Top 5 Spots for a Beach Vacation in Traverse City

A beach day in Traverse City can mean a downtown swim, a picnic beside the bay or a longer trip to the Lake Michigan shore. These five places offer different settings. Choose around your group’s energy, the weather and the distance from your stay, then leave time to enjoy the water.

North Bar Lake: an inland lake and Lake Michigan outing

North Bar Lake, near Empire in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, has an inland swimming area and access toward Lake Michigan. The small lake is often warmer than the larger lake, but conditions vary. The National Park Service lists parking and restrooms; pets are not allowed at North Bar Lake. Follow established paths and posted dune-restoration closures.

Allow for a separate excursion from Traverse City and check the park’s entrance-pass requirements. Lake Michigan has no lifeguards here, and waves and currents can change quickly. Check current conditions and supervise children closely.

West End Beach: a bayfront afternoon

West End Beach combines sand with grassy space beside West Grand Traverse Bay. The city lists picnic tables, grills and volleyball among its facilities. Bring a simple picnic or plan a meal separately, and leave room for an unhurried shoreline walk.

The city allows leashed dogs in designated park areas, but not on the beach or volleyball courts. Check posted rules and seasonal facilities when you arrive.

Clinch Park Beach: combine the water with downtown

Clinch Park is a useful choice when your plans also include downtown. The city identifies its beach, splash pad, concessions and TART Trail connection. Seasonal services and water features should be checked before making them the centerpiece of a day.

Use our Front Street guide to pair beach time with shops or a meal. Use designated crossings between downtown and the waterfront, and plan for parking during busy periods.

Bryant Park: space for a picnic and a play break

Bryant Park offers sand, shaded grass and a play structure beside West Grand Traverse Bay. The city lists grills, picnic tables, parking and restrooms. It is a practical option for a group that wants to alternate beach time with a picnic or playground break.

Leashed dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the beach. Water depth does not make a swimming area risk-free; choose activities around the day’s conditions.

Haserot Beach: make time for Old Mission Peninsula

Haserot Beach sits on Old Mission Harbor along Swaney Road. Peninsula Township lists a swimming area, playground, toilet and nearby parking. Treat it as part of a peninsula outing, with enough time for the drive.

Do not plan to use the former boat launch: the township reports that it was destroyed in a storm and is no longer usable. Check the township’s linked beach-monitoring dashboard and current notices before visiting.

Choose your beach-day base

Browse beach condo options, then confirm the individual listing’s location and type of water access. A nearby beach and private beachfront are different features. Add dates for availability and full pricing, or ask our team to help match a stay to your plans. Our dining guide provides ideas for after the beach.

Planning details checked September 29, 2026 against the National Park Service, City of Traverse City and Peninsula Township. Check current beach notices, weather and seasonal facilities before heading out.