Best Beaches in Alpena MI

Discover Alpena’s Best Beaches

Alpena beaches are some of the prettiest and swimmable beaches in the state of Michigan. Additionally, Alpena’s bustling beachfront includes beautifully maintained parks set on a shallow, sandy Lake Huron bay.

The city of Alpena has done a wonderful job of showcasing the beautiful shoreline with miles of public beaches and parks open to visitors, too, making a visit to the beach one of the top things to do in Alpena.

If you’re driving, it’s hard to pass these beaches and not jump out and head directly for beautiful water, and once your children see the parks built alongside the shore, they’ll be clamoring for the beach, too.

About Alpena Beaches

If you decide to vacation in Alpena, one thing you’ll quickly notice is the friendliness of the residents. They’re proud of their city’s natural beauty and happy to share it with others.

In addition, throughout the warm months, fun activities such as Beach Yoga, are planned for both residents and visitors.

Whether you’re a busy families with active kids to entertain or just looking for a quiet getaway, you’re sure to find a perfect beach to enjoy the Lake Huron shoreline in Alpena.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about Alpena beaches.

Beaches Located in in City of Alpena

• Blair Street Park 
  E Blair St, Alpena, MI 49707
  This pretty little beach in the middle of the city is located the end of Blair Street. Additionally, a special feature of this beach is the pier at the end of the street, offering pretty views of the Lake Huron shoreline.
  The fishing pier is ADA- Accessible, too.
• Beach, Swimming, Wheelchair-Accessible, Walking Path, Restrooms

• Mich-E-Ke-Wis
  1302 S State Ave, Alpena, MI 49707
• This sprawling beach and park right off State Street, the main drag in Alpena, offers more than just a beautiful, sandy beach.
• Be sure and check out the BMX bike park and sand volleyball courts, too.
• Beach, Swimming, Ball Fields, Playground, BMX Park, Volleyball Courts, Picnic Area, Park Shelter
  *LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED

• Starlite Beach
  (Right next to Mich-E-Ke-Wis)
  This is one of the top kid-friendly beaches in Michigan, with a beachfront splash pad and large playground.
• Beach, Swimming, Large Play Structures, Children’s Play Areas, Restrooms, Pavilion, Picnic Area, Splash Park
  *LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED

• Thomson Beach
  S State Ave, Alpena, MI 49707
  Don’t blink or you’ll miss this pretty beach located right off State Street. It’s small and you’ll have to find street parking, but it’s a lovely place to spend a relaxing day at the beach.
• Beach, Swimming, Picnic Area, Biking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Freighter Watching, Scenic Viewing
  *LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED

Waterfront Park in Alpena

Bay View Park
208 N 1st Ave, Alpena, MI 49707
This sprawling park in downtown Alpena is worth a visit, even if the swimming isn’t great (it’s too rocky). If you’re looking for some stunning Lake Huron frontage, this is your place. If you play tennis, bring your racquets because there are some gorgeous courts here, too. It’s right off the

Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Picnic Tables, Band Shell, Playground, Restrooms
*LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED

Beaches Near Alpena, MI

Negwegon State Park

One of the most beautiful natural areas in Michigan, you’ll find miles of pristine Lake Huron shoreline. It’s rustic and remote, and it’s a short hike from the parking area to the beach. The reward, however, is a stunning beach dotted with shallow bays, which warm quickly under the summer sun. The water is crystal clear here, too, and it’s a perfect place for splashing along the shoreline.

Beach, Camping, Rustic Toilet

Ossineke Beach (Sanborn Park)
Just south of Alpena is Ossineke, a tiny town with beautful shoreline. The quiet beach also has picnic tables, playground, and a comfortable pavilion.

Beach, Swimming, Playground, Picnic Area, Pavilion, Restrooms

Rockport State Recreation Area
This state recreation, just north of Alpena is a Michigan gem. It’s one of Michigan Dark Sky Preserves, where the lack of artificial light allows for amazing views of the stars at night. It’s a perfect place to see Northern Lights and meteors, too.

You’ll find more than 4,000 acres of park to explore, all set on an abandoned limestone quarry. The beach may be rocky, but the water is crystal clear and aqua blue. It’s a hike to get to the water, but it’s worth it; this is some very unique Great Lakes shoreline.

Once you’re done swimming, be sure to hunt for some fossils: this is a great place to find Michigan Petoskey stones.

At the north end of the park, you’ll find Besser Natural Area. This is where you’ll a sandy beach, perfect for swimming and splashing. Besser Natural Area is home to a variety of easy to medium hiking trails though a white pine forest, the remains of the ghost town of Bell, and the visible remains of shipwrecks off the shore.

Beach, Swimming, Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Picnic Area, Boat Launch, Vault Toilets, Dark Sky Preserve, Shipwrecks

Thompson’s Harbor State Park

Even farther north of Alpena, between Presque Isle and Rogers City, is this 5,000 acre natural area. You’ll find hiking trails leading through sand dunes, upland and marsh areas, full of protected species like te dwark lake Iris. Take a hike back through the undeveloped area to some gorgeous, sandy Lake Huron beach.

Beach, Swimming, Biking, Hiking, Rustic Cabins

ADA and Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

Alpena is also all about accessibility: Wheelchair users will find it easy to maneuver around Alpena’s downtown area and beaches.

Be sure and check out Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park in downtown Alpena feature a large beach with a wide, paved sidewalk that runs from each side of the beach.

This park includes youth and women’s ball fields, playground equipment, a BMX bike park, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic area, beach, off-street parking, and an enclosed park shelter building which is used for social events is especially unique.

Stationary picnic tables have open ends for users of wheelchairs and other mobility devices, too.

Use our Guide to ADA-Accessible Beaches in Michigan for more information.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alpena

Michigan has many dog-friendly beaches, and certainly, Alpena is at the top of the list when it comes to the number of beaches that allow dogs.

It is important to remember that these are not off-leash areas; dogs must remain on leashes. It’s also important to remember pet-owner etiquette: remember to clean up after your dog to keep the beaches nice for everyone.

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