Best Lake Michigan Beaches Near Wauwatosa

Discover Wauwatosa

If you ask us, the ultimate summer getaway is a trip to the beach with plenty of time to recover from said beach trip.

When you plan a trip to Wauwatosa, you can easily access the following Lake Michigan beaches by day, then return to our charming city by night for some much-deserved R&R.

Veteran’s Park

Best Paired With: A meal at Buckatabon, a Wisconsin’s Northlands-inspired restaurant that serves as the perfect place to refuel after a long day of activities.

The ultimate place for those in search of a stunning view of the horizon, Veteran’s Park allows active enthusiasts plenty of space to spread out, get moving, and take in the lakefront scenery.

Bradford Beach

Best Paired With: A taste of the tropics with a tropical-inspired cocktail from Wauwatiki in East Tosa.

If you’re seeking a true “soak your toes in the sand” beach experience, look no further than Bradford Beach. As one of the top urban beaches in the nation, it’s a can’t-miss for all of your sunbathing and swimming hopes and dreams.

Plus, Bradford Beach features an ability center to accommodate wheelchairs. Everyone has an opportunity to soak up the Midwestern sunshine from the sandy shoreline.

Atwater Beach

Best Paired With: A double scoop from Joy Ice Cream. After you hike the stairs back up, you’ll certainly deserve it.

Our biggest piece of advice for the beautiful Atwater Beach: bring comfortable shoes.

Make your way down to the beach by the staircase that leads to the middle of the park, or take the wheelchair-accessible zig-zag path down the bluff to the bottom. Just remember, you’ll have to make your way back up once the day is done (but the climb is completely worth it!).

South Shore Park

Best Paired With: A visit to The Landing at Hoyt Park — a dog-friendly spot to continue the day’s adventures with your furry friend.

Featuring some of the best views of the city skyline, South Shore Park offers open spaces for many of your favorite beach activities, including, football, frisbee, and sand volleyball.

Plus, you can bring your dog for the ultimate getaway with your fur bestie. Just make sure they stay on their leash!

Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and things to do while you’re here in Wauwatosa.

Header image courtesy of @leah.michele84.