With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the experts at Travel + Leisure recently came up with a list of the most romantic places in every state. Not surprisingly, a number of beach destinations were mentioned. While Michigan probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind for a romantic vacation at the beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers just that. Located at the northern tip of Lake Michigan, it spans 35 miles of shoreline, made up of lush forests, picturesque sandy beaches, and massive dunes that tower over the sparkling blue waters.
As T + L notes, Sleeping Bear Dunes is a year-round destination for enjoying the outdoors. During the warmer months, swimming and hiking are popular, while winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and sledding. Afterward, you might spend time together around the warmth of a fire under the stars, right on the beach. It’s an ideal place for gazing up at the night sky, thanks to the lack of light pollution, with the chance to stare up at the Milky Way and constellations you never knew existed. Between October and April, the Northern Lights might even dance overhead.
Best Beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes includes many beaches, with the best known for their powder sugar-like sands and clear, intense turquoise waters that have been compared to what you’d see in the tropics. Peterson Beach is ideal for seclusion, providing a more tranquil, less-crowded spot for romance-seeking couples. Good Harbor Bay Beach, just a 15-minute drive from the picturesque village of Glen Harbor, is also known for its peaceful atmosphere while offering dunes and calm water for swimming. Bohemian Road Beach, just north of Glen Arbor, is another secluded alternative popular for romantic strolls and sunset watching.
Where to Stay
Sleeping Bear Dunes offers campgrounds for those who prefer to spend their nights under the stars, with the main sites within the park at the D.H. Day Campground and the Platte River Campground. If you prefer to stay indoors, Glen Arbor is a charming village that makes a great central base with easy access to beaches, trails, and the famous Dune Climb, where you can trek to the top of a 284-foot-high sand dune for a stunning panoramic view of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. It’s an artsy place, with many venues showcasing local, regional, and nationally acclaimed artists, as well as hosting romantic B&Bs and enticing shopping and dining venues.
The small village of Empire, also close to the Dune Climb near the southern entrance to the park, is worth considering. It has a walkable downtown with friendly local spots while providing access to sandy Empire Beach and the scenic Empire Bluff Trail.
