Best Dog Beaches in Michigan

Orion Oaks Dog Park Beach is a small, dog-friendly beach located in Lake Orion, Michigan. It features a 150-foot stretch of fine, light brown sand and offers basic amenities like bathroom access, dog waste bags, and water fountains. The beach is part of the larger Orion Oaks County Park, which spans 900 acres and includes multiple trails, fishing spots, playgrounds, and picnic areas. This makes it an excellent spot for families with pets or children. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, and boating on the lake.
The park is well-suited for dog owners, with a nearby dog park offering a 24-acre fenced area for dogs to play. However, it's not generally considered a good swimming beach for humans. The surrounding area offers plenty of attractions, including the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets and the Bald Mountain State Recreation Area.
Overall, Orion Oaks Dog Park Beach provides a unique blend of outdoor recreation and pet-friendly amenities in a scenic natural setting.

Zoll Street Beach is a beautiful beach located in Harbor Springs, United States. The beach is approximately 200 feet long and features fine sand in a natural setting.

Buttersville Park Beach is a stunning beach located in Ludington, United States. The beach is approximately half a mile long and features soft, golden sand.

Buttersville Park Beach is a stunning beach located in Ludington, United States. The beach is approximately half a mile long and features soft, golden sand.

Twin Lakes Park is a beautiful beach located in Long Lake Township, United States. The beach is approximately half a mile long and features soft, white sand.

Miners Beach is a picturesque, nearly mile-long stretch of sand and rocks located within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is about 6.5 miles east of Munising, accessible via Alger County Road H-58 and Miners Castle Road. The beach offers stunning views of Lake Superior and is known for its scenic beauty, with attractions like Miners Castle and Miners Falls nearby. It's a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and launching kayaks. The beach also features Bridalveil Falls and Elliot Falls, adding to its natural charm.
Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Superior from a viewing platform accessible via a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk. The beach is also where Kid Rock filmed his music video for "Born Free", highlighting its appeal as a scenic location.
With its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, Miners Beach is a must-visit destination for those exploring the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Grand Mere State Park is a stunning beach located in Lake Charter Township, United States. The beach is approximately 1.6 kilometers long and features soft, white sand.

Sundling Park is a small, quiet beach located in Manistee, United States. The beach is approximately 200 feet in length with fine white sand, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.

Marquette South Beach is a beautiful beach located in Marquette, United States. The beach is approximately half a mile long and has soft, golden sand.

Porcupine Mountains State Park - Union Bay is a stunning destination located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It offers a beautiful sandy beach along Lake Superior, ideal for swimming and rockhounding. The park is known for its 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails like the Escarpment Trail and visit attractions such as Lake of the Clouds and the Summit Peak Observation Tower. The area provides a serene and natural setting, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

The park's unique blend of wilderness and modern amenities makes it a popular spot for camping, with the Union Bay Campground offering seasonal accommodations from mid-May to mid-October. The campground features clean facilities, including showers and laundry, and is close to many of the park's attractions.

Union Bay is not only a haven for nature lovers but also offers breathtaking sunsets and scenic views, making it a must-visit destination in Michigan.

Baraga State Park is a scenic 56-acre public recreation area located on the shores of Lake Superior's Keweenaw Bay in Baraga County, Michigan. It offers a serene and natural setting with opportunities for various outdoor activities. The park is named after Bishop Frederic Baraga and is situated along Route 41, making it easily accessible. The area provides a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

The park's history dates back to its establishment in the early 1920s, with further development in the 1930s under the Works Progress Administration. Today, it serves as a popular basecamp for exploring the western Upper Peninsula.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, fishing, paddling, and hiking, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tannery Beach is a picturesque destination located in the heart of Boyne City, Michigan, offering stunning views of Lake Charlevoix. It is a popular spot for dog owners, as it allows dogs to swim and play along the beach. The beach also welcomes kayaks and canoes, providing easy access to the lake for water activities. In winter, it serves as a point of entry for ice fishermen. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the sand or engaging in various water sports. The beach's proximity to downtown Boyne City makes it an ideal spot for those looking to combine beach activities with the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Tannery Beach is part of the broader appeal of Boyne City, which is known for its beautiful lakeside setting and lively community events. The city hosts a bustling farmer's market and an art district, making it a great place to explore beyond the beach.

The surrounding area offers numerous attractions, including Boyne Mountain Resort, which features skiing, golf courses, and an indoor waterpark. This combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunities makes Tannery Beach a must-visit destination in northern Michigan.

McLain State Park is a picturesque 443-acre public recreation area located on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Houghton County, Michigan. It is situated between the cities of Calumet and Hancock, offering stunning views of Lake Superior and the Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Light. The park is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and features a mix of rocky and sandy shoreline, including a stretch known as the Breakwaters near the Keweenaw Waterway, which provides a sandy beach for swimming.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, fishing, windsurfing, berry picking, and beachcombing. The park's scenic trails are perfect for hiking and cross-country skiing, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
McLain State Park is named after Frederick J. McLain, a Houghton County Commissioner who played a key role in securing the land for the park in the 1930s. The park's construction was largely carried out by laborers from the Work Projects Administration (WPA).

Bohemian Road Beach, located near Good Harbor Bay, offers a serene and picturesque setting with a long sandy beach and clear views of the surrounding islands. It is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, requiring a park pass for entry. The beach is perfect for those seeking a tranquil natural experience, with a nearby stream that flows into Lake Michigan, providing a warm spot for kids to play. The area is ideal for nature lovers and families alike.

The beach's proximity to Glen Arbor and Leland makes it an excellent base for exploring local attractions and enjoying the beauty of northern Michigan. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views, take leisurely walks, or simply relax on the beach.

The area around Bohemian Road Beach is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the nearby woods. It's a great spot for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is a stunning 3,450-acre protected area located north of Ludington, Michigan, within the Manistee National Forest. It boasts approximately 4 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, offering breathtaking views and a serene natural environment. The area is known for its unique sand dunes, which were formed over thousands of years due to fluctuations in Lake Michigan's water levels. Visitors can explore the dunes, hike through the trails, and enjoy activities like swimming and camping. The wilderness is home to diverse wildlife, including endangered species like the Piping Plover and Pitcher's Thistle.

The Nordhouse Dunes are part of the larger Big Sable Dunes Complex, featuring a mix of open dunes and forested areas. The area supports a variety of plant life, from early-succession species near the lake to mature forests further inland. This wilderness area is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape from urban life.

With its pristine natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Michigan's unique landscapes.

Frankfort Anchor Road Beach is one of the largest sandy beaches in the Frankfort area, offering excellent swimming conditions with gentle waves and clear waters. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it provides a serene and picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. The beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, attracting visitors with its tranquil atmosphere and scenic views.
The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby attractions like the Point Betsie Lighthouse.
Frankfort itself is a charming small town known for its friendly community and rich history, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Muskegon Beach, located in Muskegon, Michigan, offers a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach is part of Pere Marquette Park, a 27.5-acre park featuring 2.5 miles of public beach, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and access to lighthouses and the Muskegon Channel. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby attractions like the USS Silversides submarine. The beach is known for its large sand area and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The area around Muskegon Beach is rich in outdoor activities, with nearby hiking trails and water sports. The Muskegon Lakeshore Trail connects the beach to Downtown Muskegon, providing scenic views and opportunities for walking or biking. The beach has been recognized for its cleanliness and is a great place for families and nature lovers alike.
Muskegon itself is a vibrant city with a mix of cultural attractions, shopping, and dining options, making it a great destination for a beach vacation or a broader exploration of West Michigan.

Kruse Park Dog Beach in Muskegon, Michigan, is a vibrant destination that combines natural beauty with pet-friendly amenities. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a one-mile stretch of sandy beach where dogs can swim off-leash, surrounded by grassy dunes and established trees. The park features an expansive off-leash area for dogs, a separate section for smaller dogs, and a splash pad for hot summer days. Visitors can enjoy nature trails, picnic shelters, and a playground, making it an ideal spot for family outings. The park's scenic views and recreational activities create a perfect blend of relaxation and fun for both humans and their canine companions.

The park is open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy its facilities. Its proximity to other Muskegon attractions makes it a central part of any visit to the area.

Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a brisk jog, or simply a place to let your dog run free, Kruse Park Dog Beach offers something for everyone.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, affectionately known as 'the Porkies,' is Michigan's largest state park, spanning 60,000 acres. Located along the southern shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, it offers a diverse landscape of old-growth forests, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. The park is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring attractions like Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, and exploring the park's many trails and scenic overlooks.
The park's unique name comes from the Ojibwa people, who likened the mountain range to a porcupine due to its silhouette against the setting sun. With its vast wilderness and remote lakes, it provides a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike.
The park's accessibility and variety of landscapes make it a popular destination for both day visitors and those seeking longer adventures in the wilderness.

Warren Dunes State Park, located in Sawyer, Michigan, is a stunning 1,952-acre park along the shores of Lake Michigan. It features towering sand dunes, including Tower Hill, which stands about 240 feet above the lake, offering breathtaking views and exciting activities like sandboarding and hiking. The park is a popular destination, attracting over a million visitors annually, with its three miles of sandy beaches and extensive trail system perfect for hiking and cross-country skiing. The diverse terrain supports a wide range of wildlife and is a significant stopover for migratory birds.

The park's history dates back to its establishment in 1930, named after Edward K. Warren, a local businessman who donated the land for conservation. Today, it remains a beloved spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the dunes, or enjoy water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding, Warren Dunes State Park offers something for everyone.

The M22 at M72 Public Access in Suttons Bay, Michigan, offers a serene and picturesque beach experience. Located on the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, this spot is ideal for those seeking a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life. The area is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and is close to various local attractions, including wineries, golf courses, and parks. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the bay.

The beach itself is part of a larger scenic area that includes Suttons Bay Beach, which features picnic facilities, a playground, and restrooms, making it a family-friendly destination. The proximity to Traverse City also provides easy access to additional amenities and activities.

The region is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those looking to unwind in a peaceful environment.

Kirk Park, located in West Olive, Michigan, is a scenic 68-acre park along Lake Michigan's shoreline. It features a large dune that rises 160 feet above the lake, offering breathtaking views and a variety of landscapes including beech, maple, oak, and black cherry forests, as well as marram grasses and a red pine plantation. The park is known for its hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a dog-friendly beach area. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and cross-country skiing in the winter months. The park's unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities makes it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of Kirk Park is its off-leash dog beach, which allows dogs to run freely during specific hours. The park also includes a playground, picnic shelters, and a lodge that can be reserved for events. The trails offer a mix of easy and challenging hikes, with over 500 stairs leading to the dog beach, which was previously affected by high water levels.

The park's accessibility and amenities make it an attractive spot for both locals and tourists. With its proximity to Grand Haven and Holland, Kirk Park is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline in West Michigan.