Free South Haven Party Celebrates Best Beach in Michigan Win

South Beach Takes Top Honors in National Vote

As someone who grew up walking the South Pier out to the iconic red lighthouse and frolicking with my brothers in Lake Michigan, I think it's so awesome that South Haven's South Beach has been crowned the Best Beach in Michigan in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.

👇BELOW: SEE THE REST OF MICHIGAN'S TOP TEN BEACHES IN 2026👇

I always love playing in the pirate boat splash pad with my nieces, and I swear I have at least 300 South Beach sunset photos saved on my phone right now.

This shore is practically built into my DNA, so seeing our local treasure recognized on a national stage makes me super proud.

And now it's time to celebrate!

Free Hot Dogs, Games, and Family Fun at South Beach

Visit South Haven is hosting a huge "Best Beach Day" community party to honor the big win.

On Friday, September 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., everyone is invited down to South Beach for a free gathering packed with classic beach fun. They will be handing out free hot dogs and beach balls while supplies last, running a community tug-of-war, and gathering everyone together for a giant group photo right at 5:15 p.m.

Dunk a Local Leader for Beach Safety

Plus, there's the "Dunk a Local" auction. Familiar faces from around town are volunteering to sit in the dunk tank, starting with City Councilwoman Mary Hosley.

Bidding runs online from September 4 through September 9, giving highest bidders the ultimate bragging rights to send local leaders splashing into the water. Even better, all auction proceeds will directly support local beach safety initiatives, keeping our favorite shoreline protected for generations to come.

Mark your calendars, grab your family, and let us meet down by the water to celebrate the best beach in Michigan!

Michigan’s Best Beaches for 2026: Discover the Top 10

Eighteen beaches across the state were nominated for the title of “Best Michigan Beach”in the 2026 USA Today 10Best readers’ poll, but only 10 could make the final list.

From iconic Lake Michigan shorelines to hidden gems along Lake Superior and inland lakes, these stunning Michigan destinations were selected by a panel of travel experts before being put to a public vote. Check out the Top 10 Michigan beaches for 2026, plus the contenders that fell just short of the list.

Gallery Credit: Janna

7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in West Michigan

A day at the beach isn't the same without man's best friend. You and your pup are allowed to go to these beaches together. Information comes from the State of Michigan and Bring Fido.

Note: All these parks require a recreation passport.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

LOOK: Lake Michigan Beach Named One of the Best 'Secret' Beaches in U.S.

Northern Michigan's South Manitou Island has been named among the best 20 "secret" beaches in the U.S. by Southern Living Magazine.

Within Sleeping Bear Dune's National Lakeshore, South and North Manitou Island are part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac.

According to the National Park Service, "The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of beaches, and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years."

Gallery Credit: Janna