Daily Daydream: America's Best Lake Beach

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

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Dr. Beach named Sleeping Bear Dunes as his number one pick in last year’s list of Five Great Great Lakes Beaches. Sleeping Bear Dunes is actually a National Lakeshore, and is protected by the National Parks System.

You can hike the many dunes, or run up and down the Dune Climb, which offers a view of Glen Lake. Or, drive the seven-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive loop to cover the most ground in a short amount of time.

Be warned that the endless sand and lack of any natural markers can make people disoriented on the dunes, so always explore in a group and be sure to bring a map, compass, and lots of water.

Where is it? On the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Fly to Michigan’s Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (check prices).

Where to Stay? At the extremely charming Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast.

What Else Should I Know? Entrance costs $5 per person or $10 per vehicle, unless you visit on one of the National Park Services’ fee-free days.

Who’s it For? Swimmers who fear the ocean!

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(Photo: Shutterstock/Benjamin Simeneta)

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