Located on Lake Michigan, Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan, is consistently named one of the Midwest’s best beaches. From here, visitors can enjoy Silver Beach kayak rentals and Silver Beach paddleboard rentals with incredible views of the St. Joseph lighthouse.
Weather may affect hours. Click “Book Now” for real-time calendar.
Designed for all experience levels, these trips offer calm water, straightforward routes, and plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery.
Your safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety standards so you can focus on your paddling adventure with confidence.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available mid-May through mid-October for river locations and late May through Labor Day for beach locations. Please check availability as hours are subject to change due to weather.
Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan, is a broad, sandy stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline where the St. Joseph River meets the lake — just about 90 minutes from Chicago, making it an easy and popular getaway. It’s an ideal spot for swimming or finding the best Silver Beach kayak rentals, offering beautiful views of the historic piers and lighthouse from the water. On a calm day, there is no better way to see the shoreline than with Silver Beach paddleboard rentals.
Once home to the beloved Silver Beach Amusement Park and now anchored by the Silver Beach Carousel and museum, the beach sits steps from a vibrant downtown filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Recognized by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards as one of the Top 25 Beaches in the U.S., it’s a favorite summer destination for both locals and visitors alike.
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Silver Beach kayak rentals and paddleboard rentals are located on the north end of Silver Beach County Park (behind the concession building and next to the swim area) in St. Joseph, Michigan, within walking distance of downtown St. Joseph.
Parking: Paid parking available at Silver Beach County Park Lot ($8–$15/day, $40 annual; fees set by Berrien County) and nearby lots (fees set by City of St. Joseph). Limited nearby free street parking, first-come, first-served.
We constantly monitor the weather at our rental sites to make sure conditions are safe for our customers. If our reservation calendar shows that we are open today, you can be confident that you can safely enjoy the water.
In the event that conditions are unsafe, our reservation calendar will show that we are closed. If you have already made a rental reservation, you will be notified via text (if you consent to be contacted) and email as soon as possible, and you’ll receive a full credit to reschedule at your convenience.
The loungeboard is a wider inflatable paddleboard specially designed to help paddlers maintain their balance. It has a weight capacity of 400 lbs., perfect for families and couples to paddle together or just lounge. They are available at Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Jean Klock Beach in Benton Harbor, or Warren Dunes State Park.
At all of our rental sites, you can paddle as long as you like and just turn around when you’re ready to return to the launch site. (No need for a shuttle, which we do not offer.) Our most popular reservation length is two hours.
If you need to reschedule your reservation, use the link in your booking confirmation email to choose a new day and time. You must reschedule BEFORE your original reservation time. We’re happy to reschedule rentals, but there are no refunds on these services.
You do not need to worry about tipping our kayaks over. They are a beginner-friendly sit-on-top style that is very stable and designed not to tip easily. While our kayaks are designed for stability, it’s important to note that any kayak can tip if a paddler stands up or behaves unsafely.
Yes, each guest is required to sign a waiver, which includes agreeing to wear your life jacket the entire time.
We encourage you to book ahead of time online to make sure you get the equipment you want when you want. Visit thirdcoastpaddling.com, click “book now,” and choose your rental location. You’re also welcome to drop by to rent, but your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.
