The beaches in Traverse City are one of my favorite things about this part of Michigan. The city might be known for its wineries, cherries and lively downtown, but having so much beautiful shoreline on the doorstep makes it really special.
They are some of the most beautiful stretches of sand and the sunsets are even more incredible. And whatever you require out of a beach chances are there is one to suit you.
You can walk from downtown straight onto the sand, find a quiet beach tucked away from the crowds, spend the day somewhere perfect for families or venture a little further out for some of the wildest and most beautiful shoreline in northern Michigan.
I’ve included beaches both in Traverse City and within easy reach of it, so whether you want somewhere convenient for a couple of hours or a beach worth building a day trip around, you’ll find something here.
Here are my 11 best beaches in Traverse City and nearby. Visiting one of these is one of the best things to do in Traverse City.
Best Beaches in Traverse City at a Glance
Not sure which of the beaches in Traverse City to choose? Here’s a quick comparison to help you find the best one for your day out.
| Beach | Best For | Location | Facilities / Useful to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Park | Sunsets & picnics | Traverse City | Playground, picnic area, restrooms |
| Good Harbor Bay | Scenery & quieter beach days | Sleeping Bear Dunes area | More natural, secluded setting |
| Clinch Park | Downtown convenience | Downtown Traverse City | Restrooms, water play area, close to shops & restaurants |
| North Bar Lake | Families & calmer water | Sleeping Bear Dunes | North Bar Lake plus access to Lake Michigan |
| East Bay Park | Younger children | East Traverse City | Shallow water, playground, restrooms, parking |
| Power Island | Seclusion & adventure | West Grand Traverse Bay | Boat access, hiking, camping |
| West End Beach | Social atmosphere | Traverse City | Volleyball, grassy park area |
| Traverse City State Park | Beach days & camping | East of downtown | Campground, parking, Recreation Passport required for vehicles |
| Twin Lakes Park | Nature & a quieter swim | West of Traverse City | Swimming area, walking and hiking trails |
| Van’s Beach | White sand & sunsets | Leland | Lake Michigan beach; waves can be stronger |
| Old Mission Peninsula | Lighthouse & exploring | Tip of Old Mission Peninsula | Beach, Mission Point Lighthouse, trails |
11 Best Beaches in Traverse City and Nearby
Watch the Sunset at Bryant Park
On West Grand Traverse Bay at the base of Old Mision Penninsula, this Traverse City beach is a mix of sandy beach and grass.
It’s a great place for a picnic with a dedicated picnic area, playground and restrooms. This beach is a great place for social gatherings and a great family beach.
Just a few minute’s drive from downtown Traverse City, this beach is broad and west-facing which means you get great sunsets. There are also some trees here where you get shade if you need it.
A great beach to bring some food and spend the evening watching the sunset.
Why I love it: Being so close to downtown makes Bryant Park an easy choice, but it’s the sunsets over West Grand Traverse Bay that would bring me here
Escape the Crowds at Good Harbor Bay
Good Harbor is one of the best places to explore in Michigan!
It’s a pretty secluded stretch of sand with incredible views of the Manitou Islands, Pyramid Point, and the sloping ridge known as Whaleback.
It’s a great place for families as a short walk away is a stream where children can play and it tends to be a pretty quiet place. This Traverse City beach is about 20 minutes from downtown.
Best of all this beach faces west so when it comes to sunsets it delivers big style.
Why I love it: Good Harbor Bay feels much wilder than the beaches closer to Traverse City, with beautiful Lake Michigan views and enough space to slow down and enjoy the shoreline.
Walk From Downtown to Clinch Park Beach
If you are short of time and want to stay in town then head to Clinch Park. It is minutes from shops and dining downtown.
The spacious park has restrooms, snacks, and a water playground which is right next to the beach. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
It’s one of the most popular beaches in Traverse City, particularly during the summer months.
Don’t miss: Combine a couple of hours on the beach with exploring downtown Traverse City. Being able to walk between the two is what makes Clinch Park so convenient.
Swim Between Two Beaches at North Bar Lake
If you want to make a day of it travel a bit further out go to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Once there head to North Bar Lake. You can stay beside the smaller, calmer North Bar Lake or walk across the sand to the much larger Lake Michigan beach.
Travel to North Bar Lake which is much warmer water and very calm so great for children. If you walk around the sand dunes you will find access to Lake Michigan and a much bigger beach.
The best thing about the beaches here is they are hardly ever busy. It will require a bit of a hike from the parking lot, but it is absolutely worth it.
Why I love it: You effectively get two completely different beach experiences in one place, the calmer waters of North Bar Lake and the huge sweep of Lake Michigan just across the sand.
Take the Kids to East Bay Park
Looking for an ideal beach with small children? Then this is it. Warm shallow water, restrooms and a playground make this beach perfect.
It is 10 minutes east of the city and tends to be quieter. This beach in Traverse City is also big enough for you to spread out.
And there is plenty of parking!
Why I love it: The shallow water and smaller beach make East Bay Park feel much more manageable when you’re visiting with younger children.
Escape to Power Island
On this 202-acre island in West Grand Traverse Bay, there is everything you could want. Sandy beaches, hikes through the woods, history, and camping if you are that way inclined.
The island was owned by Henry Ford from 1917 -1944 and you can only get there by boat from Bowers Harbor on Old Mission Peninsula.
Experienced paddlers can also reach the island by kayak or paddleboard, although the open-water crossing shouldn’t be underestimated.
Because it is an island and not easy to get to it is quieter and offers lots of seclusion so it is perfect for couples.
Why I love it: Having to arrive by boat makes Power Island feel like a proper little escape, even though you’re still in Grand Traverse Bay.
Soak Up the Atmosphere at West End Beach
If you are all about the beach vibe then head to West End Beach on the north side of Grandview Parkway. It’s one of the livelier beaches in Traverse City and a popular place to spend a summer afternoon or evening.
The beautiful mile-long beach is a great evening hang as well as a daytime spot. There are lots of volleyball courts and the beach is near a grassy park where the gathering often spill too.
This is one of the best beaches in Traverse City for socializing.
Why I love it: West End Beach has a relaxed, sociable feel and is a great choice when you want a beach that’s close to the city rather than somewhere completely secluded.
Spend the Day at Traverse City State Park
If you want a beach that’s easy to reach from Traverse City, Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a great option. It’s only a couple of miles from downtown, with a sandy beach overlooking the clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay.
It’s particularly convenient if you’re camping, as the campground is connected to the beach area by a pedestrian bridge. There is parking close to the beach too, so it also works well if you simply want to come for a few hours of swimming and relaxing by the water.
A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to the state park, so remember to factor that in when planning your visit.
Don’t miss: This is a particularly handy choice if you’re camping, as you can combine a beach day with staying right in the park.
Get Back to Nature at Twin Lakes Park
If you prefer your beaches a little quieter and more natural, Twin Lakes Park offers something different from the sandy beaches around Grand Traverse Bay. Set on the west side of Traverse City, it’s a small recreation area surrounded by woodland, making it a lovely place to escape the busier beach spots.
There’s a small swimming area as well as walking and hiking trails, so I’d come here when you want to combine a swim with some time exploring outdoors rather than spend the whole day lying on the sand.
The water can get deep fairly quickly, so take extra care when swimming, particularly if you’re visiting with children.
Why I love it: Twin Lakes Park feels less like a traditional beach day and more like somewhere to escape into nature, with the bonus of being able to swim while you’re there.
Find White Sand at Van’s Beach
Van’s Beach is known for its beautiful pale sand and clear Lake Michigan water, giving it a completely different feel from some of the beaches closer to Traverse City.
This is a sugar-white sand beach you would expect to see in Florida or California and it is beautiful. It is a beach loved by locals and is just past Van Garage at the end of Cedar Street in downtown Leland.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from the city but honestly, this beach is well worth it. The sunsets are also wonderful here.
The wind and waves can pick up here so please remember to practice caution if you are bringing young children. It is great for boogie boards and surfers.
Why I love it: The pale sand and blue water can look almost tropical on a sunny day, and Leland makes it easy to turn a beach visit into a lovely little day trip from Traverse City.
Combine the Beach and Lighthouse at Old Mission Peninsula
If you like your beach trips with a little more to explore, head to Old Mission Peninsula. At the very tip of the peninsula you’ll find a peaceful stretch of shoreline alongside the historic Mission Point Lighthouse, making this a lovely place to spend a few hours away from Traverse City.
The beach here is fairly stony rather than soft and sandy, but the shallow water is perfect for wading and enjoying the views across Grand Traverse Bay.
Of course, the lighthouse is a big part of the appeal. If, like me, you love Michigan lighthouses, Mission Point Lighthouse is a particularly lovely one to visit, and its position right at the end of the peninsula makes the journey here part of the experience.
There are also more than 40 acres of parkland and trails to explore, so you can easily combine the beach, lighthouse and a walk into one trip.
Why I love it: You get much more than a beach here. The lighthouse, shoreline and trails make it feel like a proper little day out rather than somewhere you simply stop for a swim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beaches in Traverse City
What is the best beach in Traverse City?
If you want to stay close to downtown, Clinch Park is one of the best choices. You can easily combine a few hours on the beach with exploring Traverse City’s shops and restaurants. For something quieter and more scenic, I’d head further out to Good Harbor Bay.
Are there sandy beaches in Traverse City?
Yes. Traverse City and the surrounding area have some beautiful sandy freshwater beaches, including Clinch Park, Bryant Park and Traverse City State Park. Head further towards Lake Michigan and you’ll find even larger stretches of sand.
Which Traverse City beach is best for families?
East Bay Park is a good choice for younger children thanks to its shallow water, playground and facilities. North Bar Lake is another lovely option if you’re happy to travel further from Traverse City.
What is the best beach near downtown Traverse City?
Clinch Park is the obvious choice if you want a beach within easy reach of downtown. Its location means you don’t have to choose between spending time at the beach and exploring the city.
Can you swim at the beaches in Traverse City?
Yes, swimming is one of the main reasons to visit Traverse City’s freshwater beaches. Conditions vary between locations, though, particularly on Lake Michigan, so always check local conditions and beach warnings before getting into the water.
What is the best beach in Traverse City for sunset?
Bryant Park is a great choice close to the city, while Good Harbor Bay and Van’s Beach are worth travelling further for if you want to combine a beach day with a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset.
Beaches in Traverse City: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.
25 Best Things to Do in Michigan for Your Bucket List
Becky J williams
Is there a fee to use any of these beaches?
Midwest Explored
Hi Becky,
I tried to mention in the article if there was an admission fee to any beach. Sometimes a beach associated with a state park might have an entry fee to the park where the beach is located.