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OVAL BEACHConde Nast Traveler rates Oval Beach among the "25 best shorelines" in America.
Oval Beach is truely one of America's great beaches. It's got it all! That small town "artsy" feel being set in the Saugatuck Doulgas area of Michigan (just voted the #3 Coolest Small Town in America), but with all the services and amenities you could ever need. Add in the adventure of Mt. Baldhead and the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, the art, the shopping, world-class golf and fishing, wineries galore, well - you could stay for weeks and not run out of things to do. The beach is extremely clean, strikingly pristine and beautiful, and has a large parking area. An added bonus are the wonderful sand dunes to climb including the well known and beloved Mount Baldhead. When I was young, we called it "Mount Baldy." Many of us still do. The view on the beach will take your breath away - if Mt. Baldy hasn't already. Looking both ways, the beach doesn't seem to end. On the wooden deck south of the dock there are swing sets, a concession stand, restrooms, picnic tables with barbecue grills and all the necessities for having a great day. Taking the Saugatuck hand chain ferry across the Kalamazoo River is a great way to get to Oval Beach. It's truly one of a kind and all ages love it. After getting off the ferry, you can climb the 250 or so steps up Mount Baldhead and you will be just one dune away from the beach. Or, take one of the sandy trails winding through the shady pines. Here's a good Map of the Saugatuck Dunes. Besides its' Conde Nast award and claim to fame, Oval Beach was also ranked by MTV as one of the top 5 beaches in the United States. And, National Geographic Traveler Magazine ranked Oval Beach one of the top 2 freshwater beaches in the United States. Hangin' Out at "One of The Best Beaches" in
"One of the Coolest Small Towns in America"
Oval Beach Recreation Area
Located on Oval Beach Rd, Saugatuck, Michigan. 49453 Hours 9 AM to 11 PM Parking Fees are charged from Memorial Day to Labor Day Parking is $6 per vehicle from 9 AM to 9PM Recreational Vehicles over 17 ft. are $12
There is no charge to walk, hike, or bike in, as there is not charge for the beach or park. No Alcohol or glass containers. No Pets. The Famous hand-pulled Chain Ferry (Only $1) is open July and August, Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Getting There: The beach is located at the end of Oval Beach Road, about one mile west of the Saugatuck Ferry landing and across the river from downtown Saugatuck. It's easier to get to than it sounds. Just take Ferry Street north from the neighboring town of Douglas and follow the signs, or take the chain-pulled ferry from downtown Saugatuck to one of the nearby beach trails. Then follow the trails to the beach (a bit of a hike, but worth it!) Just a short block from the Chain Ferry Landing is the Saugatuck Historical Museum. With a fresh new look every year, it's always a worthwhile stop! Take a look at this Oval Beach Area Map to get a better idea.
If you'd like a less-populated beach that's nearby, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, with more than two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 200-foot-tall dunes, and 1,000 acres of hiking terrain may be just the ticket for you! If you'll humor us while we slip in yet another award, Life Magazine has named Saugatuck, Michigan as one of the top 8 places in the United States for a "perfect summer weekend escape!" So what are you waiting for? And we'll see you around! _South Haven to Saugatuck and Beyond
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