Summer in Wisconsin seems to be one of the most cherished and plan-packed seasons of the year. Sometimes, there's just not enough of it. To take advantage of the sunny weather we get during summer in Wisconsin, we came up with a list of nine beach destinations to put on your summer travel itinerary.
(For even more on Wisconsin beaches, visit DiscoverWisconsin.com to watch an episode I produced called "We're Thinking Beaches.")
SIMMONS ISLAND BEACH | Kenosha
Kenosha is a beach-goer's paradise. Kenosha has eight miles of beach shoreline, seven of which are accessible to the public. To say that Kenosha offers great beach access is an understatement. You can find downtown shops and restaurants conveniently located within walking distance to Kenosha's beaches. It's best to put all of Kenosha's beaches on your travel itinerary including Southport, Eichelman, Alford, Pennoyer and their most popular, Simmons Island.
NORTH BEACH | Racine
Every year Racine plays host to the Ironman 70.3 Racine Triathlon, and it all starts and ends on North Beach. The total race is 70.3 miles long. Racers swim 1.2 miles in Lake Michigan along the beach, bike 56 miles through Racine County and run 13.1 miles along the shoreline. This world-class event attracts racers and spectators from all over the globe.
BRADFORD BEACH | Milwaukee
Bradford Beach just might be Wisconsin's most popular beach for swimming and lounging around. It's a unique oasis in the heart of Milwaukee. The Air and Water Show at the beach is a must-see. And don't be surprised to see a volleyball tournament going on during the summer too.
NORTH BEACH | Sheboygan
Stand-up paddleboarding is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the activities that go on here at the beaches in Sheboygan. Did you know that people actually go surfing here? Yes, right here in the Midwest, on Lake Michigan, you can give surfing a try. This is what gives Sheboygan the moniker of "The Malibu of the Midwest." Oh, and there's also sailing, kite boarding and swimming.
CRESCENT BEACH | Algoma
Situated on Lake Michigan's shoreline, Algoma's Crescent Beach makes for a perfect destination to bring family and friends. Crescent Beach has the right amount of space for any activity. Plus, the beach is close to Algoma's downtown area, which will get you access to unique shops and boutiques as well as an award-winning winery.
EGG HARBOR BEACH | Egg Harbor
Egg Harbor Beach provides the convenience of an on-beach concession area that offers snacks, along with stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals. The great thing about the Egg Harbor Beach is you can walk downtown to the grocery store and to some of the best restaurants in Door County. And you don't ever have to set foot on a paved surface. There are little trails that will connect you with wherever you want to go.
BIG BAY TOWN PARK BEACH | LaPointe
Getting to Madeline Island by ferry is part of the experience. Once on the island, in the town of LaPointe, a short drive to Big Bay Town Park Beach may just be what you're looking for. This beach is two miles long of sandy shores. You can visit the beach and enjoy the water as well as the beach activities which include: kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. It's not uncommon to see a wedding taking place right on the beach.
JULIAN BAY BEACH | Stockton Island, Apostle Islands
Wisconsin is fortunate to boast a lot of pristine, clean, sandy beaches. The beach at Julian Bay is no exception. It is renowned for its beauty, its remoteness and the pristine, clean quality. The singing sands of Julian Bay make their home on Stockton Island too - that alone is worth a visit.
WISCONSIN POINT BEACH | Superior
Wisconsin Point is home to part of the longest freshwater spit in the world including about four miles of beach access. At the western end of the beach, a historic lighthouse continues to function as a safety measure for boats and ships entering and exiting the Port of Entry to Superior (a must-stop for photographers). The beach is nature at its finest and kept pristine by the lack of development.
- AJ Marz is a producer and cinematographer for Discover Wisconsin.
(For even more on Wisconsin beaches, visit DiscoverWisconsin.com to watch an episode I produced called "We're Thinking Beaches.")
SIMMONS ISLAND BEACH | Kenosha
Kenosha is a beach-goer's paradise. Kenosha has eight miles of beach shoreline, seven of which are accessible to the public. To say that Kenosha offers great beach access is an understatement. You can find downtown shops and restaurants conveniently located within walking distance to Kenosha's beaches. It's best to put all of Kenosha's beaches on your travel itinerary including Southport, Eichelman, Alford, Pennoyer and their most popular, Simmons Island.
NORTH BEACH | Racine
Every year Racine plays host to the Ironman 70.3 Racine Triathlon, and it all starts and ends on North Beach. The total race is 70.3 miles long. Racers swim 1.2 miles in Lake Michigan along the beach, bike 56 miles through Racine County and run 13.1 miles along the shoreline. This world-class event attracts racers and spectators from all over the globe.
BRADFORD BEACH | Milwaukee
Bradford Beach just might be Wisconsin's most popular beach for swimming and lounging around. It's a unique oasis in the heart of Milwaukee. The Air and Water Show at the beach is a must-see. And don't be surprised to see a volleyball tournament going on during the summer too.
NORTH BEACH | Sheboygan
Stand-up paddleboarding is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the activities that go on here at the beaches in Sheboygan. Did you know that people actually go surfing here? Yes, right here in the Midwest, on Lake Michigan, you can give surfing a try. This is what gives Sheboygan the moniker of "The Malibu of the Midwest." Oh, and there's also sailing, kite boarding and swimming.
CRESCENT BEACH | Algoma
Situated on Lake Michigan's shoreline, Algoma's Crescent Beach makes for a perfect destination to bring family and friends. Crescent Beach has the right amount of space for any activity. Plus, the beach is close to Algoma's downtown area, which will get you access to unique shops and boutiques as well as an award-winning winery.
EGG HARBOR BEACH | Egg Harbor
Egg Harbor Beach provides the convenience of an on-beach concession area that offers snacks, along with stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals. The great thing about the Egg Harbor Beach is you can walk downtown to the grocery store and to some of the best restaurants in Door County. And you don't ever have to set foot on a paved surface. There are little trails that will connect you with wherever you want to go.
BIG BAY TOWN PARK BEACH | LaPointe
Getting to Madeline Island by ferry is part of the experience. Once on the island, in the town of LaPointe, a short drive to Big Bay Town Park Beach may just be what you're looking for. This beach is two miles long of sandy shores. You can visit the beach and enjoy the water as well as the beach activities which include: kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. It's not uncommon to see a wedding taking place right on the beach.
JULIAN BAY BEACH | Stockton Island, Apostle Islands
Wisconsin is fortunate to boast a lot of pristine, clean, sandy beaches. The beach at Julian Bay is no exception. It is renowned for its beauty, its remoteness and the pristine, clean quality. The singing sands of Julian Bay make their home on Stockton Island too - that alone is worth a visit.
WISCONSIN POINT BEACH | Superior
Wisconsin Point is home to part of the longest freshwater spit in the world including about four miles of beach access. At the western end of the beach, a historic lighthouse continues to function as a safety measure for boats and ships entering and exiting the Port of Entry to Superior (a must-stop for photographers). The beach is nature at its finest and kept pristine by the lack of development.
- AJ Marz is a producer and cinematographer for Discover Wisconsin.