One of the perks of living near the coast in northern Michigan is the access to Lake Michigan and its beautiful beaches. Some stretch for miles while others are tiny treasures tucked between small charming towns. While the shores of Europe can be filled with rocks, ours are filled with soft, golden sand and a few hidden Petoskey stones that wash up after eons of tumbling below the surface. Tourists flock north between July 4th and Labor Day to escape their work routines and find their special spot in the sand and swim in the cool fresh waters of the Great Lakes.
Focusing on the upper northwest area of the Lower Peninsula, I’ve made a list of some favorites and their features to both help vacationers plan and also as a little time capsule to look back on when the cold winds start to blow this winter. One must remember why it is they chose to live up here when the long winter sets in!
*While there are more northwest Michigan beaches that deserve a spot on this list (I’m already thinking of part two), I am based in Harbor Springs so trips to Traverse City are a bit out of my driving radius, please keep in mind I kept to areas more in my immediate area)
Petoskey State Park
• Best Overall
• Beautiful Dunes
• Wheelchair Accessible Walkway
The best bang for your buck and the most scenic beach in the immediate Petoskey/Harbor Springs area would be Petoskey State Park. The size, scenery, and amenities make this a top favorite to visit, along with it being the prime spot for Petoskey stone hunting.
Driving up to the beach, one is greeted with sand seeping over the shoulders and dunes rising up on either side. A gorgeous one-mile stretch of sand backed by enormous dunes and forest creates stunning natural scenery to explore.
This beach is big so there are many areas to set up. You could stay close to the facilities where ice cream lovers grab their favorite flavors at the store, or maybe you’d prefer out in the widest parts where space abounds. If seas of people aren’t your cup of tea, you could wander to the right to find a more secluded spot between dunes.
While it seems there is always room on this large beach, it is best to arrive early during peak season as sometimes the parking lot fills and they will turn you away at the entrance. This park is great year-round, with hiking trails, camping, and xc skiing opportunities.
View some excellent drone footage of the beach here.
Helpful Info
Admission: Entrance is free with a recreation passport tab, otherwise the daily park fee applies.
Restrooms: Yes
Dog Friendly: No (Though you may walk your leashed dog along the trails, they are not allowed on the beach due to piping plover nesting habitat)
Shade: No (there are no trees on or near the beach, though there is a shaded picnic pavilion with tables)
Drinking Fountain: Yes
Shower/Rinse Off Area: No
Store: Yes
Snacks: Yes
Picnic Tables: Yes
Water shoes needed: Maybe – There is a strip of smaller smooth stones that line the water’s edge making an ungraceful walk to the deeper, sandy areas.
Elk Rapids SandBar (Veterans’ Memorial Park)
- Best for Kids
- Best for Dogs (leashed)
- Michigan Historic Site Nearby
- Wheelchair Accessible Walkway
Located on River Street in the village of Elk Rapids, is a darling little beach perfect for families and furry friends. I spotted several leashed dogs snoozing in the sun and playing on the sandbar here. The ever-present no dogs allowed sign that plagues almost every beach in northern Michigan was absent at this park.
What I liked about this beach was even though it was small, it had a variety of areas that would please any beachgoer. On one side, there is a lazy river that empties slowly into the bay creating a natural playground for kids who loved floating from one to the other.
Nearby, an actual playground with plenty of jungle-gym action created endless entertainment for children. On the opposite end which was backed by tall trees fluttering in the breeze, hung the older, quieter crowd resting on their beach chairs and reading summer novels. Several paths cut through the tree line here making it feel like you were heading to your own private beach. This was the area I set up and took a dip in the teal water. In the middle, open sand and a volleyball net framed the blue waters ahead where a tall ship sailed in the distance.
Ample free street parking was available and prettily lined with tall purple flowers swaying in the breeze. As an added bonus, just east of the beach was the Island House and Elk Rapids District Library which was a nice surprise. A historic marker and long white pedestrian bridge mark the entrance to the library and outside on a cart I found free beach reads.
This well-rounded little beach was a delight to visit and had something for everyone.
Helpful Info
Admission: Free
Restrooms: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Shade: Yes
Drinking Fountain: Yes
Shower/Rinse Off Area: Yes
Store: No
Snacks: No
Picnic Tables: Yes
Water shoes needed: No – the bottom was very sandy here with minimal pebbles and shells.
Sturgeon Bay Beach
• Most Natural
• Longest Beach
Near the very tip of the mitt, three miles of raw natural shoreline make this beach the best for true nature lovers out there. While the sandy, dune-lined beach isn’t deep, it stretches as far as one can see with no man-made structures in sight. Keep in mind this means there are no facilities here, something that makes this a less popular beach to visit for me… a girl needs restrooms! However, it is a stunning beauty of a beach and puts you in awe as you drive along the dune-lined road to find a parking spot.
Kick your sandals off, walk past sand cherries growing over hills, and make your way along one of the many sugary sand-filled paths to this spectacular oasis of the north. One can see instantly why this is a favorite spot for locals as the horizon stretches on forever and one can recharge themselves to the tunes of rolling waves of mother nature.
Helpful Info
Admission: Free
Restrooms: No
Dog Friendly: No – April 15 through August 31 dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Shade: No
Drinking Fountain: No
Shower/Rinse Off Area: No
Store: No
Snacks: No
Picnic Tables: No
Water shoes needed: No
Cross Village Beach
- Dog Friendly
- Great for Rock Hunting
- Boat Access Ramp
- Close to Legs Inn
As a dog owner, I’m always looking for places to bring Freya with me and the beach at Cross Village is great for pups. What I love most about this beach is the wall of graceful willows and a small pond that reflects them behind the beach. The old trees here are enormous and tower over the small, rentable cabins below creating a swaying jungle of green as a backdrop. Water flows from the small pond out to Lake Michigan over rocks and driftwood creating a pretty scene in nature as you enter the beach.
The beach itself is long and less touristy than other beaches in the area probably due to its rugged, skinny shoreline and far north location. It’s perfect for rock hunters as the coast here is riddled with stones under the waves and water shoes are highly recommended if swimming is in your plans.
Helpful Info
Admission: Free
Restrooms: Yes – Porta-Potty
Dog Friendly: Yes
Shade: No
Drinking Fountain: No
Shower/Rinse Off Area: No
Store: No
Snacks: No
Picnic Tables: Yes – Pavillion
Water shoes needed: Yes – the rockiest bottom in the area
City Beach (Zorn Park)
- Coldest Water
- Diving Raft
Only a few miles from home is my most visited beach on the list due to its close proximity and crystal clear water. While other beaches can get stirred up from rough waves or riddled with algae blooms, the city beach in Harbor Springs is consistently clean and calm. Our harbor is the deepest natural harbor in the Great Lakes and due to natural springs shooting in 36-degree water, is 7 degrees cooler than the bay. I have sat on my beach chair many a time overhearing people gasp as they head out for a swim and chuckle to myself knowing the shock of our water.
A unique feature of this beach is the large raft you can swim to and dive off of. I like to watch as people swim out, climb the raft to warm a bit, only to stand and stare at the icy water trying to muster up the courage to swim back. Kids LOVE this raft and become a summer postcard often counting to 3 and jumping off in groups.
There are parking spots right at the beachfront and overflow is anywhere on the streets you can grab it. This is also one of the few beaches with actual lifeguards and is great for families. If finding a spot in the sand isn’t your thing, there is also a large grassy area with picnic tables and trees for shade. Dogs are allowed in this lawn area so it is possible to include your furry friends outside of the designated beach area.
This small but charming beach is also in the heart of downtown and within walking distance to explore restaurants, ice cream shops, and stores when you are done having fun in the sun.
Helpful Info
Admission: Free
Restrooms: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes and No
No dogs are allowed on the beach between 10 am – 7 pm
However, leashed dogs are allowed on the large lawn nearby. I often bring my dog here and sit right near the edge of the beach in the sun and there is a tree for shade for Freya.
Shade: Yes
Drinking Fountain: Yes
Shower/Rinse Off Area: Yes
Store: No
Snacks: No
Picnic Tables: Yes
Water shoes needed: No
Young State Park
- Nice Sandy Bottom
- Wheelchair Accessible Walkway
Located on the eastern end of Lake Charlevoix, the state’s third largest inland lake, you’ll find the beach at Young State Park. With its perfectly sandy bottom and large beach, this spot is another favorite of mine. The fact that it is on an inland lake makes it feel a few degrees warmer than Lake Michigan and we often visit here earlier in the season. I also like that it has a camp store in a log cabin-type building at the entrance of the beach. You’ll find all kinds of gear, souvenirs, snacks, and ice cream here as well as the restrooms.
They also offer kayak and paddle board rentals and I found the shoreline of this huge park quite beautiful to kayak along. The shoreline is lined with old cedar trees, some flipped over and bleach white creating a skeleton-like appearance.
The campground itself is one of the best in the area with prime picturesque spots right on the lake. Overall, this beach is a crowd-pleaser and you’re bound to have a great time here.
Helpful Info
Admission: Entrance is free with a recreation passport tab, otherwise the daily park fee applies.
Restrooms: Yes
Dog Friendly: No
Shade: No
Shower/Rinse Off Area: Yes
Store: Yes
Snacks: Yes
Picnic Tables: Yes
Water shoes needed: No
The Dog Beach (Zoll Street Beach)
Best beach for a doggie playdate
The dog beach in Harbor Springs is a great little spot to bring dogs that are social and want to play in the water together. It’s a tiny beach but has great views of the point across the harbor and is right next to Wequetonsing, a gorgeous community of old summer homes that will make your draw drop. It’s a great place to take your pup for a walk beforehand as you check out the fantastic front porches and beautiful gardens that line Beach Drive. People do not have to leash their dogs at this beach, so be cautious if your dog isn’t into other dogs running up to them.
Helpful Info
Admission: Free
Restrooms: Yes – Porta-Potty
Dog Friendly: Yes
Shade: Yes
Drinking Fountain: No
Shower/Rinse Off Area: Yes
Store: No
Snacks: No
Picnic Tables: Yes
Water shoes needed: No
Burt Lake State Park
- Warmest Water
- Shallowest Swim Area
- Michigan Historic Site
- Dog-Friendly Area
While Burt Lake is a little far from my house, I still found it worth mentioning due to its sandy bottom and warm water. If you are looking to swim earlier in the season and the big lake hasn’t warmed up yet, try this beach found inside the state park. It’s a good-sized beach with sand that stretches far inland up to its camp store and playground equipment. Pine trees dot the edges of the beach and park benches have picturesque views. The water is very shallow and stays shallow FAR out into the lake making for a surreal experience standing so far off shore.
One thing I will note about this beach that made it lose a little appeal was the litter that was left in certain areas. Now I did arrive on a Sunday after the weekend crowd, but there were paper and wrappers blowing in the wind along the sand and empty Gatorade bottles sitting by a bench. This is the only beach in the area where I noticed litter. So, a note to all beachgoers, let’s keep nature clean, and please throw away your trash as it definitely takes away from the beauty of our beaches.
Helpful Info
Admission: Entrance is free with a recreation passport tab, otherwise the daily park fee applies.
Restrooms: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes – There is a dog-friendly area on the south end of the shoreline.
Shade: Yes
Drinking Fountain: Yes
Shower/Rinse Off Area: Yes – A foot rinse-off area is on a path leading to the parking lot.
Store: Yes
Snacks: Yes
Picnic Tables: Yes
Water shoes needed: No
Empire Beach
- Best Views
- Dog Friendly (leashed)
- Lighthouse
- Boat Access Ramp
- Michigan Historic Site
As I drove up to the beach parking lot in Empire a, “Whoa!” escaped my mouth as my jaw dropped looking at the views. The ever-impressive Sleeping Bear Dunes rose 450 feet out of the water off in the distance making me giddy and glad I had decided to drive the extra miles to come there. Not only are the dunes eye candy for any beachgoer, but a pretty memorial lighthouse, one of only 3 in the state, rises from the other end of the beach earning this location bonus points for sightseeing.
I must prepare you, this is a popular beach, made even more popular by National Geographic ranking it one of the top 21 beaches IN THE WORLD. I will warn you now… arrive early. The parking lot is small and fills up very fast. I arrived at 10:30 am, paid my parking fee, and spotted about 3 other people. By 11 am the beach was packed. My setup was simple, a single beach chair and towel that was engulfed by tourists taking over sections with camp chairs and tents. So, arrive early and get a spot near the shore or someone will sit right in front of you with their ten kids and block your view.
Crowds aside, the beach was still worth visiting for the views alone. We are very lucky to have such a beautiful shoreline close to home. Also, as a bonus, there is a small lake on the opposite side of the parking lot with a dock and playground that was very popular with the kids. Leashed furry friends are also welcome here making this a great place to include all of those you love. You and everyone else that is. Ha!
This beach even has a webcam which you can view here.
Helpful Info
Admission: Parking is $1 an hour and can be paid at the meter near the restrooms. Beware parking tickets are handed out here, sometimes while people have parked and are in line waiting to pay.
Restrooms: Yes – Vault
Dog Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Shade: Yes
Drinking Fountain: No
Shower/Rinse Off Area: No
Store: No
Snacks: No
Picnic Tables: Yes
Water shoes needed: Yes – The shoreline has a low part right at the water’s edge full of stones making your walk in and out of the water very unsexy as you wobble trying to keep balance and not hurt your feet. Beyond this stretch is sand though and swimming is quite pleasant.
Church Beach (Middle Village Park)
- Sheri’s Personal Favorite
- Best Sand
- Historical Marker Nearby
Saving the best for last, Church Beach is my favorite beach close to home. It’s not the biggest beach and it doesn’t have many amenities, but there is something special about this beach to me.
Driving to this secluded spot feels like you are escaping from the world. A dirt road leads you to a historic old church and cemetery lined with white crosses lit by dappled light filtering through the trees above. There is a sense of peace here and this historic site is worth a walk around before heading to the beach. The short path to the beach has a turn-off and a small wooden viewing platform gives you your first views of the shore.
Trees, vines, and green leaves fill the backdrop opening up to a sugar-soft sand beach. A short stairway further down the path leads you to the beach where you can dig your toes into the finest sand in the area.
Walking out to the water’s edge, the soft surface continues in ripples stretching out under the waves in pleasing patterns. Distant poplar trees flutter in the breeze on the horizon and fluffy white clouds float by giving the scene an impressionistic painting look. I felt as if I was in a painting done by Monet or Van Gogh. The water is crystal clear here and the sand stretches on for days.
While the public beach here is on the smaller side, the continuing private beach is still accessible if you keep to the water’s edge and care to walk down the shoreline, giving the beach an endless quality.
This beach is a bit off the beaten path and is slightly less popular with the tourist crowds, especially during the week. Some years depending on the water levels, the beach can almost be nonexistent. This year with the lower water levels made it sublime and my personal favorite for the summer. I hope you’ll be able to enjoy it too… but let’s just keep it our little secret.
Helpful Info
Admission: Free
Restrooms: Yes – Porta-Potty
Dog Friendly: No
Shade: No
Drinking Fountain: No
Shower/Rinse Off Area: No
Store: No
Snacks: No
Picnic Tables: No
Water shoes needed: No – this is the sandiest bottom to swim at in the area.
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