Muskegon County is once again in the spotlight with two Lake Michigan beaches nominated for Best Beach in Michigan in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Pere Marquette Park and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park are both on the list, continuing a decade of recognition that has put our shoreline among the most talked-about in the state.
Making Waves for a Decade
Over the past several years, Muskegon County’s beaches have consistently appeared on statewide and national “best of” lists, showing a clear pattern of recognition across multiple independent sources.
In 2018, both Pere Marquette Beach and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park were named among the Top 10 Best Michigan Beaches in the USA TODAY 10BEST awards, with Pere Marquette earning the #1 spot.
That recognition continued in the years that followed. In 2021, Pere Marquette Beach was named a top vacation destination in MLive’s statewide readers’ poll. In 2022, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park was ranked #2 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Beaches in Michigan.
Most recently, both beaches were nominated again in 2024 and 2025 for USA TODAY 10BEST’s Best Beach in Michigan. Pere Marquette placed 6th in 2024 and 2nd in 2025, while P.J. Hoffmaster State Park remained a consistent statewide nominee.
Together, these recognitions highlight a simple trend: Muskegon County is home to beaches that are not only frequently nominated, but consistently ranked among the best in Michigan across multiple years and multiple trusted sources.
Two Beaches, Two Different Vibes
It is hard to pick a favorite because these two parks offer such different experiences.
Pere Marquette Park is that classic, wide-open Lake Michigan shoreline. It is a place for long beach walks, swimming, and watching ships move through the channel. With views of both lighthouses, the Muskegon South Pierhead Light and Muskegon South Breakwater Light, plus the nearby USS Silversides Submarine, there is always something to take in. Accessible walkways and playgrounds make it easy for everyone to enjoy the waterfront.
Just a short drive south, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park offers a completely different experience. It is where you go when you want to combine the beach with a little adventure. The Dune Climb Stairway leads to sweeping views of Lake Michigan, and miles of hiking trails wind through the forest and dunes. The recently renovated Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center adds even more context, helping visitors understand the unique ecosystem that shapes this shoreline.
Help Us Make Some Waves
We would love to see Muskegon County bring home the title for 2026, but we need your help to get there. Voting for the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards is officially open.
- You can vote once per day for the Best Beach in Michigan category
- Voting remains open through Monday, May 18
- Winners will be announced Wednesday, May 27
Cast your vote here: https://bit.ly/bestmibeaches2026
We will be keeping a close eye on the leaderboards until then. If you have ever spent a summer afternoon on our sand, you already know these beaches are worth the trip. Now let us help them earn another top spot.
