Door County is a popular destination for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, we shall look into the 8 Best Door County Beaches, Wisconsin.
With more than 20 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to enjoy the sun and water – whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or somewhere with more activity.
- 8 Best Door County Beaches
- 1. Gills Rock Beach
- 2. Egg Harbor City Beach
- 3. Fish Creek Beach
- 4. Potawatomi State Park Beach
- 5. Schoolhouse Beach
- 6. Whitefish Dunes State Park Beach
- Located in Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI
- Open year round!
- Hours: 6 AM 8 PM
- 7. Newport Beach
- Located in Ellison Bay, WI
- Open year round!
- Hours: 6 Am – 11 PM
- 8. Pebble Beach
- What You Need to Know More About Door County, Wisconsin
- Final Thought
8 Best Door County Beaches
Door County beaches are some of the most beautiful in Wisconsin. These eight Door County Beaches make up a small portion of all that this area has to offer – but they’re definitely worth checking out!
The beaches are listed in no particular order:
1. Gills Rock Beach
- Located in the Town of Gills Rock, WI
- Open year round!
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Directions: From the Sturgeon Bay Bridge, take Highway 42 east for about a mile. Turn left on Gills Rock Road and continue until you reach County A. Turn right onto Park Circle Drive and follow it around until you get to the parking lot at the end of road – or just look up “Gills Rock Beach” on Google Maps!
This Door County beach is one of the best places to go for great fishing. With clear water and lots of fishy friends, Gills Rock Beach is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon or evening (or both!). The shallow waters make it safe for kids too – but bring your own life preservers if you plan on taking the little ones into the water.
In addition to being a great place for fishing, Gills Rock Beach is also one of Door County’s most popular sunset viewing spots. So pack up a picnic and head out here in time to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan – it’s going to be beautiful!
2. Egg Harbor City Beach
- Located in Egg Harbor City Park
- Open year round!
- Hours: Sunrise until Sunset (Beach closes at 11pm)
Located in the town of Brussels, Egg Harbor City Beach is a fantastic place to start your Door County vacation. This beach has changing rooms and bathrooms available – making it easy for visitors to get ready before heading into the water (or taking off their wet clothing afterwards). There’s also great fishing near this spot. Visitors here can fish from the shore, pier or charter a boat out on Lake Michigan.
In addition to fishing and swimming, visitors can enjoy hiking at Egg Harbor City Beach as well! There’s a great nature trail that starts right next to the beach where you can learn about all kinds of plants and animals that call this part of Door County home. And don’t forget to stop by the Door County Maritime Museum – it’s right next door and filled with artifacts from local shipwrecks, which you can see up close.
3. Fish Creek Beach
- Located in the Town of Jacksonport
- Open year round!
- Hours: sunrise to 11pm every day – but call 920-385-2822 for lifeguard availability. (No phone number available)
Fish Creek Beach is one of Door County’s most popular spots due in part because it has fantastic views and lots of great activities. This beach is well known for having some of the best beach sunsets in Door County – and it’s also a great place to watch colorful boats as they cruise by on Lake Michigan.
With World-class restaurants offer an assortment of delectable dining options. Stores are all over the village with lots to offer shoppers, including interesting finds for those looking in different areas like clothing or home decor items outside their usual purchases at department stores. The Niagara Escarpment also provides scenic spots perfect for hiking enthusiasts as well nature lovers who want some peace and quiet away from technology’s distractions.
4. Potawatomi State Park Beach
- Located in the Town of Sturgeon Bay
- Open year round!
- Hours: As long as it’s light outside – campground is open from sunrise to sunset.
This Door County beach offers visitors a fantastic place for camping and fishing. There are 204 campsites at this park where you can pitch your tent with a view of Lake Michigan and enjoy the sunset over the water. If you don’t have camping gear, no worries – there’s a lodge onsite with hotel rooms that include all kinds of amenities like TV and private bathrooms (not to mention, great views).
For those looking for more than just a place to pitch their tent or park an RV, Potawatomi State Park Beach offers visitors a fantastic fishing and swimming spot. There’s also an area just for smaller kids who want to splash around in the water – plus lifeguards on duty during peak times. The park has hiking trails as well which you can take advantage of after spending time at this Door County beach (or before, if you want a little pre-sunset workout).
5. Schoolhouse Beach
- Located in Washington Harbor Rd, Washington, WI
- Open year round!
- Hours: as long as it’s light outside – campground is open from sunrise to sunset.
Schoolhouse Beach is a great place for those who want a quiet day hanging out on Lake Michigan or catching some waves. This Door County beach is very quiet and secluded, but still has fantastic views of the water. With only 12 campsites available, this is a great place for those looking to get away from it all – whether you’ve got your family with you or just need some time alone in nature.
The perfect place to enjoy a swim or sunbathe is Schoolhouse Beach. The north wind sometimes brings warm surface water, but its best when it has smooth stones and crystal clear waters!
6. Whitefish Dunes State Park Beach
Located in Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Open year round!
Hours: 6 AM 8 PM
Whitefish Dunes State Park Beach offers visitors a great place for camping (with 36 campsites), hiking (check out trails like the one to the left or right of this Door County beach), and swimming. This is a wonderful place for families, although there aren’t lifeguards on duty so if you’re looking for waters that are more calm during late spring and summer afternoons might be better than an afternoon in mid-summer when waves can get pretty big at times.
This Door County beach is also great for those looking to take advantage of the water. For example, there are kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available throughout the park (unfortunately you can’t bring your own). Whitefish Dunes State Park Beach offers visitors a fantastic place for fishing as well – so if it’s pike or perch you’re looking for, this is your spot.
7. Newport Beach
Located in Ellison Bay, WI
Open year round!
Hours: 6 Am – 11 PM
Fantastic place for camping or swimming that has some great views, then Newport Beach might be just what you’ve been looking for. This Door County beach is a fantastic place to bring your family or friends, and it’s a great spot if you’re looking for some hiking opportunities as well!
The many beaches in Newport Beach provide visitors with an ideal place to soak up some sun, relax on a breezy day or enjoy water sports. The shoreline stretching 11 miles is perfect for families looking to spend time outside and it always has that sandy spot where you can find fragile treasures just waiting underfoot.
Newport Beach has a fantastic view of Lake Michigan – including the infamous Newport Lighthouse.
8. Pebble Beach
- Located in Sister Bay, WI
- Open year round!
- Hours: as long as it’s light outside – campground is open from sunrise to sunset.
If you’re looking for a beach that has some really clear water and very few people around (aside from those staying at the campsite), Pebble Beach might be perfect for you.
The Pebble Beach shoreline is a magical place. The beach, which does not have sand due to its rocky terrain and limestone-lined coastlines, boasts that it’s full of pebbles! If you are looking for the perfect spot to get away from your busy life there’s no better place than this hidden gem in Door County Wisconsin.
Local laws in Door County prohibit taking rocks from the beach, so when you visit Pebble Beach be aware that it’s now owned by Sister Bay and The Door County Land Trust.
While many people may not be familiar with the quiet beauty of Pebble Beach, it should definitely make your list if you want to spend a peaceful day at sea. This small but beautiful spot between Ephraim and Sister Bay has been a local favorite for years now due its secluded location.
Above is the list of the best Door county beaches, Wisconsin. There is a beach for everyone including family-friendly spots and secluded locations that can offer visitors an opportunity to get away from it all. Whether you’re looking for crystal clear waters or rocky coastlines there’s always something here in Door County.
What You Need to Know More About Door County, Wisconsin
Climate
Door County, Wisconsin is just far enough north to experience four distinct seasons. It’s located on the shores of Lake Michigan in northeast Wisconsin between Green Bay and Managua Bay. As a result, summers are often warm with temperatures that average around 80 degrees Farenheit while winters can be cold with temperatures averaging below freezing (32 degrees Farenheit). The area’s location on Lake Michigan can also lead to both hot and humid summer days as well as cold, windy winter conditions.
Topography and Geography
Door County is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan and features more than 20 miles of sandy beaches. The county itself covers an area that stretches roughly 100 miles from east to west and 50 miles from north to south. Door County’s topography includes rolling hills as well as steep cliffs along some parts of the coastline, making the area a popular destination for rock climbers. The cliffs are also home to some of the best views that Door County has to offer!
Safety and Crime Rate
Door County is a popular tourist destination and has worked to make the area safe for all visitors. In 2016, there were no murders or negligent homicides in Door County. The crime rate was also very low with only 23 robberies reported that year as well as 53 assaults and 196 acts of property damage.
Other Tourist Destinations
Door County is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, but it’s not hard to see why. With more than 40 harbors and 20 lighthouses, there are plenty of places to dock your boat or board a ferry – many of which offer tours around Door County.
Fishing enthusiasts will also enjoy spending time on Door County’s waters. The Lake Michigan shoreline is a hotspot for catching walleye, trout and other popular fish species as well as muskie and bass.
Final Thought
The Door County beaches are a must-see for anyone visiting the area. They have something to offer everyone from families with small children, who can enjoy playing in the sand and shallow water at Baileys Harbor Beach, to outdoor enthusiasts looking for big waves and awesome surfing opportunities. If you’re planning your next vacation or weekend getaway, be sure that one of these beautiful Door County Beaches is on your list!
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