Central Avenue Beach in Indiana Dunes National Park

Central Avenue Beach

One of the lesser-known beaches in the park, Central Avenue Beach is ideal for visitors seeking a peaceful, nature-focused escape.

Plan Around Central Avenue Beach

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Central Avenue Beach Details

One of the lesser-known beaches in the park, Central Avenue Beach is ideal for visitors seeking a peaceful, nature-focused escape. Accessible via a short trail through the dunes, this beach feels more remote than some of the more popular locations. Its natural shoreline and minimal crowds make it a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. However, visitors should plan ahead, as there are no facilities or lifeguards on-site. This is an excellent location for those who want to experience the dunes in their most pristine form.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

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Region

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Nearby Parks Around Central Avenue Beach

Compare nearby parks around Central Avenue Beach when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

7.8 mi away

Indiana Dunes

National Park · IN

273.3 mi away

Gateway Arch

National Park · MO

280.2 mi away

Cuyahoga

National Park · OH

315.5 mi away

Mammoth Cave

National Park · KY

451.3 mi away

Isle Royale

National Park · MI

454.6 mi away

Great Smoky

National Park · NC

Nearby Points of Interest Around Central Avenue Beach

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Central Avenue Beach while the map context is still fresh.

0.4 mi away

Mount Baldy Beach

Mount Baldy Beach is one of the most iconic landscapes in the park, offering a dramatic shoreline with views of the towering Mount Baldy dune, the tallest in the park.

0.5 mi away

Mount Baldy Picnic Area

Located near the towering Mount Baldy dune, this picnic area offers tables and grills in a scenic setting.

0.6 mi away

Central Avenue Beach Picnic Area

Located at the Central Avenue Beach parking lot, this picnic area provides visitors with a quick and convenient place to rest before or after a visit to the shoreline.

0.6 mi away

Mount Baldy Summit Trail

Mount Baldy, the largest moving dune in the park, offers a one-of-a-kind hiking experience but is only accessible via scheduled ranger-led tours due to its shifting sands.

3.2 mi away

Lake View Beach

True to its name, Lake View Beach is one of the best places in the park to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.