10 Beautiful Beaches in Northern Michigan

...And how to keep them that way

By Drew VanDrie | July 6, 2024

Close the laptop, stuff the tote with towels and SPF, and pack a cooler with something cold to drink—it’s time for a beach day.

From inland lake retreats to the coastal sands of the Great Lakes, Michigan has countless beaches worthy of exploration and even more deserving of conservation to keep them pristine for years to come. Local environmental nonprofits shared their top 10 beaches with us, including the aspects that make them idyllic, the issues they face, and tips for visitors to preserve these special places.

Benzie County

Lake Michigan makes up the entirety of Benzie County’s western edge, making it a beach lover’s paradise. We asked John Ransom, conservation specialist for the Benzie County Conservation District, for a few recs and need-to-knows for this region.

1. Elberta Beach
A beloved beach backed by a towering bluff, Elberta Beach is renowned for its expansive shoreline, offering seclusion for those willing to make tracks farther down the sands. Located just beyond the village for which it is named, the beach runs south from the pier, spanning for nearly a half-mile of unspoiled Lake Michigan frontage.

Ransom highlights the “stunning overlook before you head down the dune to the beach,” and that “the beach itself has lots of room to spread out.” Besides the panoramic views and broad beachfront, Elberta also faces a southwest direction, “making it one of the best body surfing beaches in the area,” according to Ransom.

Sensitive as it is scenic, Elberta beach faces some ecological challenges, mainly invasive species. Baby’s breath is of particular concern, as it can outcompete native flora. However, Ransom notes that “the Invasive Species Network has been hosting volunteer events to remove baby’s breath along the beach for years and have done a great job restoring the critical dune habitat at Elberta Beach.”

Readers should also be aware that updates to Elberta Beach are currently underway and the road down is closed to vehicular traffic. Per the Village of Elberta website, “Foot traffic is allowed at your own risk.”

2. Crystal Lake
Benzie is also home to several sizable inland lakes, including Crystal Lake. “Crystal Lake is the ninth largest lake in the state,” says Ransom, “and like its name, it’s crystal clear with water clarity often measured at over 40 feet!”

Boasting public access right in downtown Beulah, this inland gem is a great option for warmer water, lower wave exposure, and close proximity to amenities, making it an optimal family-friendly consideration.

“The beach is just steps away from a number of excellent lunch stops including East Shore Market, L’Chayim Delicatessen, and Five Shores Brewing,” Ransom adds.

But Ransom also warns of two potential (and common) issues for beachgoers—swimmer’s itch and E. coli. For the itch, Ransom recommends avoiding swimming during the peak heat of the day when there is an onshore breeze, (when the cercaria parasite which carries the infection are at their most abundant), and to towel off immediately after swimming. To combat the parasite, the Crystal Lake Watershed has worked to relocate the common merganser, the avian host for swimmer’s itch.

E. coli closures often follow a heavy rain, which washes waste from the streets and stormwater system into Crystal Lake and nearby Cold Creek. The Village of Beulah is working on adding infiltration to the stormwater system to runoff, but for the time being it is recommended to pause a beach day after a deluge.

3. Point Betsie Lighthouse Beach
Located about 5 miles north of Frankfort, the Point Betsie Lighthouse and surrounding natural area make it a charming and unique choice for a waterside trip. Replete with dunes along the lakeshore, this ecologically diverse area provides “critical habitat for rare species, including Pitcher’s thistle” and a “potential nesting site for piping plovers” according to The Nature Conservancy’s website.

Guests and beachgoers are advised to remain off the dunes to prevent erosion and damage to fragile plants, and hikers should stick to the beach and shoreline.

Situated nearby is the iconic Point Betsie lighthouse, originally built in 1858. Open to tours mid-May through mid-October, the lighthouse is also available for overnight stay with a reservation for those wishing to live out their lighthouse keeper ambitions!

In addition to the natural splendor and storied structures, Ransom highlights that Point Betsie is a sought-after locale for local kite-boarders and is a great place to watch some action in the surf on a windy day. And one last reminder: “Make sure you stay for the sunset!”

Grand Traverse County

A trip to the beach doesn’t have to be an all day affair—Traverse City and the surrounding area is ideal for the beachgoer seeking a brief beach escape along with other activities in town. Providing some insight into these beaches is Sarah U’Ren, program director at the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay.

4. West End / Volleyball Beach
Mix in some sunny (and sandy) recreation to your beach day by making the short jaunt to the volleyball courts by West End Beach. Aptly referred to as Volleyball Beach, this section of West End is popular for its maintained beach volleyball courts, proximity to town, and frontage along West Bay.

While its nearness to downtown Traverse City precludes any expectation of solitude, the accessibility and established courts make for an upbeat, urban beach experience. On the flipside, the largest issue facing urban beachscapes like this can be E. coli outbreaks, often caused by runoff from storm drains entering the waterways typically after a heavy rain.

Fortunately, the Watershed Center monitors numerous beaches and coordinates with several health departments to keep beachgoers apprised of any closures or advisories.

“Usually the problems that we see at beaches that have high E. coli are typically the beaches that are located next to a storm drain,” says U’Ren. She notes that Volleyball Beach in particular usually tests low for E. coli but advises beachgoers to check out the Michigan BeachGuard System (egle.state.mi.us/beach) for any advisories or closures.

5. Traverse City State Park Beach
Much like West End, the Traverse City State Park Beach is not exactly a secluded oasis, but its amenities and location along the crystal waters of East Bay make it a worthy destination.

Complete with restrooms, a small play structure, and picnic area, the State Park Beach is optimal for a family-friendly afternoon. Across the road from the Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park and accessible by pedestrian bridge, the beach is an added benefit to visitors residing at the campground.

While also close to an urban setting, U’Ren adds that like Volleyball Beach, the State Park also typically tests low for E. coli exposure. Beachgoers can do their part to help minimize the potential for pathogen exposure; linked to bacteria contained within the intestines of warm blooded animals, E. coli is transmitted through fecal matter, so proper hygiene and disposal can keep beaches clean for everyone.

“If you bring your pet to the beach, make sure you pick up their waste,” says U’Ren. “Throw all your trash away, and take frequent restroom breaks [for young children], and don’t bury diapers on the beach.”

6. Sunset Beach
Easy to overlook even though it’s tucked just off of Grand View Parkway, Sunset Beach is a picturesque little pocket park with lovely frontage on West Bay.

Sunset is a terrific option for a quick dip after work, a good rinse after a strenuous bike ride, or a spontaneous pop-in to catch the sun sinking beneath the horizon as its namesake suggests. Boasting soft, sandy shores and a picnic area canopied by trees, Sunset is ideal for a packed lunch or a casual beachy afternoon without the extended drive to the big lake. Beachgoers can drop by the neighboring Delamar hotel for a cocktail at their lakeshore restaurant, Artisan.

U’Ren reminds sun seekers not to feed the ducks and seagulls they may encounter. “We encourage people to be good beachgoers,” she says. “Don’t feed the waterfowl at the beach. If you feed them at the beach, they’re going to go to the bathroom on the beach, and their waste has lots of bacteria and harmful pathogens.”

Leelanau County

7. Empire Beach
A crowning feature of the village of Empire, Empire Beach is a beautiful asset for residents and visitors alike. Located just west of downtown, the beach offers ample Lake Michigan frontage, along with a playground, designated fire rings, vault toilets, grilling equipment, and even a towering lighthouse.

While there, explore some hometown staples like Joe’s Friendly Tavern or indulge in an ice cream cone from Tiffany’s Cafe. And for those looking to truly ride the wave, surfboard rentals and lessons are available with nearby Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak.

When we asked U’Ren how beachgoers can help preserve locations like Empire Beach, her first points were to respect the land and waters, as well as to follow Leave No Trace rules. But there was one other piece of advice she wanted to share: “Support your local [watershed] entity when they need funding.” Dedicated to cleaning, monitoring, and maintaining area beaches, organizations like The Watershed Center rely on public support to keep their programs running.

Emmet County

Next, we head to the northern edge of the region for three more idyllic beach selections. Heather Huffsutler, executive director of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, shares helpful tips and lakeside recreation recommendations.

8. Sturgeon Bay
Located within the broader Wilderness State Park, Sturgeon Bay is scenic as it is expansive. Spanning nearly three miles of Lake Michigan frontage, the beach boasts a sandy coastline backed by an ecologically diverse (and picturesque) dunescape. Because the land belongs to the State Park, Huffsutler highlights that beachgoers can walk for long distances without concerns of encountering private property. This seclusion allows visitors to enjoy their visit in solitude and “find your own space, listen to birdsong,” says Huffsutler, adding that the “sunsets there are amazing!”

Of course, hikers and beach walkers should always stick to established trails and the beachfront. “Wilderness State Park protects dune and swale habitat,” says Huffsutler. “It’s a really unique ecosystem that we have here in northern Michigan,” and that habitat is home to endangered species like Pitcher’s thistle. “Especially when they’re (Pitcher’s thistle) young, they’re particularly sensitive to being stepped on,” so watch your step and don’t blaze your own trail up the dunes.

9. Fisherman’s Island
Like Sturgeon Bay, the Fisherman’s Island shoreline is part of State Park, meaning miles of unspoiled and uninterrupted lakeshore access. Complete with a day-use area, Fisherman’s Island State Park also offers 80 rustic campsites interspersed throughout the entire park, with several tucked within the dunes along the lake.

It’s also a great place for rock picking. “The beach is a mixture of limestone, cobble shoreline,” says Huffsutler, “so rock hunters love this shore line for finding rocks and fossils.”

Because the beach is so close to Charlevoix and there is the potential for setting up a shoreside bivouac, Huffsutler reminds day visitors and overnighters alike to be mindful of their impact. “Here we have campsites right along the beach and Lake Michigan,” she says, noting that proximity can cause “erosion from traffic from those campsites and overall human impact.”

Antrim County

10. Antrim Creek Natural Area
Huffsutler’s last beach of note is Antrim Creek Natural Area. Preserved from development in 1994, this 156-acre parcel is owned and managed by Antrim County and offers a diverse mix of hardwoods, wetlands, meadows, and of course, unrivaled beach access. Situated at the mouth of the creek where it empties into Lake Michigan, the beach is perfect for exploration, skipping stones, or cooling off after a brief hike through the property.

Much like several other mentioned beaches, invasive species (and its suppression) are front of mind at Antrim Creek. “The woodland of the natural area is challenged by invasive species,” says Huffsutler. “There’s buckthorn and Asian honeysuckle.”

Huffsutler explains that these invasive shrubs can affect the water quality, which in turn affects Lake Michigan. Hikers are encouraged to utilize boot brushes and clean gear before traveling to different locations to discourage the spread of invasive flora, insects, and more.

So get out there, find your beach, and leave only footprints behind this summer!