Beaches
Lake Michigan’s inviting waters provide a great way to stay cool on those sunny summer days while also enjoying the outdoors. The sounds of crashing waves, a light breeze on your face, and the views of Lake Michigan allow for a supreme level of relaxation.
Acme Township Park
Picnic areas, playground, and sandy beaches on the eastern shore of East Grand Traverse Bay. 4 miles north of Acme off US-31 North, 12 miles east of Traverse City.
Bowers Harbor Beach
15 miles north of TC on Peninsula Dr. Picnic facilities, restrooms, nearby boat launch.
Bryant Park
Bright sun, cool shade, and West Grand Traverse Bay. Bryant Park has a playground, restrooms, charcoal grills, and a long stretch of sandy beaches. Lifeguards on duty during peak season. Picnic facilities, restrooms.
Clinch Park
Enjoy over 1,500 feet of sandy beaches along West Grand Traverse Bay in downtown Traverse City. Most popular beach in the area because of its amenities: bike racks, direct access to TART Trail, lifeguards during peak season, and a snack bar. Picnic facilities, restrooms.
East Bay Park
Shady picnic areas, shallow water, lifeguards, and a playground make this a favorite for those with young families. Picnic facilities, restrooms.
Empire Village Park
Located at the foot of Niagra St with stunning views of Empire Bluffs. Picnic facilities, restrooms.
Glen Arbor Municipal Beach
This beach and boat launch is in the heart of downtown Glen Arbor, at the end of Lake St. Playground, picnic facilities, restrooms, boat launch.
Glen Haven Beach
Park pass is required for this beach, but it is well worth it. West on M-109 from Glen Arbor, then turn right onto Glen Haven Rd, park at the museum. Paved parking, nearby facilities.
Glen Lake Picnic Area at Dune Climb
This popular picnic spot offers public access to Little Glen Lake and is located just ½ mile from the Dune Climb. Paved parking, picnic tables, nearby facilities.
Good Harbor Beach
Large and kid-friendly space that can get crowded at peak times. Follow 669 or 651 from M-22 near corner of the Dunes parkland. Paved parking, picnic tables, restrooms.
Haserot Beach Park
Sandy beach with a playground on a protected bay of Lake Michigan, just east of the town of Old Mission. Boat launch, picnic facilities, restrooms.
Lake Township Park
Kids love floating the river as the mouth of the Platte River opens up into the lake. Picnic facilities and restrooms.
Leelanau State Park
Take in panoramic views of Fox Island on the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, 30 miles north of TC on M-22. Explore the hiking trails and stop by the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse, which is open to the public. Restrooms.
Leland Municipal Beach
Close proximity to marina. Picnic facilities, restrooms.
North Bar Lake
Creek between Bar Lake and Lake Michigan that is ideal for skimboarding or just splashing around because the water is shallow and noticeably warmer than Lake Michigan. Turn onto Larahr Rd off North Bar Lake Rd, park your car, and take the boardwalk. Unpaved parking, basic facilities.
Northport Beach
This beach is located adjacent to the marina and has a playground for the kids. 26 miles north of Traverse City. Restrooms.
Old Mission Peninsula Park
Located along the 45th parallel at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula lies one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. The shallow waters warm up quicker than the rest of Grand Traverse Bay, making it a local favorite.
Old Settler’s Picnic Area
This picnic area has a playground for the kids and a long dock on Big Glen Lake. Located off Highway 675, which is also Dunns Farm Rd. Picnic facilities, restrooms.
Otter Creek
These shallow creek waters are perfect for young kids to splash and play. You can wade upriver into the midst of the forest or kick back with chairs and a cooler. Take M-22 south from Empire, then turn right on Esch Rd. Unpaved parking, restrooms.
Power Island
Accessible only by boat, Power Island almost feels like your own private island with hiking trails and sandy beaches. Picnic facilities, restrooms.
Peterson Rd Beach
Quiet and private beach with views of the dunes to the north. Turn onto Peterson Rd from M-22, follow to lake Michigan. Unpaved access, parking, basic facilities.
Platte River Point Beach
Views of the Empire Bluffs and just a short walk from shallow rivers or the deeper Lake Michigan. This is also the finish line for Platte River tubers. Take Lake Michigan Rd off M-22, drive directly to Lake Michigan. Paved parking, picnic tables, basic facilities.
Port Oneida Beach
Closest beach to Pyramid Point and Bay View trails. New stairway descending the dunes has made this beach more easily accessible. Head east from Glen Arbor to Port Oneida Rd, left onto Lane Rd. Dirt parking, no facilities.
Suttons Bay Municipal Beach
15 miles north of Traverse City on M-22. Picnic facilities, playground, restrooms.
Tiesma Rd Beach
A secluded and unmarked beach near Platte River Point and Peterson Rd. Take Lake Michigan Rd north, turn right onto Isle View Dr and follow it until the end. Dirt road parking, no facilities.
Traverse City State Park
700 feet of sandy beach on East Grand Traverse Bay. Located across the street from Traverse City State Park campgrounds on US-31 North. Picnic area, restrooms.
West End Beach
Bay-front park and beach in downtown TC with lots of parking. Dogs are allowed so long as they are on a leash. Restrooms.