PLAN YOUR BEACH TIME AT A HIGHER LATITUDE.
Michigan has 3,228 miles of beach, so get baked in the sun near your favorite Dunegrass location.
Elberta Beach
A quiet place at a Higher Latitude, Elberta Beach is a less crowded, undeveloped beach to the south of Frankfort Harbor. This is a daytime beach only, so relax, swim, read a book while bakin’ in the sun, very chill. No restroom facilities at the beach, so plan ahead.
Beulah Beach
A more quaint approach to beach life on beautiful Lake Crystal. Less crowded than the big beaches but plenty of space to adjust your latitude. The beach is on the eastern end of the lake in the town of Beulah. Plenty of beach, easy parking, great local restaurants and shops, and stop by Dunegrass Co. after your day in the sun.
School Section Lake
80 acres, with 166 modern campsites, five camp-n-cabins, two boats for lake access. Picnicking, sports venues, fishing, frisbee golf, playground and an awesome swim beach. Five acres of trails to get in your Michigan state of mind.
River Bend Bluffs
A great spot to kayak, canoe and swim. Shallow sandy water to just lay about and meditate. There’s even some nice spots to set up a hammock or two. Take note, public restrooms may not be at this location, so plan ahead.
Kenwood Heritage Park
Lakefront park with a beach for swimming, BBQ/picnic areas & a disc golf course. The beaches are open all year long!
Ostego Lake State Park
The 62-acre state park is just seven miles south of downtown Gaylord, offering campgrounds with a lake view. This woodsy, family-oriented park has a half-mile sandy beach on the relatively shallow Ostego Lake that makes it great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing or maybe some fishing. When the water fun hits a pause, grills and picnic tables are available for the outdoor cooks and even a park store to snag an ice cream cone.
5th Ave Beach
Walk along 5th Ave Beach down to the lighthouse during the summer sunsets for a display of bright neon colors.
1st Street Beach
Located at the west end of First Street on Lake Michigan, the beach offers a boat launch into the Manistee River, docks, a fish-cleaning station and a picnic area with pavilion. There is a large lakefront beach with play equipment, volleyball courts and restrooms. A more energetic vibe. Here, you can catch concerts every Tuesday, bring your dog, play at some of the sporting courts.
Ludington State Park Beach
This is a massive 5,300-acre park between the shores of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, offers dunes, three campgrounds, the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, wetlands, marshlands and forests. A one-mile stretch of the Big Sable River runs through the park and provides excellent opportunities for fishing, paddling and tubing. In addition, the park boasts more than 21 miles of marked trails through dunes, forests and wetlands.
Hidden Beach
Hidden along the shores of Lake Superior, this beach offers amazing night skies. Enter from the trailhead and take a short hike North to the beach – we’re always fired up to visit here. Park at Tahoe East Shore Trail, which takes you from Incline Village all the way to Sand Harbor. There will be a fee to park, but it’s an incredibly beautiful trail.
McCarty’s Cove
One of the most popular of Marquette beaches, conveniently close to downtown and home to the Harbor Lighthouse. Take note, the beach is super family-friendly as it’s both sandy and supervised, so remember our Responsible Cannabis Guide
Little Presque Isle
This is an awesome “Higher Latitude” adventure! The island is off-shore and a shallow sand bar connects it to the mainland (depending on conditions). You can even camp on the Isle overnight, a must do mini adventure for swimming, chillin’ or whatever your Up-North thing is.
Taylor Park on Long Lake
Taylor Park is one of Long Lake Township’s two public beaches, offering a place to swim with a natural, beautifully forested setting. It is located directly across from Long Lake Grocery on North Long Lake Road. Taylor Park has a beach and swimming area, a volleyball court, a small dock (not for diving!) and a naturally shaded picnic area. Taylor Park is handicap accessible. Mobi-mats were recently installed on the beach for lake accessibility. Address: 9339 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49685. Phone: (231) 946-2249
Interlochen State Park
Located just 15 miles southwest of Traverse City, Interlochen State Park is situated between two well-known fishing and swimming lakes: Green Lake and Duck Lake and adjacent to the National Music Camp. 490 Campsites (59 rustic – remaining are modern, some sites with 50 amp service). Three cabins for rent. Weekly nature programs in the summer. Swimming beach. Concession store. (231) 276-9511 4167 J Maddy Pkwy Interlochen MI, 49643 Learn More →
Esch Beach
Located 20 miles west of Traverse City and 12 miles south of Empire, Esch Road Beach looks out on the impressive aqua and deep blue waters of Lake Michigan’s Platte Bay. There are picnic facilities. Leashed pets are allowed on this beach from Esch Road north to the Lakeshore boundary (south of Empire). A Park Pass is required. Learn More →