Summertime in Milwaukee is in full swing! Whether your ideal beach day is catching some rays on the sand, or taking a dip in the fine waters of The Good Land, here is your complete guide to Milwaukee’s beaches for some summer fun.
Milwaukee County
Atwater Park Beach
4000 N. Lake Dr.
Situated at the bottom of a large hill right off of Lake Drive in Shorewood, Atwater Park Beach offers visitors some picturesque views of the glistening Lake Michigan waters below. After taking the view in, climb down the many steps to the soft sandy beach. Featuring playgrounds at both the top and bottom of the park, it’s a great place to bring the family to as well.
Bay View Park
3120 S. Lake Dr.
One of the many beaches located on the Lake Michigan shores just south of Milwaukee, Bay View Park in St. Francis boasts great views of the Cream City’s skyline while visitors can swim or soak up the sun.
Bradford Beach
2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
A quintessential summertime spot for many Milwaukeeans, Bradford Beach just screams out summer in this city. The massive beach features sand volleyball nets, with leagues available if you’re looking for some competition, and even a tiki bar. Milwaukee’s largest public beach is a can’t-miss spot this summer.
Doctors Park
1870 E. Fox Ln.
Nestled between Bayside and Fox Point, Doctors Park features a great beach that is perfect for tanning, picnicking and swimming. Hidden behind some gorgeous trails, there is no shortage of fun and outdoor activities to be had.
Grant Park
100 Hawthorne Ave.
Make your way down the narrow path towards beach access at Grant Park in South Milwaukee and you will not be disappointed in this hidden gem. From there you’ll find a clean Lake Michigan beach featuring Ferch’s Beachside Grill, volleyball courts and plenty of natural beauty on the shore.
Klode Park
5960 N. Lake Dr.
The picturesque narrow path leads to a peaceful beach with some beautiful views of the north shore. There’s plenty to do with a community-built playground, and also tennis courts. Klode Park is definitely worth the visit this summer.
South Shore Park
2900 S. Shore Dr.
Along with Bay View Park, South Shore also features some of the best views of the city that one can find. The tons of open space is ideal for anything from football to frisbee, sand volleyball courts are abundant and there is even a beer garden at South Shore Terrace.
Beyond Milwaukee and into the suburbs
Bender Beach and City Beach at Lac La Belle – Oconomowoc
These beaches located on the shores of Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc offer some great inland lake swimming. Not to mention concessions, playgrounds and picnic tables.
A very popular option for good reason, Fox Brook Park is home to a man-made lake that is perfectly equipped for a beach day of any kind. Additionally, various rentals are available at High Roller Fun Rentals.
Picnic areas, a boat launch and a swimming beach make Idle Isle Park a great choice for a day of fun at Little Muskego Lake. The lake tends to be warm in the summertime, so it is a great option for swimming!
Pewaukee Lake is home to Lakefront park, a very popular summertime destination, featuring plenty of space on the sand to soak up the sun, and also refreshing treats just across the street.
This beautiful area north of Milwaukee is a standout for those seeking some nature during their trip to the beach. A short hike takes visitors to a bluff that overlooks the clear waters of Lake Michigan, leading to a beach that is secluded and filled with soft sand.
Menomonee Park – Menomonee Falls
The quarry lake is perfect for swimming, and you don’t have to worry about stepping on rocks as the beach is very soft. The floating platform with a diving board on it makes for some extra fun in the water!
The largest park in the Waukesha County Parks system is also home to a fantastic beach that is open through September.
A Certified Blue Wave clean beach by the National Clean Beaches Council, this beach has garnered accolades from USA Today and Midwest Living magazine. Enjoy beverages from the Beachside Oasis or even live music. Special events like the EVP Professional Beach Volleyball happen here too.
Swimmers can count on Ottawa Lake to be warm and plenty of sand makes for a great day on land as well. Feel free to take your four legged friends with you as Ottawa Lake even features a dog beach!
Amidst the natural beauty of the Kettle Moraine State Forest sits Pike Lake, fit with a beach that’s the perfect place to relax while taking in the gorgeous landscapes.
If you’re looking to have a relaxing beach day and to escape the crowds of North Beach, head directly north to Zoo Beach. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy this relaxing Lake Michigan paradise to the fullest.
