{"id":35329,"date":"2015-06-22T11:12:31","date_gmt":"2015-06-22T16:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=35329"},"modified":"2018-02-28T17:34:20","modified_gmt":"2018-02-28T23:34:20","slug":"midwest-beaches-wont-believe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2015\/06\/midwest-beaches-wont-believe\/","title":{"rendered":"Third Coast: 5 Midwest beach towns you won’t believe"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the Third Coast. You might be hundreds of miles from the ocean, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t find postcard worthy coastlines dotted with beautiful beaches and charming towns. From Michigan to Minnesota, you\u2019ll find coastal communities that know how to make the most of their short summers and are well-equipped for week-long vacationers, from watersport rentals and charter fishing to boutique shopping and dining for all budgets. Here are five picturesque Midwest beach towns worth checking out this summer:<\/p>\n

Related: Great spots to surf, sail, snorkel & SUP in Orange County.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Duluth

Duluth, MN<\/p><\/div>\n

1. Duluth, MN.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0 This far north town is set on the largest freshwater lake in the world and they make the most of it.\u00a0 Lake Superior is the final resting place of over 350 shipwrecks, making it the perfect destination for divers. If you\u2019re looking for a great combo of urban retreat and outdoor paradise, you\u2019ll find it here.\u00a0 The town boasts hiking trails, rocking climbing, scenic drives, even secluded waterfalls. You\u2019ll find boutiques, bookshops and eclectic dining throughout downtown, Canal Park and West Duluth. As for beachgoers, you can\u2019t go wrong with Park Point beach for a true back-to-nature experience. The world\u2019s longest natural sandbar, this strip of sand juts out 7 miles into the lake. And for superb views of this amazing body of water, take a leisurely 30-mile car ride down dramatic Skyline Drive, 600 feet above the shoreline.<\/p>\n

\"Holland

Holland, MI<\/p><\/div>\n

2. Holland, MI.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0 Just down the Lake Michigan coast is this equally charming town with European flavor stemming from its roots as a haven for Dutch immigrants in the 1800s. It offers all the charm of a quaint village, but with great shopping, dining and outdoor activities for everyone in the family.\u00a0 The downtown has a historic, yet hip vibe \u2013 a combination of Victorian architecture and street performers. And the award-winning beaches are just minutes away, busy in the day with volleyball, sandcastle building and sunbathing and beautiful in the evening with stunning sunsets.<\/p>\n

\"Lake

Lake Geneva, WI<\/p><\/div>\n

3. Lake Geneva, WI.<\/strong><\/a> If quintessential small town lake-life is what you\u2019re seeking, this southeast Wisconsin retreat will serve you well.\u00a0 The beautiful lake is surrounded by elegant estates dating back to the 19th century and a 21-mile walking path with amazing views of both the water and the homes. It\u2019s easy to fill your days with everything from zip-lining, horseback-riding, golfing, spectacular spas, unique shopping, cruising the lake, and relaxing on its family-friendly beaches.\u00a0 Stay on the lake in a condo, downtown in a B&B, or at the area\u2019s largest resort, The Grand Geneva, with it\u2019s own indoor waterpark for a rainy day option.<\/p>\n

\"petoskey
\n4. Petoskey, MI<\/a>. <\/strong>Located on the shores of Lake Michigan\u2019s beautiful little Traverse Bay, this town and surrounding shores have long been known as a resort area. The varied architecture and local history make this a gem for history lovers. In fact, the entire area is a National Historic Landmark. The town itself is peppered with quaint shops and culinary delights along its Gaslight Shopping District and there are plenty of lodging options, from cabins to hotels. Numerous nature preserves and picture perfect sand beaches are plentiful whether you want to stay in town or venture to nearby communities such as Harbor Springs and Boyne City.<\/p>\n

\"Chicago

Chicago, IL<\/p><\/div>\n

5. Chicago, IL.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0 Most visitors to the Windy City come for the history, culture, sports, food, shopping, and entertainment.\u00a0 While its beaches may not be at the top of your list, they are not to be missed.\u00a0 Spend a morning at the see-and-be-seen Oak Street Beach just steps from the historic Drake Hotel <\/a>on Michigan Avenue or grab a cycle at one of the Divvy bike-share stations and explore the lakefront from the south shore all the way north to Montrose Beach with stops at Monroe Harbor and North Avenue along the way.\u00a0 And check out the best view of the city \u2013 from the water \u2013 via a boat cruise departing from Navy Pier or charter your own boat at Belmont Harbor. Weekenders looking to stay close to the action and the water will find an abundance of options, including the W Lakeshore<\/a>, The Drake<\/a> and The Radisson Blu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Orbitz<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Make the most of the Third Coast with this handy beach guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":35739,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[304],"class_list":["post-35329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-midwest","tag-beach"],"acf":{"api_active":null,"api_title":null,"api_excerpt":null,"api_featured_image":null,"api_lob":null},"posts_api_cpm_point":[{"name":"","description":"","thumbnail":"","address":"Duluth, MN, USA","latitude":"46.78667189999999","longitude":"-92.10048519999998","icon":"\/images\/icons\/marker.png"}],"yoast_head":"\nThird Coast: 5 Midwest beach towns you won't believe | Orbitz<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the Third Coast's best offerings through these Midwest beach towns.\" \/>\n<meta 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