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 Sunset Grille -- 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.

Watch the waves from Dig the Dunes Trail Stop located at the Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk. Enjoy fresh baked pretzels, handmade ice cream and craft brews. Check the calendar for special events like crafts, wine tastings and live music. You can also pop by to watch the sunset after hiking the nearby trail.

In the summer at the Portage Lakefront's pavilion, the Indiana Dunes National Park hosts "Sunsets Around the Fire" events where you can roast marshmallows in 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.

Hop aboard the Emita II from Harbor Country Adventures and set sail from Michigan City into the beautiful sunset on the waters of Lake Michigan. Enjoy a 2-hour cruise along the coast with live entertainment on the top deck along with a full-service bar. Enjoy the views of Indiana’s coastline, the Michigan City lighthouse, and many more spectacles along your cruise. This sunset cruise is a great idea for a date night or going out with friends to enjoy the sunset and get a new perspective of the Indiana Dunes and the surrounding areas.

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.

Abbiocco & Luna Rooftop Grill

Enjoy an exquisite Italian dinner and gourmet dessert at Abbiocco restaurant in Chesterton. Then head upstairs to Luna rooftop bar to watch a beautiful midwest sunset. Savor top-shelf cocktails and a separate food menu while you experience the wonderful Indiana summer weather. With a retractable roof, Luna’s rooftop bar is open throughout the year so you can enjoy being outside and see the sunsets in any season.