Sunsets Along Lake Michigan's South Shore & More

Photo @agirlandherphotographs on Instagram.

The Michigan City beach is a beautiful location to enjoy the summer sunsets. Stroll down the long pier that extends to the lake and houses the infamous lighthouse. This is a well-known spot by locals to enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and snap a photo.

Another spot with a great view at Washington Park is Stop Zero -- the name says it all! Sip cocktails, a local craft beer or Hoosier wines while you enjoy light bites and the sunset from the rooftop. The rooftop patio has plenty of seating and live entertainment throughout the season. Visitors to the beach can enjoy concessions during the day and stick around for sunsets when the rooftop opens at 4:00 p.m. 

Photo @justsmitty2 on Instagram.

Lake View Beach in Beverly Shores, part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, is another one of many picturesque beaches along the southern shores to take in a colorful sunset falling over the horizon. Lake View Beach does not offer many parking spots, but it does offer a picnic area that sits above the waters – perfect to relax with friends and family while taking in the views. 

If you would enjoy a hike to a great spot for sunset viewing, join the national park's rangers to hike up nearby Mt Baldy. The park offers the hikes a few times during the summer. View the event page for scheduled hikes.

In the winter, you can safely view shelf ice and a gorgeous sunset at the Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk. In the summer, the Indiana Dunes National Park hosts "Sunsets Around the Fire" events where you can roast marshmallows by the pavilion's fireplace. Find upcoming events by the national park here.

Splash in Lake Michigan during the day or enjoy a sunset paddle at the nearby lagoon. Peaceful ranger-led paddles are offered a few times a year with the Indiana Dunes National Park (check the calendar for upcoming events). The lagoon is perfect for beginners or a light paddle where you don’t have to worry about motorized boats and can take in the sunset. 

Whihala Beach in Whiting is a great place for the whole family to enjoy a summer afternoon. WhoaZone’s inflatable obstacle course just off the beach is Lake Michigan’s only floating waterpark. Lakefront Park offers some of the best views of Chicago and an accessible boardwalk to take in the sunsets and beautiful views over Lake Michigan.

Set along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, Wells Street Beach offers a relaxed, dune-lined setting that feels worlds away from the city’s bustle. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the wide-open shoreline creates a peaceful backdrop for glowing skies and shimmering reflections on the water—made even better with convenient concessions nearby for snacks and refreshments. It’s an ideal spot to unwind, where vibrant sunsets meet the quiet beauty of Northwest Indiana’s lakefront.

Carpenter Creek Cellars

Sip on wines made with grapes grown on-site, creating fantastic flavors and special seasonal varieties. Carpenter Creek Cellars offers free tastings to allow you to find the exact wine to suit your preference. Spend an evening overlooking the vineyard and sit amid the farm to watch the sunset, enjoy live music on the lawn or a conversation with friends on the patio.

Lighthouse Restaurant

Grab a delicious dinner and watch the sun set over Cedar Lake at the Lighthouse Restaurant. The restaurant serves savory cuisines that are found nowhere else in the region. Accessible by land or boat, with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful sunsets from spring through fall. Sunsets can be viewed during the colder temperatures from the dining area that looks over the lake.