Oval Beach - Saugatuck, Michigan — World's Best Beaches

Oval Beach is in Saugatuck, Michigan and has been rated as one of the best shorelines in the World! If you’ve been to Michigan, you’ve probably heard about the great sand dunes. Nestled among the dunes, Oval Beach is on the winding Kalamazoo River as it makes its way to Lake Michigan. The beach is dark tan sand is fine to medium powder.

Even though the park area this beach is on is open year-round, this is a summer beach and winters here can get freezing cold. And since it’s in a maintained park area belonging to the state, there is a park fee of $6 and the park is open from 9 AM to 10 PM. No dogs/no alcohol.

If you’ve never experienced the waters of Lake Michigan they can be chilly. Expect temperatures in the mid 70′s during the summer. It’s “refreshing” if you know what I mean! And here the sunsets are really special because the beach sits facing westward making it easy to take it in when the time is right.

Oval Beach has full facilities even though they are basic, but because this is a park, there are picnic areas, grills and a pretty nice boardwalk, all maintained throughout the year. The water is great for families with small kids because it is shallow and the sandy beach litter-free.

In the summer and especially on holidays this park can become crowded and the beach as well. Plan your trip in advance and you can stay at the picturesque town of Saugatuck and come down to the beach every day. The town is beautiful to stroll through with its many shops and restaurants.

One problem some have reported during periods of the year when there is simply no breeze are biting flies which can become such a nuisance as to ruin your day here. You can use repellent or jump in the water. They do go away in a small breeze.

Oval Beach Saugatuck - Beach Index: