With so many amazing beaches in Northwest Indiana, it may be hard to find the perfect one to fit your needs. To help you out, some of our staff and ambassadors shared their favorite beaches in the region, as well as why they could become yours!
 

Boater's Beach

Boater's Beach: Indiana Dunes  Boater's Beach Sand Glass: Indiana Dunes

Charlotte Hernandez - South Shore Ambassador
Instagram handle: ch_87_

Boaters’ Beach is absolutely magical. Tucked away in the Indiana Dunes, it is perfect for those who adore nature and a gorgeous beach day. Accessible only by boat or via a stunning hike along the Cowles Bog trail, the journey to this hidden paradise is as breathtaking as the destination. Winding paths shaded by towering black oaks and vibrant ferns, leading you to stunning views of shimmering Lake Michigan and the iconic Chicago skyline. The beach, secluded and tranquil, is an ideal spot for treasure hunters seeking beautiful beach glass. Whether you choose to pack a picnic, take a scenic hike, or take a swim in the lake, Boaters’ Beach promises a day filled with the splendor of nature.
 

Whihala Beach, Whiting

Whihala Beach Dunes  Whihala Beach Ice Cream

Carrie Steinweg, SSCVA Ambassador
Instagram handle: chicagofoodiesisters

One of my favorite beach destinations in Northwest Indiana has always been Whihala Beach. I love that parking is so close and that you have easy access to the beach. I love parking and walking up to the opening where you have some natural grass and greenery along the stairway leading down to the beach and you can see just the sand and the water ahead. It’s stunning - a beautiful spot to stop and take a photo. Then once you make your way down the stairs, you get this unique vantage point to some of what defines the region. There’s a Chicago skyline and buildings to the west and industry to the east. In between you can stick your toes in the sand, feel the lake breeze and stare out and so many shades of blue. There’s a sense of calm and peace in the middle of two bustling and busy worlds.

I also love that when I want to get my steps in, there’s plenty of paved sidewalk in Whiting Lakefront Park. It’s also one of my favorite walking locations. It’s also a great place to sit and enjoy lunch. Love to pick up a meal at The Taco Dive, a sandwich at Grindhouse or a pizza at Beggar’s and enjoy it while hanging at the beach (or even in the car overlooking the beach when the weather isn’t great). Then as I head out of town, it’s always mandatory to get a treat at Whihala Ice Cream. It’s a perfect way to spend a spring or summer day in Northwest Indiana.
 

Whihala Beach Chicago Whihala Beach Bike

Marianne Lee, South Shore Ambassador
Instagram handle: mariannejean61

My favorite spot on Lake Michigan is Whihala Beach in Whiting. A local we met this summer told us that Whihala is a blended word for Whiting Hammond Lakefront. I love sauntering along the shoreline collecting beach glass treasures that wash ashore after northern winds blow down the lake. The rhythmic sound of the waves hitting the sand is so calming. For you cyclists, there’s a path that runs adjacent to the beach with peek a boo views of the lake. On a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline. Downtown Whiting is a short walk away and has the cutest shops.
 

Kemil Beach, Beverly Shores

Kemil Beach - South Shore Steph

Stephanie Smith, Manager of Communications and Social Media

Kemil Beach is one of my favorite beaches. It's one of the only beaches around with tons of flat rocks, making it perfect for rock skipping. I recommend wearing water shoes due to the amount of rocks, but doable if you're barefoot. This relaxing beach is near the 1933 Chicago World's Fair Century of Progress Homes, just a short walk east along Lake Front Drive. It also has close-by restrooms and rinse-off areas at the Dunbar Beach parking area and Lake View Beach. Be sure to bring your paddleboard for a fun, relaxing day in the sun.
 

Wells Street Beach, Gary

Nikki at Wells St. Beach

Nikki Lopez, Chief Operating Officer

My favorite beach is Wells St. Beach. I’ve been going to Wells Beach since the early 90s. My favorite thing is their attention to safety. They report water conditions every day and give great tips and tricks to stay safe. The parking and concession staff are pretty great, too!
 

Lake Street Beach, Gary

Kids and dog at Lake Street Beach

Heather Becerra, Chief Marketing Officer

My favorite beach in Northwest Indiana is Lake Street Beach. I love that it's dog-friendly, so I can bring my dogs along to enjoy the day with our family. Plus, it's just a short distance from downtown Miller Beach, where there's a great selection of restaurants, a local brewery, and charming little shops to explore.
 

Miller Woods Beach, Miller Beach/Gary

Miller Woods Beach

Jimmy Rush, Marketing Assistant

Miller Woods Beach is harder to get to than other beaches in the Indiana Dunes, but that's what makes it my favorite beach. Since the only ways to get to the beach are hiking from the Paul H. Douglas Center or trekking over from the Lake Street Beach Parking lot, it leaves the beach wide open and never busy. As someone who loves hiking, I always take the hiking trail to see all of the native plants and birds that live in the Miller Woods and the dunes ecosystem!

 

Check out all the beaches along Lake Michigan's south shore here.

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