5 Wisconsin Coastal Towns to Visit with Your Family

Stroll sandy beaches and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore while exploring the beauty of historic coastal towns, right here in Wisconsin. Enjoy some fun in the sun while kayaking over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan, relax with family and friends on a sandy beach or set sail on a relaxing guided boat tour – whatever you choose, Wisconsin’s coastal towns have a memorable experience waiting for everyone. 

Baileys Harbor – Door County

Enjoy plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun in Baileys Harbor. Located on the coast of Lake Michigan in Door County, Baileys Harbor is full of local restaurants and shops alongside breathtaking views of the shimmering lake. From beaches and fishing to sweeping views, this charming town allows you to amp up your adventure or take a beat and relax – whatever you and your travel companions are up for.

Things to do: If you’re looking for a fun and memorable experience for the whole family, visit Lakeshore Adventures. Climb aboard a clear-bottom kayak to take in the mysterious views of abandoned underwater ships on a one-of-a-kind shipwreck tour. If you’re feeling brave, this outfitter also offers ziplining adventures from a 2,000-foot treetop canopy. You’ll glide over Moonlight Bay and Cana Island and be rewarded with breathtaking views.

For more outdoor fun, take a guided lighthouse tour on Cana Island and climb 97 steps to get a sweeping panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the Door County peninsula from the gallery deck.

Where to stay: After your day on the water, unwind and take in some local heritage with a hand-crafted beer at Door County Brewing Company, just a short walk from multiple inns and hotels right in the heart of Baileys Harbor. If you want a truly local and authentic experience, consider staying at Baileys Harbor Schoolhouse Inn. This historic inn is a renovated 1917 schoolhouse and is hosted by a fifth-generation Baileys Harbor family who is sure to make your stay unforgettable.

Milwaukee

For a more urban coastal experience, add Milwaukee to your list. As the largest city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee is full of history and character, and the Lake Michigan shoreline sets the stage for a variety of water activities ideal for the entire family.  

Things to do: A hot spot on the Great Lakes’ “third coast,” Milwaukee has a massive variety of never-ending fun-in-the-sun activities, such as guided boat tours, freshwater surfing, jet skiing and even charter fishing. Bradford Beach, located a few miles north of the Historic Third Ward, offers plenty of space to lay out, relax and soak up some sun. 

After a full day on the water, steady your sea legs by exploring the city on foot. Take an evening stroll on the 3-mile Milwaukee Riverwalk – a path that runs through the heart of the city – or catch a romantic sunset view with your partner at Pere Marquette Park.

Where to stay: If you’re eager to extend your adventure and get back on the water as the sun rises, check out the Dubbel Dutch Hotel for a whimsical stay near the Lake Michigan waterfront. This 17-room boutique hotel is nestled in a renovated 1898 mansion where modern meets historic to tell the story of downtown Milwaukee. With views of the skyline to the south and glimpses of Lake Michigan to the east, Dubbel Dutch Hotel has a truly unique experience to offer – you can even bring along your four-legged friends!

Washington Island

If your ideal getaway is an island in the sun, Wisconsin has you covered! Enjoy a remote escape by hopping on a quick ferry ride to Washington Island, where adventure awaits just across brilliant blue waters off the tip of the Door County peninsula. Here you’ll find a variety of local shops, nature preserves and even a limestone beach, where you can soak up some sun with your favorite people.

Things to do: Schoolhouse Beach, a rare kind of beach made of smooth limestone rocks, is a must-stop visit on Washington Island. You’ll only find five others like it throughout the world! Complete with marked areas to take a swim, with a diving raft and a charming picnic area along the shore, Schoolhouse Beach is a picture-perfect place to spend an afternoon.

Dive even deeper into the awe-inspiring natural beauty and catch another ferry over to Rock Island State Park – a smaller island northeast of Washington Island. While you’re there, be sure to make the quick 1.25-mile hike to the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Wisconsin’s first lighthouse, on the north side of the island. Leave your car behind, though; this island is vehicle-free.

Where to stay: From historic cottages and hotels to rustic campgrounds, Washington Island has plenty of options for lodging to match any vibe. If you’re looking to stay right on the beach, Sunset Resort is located within steps of the cool Green Bay waters and has rooms with views of the lake, making for the perfect opportunity to watch a relaxing sunset with your favorite vacation beverage in hand.

Sheboygan

Just 55 miles north of Milwaukee lies the “Malibu of the Midwest”: Sheboygan. Located right on the shore of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan, known to many as the freshwater surf capital of the world, is the perfect place to hang loose. Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach to kick back and relax, a historic B&B with a luxurious spa or the perfect shore to elevate your golf game, Sheboygan has a little something to offer everyone.

Things to do: Get out on the water and enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan with a guided sailboat tour, or rent a surfboard and try your hand at catching some waves. After your beach adventure, head on over to Deland Park for a tour of the Wreck of the Lottie Cooper – a three-masted schooner that capsized in 1894 off the Sheboygan Harbor. Enjoy this recovered and restored up-close vision of a once vibrant ship – a truly authentic piece of Sheboygan history.

Where to stay: Book a stay at Blue Harbor Resort if you’re ready to get back out on the water to catch a wave. More than just a lakefront resort, Blue Harbor is home to Breaker Bay Waterpark: a complete adventure for all ages that includes a riptide pool, a hot tub, water basketball, tube slides and more. Stop by the patio to sip a signature cocktail and escape into a romantic lakeside sunset with your partner. Whether enjoying a family outing or a dreamy romantic escape, visiting Sheboygan is sure to be unforgettable.

Racine

Located just 30 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago, Racine is a spectacular destination for a long weekend getaway from the city. Racine has a variety of activities to get out on the water, so pack your swimsuits and head out to North Beach or put your angler skills to the test in Lake Michigan. In the water or relaxing on the coast, Racine has a wide variety of notable activities to offer.

Things to do: To no surprise, the gorgeous North Beach has been voted one of the top five freshwater beaches in the US. Located just a few blocks from downtown Racine and spanning nearly 50 acres, North Beach makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island from the moment you step foot on the sand. Go for a swim, play a few rounds of sand volleyball, build an epic sandcastle; no matter what you choose, you’re bound for a wonderful afternoon on the North Beach shores.

Longing for a family fun jungle adventure in the sun? Swing by Racine Zoological Gardens to see over 100 different species of animals, including 50 endangered species. Don’t forget to pack a bag of your family’s favorite snacks and enjoy one of the zoo’s picnic areas to refuel.   

Where to stay: If you’re looking to stay for at least a week, get a historic bed and breakfast experience and reserve one of the four rooms at the Christmas House, located not far from the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The Christmas House, built in 1893, has been restored and refurnished to meet modern-day conveniences with a flair of antique décor.

Looking to learn more about Wisconsin’s fresh coast? Check out this guide to Wisconsin’s harbor towns.