Here's a little run-down of the lakefront beaches we trekked out to this summer. We liked some better than others but check 'em out for yourself-- maybe you'll find one that's right up your alley. The things I dod't like may be what you'll love! There's more beaches to explore, so keep your eyes opened because just because school started doesn't mean summer's over! It's still hot and humid and 93 degrees right now & It's dinnertime. In September.
Click "Read More" to read our list of our favorite beaches in the area. ↓↓↓
Heron Lake | Holly, MI
Our summer fave. This lake is our new best friend. After checking out many beaches throughout the summer, we went to Heron lake on Labor Day weekend. I expected it to be crazy busy and super crowded but when we got there we found it to be the opposite. It was a very family-friendly beach and was peppered with families here and there some playing games others building sandcastles. There were canoers and kayakers. There was an added bonus of a a floating water park. The water was crystal clear and I could see fish swimming around my legs. We found shells and the water was warm. And not murky. We saw a rainbow. There was also an awesome playground nearby. The girls made friends here and didn't want to leave.
Traverse City, MI | Clinch Park
This area is great for families, with tons of stuff to do just steps away. And the scene is very serene, with sailboats gliding by every so often. Although, we totally saw, then heard- a massive real live CANNON being shot into the water. So I guess you could say it was very tranquil, except for that cannon. The water is beautiful. Nice and clear, minimal waves except for when those speedboats make their grand entrance. The kids thought that was cool. Sand is perfect for sand castle-making.
Orion Lake | Bald Mountain Recreation Area, Lake Orion, MI
The beachfront features calm waters and a nice sandy area that's just big enough.
The water is extremely shallow, great for young kids but not as much for older swimmers. This beach is surrounded by beautiful scenery. There's a small play area and a total Mid-Century Modern changing area. An array of great activities are hosted by the DNR at this location. The girls made friends very fast here and the vibe was chill.
Petosky
The kids liked 1.) the playground, (of course because-- we're on vacation so of course the most alluring thing is a playground-- because we've never seen one of those before)! then 2.) the lighthouse on the Pier the best. The beaches were expansive. There was miles of beach, and treacherous waves. That's the part I didn't like. Wouldn't recommend for wading, much too dangerous. But definitely a beach for kites! It was super windy.
Mercer Beach | Walled Lake, MI
One time an airplane landed on the water in front of us. It was awesome. There's a cool playground and ice cream trucks swing by on the regular. We used to love this beach but lately it's fallen outta favor with us and we haven't been back since the beginning of the summer. So maybe things are better. Basically our last time the beach was dirty and the water was not as pretty as usual green with algae. And there was a dead fish. A big one. It was gigantic. It is a tiny beach so it gets crowded. The crowd is cool though and is beyond friendly. The girls made lots of friends here- every time.
Our summer fave. This lake is our new best friend. After checking out many beaches throughout the summer, we went to Heron lake on Labor Day weekend. I expected it to be crazy busy and super crowded but when we got there we found it to be the opposite. It was a very family-friendly beach and was peppered with families here and there some playing games others building sandcastles. There were canoers and kayakers. There was an added bonus of a a floating water park. The water was crystal clear and I could see fish swimming around my legs. We found shells and the water was warm. And not murky. We saw a rainbow. There was also an awesome playground nearby. The girls made friends here and didn't want to leave.
Traverse City, MI | Clinch Park
This area is great for families, with tons of stuff to do just steps away. And the scene is very serene, with sailboats gliding by every so often. Although, we totally saw, then heard- a massive real live CANNON being shot into the water. So I guess you could say it was very tranquil, except for that cannon. The water is beautiful. Nice and clear, minimal waves except for when those speedboats make their grand entrance. The kids thought that was cool. Sand is perfect for sand castle-making.
Orion Lake | Bald Mountain Recreation Area, Lake Orion, MI
The beachfront features calm waters and a nice sandy area that's just big enough.
The water is extremely shallow, great for young kids but not as much for older swimmers. This beach is surrounded by beautiful scenery. There's a small play area and a total Mid-Century Modern changing area. An array of great activities are hosted by the DNR at this location. The girls made friends very fast here and the vibe was chill.
Petosky
The kids liked 1.) the playground, (of course because-- we're on vacation so of course the most alluring thing is a playground-- because we've never seen one of those before)! then 2.) the lighthouse on the Pier the best. The beaches were expansive. There was miles of beach, and treacherous waves. That's the part I didn't like. Wouldn't recommend for wading, much too dangerous. But definitely a beach for kites! It was super windy.
Mercer Beach | Walled Lake, MI
One time an airplane landed on the water in front of us. It was awesome. There's a cool playground and ice cream trucks swing by on the regular. We used to love this beach but lately it's fallen outta favor with us and we haven't been back since the beginning of the summer. So maybe things are better. Basically our last time the beach was dirty and the water was not as pretty as usual green with algae. And there was a dead fish. A big one. It was gigantic. It is a tiny beach so it gets crowded. The crowd is cool though and is beyond friendly. The girls made lots of friends here- every time.
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