Fun in the sun
Clinch Park
Located just a few blocks north of downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park is a favorite for both locals and tourists. A picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a splash pad for kids make this beach a must visit for families.
Bryant Park Beach
Picnic area, a playground, restrooms, charcoal grills, tall pines, a long stretch of sandy beach, and lifeguards (mid-June -- August) make this a popular spot near downtown Traverse City.
West End Beach
If you’re looking for the party you’ll find it here. Featuring multiple volleyball nets just above a mile long beach, West End is the favorite spot for those looking to have a good time. Boats anchor close to the shore making this a great spot for hanging out with friends and mingling.
Traverse City State Park Beach
One of Traverse City’s most popular beach spots is just two miles east of downtown, the beach at the State Park stretches over a quarter mile. With picnic tables, restrooms, on-duty lifegaurds and an outlet of Mitchell Creek at the west end of the beach, it is the perfect place to bring a lunch and spend the day. A state park permit is required should you want to park your car there, but foot access is free.
Haserot Beach Park
Just east of the town of Old Mission and 20 miles north of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula lies Haserot Beach Park. It boasts a variety of features -- a sandy beach on a protected bay of Lake Michigan, restrooms, picnic facilities, playground, and boat launch.
Old Mission Peninsula State Park
This park located on the tip of Old Mission Peninsula is great for those who enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring the beauty of northern Michigan. With over 40 acres of wooded trails surrounding Old Mission Peninsula Park, you and your friends, family, or canine companion will have plenty of fun hitting the trails, rock hunting on the beach, or exploring the decommissioned lighthouse at the pointe.
Sleeping Bear Dune state park Beaches
North Bar Lake Beach
One of the most popular beaches in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The lake connects to Lake Michigan and is often warmer because it is shallow and has a sandy bottom. The beach area is a favorite among families with small children.
Good Harbor Bay Beach
A magnificent beach along a stretch of Good Harbor Bay. This beach offers clear views out to the islands and has a long sandy beach. Just a few seconds walk south is a stream running from the woods into Lake Michigan. The stream is great for kids to play in, fun to follow into the woods, and nice to just stand in the warmer waters of the stream after a cold dip in Lake Michigan.
Glen Haven Beach
Located on Sleeping Bear Bay and offers a combination of stunning beach, incredible views, and a historical museum. The Cannery Boat Musuem in Glen Haven is located right on the Lake Michigan beach which looks out at the Manitou Islands and the pilings remaining from the old Glen Haven docks. Views look west past the Maritime Museum to Sleeping Bear Point, north to the Manitou Islands, and east to Glen Arbor and Pyramid Point.
Peterson Beach
This beach has a boardwalk crossing the low dunes from the parking lot to the beach. It’s a quiet stretch of sand with wide vistas of Empire Bluff to the north and Platte River Point to the south.
Esch Beach
Also called Otter Creek Beach, is another popular swimming area. This beautiful, tranquil Lake Michigan beach is located at the mouth of Otter Creek. Enjoy walking up the warm and shallow creek bed to see a stunning display of wildflowers and local fauna.