Michigan's Oval Beach in Saugatuck has recently been acclaimed as one of the top beach destinations in the United States. It earned a spot on TripAdvisor's 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards list of the best beaches. Ranked 24th out of 25, the recognition was based on millions of traveler reviews and ratings collected by the travel platform, highlighting the beach's "fine sand" and picturesque setting.
According to a report by ClickOnDetroit, TripAdvisor noted, "There’s no bad time to visit this wonderful spot, plus there’s always ample parking here." Lisa Mize, executive director of the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, expressed her enthusiasm in a statement: "We so thrilled that our very own Oval Beach has been recognized again by our visitors who come back year after year to enjoy the beautiful coastline, natural beauty and the charming towns that make our area so special."
Oval Beach was the only Great Lakes beach featured on the list, which was led by destinations in Florida, boasting nine entries, and Hawaii, with eight beaches, including three in the top five. WZZM 13 emphasized that Michigan's freshwater beaches attract millions of visitors yearly, underscoring the state's allure despite the usual spotlight on tropical locations.
Alongside the accolades from TripAdvisor, Oval Beach's rating stands at an impressive 4.5, based on more than 1,100 reviews. "It’s all about fine sand and scenic views at Oval Beach," TripAdvisor wrote, suggesting visitors combine a trip to the beach with a visit to the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area for a memorable experience. This detail was featured in a report by WOODTV, which also noted the beach's distinct status as the sole representative from the Great Lakes region on the esteemed list.
