The dunes usually take center stage at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but now you have another reason to plan a vacation to this northern Michigan hot spot.
Tripadvisor recently ranked Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore among the Top 10 “One-of-a-Kind” beaches in the world.
The online travel platform highlights travelers’ r
eviews and top things to see and do around the globe—from exotic destinations to Michigan’s white sand beaches and protected dune landscapes.
According to the “One-of-a-Kind” beach list, the Best of the Best designation is “awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.”
Caribbean of the Midwest
With no salt, no sharks, and clear turquoise waters, Sleeping Bear’s shoreline could be described as the “Caribbean of the Midwest.” This freshwater oasis boasts several pristine beaches that are free with national park admission as well as public beaches in Sleeping Bear’s gateway communities.
Sleeping Bear has a 4.8 rating with nearly 2,000 reviews on the platform. The description on the “One of a Kind” list describes the area like this:
“There are sand dunes and then there are the Sleeping Bear Dunes, which rise 450 feet from Lake Michigan at a breathtakingly steep angle. Brave the walk down to the base to picnic and lounge along the beach—just remember you've gotta climb back up.”
This popular national park stretches for 35 miles along Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline—the sunset side. So, it’s worth stretching your beach day into the golden hour since Michigan is blessed with 10 p.m. sunsets during the summer.
What else will you find? According to the National Park Service’s Sleeping Bear statistics, “outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena...for the benefit, inspiration, education, recreation, and enjoyment of the public.”
Plenty of public access for swimming
As Michiganders know, summers are short but sweet in northern Michigan. And Sleeping Bear Dunes offers several spacious, sandy spots to relax and unwind in the sun.
The park’s beaches are a great place to sunbathe, make sand castles, play in the waves, or take a walk along the water:
- Glen Haven Beach
- Good Harbor Beach 651
- Good Harbor Beach 669
- Peterson Beach
- North Bar Beach
- Esch Beach
- Platte River Point Beach
The good news for vacationers is much of the Lake Michigan shoreline is open to swimming. Plus, there’s a plethora of smaller inland lakes and rivers great for floating, fishing, and boating. You’ll never tire of exploring Lake Michigan’s serene coast and natural beauty.
Traveler tip: There are no lifeguards on duty and rip currents can catch many people off guard. Pay attention to weather and wave conditions, red flag warnings, and keep an eye on anyone in the water.
Enjoy historical and cultural attractions
Besides the beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes also contains historical and cultural attractions:
- Roughly 100 miles of hiking trails, featuring diverse terrain from sandy dunes to forested, high-bluff overlooks.
- An 1871 lighthouse and three former U.S. Life-Saving Service or Coast Guard Stations.
- Glen Haven Beach and Historic Village where you can visit the Cannery and Boat Museum, blacksmith shop, and general store.
- Port Oneida Rural Historic Farm District and Port Oneida Heritage Center at the Olsen farmhouse.
- D.H. Day Farm and Barn.
- Nearly 370 historic structures and eight sites on National Register of Historic Places.
- The 22-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail open for walking, biking and winter recreation.
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire where you can buy your national park pass, learn about the natural and human history of the area, and pick up a souvenir.
Sleeping Bear joins exotic beaches on list
With 80 million reviews and contributions, Tripadvisor is one of the largest travel resources in the world.
Sleeping Bear’s beaches ranked right up there with exotic destinations on the One-of-a-Kind list, such as Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in South Africa, Isola Bella in Italy, Bamburgh Beach in the United Kingdom, Anakena Beach in Chile, Wai’anapanapa State Park in Hawaii, Bahia Bioluminiscente in Puerto Rico, and Hot Water Beach in New Zealand.
Other beach categories included the Top 10 Beaches in the World and the Top 10 Beaches in the United States as well as other tropical destinations around the globe. Sleeping Bear Dunes was the only Michigan location recognized on the listings.
“This ranking validates what we locals already know—Sleeping Bear Dunes is an iconic example of Pure Michigan,” said Laura Ann Johnson, executive director of Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. “This recognition reminds everyone of the beauty, nature, and history that can be found right here in Michigan.”
Take advantage of free admission days
Make the most of your time off by scheduling a trip around a holiday or one of the National Park Service’s free admission days in 2026:
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day
- July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
- August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17: Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
Whether you’re feeling the mid-winter slump or you’re an early bird vacation planner, it’s always a good time to plan your next trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes region.
The national park offers year-round activities, so you can play in the snow during the winter, watch the trees bud in the spring, or experience a Pure Michigan beach vacation—followed by leaf peeping season.
Nestled on Sleeping Bear Bay a few miles north of Glen Harbor, The Homestead Resort offers a variety of lodging and seasonal specials, plus a private beach for guests, year-round activities and restaurant and spa amenities.
You’re sure to find accommodations that fit your family size and budget. Even better — escape from city life, skip the hassle of Traverse City traffic, watch sunsets over the bay, and enjoy small town-charm in the coastal communities that welcome visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes!
Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and content writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear area. Visit her website at marlarmiller.com