Charles Mears State Park

Pentwater is the kind of lovable Michigan tourist town that just screams, “Summer vacation!” In a good way, of course. A stay at Charles Mears State Park is an ideal way to take advantage of that charming atmosphere while also enjoying a charming Lake Michigan beach. The approximately 50-acre park offers a one-mile trail along with fishing options, and is a popular place to hang between visits to shops, art galleries and concerts in town. The beach can get packed in summer but the vibe is jovial and carefree—you can run around with your dog, go metal detecting, or strike up conversations with random strangers. A great weekend escape from Chicago, Charles Mears serves up a gleeful break from your 9-to-5 routine.