Usually there are some waves. Heights depends on the wind direction. Beach is south of a pier, so use on north winds for smaller waves.

Nice sand without shells or anything else. Crowded in summer on the main beach. Special kite area in summer.

Nice in North winds due to the jetty. Lighter winds the norm for the summer. 2-3 days a week are usual in spring. 1-2 days a week for the summer. 3+ the norm for fall.

Directions: Silver Beach is below the bluff in downtown St. Joseph on Lake Street. Take I90 or I294/I80/94 from the city south around the lake through N. Indiana into Michigan. Exit to St. Joseph (red arrow highway) and follow it for several miles into the downtown area. Take the last left turn before heading over the bridge, the first right and follow it down to the left. You will come to a right turn over train-tracks. Head over the tracks straight into the parking area. Parking is $5. There is also another beach (Tiscornia Park) to the North side of the harbor breakwall. The North side beach is the better beach, since it's less crowded, but there's a wind shadow at Tiscornia on SW winds due to the hill and trees right where you park, so walk down a bit.

Just stay out of the swimming area and sue the designated kite zone in summer.