Michigan City · Indiana · USA
Washington Park Beach
You'll smell pine resin warming in the afternoon sun before you see the red-capped lighthouse standing sentinel over Washington Park Beach. Families spread blankets on sand still cool from overnight lake breezes, while joggers trace the shoreline path and kayakers launch into water that shifts from jade to slate depending on the sky.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Washington Park Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll smell pine resin warming in the afternoon sun before you see the red-capped lighthouse standing sentinel over Washington Park Beach. Families spread blankets on sand still cool from overnight lake breezes, while joggers trace the shoreline path and kayakers launch into water that shifts from jade to slate depending on the sky.
Photos
8 captures from Washington Park Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Washington Park Beach
Michigan City, Indiana, USA
41.7217°, -86.9078°
Top things to do
At Washington Park Beach
Lifeguarded Swimming
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Lighthouse Photography
Golden hour at the pier
Marquette Trail
Dunes and oak savanna loops
Beachside Concessions
Hot dogs and soft-serve cones
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Washington Park Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Washington Park Beach.
Is Washington Park Beach safe for swimming and are there lifeguards?
Washington Park Beach has lifeguards on duty during summer months, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day, making it safer for families. The beach features relatively calm Lake Michigan waters, though conditions vary with weather. Check daily flag warnings before swimming: green means safe, yellow indicates caution, and red prohibits swimming. Rip currents can occur unexpectedly on Lake Michigan, so stay near lifeguard stations when possible. The beach is regularly maintained and monitored for water quality by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
When is the best time to visit Washington Park Beach?
Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather with temperatures reaching 75-85°F, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. However, Washington Park Beach provides year-round appeal: spring and fall attract beachcombers and photographers with fewer crowds, while winter offers dramatic lakefront views and lighthouse photography opportunities. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends during peak season. July and August have the warmest water temperatures, around 65-70°F. For family visits, late June through early August provides the best combination of warm weather, lifeguard coverage, and full amenity availability.
