So you’ve decided to wander away from the beaches along Lake Michigan to explore the South Shore’s beach communities. This short list of our picks of things to do and where to eat when you leave the beach should get you started!

Please note, we advise to check ahead on social media or by calling to check hours of operation for each location. 

Whiting, Hammond and East Chicago

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Downtown Whiting, Indiana street scene with historic brick buildings, parked cars along both sides, traffic lights overhead, and a decorative arch spanning the road in the distance.

Hammond Lakefront, Whihala Beach and Jeorse Park and Beach


Eat icon blue square EAT – Stop in at Keith’s Bar and Grill for outstanding steaks and seafood in downtown Whiting. For something more casual we invite you to try Burrito Stop for tacos, burritos, bowls and more. About a 10-minute drive from Hammond Lakefront is Johnel's Restaurant, a diner featuring a tasty variety of food. For more restaurants in Hammond, click here.

Drink icon dark blue squareDRINK - For the 21 and over crew, stop into 18th Street Brewpub in Hammond, which was named by USA Today as 2019’s Best Brewpub in the country! You’ll be sure to find something you like at this award-winning establishment. There's also Byway Brewing a little farther south.

Shop icon dark blue squareSHOP – Stroll 119th Street in Whiting for shopping – but be sure to stop into Mind Benders puzzles and games to find an at-home activity or puzzle to enjoy.

Explore Icon blueEXPLORE – The Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary is sandwiched between Horseshoe Casino, railroads and industry, but when you get to the Sanctuary, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped civilization. For more things to do in Hammond, click here. 

Stay icon dark bluSTAY - Extend your stay in the South Shore. You can relax (and test your luck) at Ameristar Casino Hotel in East Chicago or choose another hotel property in the region.

Miller Beach

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Wooden boardwalk winding through the sand dunes at West Beach in Indiana Dunes, surrounded by grassy dunes and dense forest, with Lake Michigan visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Lake Street Beach, Marquette Park, Wells Street and West Beach
 

Eat icon blue squareEAT – Just a short drive from Lake Street Beach, you can grab a pizza from the local gem, Miller Beach Pizza Company.  Flamingo’s also has other options like lake perch, burgers, subs and salads so there is something for everyone.

Drink icon dark blue squareDRINK – If you are 21+, head to 18th Street Brewery’s second location in the Miller neighborhood and try popular brews like Candi Crushable and Here Comes the Reaper.  If you're looking for non-alcoholic smoothie drinks, Vibrations Health, Wellness and Juice Bar is the place to go.

Shop icon dark blue squareSHOP – On Lake Street, find handmade pieces from art and jewelry to household decor at Lake Street Gallery, discover eclectic gifts and local items from Indie Indie Bang Bang or shop an eclectic mix of merchants on three floors at Miller School Shops and Spaces.

Explore Icon blueEXPLORE – In addition to the multiple beachfronts in the area, you can also explore the many biking and hiking trails. We suggest heading to the West Beach trails to get great views of Lake Michigan from the top of the dunes. During baseball season, catch a Gary South Shore Railcat’s game with the family and say hi to Rusty the Railcat! 

Stay icon dark bluSTAY – Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a week, check out Miller Beach Vacation Rentals. These rentals can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 42 guests and are all stunningly renovated. You are also close to the beaches, trails, and shopping in these rentals.

Portage

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Indoor pool area at Country Inn and Suites Portage featuring a shallow children’s pool with a yellow frog slide, lounge chairs, tables, and large windows letting in natural light.

Portage Lakefront
 

Eat icon blue squareEAT – A local favorite for pizza is Gelsosomo's. They have a number of locations, but the pizzeria in Portage is the original spot! Big Time Burgers and Brews serves half-pound burgers loaded with toppings like caramelized onions, white truffle aioli, sweet and spicy pepper relish or a classic American cheese slice. Find more Portage restaurants here.

Drink icon dark blue squareDRINK – If you’ve never had a bubble tea, a Taiwanese tea-based drink, you’ll want to pop into Teatery where they offer Bubble Milk Teas, fresh fruit teas and coffee. If you’re feeling hungry, treat yourself to a bubble waffle topped with Nutella, chocolate or a candy pieces.

Shop icon dark blue squareSHOP – Find all your outdoor equipment at Bass Pro Shops. From boating and fishing to hunting and camping you’ll find what you need under one roof, just a short drive from the beach. 

Explore Icon blueEXPLORE – Founder’s Square Park hosts a number of special events including live concerts under the amphitheater, a splash pad in the summer for kids and the accessible Hannah’s Hope playground for kids and adults of all ages and abilities.

Stay icon dark bluSTAY – Rest your head at the Country Inn and Suites, an extended stay property or a number of other hotels in Portage.  

Porter, Beverly Shores and Chesterton

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Charcuterie board with wine glasses and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon in Porter, Beverly Shores, and Chesterton, featuring assorted cheeses, crackers, grapes, honey, and pickled vegetables on a white platter.

Porter Access Beach, Indiana Dunes State Park, Kemil Beach, Dunbar Beach and Lake View Beach
 

Eat icon blue squareEAT – During the summer, the Dunes Pavilion at the Indiana Dunes State Park has a beach cafe or rooftop dining for higher-end food and great views. Octave Grill is also a popular choice serving burgers, sandwiches, lake perch and more. 

Drink icon dark blue squareDRINK – Wine lovers will want to stop in at Running Vines Winery for sips of award-winning wines. They also have light bites and fun events 

Shop icon dark blue squareSHOP – Visit the shops in downtown Chesterton, including Tethan's Candy and Confections, check out the exhibits or find a workshop at Chesterton Art Center or play a round on Net Par's indoor golf simulators. The downtown also hosts the popular European Market every Saturday from May through October. In Beverly Shores, stop in at Over Yonder Dunes Gift Shop for a memento of your trip.

Explore Icon blueEXPLORE – You won’t have to go far from the beach to find other activities to enjoy. There are marshes, prairies, wetlands, bogs, forests and more to explore within the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. Take a hike through the miles of trails, including a historic hike at Chellberg Farm or at Cowles Bog, a 4,000-year-old wetland that covers 4.3 miles of moderate terrain.

Stay icon dark bluSTAY – Sleep under the stars at the Indiana Dunes State Park or book a stay at Moon-Shine on Coffee Creek, an 1857 farmhouse that hosts adventures like llama trekking, llama encounters or lunch with a llama! You can also stay inside the Indiana Dunes National Park at the Cypress Log Cabin - one of the historic "Century of Progress" homes originally featured in the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.

Michigan City and LaPorte 

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Outdoor dining patio at Stop Zero in Michigan City overlooking Lake Michigan at sunset, featuring colorful shade sails, tables with seated guests, and a beach and shoreline in the background.

Central Avenue Beach, Mt. Baldy and Washington Park
 

Eat icon blue squareEAT – We suggest stopping at Stop Zero in the summer for beautiful views of Lake Michigan and some amazing burgers and cocktails. As the name suggests, sunset is the perfect time to be on their rooftop bar, enjoying a meal. Year-round, you can head to Bartlett’s Fish Camp for fresh oysters and lake perch with dining inside or outside on the patio. For more Michigan City restaurants, click here.

Drink icon dark blue squareDRINK – For those 21+, enjoy a brew from Shoreline Brewery, just a five-minute drive or fifteen-minute walk from Washington Park Beach, or Zorn Brewery, a little farther out. They both have a good selection of beers and wonderful patios to enjoy the weather.

Shop icon dark blue squareSHOP – Michigan City is home to Lighthouse Premium Outlets, which has 70+ outlets from the world's leading designers and brand names.

Explore Icon blueEXPLORE – While at the beach, make sure to check out the lighthouse and pier right on the shore. It is the only public operating lighthouse in Indiana! You can also head just a few minutes away from the beach to enjoy a gallery exhibit at Lubeznik Center for the Arts or take a tour of the historic Barker Mansion. Discover more to do in Michigan City here.

Stay icon dark bluSTAY – The Brewery Lodge is a must-stay when visiting the Michigan City/LaPorte area. The warm interior features dark wood, brick, and fireplaces throughout the inside. It is also perfect for a 21+ weekend as they offer brewery tours in the area and have a delicious brunch spread with cocktails. You can also check out Beachwalk Resorts for a large group or family.

 

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