Stroll along sandy beaches and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore as you discover the beauty of historic seaside towns right here in Wisconsin. Soak up the sun while kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan, relax with family and friends on the sandy beach, or take a relaxing guided boat ride – whatever you choose, Wisconsin’s coastal towns are waiting for an unforgettable experience for all.
Port Baileys – Door County
Take advantage of the many opportunities to soak up the sun in Baileys Harbour. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Door County, Baileys Harbor is full of local restaurants and shops, as well as breathtaking views of the sparkling lake. From beaches and fishing to stunning views, this charming town will allow you to enhance your adventure or kick back and relax – whatever you and your travel companions are looking forward to.
Things to do: If you’re looking for fun and unforgettable experiences for the whole family, visit Lakeshore Adventures. Step aboard a transparent-bottom kayak to admire mysterious sights of abandoned underwater ships on a once-in-a-lifetime shipwreck tour. If you’re feeling brave, this outfit also offers canopy zip adventures in 2,000-foot treetops. You’ll glide over Moonlight Bay and Cana Island and be rewarded with breathtaking views.
For more outdoor fun, take a guided tour of the Cana Island Lighthouse and climb the 97 steps to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Door County Peninsula from the gallery terrace.
Where to stay: After a day on the water, relax and learn about local heritage while drinking handcrafted beer at Door County Brewing Company, just a tiny walk from the many inns and hotels in the heart of Baileys Harbor. If you want a truly local and genuine experience, consider staying at the Baileys Harbor Schoolhouse Inn. This historic inn is a renovated 1917 schoolhouse and hosted by a fifth-generation Baileys Harbor family that is sure to make your stay unforgettable.
Milwaukee
If you want a more urban, coastal experience, add Milwaukee to your list. As the largest city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee is full of history and character, and the Lake Michigan shoreline provides the scene for a variety of water activities perfect for the whole family.
Things to do: A warm spot on the “third coast” of the Great Lakes, Milwaukee offers a huge variety of endless activities in the sun, such as guided boat tours, freshwater surfing, jet skiing, and even charter fishing. Bradford Beach, located a few miles north of the Historic Third Ward, offers plenty of space to spread out, relax and soak up the sun.
After a day on the water, relax in the sea while exploring the city on foot. Take an evening stroll along the 3-mile trail Milwaukee River Promenade – a path running through the heart of the city – or admire a romantic sunset with your significant other Pere Marquette Park.
Where to stay: If you want to extend your adventure and get back on the water for sunrise, choose the Dubbel Dutch Hotel for a fancy stay near the Lake Michigan waterfront. This 17-room boutique hotel is housed in a renovated 1898 mansion where modernity meets history, telling the story of downtown Milwaukee. With views of the city skyline to the south and glimpses of Lake Michigan to the east, the Dubbel Dutch Hotel has a truly unique experience to offer – you can even bring your four-legged friends!
Washington Island
If your ideal getaway is an island in the sun, Wisconsin may be right up your alley! Enjoy remote escape by hopping in quickly ferry trip Down Washington Islandwhere adventure awaits just beyond the blue waters at the foot of the Door County Peninsula. Here you’ll find plenty of local shops, nature reserves, and even a limestone beach where you can soak up the sun with your favorite people.
Things to do: Schoolhouse Beacha occasional breed of beach with glossy limestone cliffs, is a must-see on Washington Island. You’ll find only five like it in the entire world! Featuring marked swimming holes, a snorkeling raft, and a lovely picnic area along the shore, Schoolhouse Beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Immerse yourself even deeper in the awe-inspiring nature and catch another ferry to Rock Island State Park, a smaller island northeast of Washington Island. While you’re there, be sure to take a quick 25-mile hike to the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Wisconsin’s first lighthouse, located on the northern part of the island. Leave the car behind though; there is no car traffic on this island.
Where to stay: From historic cabins and hotels to rustic campgrounds, Washington Island offers a variety of lodging options to suit every taste. If you’re looking to stay by the beach, Sunset Resort is steps from the chilly waters of Green Bay and offers rooms with lake views, perfect for watching a relaxing sunset with your favorite vacation beverage in hand.
Sheboygan
Just 55 miles north of Milwaukee lies the “Malibu of the Midwest”: Sheboygan. Located right on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan, known by many as the freshwater surfing capital of the world, is the perfect place to chill out. Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach where you can kick back and relax, a historic B&B with a luxurious spa, or the perfect shoreline where you can play top-level golf, Sheboygan has something to offer everyone.
Things to do: Get out on the water and enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan on a guided sailboat cruise, or rent a surfboard and try your hand at catching waves. After your beach adventure, head to Deland Park for a tour of the wreck of the Lottie Cooper, a three-masted schooner that capsized in 1894 near Sheboygan Harbor. Enjoy a recovered and restored vision of the once bustling ship – a truly genuine piece of Sheboygan history.
Where to stay: Book a stay at Blue Harbor Resort if you want to get back on the water and catch a wave. More than just a lake resort, Blue Harbor is also Breaker Bay Water Park: a complete adventure for all ages, featuring a tidal pool, warm tub, water basketball, tube slides and more. Stop on the patio to sip a signature cocktail and escape with your partner into a romantic sunset over the lake. Whether you’re going on a family trip or your dream romantic escape, your visit to Sheboygan is sure to be unforgettable.
Racine
Located just 50 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago, Racine is a spectacular place for a long weekend getaway from the city. Racine has plenty of water activities to keep you entertained, so pack your swimsuits and head to North Beach or test your fishing skills on Lake Michigan. In the water or relaxing on the coast, Racine has a wide range of noteworthy activities to offer.
Things to do: Nothing unusual, Excellent North Beach has been named one of the top five freshwater beaches in the US. Located just a few blocks from downtown Racine and spanning nearly 50 acres, North Beach makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island from the moment you set foot on the sand. Go swimming, play a few rounds of sand volleyball, build an impressive sandcastle; no matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a great afternoon on the North Beach coast.
Missing family fun in the jungle in the sun? Visit the Racine Zoos and see over 100 different species of animals, including 50 endangered species. Don’t forget to pack a bag with your family’s favorite snacks and apply one of the zoo’s picnic areas to refuel.
Where to stay: If you want to stay for at least a week, choose a historic guesthouse and book one of the four rooms at the Christmas House, located near the shores of Lake Michigan. The Christmas House, built in 1893, has been restored and furnished to meet up-to-date conveniences and an vintage style.
Want to learn more about Wisconsin’s fresh coast? Check out this guide to Wisconsin’s port cities.
