The Best Beaches In Milwaukee Wisconsin

With its fresh air and refreshing water, everybody loves to be at the seaside, or in this case, the lakeside. This list of the best beaches in Milwaukee will inspire you to grab your bucket and spade and hit the sand, or grab a surfboard to catch some waves. Whether you like bustling vibes or a peaceful atmosphere, there’s a beach for you here.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Atwater Park Beach

Slightly off the beaten track, this quiet, family-friendly beach is an excellent choice if you want to avoid the crowds. It features a big playground for the kids and the large Spillover II sculpture for the culture-hungry adults. The beach is accessible by climbing down several flights of stairs (or a long, winding paved path), so don’t leave your flip-flops in the car because you’ll need them for your descent. Also, bring your surfboard because the waves here are to die for.

Bradford Beach is among Milwaukee’s most popular beaches, with the public flocking here as soon as the mercury starts rising. With lifeguards on duty seven days a week, it also has great amenities nearby – frozen custard, anyone? Thanks to funding efforts, Bradford Beach got a makeover in 2008, diverting the bacteria-laden stormwater runoff that used to cover the sand. Today, it’s a beautiful beach open to all.

South Shore Park Beach

Located in Bay View, south of downtown, this tranquil beach offers the best views of Milwaukee. While the adjacent South Shore Park is often bustling with children, the shoreline provides some peace and quiet. For even more ease and enjoyment, the newly added South Shore Terrace has a selection of post-swim snacks and drinks, making this beach well worth the visit. Get ready to listen to the waves lapping against the shoreline.

Tietjen Beach at Doctors Park

Tietjen Beach is a secluded option named after local George Tietjen, the founder of the Milwaukee County Lifeguard Corps. Trails lead through the land above to the beach – a beautiful approach to the water – and as it’s only 20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, it’s easily accessible. Whether you like sand or pebbles, you’ll be happy here, as this beach has both. It’s just large enough that you’ll never feel crowded, and if you want to explore more, the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is nearby, which has tons of natural beauty.

Grant Park Beach

Grant Park might just be the second most popular beach in Milwaukee. An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, the beach is near hiking trails, a golf course and outdoor event space. You’ll struggle to choose what to do – swim or practice your golf swing. With convenient parking, great eateries nearby, smooth sand as far as the eye can see and plenty of space to breathe, you’ll feel as though you’re truly on vacation in the city – but also on the beach.

McKinley Beach

If you like to do your own thing, head over to McKinley – a five-minute walk from nearby Bradford Beach. It might be smaller, but it’s just as nice. There are usually fewer people here, and it benefits from tennis courts and a nearby playground. Fantastic views, a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sand complete the picture. Let’s go and hit the beach.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.