The Top Six Most Fantastic Beaches in Door County!
Beautiful weather is bountiful during Wisconsin summers, and sunny days are wasted if they’re not spent at the beach. Spend the afternoon swimming, soaking in the sun, or enjoying a romantic waterside picnic — the options are endless! When you stay at The Ashbrooke Hotel, you’re just a short drive away from the best Door County beaches. Check out our favorite local spots for a day by the water!
Don’t start planning your summer vacation to the peninsula without our Door County Vacation Guide. Inside, you’ll find curated recommendations for restaurants, annual festivals, outdoor recreation, and more.
The Six Best Door County Beaches
From sweeping, sandy shores to rare limestone beaches, Door County has it all. The peninsula is home to 53 public beaches, so we’ve narrowed it down to six of our favorites. Don’t miss the opportunity to dip your toes in Lake Michigan and experience some of Wisconsin’s best beaches.
1. Egg Harbor Public Beach
A three-minute drive from The Ashbrooke Hotel
Egg Harbor Beach is one of the most popular sandy beaches in Door County. A variety of amenities including a pavilion, playground area, restrooms, and showers make it easy to spend the entire day here! It is also a great location for swimming and fishing with the nearby marina and floating docks.
After a day at the beach, walk or drive to downtown Egg Harbor for an evening of waterfront shopping and dining.
2. Whitefish Dunes Beach
A 21-minute drive from The Ashbrooke Hotel
Whitefish Dunes State Park is a quiet, stunning spot to enjoy eastern Door County’s fragile dune environment. Whitefish Dunes Beach is a fantastic location for wildlife viewing, as many species of waterfowl and birds make their homes here. Visitors are welcome to stroll the beach, go fishing, play water sports or have a relaxing picnic!
3. Nicolet Beach
A 22-minute drive from The Ashbrooke Hotel
Nicolet Beach is the perfect spot for those seeking an afternoon of outdoor fun. This sandy Fish Creek beach, located in Peninsula State Park, has a full snack bar, camp store, and watercraft rentals available. Rent a kayak, paddleboat, or hydro bike and spend the afternoon splashing around in the water. The beach will be opening on Memorial Day weekend, so be sure to come join in the fun!
4. Ellison Bay Beach
A 31-minute drive from The Ashbrooke Hotel
Located just north of Sister Bay, Ellison Bay is a gold mine for nature lovers and beachgoers alike. Follow the catwalk at Ellison Bluff County Park, leading to one of the most gorgeous views on the peninsula. You’ll marvel at the vista that overlooks the lake from a 100-foot bluff. Along the shoreline, enjoy warm waters for swimming, soft sand for lounging, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a full day of fun in the sun. Be sure to explore the artistic community of Ellison Bay after your trip to the beach!
5. Newport Beach
A 39-minute drive from The Ashbrooke Hotel
Known as being the best beach in Door County for kayaking, Newport Beach is open year-round for a variety of outdoor activities. During the summer, find the perfect spot to lay out a blanket along over 10 miles of pristine shoreline. Then, you’re free to soak in the sun’s rays, admire the scenery, or take a dip in the lake’s refreshing waters.
6. Schoolhouse Beach Park
A 41-minute drive & 30-minute ferry from The Ashbrooke Hotel
There are only five beaches in the world comprised entirely of limestone, and Schoolhouse Beach is one of them. The pebbles that line the shore are so beautiful that it’s now against the law to take them. The north winds push warm air into the harbor, making the crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. The beach, located on Washington Island, was named the most romantic spots in Wisconsin by Travel + Leisure. Picnicking, snorkeling, and rafting are a few more popular activities in the park. This experience is truly a hidden gem. Speaking of hidden gems, check out our top spots for one-of-a-kind Door County experiences!
Soak Up the Sun at The Ashbrooke Hotel
The fun doesn’t have to end when you step off the sand. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best Egg Harbor restaurants before retreating to your home away from home, The Ashbrooke Hotel. Our adults-only hotel, located in the heart of Door County, features many premium amenities such as an indoor lap pool, a 12-person whirlpool, and a spacious outdoor sundeck. Every morning, enjoy complimentary coffee and fresh pastries in the lobby before embarking on the day’s adventures. Are you ready to book the trip of a lifetime?
Browse our luxurious accommodations and start planning your getaway today!