8 of the Best Northern Michigan Beaches to Explore
Did you know that the Wolverine State is home to hundreds of beaches lining the shores of three of the five Great Lakes? These aren’t just any old sandy stretches. You and your family can enjoy building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and enjoying one of the many water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing! Keep reading to discover some of our favorite beaches in Northern Michigan!
If you need more help planning the ultimate trip to our great state, be sure to request access to our complimentary Michigan Vacation Guide!
You Need to Check Out These Northern Michigan Beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the state, including Good Harbor Bay Beach, North Bar Lake Beach, and Sleeping Bear Point. Spend an afternoon climbing the dunes, taking a dip in the water, and hiking through the forest.
Empire Beach
Empire Beach is one of the best Northern Michigan beaches to explore with your family. Whether you want to sprawl out on the sand with your favorite book or bike on one of the boardwalks in the area, you won’t want to miss this hotspot.
Stearns Park Beach
Stearns Park Beach is a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon. Grab a picnic lunch from a restaurant in Ludington and enjoy the wide stretch of sand. If you want more of an adventure, head 10 minutes north to Ludington Beach State Park.
Clinch Park Beach
Clinch Park Beach is the perfect place to relax in the middle of the day if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Traverse City. It’s one of the smallest Northern Michigan beaches, but it’s still a great spot to soak in some rays.
Elberta Beach
Situated near the small town of Elberta, this beautiful stretch of sand spans miles of the coastline and has a handful of trails worth exploring.
Frankfort Public Beach
Frankfort Public Beach sits on the other side of the Betsie River from Elberta Beach and affords visitors plenty of fun activities.
Vans Beacharborpper Harbor
Head to the tiny town of Leland to enjoy one of the smallest beaches in Northern Michigan. Vans Beach is a fantastic picnic spot with incredible views of Lake Michigan.
West End Beach
While West End Beach only owns a tiny sliver of sand lining Traverse City, you and your family can play in the water and relax under the sun after enjoying some of the areas many activities.
Plan Your Northern Michigan Getaway
Discover the ultimate summer beach vacation with Freshwater Vacation Rentals! Our collection of Michigan cabin rentals feature a variety of sizes and locations around the state, from the sandy shores of Northern Michigan to the gorgeous forests of the Upper Peninsula. Many of our rentals are pet friendly, and several are located on a lake or private pond! We love it here, and we hope you will too!
Start planning your getaway today by booking one of our properties. We look forward to welcoming you to the Freshwater family.