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Traverse City Beach Guide: Best Beaches in TC

traverse City beach

About Traverse City Beaches

If you’re looking for the best Traverse City beaches, you’re in luck. The Traverse city beaches are some of the best beaches in Michigan.

Mix warm, sandy bays of bright turquoise waters surrounded by sand dunes with leafy, wooded trails leading to the top of Old Mission Peninsula and a vibrant, busy, mid-size city…and you’ll find Traverse City, Michigan.

It’s a perfect combination: a true outdoor paradise that’s pure Michigan fun for everyone. And yes, the Traverse City beaches are amazing.

We’re sharing the best beaches in the area, as well as important information on ADA-accessible beaches and dog-friendly beaches, too.

Read on to discover everything you want to know about the best beaches in Traverse City.

beach in traverse city

Things to Do in Traverse City

There are lots to do in Traverse City in addition to visiting the beaches. From outdoors activities like hiking and biking to shopping, dining, and exploring the top-rated wineries and breweries, there’s something for everyone here.

You’ll find lots of things to do in Traverse City with children, too. There are great museums and parks to explore, too.

Traverse City is also home to one of the top indoor waterparks in Michigan, Great Wolf Lodge, a popular destination for families during spring break and throughout the year.

best things to do in traverse city

Best Traverse City Beaches

Whether you’re looking for a quiet, more secluded beach, or one brimming with activity, youre to find your perfect beach in Traverse City.

The multitude of beautiful beaches in the area offer opportunities for just about every type of watersport, from kayaking and paddle boarding to sailing and kitesurfing.

Relaxing on the sand, walking the scenic beaches and building sandcastles…there really is something for everyone in Traverse City.

Use The Traverse City Beach Map

Traverse City beach Map

List of Traverse City Beaches

Bayside Park

Beach, Swimming, Baseball, Soccer Field, Pickle Ball Court, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts,
Volleyball Court, Horseshoe Pits, Pavilion, Grills, Picnic Tables, Hiking Trails, Playground

Bryant Park Beach

ADA Accessible, Beach, Swimming, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms, Grills, Lifeguards

Christmas Cove Beach

Beach, Swimming, Picnic Tables

Clinch Park Beach

ADA Accessible, Beach, Swimming, Picnic Tables, Bike Racks, TART Trail Access, Lifeguards, Snack Bar, Restrooms

East Bay Park

Beach, Swimming, Shady Picnic Area, Shallow Water, Lifeguards, Playground, Restrooms

Hall Beach

Beach, Swimming, Dog-Friendly

Haserot Beach Park

Beach, Swimming, Restrooms, Picnic Facilities, Playground, Boat Launch

Leelanau State Park

Beach, Swimming, Picnic Tables Restrooms, Lifeguards

Peterson Park Beach

Beach, Swimming, Viewing Platform, Pavilion, Playground Equipment, Picnic Tables, Grills, Volleyball Area, Paved Parking Lot

Sayler Park Beach

Beach, Swimming, Picnic Tables, Playground

Suttons Bay Beach

Beach, Swimming, Playground Equipment, Volleyball Nets, Picnic Facilities, Restrooms

Traverse City State Park Beach

Beach, Swimming, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms


West End Beach

Beach, Swimming, Dog-Friendly, Restrooms, Volleyball

ADA accessible beaches in traverse city

ADA and Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

Taylor Park in Long Lake Township

The inland lakes – freshwater, of course – in northwest Michigan are just as stunning as the Great Lakes. Most offer crystal-clear water and a sandy bottom, and Long Lake is no exception.

Located about 6 miles west of Traverse City, Long Lake is handicap accessible and a truly beautiful place to spend a beach day in a naturally forested setting. A Mobi-Mat allows wheelchair accessibility to the water’s edge, and the park also offers a picnic area and dock.

Bryant Park on West Grand Traverse Bay

Tall, shady pines and the sparkling turquoise waters of Lake Michigan provide a stunning backdrop for Bryant Park. Located at the base of Old Mission Peninsula, this popular park offers a beach pathway to the water, as well as ADA-accessible restrooms, picnic tables and grills.

Clinch Park

Clinch Park may be the quintessential Traverse City Park with 1500 feet of Grand Traverse West Bay footage right in the heart of city. A new ADAWALK walkway system at the park includes a wheelchair beach transfer station that allows access down to the sand, or water.

Picnic tables, a snack bar and restrooms are also available at this perfect little beach spot!

dog-friendly beaches

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Traverse City

Traverse City
Bowers Harbor Beach
LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH BUT NOT IN DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREAS 
231-922-4480

Bryant Park
LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH BUT NOT IN DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREAS 
231-922-4480

Clinch Park Beach
LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH BUT NOT IN DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREAS 
231-922-4903

East Bay Park Beach
LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH BUT NOT IN DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREAS 
231-922-4480

Haserot Beach
LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH 
231-223-7322

Old Mission Lighthouse Park Beach
LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH 
231-223-7897

West End Beach
LEASHED DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH BUT NOT IN DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREAS 
231-922-4480

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