Beaches in Traverse City, Michigan [Updated 2024]
We have been exploring the area long before we opened Traverse City Vacation Cottages in 1989. While our own beachfront cottages on Silver Lake provide the perfect place to enjoy the water, we still recommend checking out other beaches in Traverse City and the surrounding areas! The waters of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay are simply stunning and worth taking a day trip (or two).
Favorite Traverse City Beaches
Peninsula Township Parks: The scenery of Old Mission Peninsula is truly a sight to see. The Beaches here will not disappoint! In addition to great waterfront views, Old Mission Peninsula is also home to breathtaking vineyards, farms, and unique eateries.
Esch Road Beach (Otter Creek): Hands down one of the best Traverse City beaches around! This spectacular beach features a shallow creek that connects to gorgeous Lake Michigan.
Glen Haven Beach: A beautiful beach in a historic site! You can also check out some great hiking trails nearby or roam around the old Cannery Boathouse Museum – right on Lake Michigan!
Frankfort Beach: Known as Northern Michigan’s “surf town”, Frankfort beach is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Catch some waves and take a stroll along the pier in this picturesque paradise. The pier is also home to the Frankfort North Pier Lighthouse!
Empire Beach: Seated along the bluffs and dunes, Empire Beach offers access to beautiful Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake.
North Bar Lake Beach: One of the best beaches near Traverse City! Enjoy swimming in North Bar Lake, Lake Michigan, and the connecting stream. Although a little bit of a walk from the parking lot, this magical double beach is more than worth it!
Beaches Near Traverse City Vacation Cottages
*These beaches* are within 20 minutes of our beachfront cottages on Silver Lake
*Clinch Park: A beautiful beach, splash pad, and concession stand right in the heart of downtown Traverse City!
*West End Beach: Traverse City’s volleyball beach! Located just a short walk from Clinch Park.
*Grelickville Harbor Park: Located on West Bay by Elmwood Marina, this beach includes a playground and covered picnic area. For an extra special treat, sneak through the walking tunnel inside the Centerpoint parking structure to get some ice cream across the road at Buchan’s!
*Bryant Park: Another great beach and playground on the other side of West Bay.
*East Bay Park: Just on the other side of Old Mission Peninsula, the water of East Bay is shallower, giving a more tropical hue. Enjoy a sandy beach, playground, and covered picnic area.
Even though the number one beach we recommend is our own, we still hope you enjoy your visit to the gorgeous beaches in Traverse City! The Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, and all the inland lakes and streams are truly spectacular. We are blessed to call this beautiful area our home, and we invite you to stay with us at our beachfront cottages on Silver Lake to make memories that last a lifetime!
Need other Traverse City Recommendations? Check out these other articles below:
Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Dining Guide: Restaurants, Wineries & Breweries
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