Indiana is a Midwestern state known as the 'Crossroads of America,' celebrated for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan, a vibrant craft brewing scene, and rich Native American and Civil War history. From the urban energy of Indianapolis to the rolling hills of Brown County and the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan shoreline, Indiana offers surprising variety for travelers.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Indiana.
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- restrooms
- picnic shelters
- lifeguards (summer)
- hiking trail
- concessions (summer)
- accessible boardwalk
West Beach
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- restrooms
- pavilion
- concessions (summer)
- showers
- parking
- hiking trails to dune peaks
Central Beach (Indiana Dunes State Park)
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- none — undeveloped natural beach
- street parking limited
Beverly Shores Beach
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- limited parking
- no facilities
Porter Beach
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- restrooms
- lighthouse
- zoo
- concessions
- volleyball courts
- boat launch
Washington Park Beach
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- limited parking
- no facilities
- quiet natural beach
Dunbar Beach (Ogden Dunes)
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- pavilion
- park
- picnic area
- parking
Marquette Park Beach
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- boat launch
- picnic areas
- parking
- seasonal swimming
Pine Lake / LaPorte County Beaches
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Indiana memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
On-beach facilities
Restrooms and picnic areas at West Beach and Central Beach. Concessions at West Beach in summer.
Water Temp
Lake Michigan water averages 22–24°C (72–75°F) in July–August; cold in spring and fall
Lifeguards
Lifeguards at West Beach (seasonal) and Washington Park Beach (summer); no lifeguards at Beverly Shores or Porter Beach — swim at own risk
Rip Currents
Rip currents are a real danger at Indiana Dunes beaches, especially during high wind events. Check NOAA Great Lakes coastal forecast before swimming.
Parking
Free parking at most national park beach access points. Indiana Dunes State Park charges $7–12 USD vehicle entry.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.