Published: June 15, 2026

From iconic Lake Michigan shorelines to hidden inland lake escapes, these are some of the best beaches worth visiting near Milwaukee this summer.

When summer arrives in Wisconsin, there’s no better place to be than by the water. Whether you’re looking for a lively beach packed with volleyball and activities, a peaceful stretch of sand for relaxation, a family-friendly swimming spot, or a place to bring your dog, southeastern Wisconsin has a beach for every type of summer adventure.

From Milwaukee’s famous Bradford Beach to hidden gems like Klode Park Beach and Harrington Beach State Park, here’s your guide to some of the best beaches near Milwaukee.

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Bradford Beach (Milwaukee)

Milwaukee’s most famous beach is a summertime staple. Located along Lincoln Memorial Drive, Bradford Beach attracts visitors from across the region with its wide sandy shoreline, volleyball courts, concessions, and vibrant atmosphere.

📍 Location: Milwaukee

🐕 Dogs Allowed: No

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🛟 Lifeguards: Yes (Seasonal)

🏐 Volleyball: Yes

🍔 Food Nearby: Yes

♿ Accessible: Yes

✨ Best For: Volleyball, groups, events, and people-watching

Why We Love It

If you’re looking for the classic Milwaukee beach experience, Bradford Beach is hard to beat. It combines beautiful Lake Michigan views with plenty of activity and amenities.

Grant Park Beach (South Milwaukee)

Tucked beneath the bluffs of Grant Park, this beautiful beach offers a quieter alternative to Bradford Beach. The combination of wooded trails, ravines, and shoreline makes it one of the most scenic destinations in Milwaukee County.

📍 Location: South Milwaukee

🐕 Dogs Allowed: No

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🛟 Lifeguards: Limited

🏐 Volleyball: Yes

🧺 Picnic Areas: Yes

✨ Best For: Hiking, photography, nature lovers, and sunsets

Why We Love It

You can hike the famous Seven Bridges Trail before spending the afternoon on the beach. It’s one of the most unique outdoor experiences near Milwaukee.

Atwater Beach (Shorewood)

A picturesque Lake Michigan beach featuring sandy shores, stunning bluff-top views, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere just minutes north of downtown Milwaukee.

📍 Location: Shorewood

🐕 Dogs Allowed: No

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🛟 Lifeguards: Seasonal

🧺 Picnic Areas: Yes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly: Yes

✨ Best For: Families, relaxing, and quieter beach days

Why We Love It

The nearby playground and park make this an excellent choice for families with children.

Klode Park Beach (Whitefish Bay)

Many locals consider Klode Park Beach one of the Milwaukee area’s best-kept secrets. Protected coves and beautiful shoreline views create a peaceful setting away from larger crowds.

📍 Location: Whitefish Bay

🐕 Dogs Allowed: No

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🛟 Lifeguards: No

🌅 Scenic Views: Excellent

✨ Best For: Couples, quiet beach days, and relaxing

Why We Love It

The hidden coves and beautiful bluff views make it feel like a private beach escape.

Harrington Beach State Park (Belgium)

With more than a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, Harrington Beach State Park offers one of the most natural beach experiences in southeastern Wisconsin.

📍 Location: Belgium

🐕 Dogs Allowed: Yes (South Beach Area)

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🥾 Hiking Trails: Yes

🎣 Fishing: Yes

🧺 Picnic Areas: Yes

✨ Best For: Nature lovers, hiking, fishing, and dog owners

Why We Love It

The combination of beach, trails, wildlife, and dog-friendly areas makes this one of the most versatile destinations on the list.

North Beach (Racine)

Frequently ranked among the best freshwater beaches in the country, North Beach features a massive sandy shoreline and plenty of family-friendly amenities.

📍 Location: Racine

🐕 Dogs Allowed: No

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🛟 Lifeguards: Yes (Seasonal)

🏐 Volleyball: Yes

🛝 Playground: Yes

🍔 Food Nearby: Yes

✨ Best For: Families and full-day beach trips

Why We Love It

There’s plenty of room to spread out and enough amenities to keep everyone entertained.

Simmons Island Beach (Kenosha)

Located near the Southport Lighthouse, Simmons Island Beach offers beautiful shoreline views and a laid-back atmosphere.

📍 Location: Kenosha

🐕 Dogs Allowed: Yes (Leashed)

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🚲 Bike Trail Nearby: Yes

🌊 Lake Michigan Access: Yes

✨ Best For: Dog owners and scenic walks

Why We Love It

It’s one of the few Lake Michigan beaches in southeastern Wisconsin where dogs are welcome.

Fox Brook Park Beach (Brookfield)

📍 Location: Brookfield

🐕 Dogs Allowed: Yes (Designated Dog Area)

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🛟 Lifeguards: Yes

🛶 Boat Rentals: Yes

🧺 Picnic Areas: Yes

✨ Best For: Families, warm-water swimming, and dogs

Why We Love It

The warm inland water and dedicated dog swimming area make it a favorite summer destination.

Menomonee Park Beach (Menomonee Falls)

This quarry lake beach is a popular destination for families and dog owners looking for warmer water than Lake Michigan.

📍 Location: Menomonee Falls

🐕 Dogs Allowed: Yes (Designated Dog Area)

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🛟 Lifeguards: Seasonal

🧺 Picnic Areas: Yes

✨ Best For: Families and dog owners

Why We Love It

The designated dog swimming area is one of the best in the region.

Pewaukee Lake Beach (Pewaukee)

Located in Wisconsin’s beautiful Lake Country, Pewaukee Lake offers public swimming access along one of the area’s most popular inland lakes.

📍 Location: Pewaukee

🐕 Dogs Allowed: No

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🚤 Boating: Yes

🎣 Fishing: Yes

✨ Best For: Water sports and Lake Country exploring

Why We Love It

The combination of swimming, boating, dining, and shopping nearby makes it a great day trip destination.

Big Foot Beach State Park (Lake Geneva)

📍 Location: Lake Geneva

🐕 Dogs Allowed: No

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🥾 Hiking Trails: Yes

🧺 Picnic Areas: Yes

✨ Best For: Nature lovers and Lake Geneva visitors

Why We Love It

It’s a peaceful alternative to the busier downtown Lake Geneva waterfront. Campsites are also nearby.

Lake Andrea (Pleasant Prairie)

Known for warmer water than Lake Michigan, Lake Andrea is a favorite destination for relaxed swimming and family beach days.

📍 Location: Pleasant Prairie

🐕 Dogs Allowed: Limited

🏊 Swimming: Yes

🎣 Fishing: Yes

🧺 Picnic Areas: Yes

✨ Best For: Warm-water swimming and families

Why We Love It

It’s one of the best places in southeastern Wisconsin to enjoy a traditional lake beach experience.

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Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Milwaukee 🐾

Bringing your pup along? These beaches and parks offer some of the best opportunities for dogs to enjoy the water.

🐕 Harrington Beach State Park – Dogs are welcome in designated beach areas.

🐕 Simmons Island Beach – Leashed dogs are permitted.

🐕 Fox Brook Park Dog Swim Area – Dedicated dog swimming area.

🐕 Menomonee Park Dog Swim Area – Popular dog-friendly quarry lake.

🐕 Pleasant Prairie Shoreline Areas – Some sections allow pets.

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Ready for a Beach Day?

Whether you’re spending the day at Bradford Beach, hiking down to Grant Park Beach, exploring Harrington Beach State Park, or letting your dog cool off at Fox Brook Park, southeastern Wisconsin offers incredible beach destinations just minutes from Milwaukee.

Grab your sunscreen, pack a beach chair, and start exploring! ☀️🌊🏖️

Looking for even more things to do around Milwaukee this summer? Check out our other guides!

• Milwaukee Farmers Market Guide
• Milwaukee Neighborhood Guides
• Milwaukee Summer Events
• Family-Friendly Activities Around Milwaukee

And don’t forget to follow Discover Milwaukee on Instagram for more local favorites, hidden gems, and summer inspiration all season long ☀️