While the rest of the state is scorching, Door County has wonderfully comfortable beach weather. Lake Michigan waters regulate our temperatures so grab your beach bag and escape to Door County for a few days. With over 300 miles of shoreline, we have no shortage of beaches. Although every town has a public beach, there are some that lie off the beaten path.
Schoolhouse Beach is a popular haven for hot afternoons on Washington Island. The cool water is the perfect escape from the summer heat. A raft anchored off shore is an easy sunbathing spot popular with visitors and locals alike. The smooth limestone pebbles that line this beautiful beach are only located on four other beaches in the world and are protected so please don’t take any.
If you’re not headed to Washington Island, you can spend the daylight hours at the numerous beaches around the county. Every town has a public beach so make sure you check them out.
Sister Bay Beach is fun for everyone. With a shallow swim area for the little ones and a dock for the older kids to jump off, you can relax. Come on Wednesdays to listen to concerts in the park all summer long. The beach is located in the heart of the town so you can walk to get lunch, shop, or run errands while your family enjoys the beach. The park offers a nice sized playground to occupy even the littlest kids.
Ellison Bay’s Women’s Club Beach is a popular destination for the pristine view of downtown and the Ellison Bluff which provides amazing sunset views. A park is just footsteps away and a massive grassy area perfect for picnics. Sand Bay County Park on the Lake Michigan side offers a serene and secluded side. Shallow warm waters give way to views of commercial fishing vessels crossing the harbor. Europe Bay Beach lies on the edge of Newport State Park and has white sandy beaches.
Ephraim Public Beach is located on the south end of town just footsteps from many hotels, shopping and restaurants. You could spend the whole day and not get in your car. South Shore Pier rents out various types of watercraft for you.
Peninsula State Park has multiple beaches to suit anyone’s needs. Nicolet Bay Beach offers kayak rentals and is a popular spot for boaters. The wide shallow bay is perfect for rafting with fellow boaters in order to and hop from boat to boat. There are a couple more beaches in the Park offering seclusion and more natural beach experience.
Fish Creek Public Beach is in the heart of Fish Creek’s downtown district. The Marina and moorings provide a great day for boaters and the warm shallow waters are perfect for children of all ages.
Egg Harbor Public Beach seems off the beaten path but is really just a two-minute drive from downtown. It overlooks the brand new marina, as well as a beautiful shoreline. Murphy Park on Cty. Rd. G south of Egg Harbor is an excellent spot to spend the afternoon and watch the sunset.
Sturgeon Bay has many beaches to choose from. Whitefish Dunes on the Lake Michigan side is a massive white sandy beach perfect for big family gatherings. Be careful with small children as currents can be strong and hazardous. The beach lies within Whitefish Dunes State Park and is adjacent to Cave Point County Park. The three-acre Otumba Park on the west side of Sturgeon Bay has a sandy beach, playground and picnic shelter building to provide a great spot for large get-togethers. Sunset Park on the east side has forty-one acres for your family’s use. It offers tennis courts, basketball court, launching ramps and transient slips and much more. This beach is ideal for taking full advantage of our wonderful weather.
Baileys Harbor Ridges Beach is favorite for families because of its shallow warm waters. Out of the wind and on the quiet side, this beach is great for small children as well as pets as one of the only pet-friendly beaches around. Please keep your dog leashed and practice responsible pet ownership to full enjoy your beach experience.
No matter where you choose to stay, there is a beach for you and your family to enjoy. With 19 county and 5 state parks throughout the peninsula, there is no shortage of public water access.