Your Guide to the Milwaukee Lakefront
To love Milwaukee is to love Lake Michigan. Whether you're seeking fun on the water, vibrant lakefront events, or the best restaurants and hotels with stunning views, we've got you covered. Discover how to make the most of Lake Michigan's magic right here in Milwaukee!
On the Water & Lakeside Activities
Milwaukee's lakefront offers a variety of ways to enjoy the water. Whether you want to charter a boat, relax on a sandy beach, or explore a lakeside trail, you'll find the perfect access point here.
Visit the Beaches
You don’t have to fly to a seaside destination for a spectacular beach day. During the summer, we have it all right here in Milwaukee, with 1,400 acres of sandy beaches to enjoy.
One of the most popular beaches in Milwaukee is Bradford Beach, which is America's most accessible beach with wheelchair paths and rentals accessible and has activities galore for beachgoers of all ages, such as beach volleyball and birdwatching. Plus, there is surfing in the winter months. Be sure to make a pit stop at The Dock and Moosa's food stand.
To the South is Grant Park Beach, which is more laid back and has a wooded area inland from the shore. You can play beach volleyball, rent a beach chair and umbrella, go birding, or head out to the sports course and golf course for a round or two.
For families with small children, South Shore Beach is an excellent choice with its picturesque marina and convenient boat launch, laid-back beer garden, scenic trails, and bustling playground.
Explore Our Parks
Some of Milwaukee’s best parks are right on the lakefront. With over 150 parks to explore, there is something for everyone. For the best panoramic views of our skyline, head to Lakeshore State Park, a serene green escape from the bustle of the city. If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a picnic, look no further than Veterans Park, which has a vast expanse of grassy areas and shady trees under which to relax. There’s also Lake Park, designed by Olmsted, which has a golf course, tennis courts, soccer fields, a tot lot and lush gardens with winding paths to explore. Plus, it’s home to one of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks: the North Point Lighthouse, where you can choose to climb the tour or enjoy a walking tour of the museum.
Visiting any of our lakefront parks is fantastic on foot, but you can also cover more ground by renting a Bublr Bike if you want to see as much as possible.
Lakefront Activities
Milwaukee's lakefront offers a myriad of activities to suit every taste and interest. Take a spin on a Bublr Bike to enjoy a scenic ride along the Lakefront. Join in the colorful spectacle of kite flying in Veterans Park with Gift of Wings’ many offerings and kite festivals. For those seeking a beachside thrill, Bradford Beach is the ultimate destination for beach volleyball enthusiasts, with sandy courts and lively games against the backdrop of crashing waves. Dive into the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan with kayaking adventures, exploring the shoreline and soaking in the beauty of the city from a new perspective.
Delicious Food and Drink Options
Soaking up the sun on the lakefront is sure to work up an appetite, and our selection of lakeside restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops have you covered. For a zap of caffeine to keep you going all day, Colectivo Coffee Lakefront provides a perfect spot to enjoy a lakeside coffee break, with its artisanal brews and fresh pastries.
Indulge in fresh seafood at Harbor House, a lakeside eatery famous for its New England-style menu and creative cocktails. If you’re committed to finding the best outdoor seating in the city, South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden is one of our top picks. We recommend visiting on a Friday so you can enjoy the weekly fish fry. Other must-try spots include Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Marina and French fine-dining venue, Lake Park Bistro.
Come and experience the unforgettable beauty of Milwaukee's lakefront for yourself! We aren’t known as the Great Place on a Great Lake for nothing.
Must-Attend Annual Events
The Milwaukee lakefront hosts many exciting events that draw large crowds throughout the year.
The Milwaukee Air & Water Show dazzles spectators with breathtaking aerial acrobatics and water-based stunts, making it a must-see event each summer. Another fun summertime fest is the Mexican Fiesta which honors culture, tradition, and family. There is also the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Veterans Park and Dragon Boat Races in Lakeshore State Park.
In the fall, the Lakefront Marathon offers runners a scenic route along the water's edge, providing a refreshing breeze and stunning views as they compete.
More Milwaukee Lakefront Events
