Best Beach in Waukesha

"Bradford Beach is Milwaukee’s largest and most popular beach. Located within minutes of downtown on Lincoln Memorial Drive, Bradford Beach is surprisingly expansive, and given its popularity, gets pretty crowded especially on weekends, though there is almost always a quiet corner for a little peace and relaxation. There is a free parking lot across the street, a public restroom area with a quick service food stand, and the beach has permanent tiki bars perfect for grabbing a drink."

"Within the last decade, this East Side beach (accessible between East North Avenue and Kenwood Boulevard, along Lincoln Memorial Drive) has experienced a renaissance in that food and beverage options (including a custard stand called Northpoint Custard, operated by The Bartolotta Restaurants), as well as equipment rentals, finally became available. The downside is that crowds have increased. And there might be a pro-volleyball tournament happening during your visit."

"Bradford Beach is among Milwaukee’s most popular beaches, with the public flocking here as soon as the mercury starts rising. With lifeguards on duty seven days a week, it also has great amenities nearby – frozen custard, anyone?. Thanks to funding efforts, Bradford Beach got a makeover in 2008, diverting the bacteria-laden stormwater runoff that used to cover the sand."

"Slightly off the beaten track, this quiet, family-friendly beach is an excellent choice if you want to avoid the crowds. It features a big playground for the kids and the large Spillover II sculpture for the culture-hungry adults. The beach is accessible by climbing down several flights of stairs (or a long, winding paved path), so don’t leave your flip-flops in the car because you’ll need them for your descent."

"Located in Shorewood, Atwater beach is an enjoyable spot for reading, catching some nice views, or just wasting a Sunday afternoon away with your feet in the sand. The beach itself is surprisingly large, especially since you barely see it from the ledge. Atwater Beach is part of Atwater Park, which is right at the intersection of Capitol Drive and Lake Drive."

"At the top of the park there are beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Make the trek to the lower-half of the park and take some beach pics. Atwater Park is at the corner of East Capitol and North Lake drives."

"Grant Park might just be the second most popular beach in Milwaukee. An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, the beach is near hiking trails, a golf course and outdoor event space. You’ll struggle to choose what to do – swim or practice your golf swing."

"Combine a hike through beautiful Grant Park on the scenic Seven Bridges Trail, or a game of golf at Grant Park golf course, with an afternoon at the beach. Sand volleyball courts and a brand new facility for concessions add to the fun."

"Hawthorne Ave., South Milwaukee, WI 53172county.milwaukee.gov. “Enter this wild wood and view the haunts of nature.”. This message, written on a sign atop a covered bridge, welcomes you to the Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park."

"Mckinley Beach provides a great alternative to the more popular and crowded Bradford Beach. Mckinley Beach offers the same parking options as Bradford Beach, but is a five-minute walk south of its more popular neighbor, Bradford Beach. Mckinley is definitely smaller but still boasts really nice sand, fabulous views, and a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere when compared to Bradford."

"Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202county.milwaukee.gov. Grab a fruit smoothie and iced coffee from local cafe Colectivo on the Lake and head north to the bay-shaped McKinley Beach in downtown Milwaukee. It’s less crowded than neighboring Bradford Beach and has a playground to wear out your little ones."

"If you like to do your own thing, head over to McKinley – a five-minute walk from nearby Bradford Beach. It might be smaller, but it’s just as nice. There are usually fewer people here, and it benefits from tennis courts and a nearby playground."

"Located just off of Lake Shore Drive, this park is a veritable diamond in the rough hidden in suburban Wisconsin. Set up a blanket on the bluff and enjoy views you certainly wouldn’t expect to glimpse next to casual cul-de-sacs and suburban homes."

"For years, China Gourmet has been Downtown Milwaukee's largest Chinese buffet and that tradition continues in its new location along the river, weekdays from 11:30 a.m."

"King's Wok, a Chinese spot, is another budget-friendly go-to, with four stars out of 21 Yelp reviews. Head over to 6969 N. Port Washington Road to see for yourself."

"This place is -- you guessed it -- a drive through, and a drive through only. Mini donuts are all that's offered, but you get to choose whether you want them shaken in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or both. These little guys are addictive so buy them by the dozen, or else you might not have any for yourself once your coworkers get a whiff."

"Located near Cambridge, Riverview and Kenilworth on North Avenue, this donut shop is sure to leave your mouth watering!. We recommend the cinnamon mini donuts."

"This mobile mini-donut bar (yes, that actually exists!) makes balls of dough into perfectly shaped mini-donuts right before your hungry eyes. Check out their festival and farmer's market schedule on their website."

"Located on the grounds of the Marquette University, the St. Joan of Arc Chapel, is a fine example of Gothic and Roman architecture!. Even though the church’s design is spell-binding, the story behind the church is what makes it an attraction!. It is said that Joan of Arc prayed at this very church in 1429 which was dedicated to St. Martin de Sayssuel at the time."

"If you’re a Marquette University alum, especially if you met your love there, taking pictures on the campus is a must!. The St. Joan of Arc Chapel, as pictured here, feels like a transportation back into time — how beautiful!"

"Historic Old Third Ward Spend your afternoon perusing the many interesting and eclectic shops of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. The Third Ward has no shortage of restaurants, bars, and trendy shops. We suggest strolling through the Milwaukee Public Market and grabbing a midmorning snack or pick up a souvenir t-shirt at the MKE Home store."

"Get your bearings of the city by sipping a cocktail at The Outsider, a rooftop bar on top of the Journeyman Hotel, in the Third Ward, before you head out on the town. Continue to 2 of 7 below."