The coastline of Indiana is a trove of sandy shores and picturesque views. So, it can be tough to determine which among the many Indiana beaches is the “best”. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 most popular beaches in Indiana, based on ratings and reviews from various online sources. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the ocean or some exciting waves to surf, this list has got you covered. Let’s take a look!
Best Beach in Indiana
Indiana Dunes State Park
- Address: 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (6382)
- Phone: +1 219-926-1952
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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Top 12 Most Beautiful Beaches in Indiana
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
- Address: 5224 E Indiana Beach Rd, Monticello, IN 47960, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.1 (4590)
- Phone: +1 574-583-4141
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Had a great time at this park. Fun rides and an amazing atmosphere. The setting on the lake is fantastic.
Both of the new coasters were closed but it was still fun. It will be even better when they are open and running.
The Shafer Queen boat ride being included with the park ticket was a pleasant surprise and was a great way to view the park from the lake.
The park has a bunch of food options. The taco and fried snickers bar I had at the park were both good.
By Justin D (6 months ago)I like it. It has a nostalgic charm. Reminds me of Cedar Point on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio back in the 60s. It’s charming that some rides are on platforms in the water. Nice touch. I didn’t mind paying the 20$ parking fee (pittance for what you pay for parking in San Francisco)so I could have my camping gear with me to cook my own food. I really can’t imagine bringing a family and buying park food. The park does have a tired presence but I read that they have been on hard times and starting new ownership. It still gives local teenagers a summer job learning people skills and not sitting with their portable electronics. I wouldn’t go out of my way to return, but would return if in the area again. Just not this year.
This is for Ryan’s Pronto Pup: the fried veges…..spot on! The marinara could be a little thicker, just me, but didn’t stop me from dipping.By Debbie Drives and Travels (4 months ago)I would visit this place on a regular basis as a kid and was lucky enough to visit for the first time in probably 20 years just a couple of weeks ago. My husband and I took our kids (6 &9) and they LOVED it. It’s like this place never changed…and I loved that. This is not a Kings Island or Cedar Point- and I don’t mean that to be a drawback, because it is not. It’s a little slower paced, has short lines, plenty of rides, games, food, and has a water park. I can’t say enough about the employees, too. Every person we interacted with that day who worked there was so kind and patient. If your kiddos are 5-13 and not yet ready for the big coasters at the larger amusement parks, this is the place to take them. Please know they do have big roller coasters- they have something for everyone.By miranda acosta (4 months ago)Went here for the first time with my husband and 4 year old daughter today, and it was literally the best day I’ve had in a long time. We all had an absolute blast. The location and atmosphere are just amazing.
Also, HUGE praise to Ava, who was attending the Antique Cars ride. She has phenomenal interpersonal skills. Please give that girl a raise or something!! She was so comfortable striking up conversations with guests. She asked my daughter what her favorite ride was, then gave her a fist-bump when she answered. So sweet.
But I highly recommend this place and absolutely cannot wait to go back. It’s also relatively affordable. We decided to get my daughter a hat to help with the sun, and while most places like this would have charged at LEAST $16 for a simple(but cute!) baseball cap-style hat, this one was only $10.By Emily Creech (5 months ago)Definitely a poor man’s Great America. While not without it’s archaic charm, this place is in desperate need of improvement. Rickety wooden roller coasters that haven’t been painted in years along with railings & stairs. Actually saw a roller coaster beam missing it’s bolts. The gate to the log water ride was literally covered in black electrical tape to hold it together. The cable cars that go way over the length of the park have no safety harnesses. You could literally jump or fall right out. They’re big on lifeguards though. 3 of them for a 2ft wading pool. Food & goods are reasonably priced, which was a plus and one really good roller coaster, “The Hawg” we felt safe on. We paid $27 for our tickets from the campground. I wouldn’t pay a penny more.By Hope Larkin (5 months ago)Porter Beach
- Address: Porter Beach, Wabash Ave, Porter, IN 46304, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (982)
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Reviews:
I love how close this beach is to everything. Restaurants, bathrooms, and parking. I don’t like how they don’t always have a life guard. The visibility of the Chicago skyline is amazing sometimes. It is over crowded, probably because of its convenience.By Leena Suleiman (4 months ago)Growing up in Chicago, I never seen a beach so clean and serene. Parking is ASTRONOMICAL, but I think it’s worth it for the day if you have a good plan. The sand is fine and the beach is very clean. Even though it was crowded, groups were socially distant. I enjoyed every minute of it, but be prepared to find sand in your vehicle for weeks, lol. It was a great place to spend Labor Day.
Update- (Father’s Day weekend 2022) I took a star away because of the parking lot attendant. Not only did parking increase another $10 for parking (making it 30$ to park there) but the parking lot guy was SUPER RUDE and threatened to tow my truck. From the beach he called out the wrong model of my truck which caused me to ignore his threats. Once I realized what was going on, I walked over to the lot and he screamed at me that the lot closed at 7pm, there were no signs (only that the beach closed at 9pm so we assumed that it was open until close, especially with the price of parking. The parking pass didn’t have a time, and he locked us in screaming at us that he was calling a tow truck. It almost ruined my experience completely. I’ll be back to the beach but NEVER to that parking lot. If you do decide to go, make sure to ask what time the lot closes.By Vermail Price (6 months ago)The beach is beautiful but the flies are very pesty we didnt stay long because we were constantly swatting at and being bitten by flies … Also this is a dog friendly beach which is great but beware because lots of not so friendly people go that do not like dogs and will complain and force you to moveBy Kim Putz (5 months ago)Very clean, family friendly beach. Only downside is the parking or lack of it…we had to park for $30, in a parking lot next to one of the beach entrances. The guy managing the lot was so rude, threatening people to get them ticketed, etc! Kind of spoiled our mojo dealing with him…there were limited food options near the lifeguard station- one general store with chips and drinks & one food stand with ice cream, fries etc. Great place to spend a day at the beach, just make sure you come early to get parking. The police patrol doesn’t let anyone stand on the road or wait in the free lots. There are many free lots but get filled up soon in season. Busy beach! No alcohol allowed boards everywhereBy sugandha agarwal (a year ago)Beautiful beach. We were there at Sunset and got this nice view. There’s additional parking up the street and there are bathrooms available. I didn’t swim, but the water was warm enough I would’ve felt comfortable doing so.By Spencer Trotter (a year ago)Morse Park & Beach
- Address: 19777 Morse Park Ln, Noblesville, IN 46060, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (931)
- Phone: +1 317-770-4403
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
This place is awesome. Great deal and super clean. The kids had so much fun. It is an easy drive and easy access beach style park for kids without having to drive all the way to the lakes. When we went it wasn’t that busy and was very clean.By Sedor Familys Fun Life (5 months ago)Nice place. We stopped by for a break on a roadtrip and it was great. Beautiful beach, lots of fun and unique play equipment for the kids, a nice paved walking path around the park that’s great for a quick walk or jog, and plenty of places to picnic.By Breanne Field (a month ago)I haven’t been here often, but it was beautiful for lunch at a picnic bench and then people watching! We saw some boats (pontoon?) and some paddle boarders, as well as families fishing and grilling. I’d definitely come back.By Megan Carrell (4 months ago)Have always loved this place! Got married here! Sargeant peppers lonely hearts club band theme and husband and wife dressed in white for the white album. If you don’t know what these albums are, they are the Beatles!!!! My favorite band!!!! Come and enjoy the park! It is awesome!By Katherine Polakoff (a month ago)Wow what a nice park. Loved it, can’t wait to vist it again. Very nice beach, clean water great grounds. We kept up. Thank you for having us there.By Scott (3 months ago)
Eagle Creek Park Beach
- Address: 7602 Eagle Beach Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46254, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (431)
- Phone: +1 317-327-7132
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
We stopped at a beach picnic area. Beautiful setting with tall mature oak trees providing good shade. Playground equipment was new and well built. However buildings and grounds are in need of better trash pick up and maintenance. Surprising given that we paid an entrance fee. Also swimming was closed. Don’t know the reason.By joseph guse (4 months ago)It’s a very good place to hangout with family, friends and love one. There are plenty of activities to do as well.By Hot Legend (4 months ago)It’s really nice that they have a beach area, but it has quite a bit of room for improvement.
First, the playground and shelter facilities are awesome. The playground looks brand new and quite different from the standard play stuff. I think mostly older kids will make the most of it, as some of it is rather high off the ground for toddlers.
The beach itself is rough. It’s rocky and dirty, and there are beer bottle caps and trash scattered about. I stepped on and retrieved a beer bottle in the water that was, fortunately, not broken. I suppose it’s not much the fault of the park as it is the people being nasty here.
The whole beach was also closed when we visited, so they might just not be doing any maintenance here.
By Greg Eakins (4 months ago)Rented some kayaks. We didn’t really think the open lake would be that great, but when we made I to the Creek, it was AMAZING! So many big waterbirds, and we saw 2 (maybe 3) bald eagles. Great price and nice folk at the outfitters. Will be there again.By Nicole Carmody (4 months ago)Picnic areas need work. We were there for over 5 hours and never saw any other workers, except for the ones at the entrance. No forest rangers or cleaning crew. Need better signage. The bathrooms at the swimming area were as bad as porta potty. We have no attentions to go back there in the near or distance future.By Dorinda Hyde (3 months ago)Saxony Beach
- Address: 13358 Pennington Rd, Fishers, IN 46037, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (349)
Access to West Beach – Indiana Dunes National Park
- Address: 376 N County Line Rd, Gary, IN 46403, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (302)
Central Beach
- Address: Central Beach, Indiana 46360, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (288)
Salamonie Beach
- Address: Salamonie Beach, Polk Township, IN 46702, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (233)
Hidden Valley Lake Beach
- Address: 19951 Longview Dr, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (109)
Washington Park
- Address: Michigan City, IN 46360, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (38)
Belmont Beach
- Address: 2020 N White River Pkwy Dr W, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (28)
Wells Street Beach
- Address: 9513 Lake Shore Dr, Gary, IN 46403, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (21)
Most beautiful beach in Indiana That’s it for our list of the best beaches in Indiana! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!
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We were here during summer and the line to enter the parking was huge. It took a while for us to get a spot in the Parking area. However, it was worth the wait. Although it’s on the shores of lake Michigan, the beach gave us a feeling as if we were on some Ocean beach. Midwest’s very own coast, I’d say 🙂 Plus, the water here is fresh water. We took the 3 dune challenge followed by spending time catching a spectacular sunset with Chicago’s skyline at the backdrop. Recommended to visit on a weekday when there is less rush.
Absolutely beautiful park with many trails through the forest and over the dunes.
Beautiful nature center with clean bathrooms and a water bottle filling station.
We came in July and were glad we carried bug spray. The wooded trails had lots of biting flies and mosquitoes but the spray worked great.
Park by the nature center to hike the three dunes challenge. Entrance into state park is $12 for out of state cars.
Best to hike with sandals. Parts of the trail are deep sand and steep incline. There are plenty of places to stop and catch you breath. Beautiful and peaceful location.
You could spend a day and a half hiking this unique IN state park with dunes, trails, beach and a nice pavilion. Dunes offer fun in the sand & pretty views of Lake Michigan. Trails are long and the campground has lots of space but you MUST book months in advance to get a spot. I recommend bug spray if you are walking the long trails in the woods especially trail 8, 9 & 10. Pavilion is nice (3 floors) with food, an event venue and a roof top bar. The bar is 21+ and is a great end to the day watching the sunset with some live music – I was in athletic shorts and a crew neck with sandals, so no dress code, but others were definitely more dressed up than I. Entry fee is $7 if you don’t have a pass- I’d recommend getting there early if you don’t want to wait in a two lane long line and walk from overflow parking. Beach is clean, gets packed, but there is plenty of space. Great 1.5 day trip for me and would recommend for just that.
Amazing state park that has both a unique forest and a blue and clean lake with white sand on its shore.
There are miles of hiking trails to walk and enjoy and miles of beaches to sun bath or swim.
There is an entrance fee of 12 per car which on my visit needed to be paid only by cash .
There are many free parkings but the ones that are close to the beach are taken early morning .
Nice place to explore
This may be my favorite state park ever…and I’ve been to a LOT of state parks. It is clean, beautiful, well-maintained and set up very nicely. The beach and dunes are stunning, the plants and scenery are breathtaking and the staff is very friendly and helpful. One comment…I am disabled, and the restrooms and showers here are the most handicap- friendly I’ve ever used. The campsites are level and far enough apart to be comfortable. They only have electric hookups, but there are water-fill stations and dump stations as well. Very pet-friendly also! We stayed here in a Class C motorhome and will definitely come back again! So many things to see and do!