off season, so we were pretty much the only people there.

This is a must go if you are in Saugatuck.

An overcast, cool beautiful fall day to walk through the park, the colors are stunning!

Pleasant experience (LIVINGSTON TRAIL)
Uploaded a video of an insect having fun in the water.

Great shorter trails, well marked, interesting, beach access, woods, several dune climbs if you want them.

Perfect for family trips. Dont forget to bring a packed lunch.

Such a beautiful state park! I went on a Friday afternoon and it wasn t very busy. There is a lot of parking and a lot of different areas you can swim, so if it was busier I don t think it would feel too crowded.

It s dog friendly; dogs just must be on-leash. It s about a 0.6 mile hike to the beach if you go to the closest beach area. It s not too steep of a trail but it s sandy towards the beach.

One of my favorite west Michigan beaches. A bit of a walk so don't bring there kitchen sink but even on major holidays you'll have space between you and your neighbor. Nice trail to the beach but the sand down to the beach in the dinner is screaming hot especially in the afternoon.

I love this place. Awesome place to hike, see nature, eat lunch and relax in nature. I have been going here since high school to walk / hike. TONS of trails. A great view of the lake from many points and u can stop at the beach. Bring your walking / hiking shoes there isnt beach access close. You have to walk. Bathrooms are there along with tables under a over hang.

One of my favorite places in the world! Easy hike to a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan!!!

The park really represents Michigan's rustic beauty. I love the forest trail to the beach. Definitely pack light when going here, it's a decent walk. Nice sandy beaches with dunes to climb. Love it!

I love it here. Super clean beaches. I enjoy going off the beaten path. One of my favorite places to hike!

Love this Spot. Daughter loves the clean water and dunes, Hammocks, dog, JD breeze, views!! GODs handiwork is Amazingly beautiful!
OoooRaaaH

Beautiful, clean, and a great place to wander and get "lost" just a little bit.

This is a must visit while in town!! So beautiful here and relaxing. You could spend all day here and enjoy all it has to offer! Great views ! Highly recommend stopping and enjoying some time here. Will definitely be back!

There are lots of people but lots of trails and everything was clean. Loved walking the beach trail and putting my feet in the water. The trails could be better marked.

Nice quiet beach that seems private even though it's public.

Vary nasty experience with staff and clean establishment.

Found this place on accident and ended up being the best part of our day.. Loved hiking the sand dunes through the woods and ending up at the lake

I've been going here for over 15 years to walk, hike, run, and take in the landscapes. It's the best place in the area to do all of those, and it's free! Not to mention having a disc golf course, a mountain biking trail, and the felt mansion. Go here for a great time whatever the season!

Great walking trails with beautiful views of Lake Michigan!