We’ve picked the top Petoskey and Harbor Springs beaches for you! From the remote to the right-down-town, these Northern Michigan beaches all have the power to soothe the soul and restore a sense of peace to the most hectic of summer vacations. Satisfaction guaranteed.
TOP BEACHES IN PETOSKEY AND HARBOR SPRINGS:Â Petoskey State Park
A visit to Petoskey State Park —a wildly beautiful oasis of dune, forest and crystalline bay water—is a must for beach and nature lovers. Although just minutes from downtown Petoskey and Harbor Springs, the park’s dune-backed beaches feel miles from anywhere. Pick your own quiet spot in the sun or stroll the shoreline on a photo-safari search for Michigan’s protected Pitcher’s thistle plant, which grows only on Great Lakes coasts. You’ll find forest hiking trails and campsites galore behind the beach.
2475 M-119, 231.347.2311
Zorn Park- Harbor Springs
The swimming is perfect and smack-dab downtown at Harbor Springs’ Zorn Park . The small beach, which boasts a floating raft at the far end of the designated swimming area, a petite playground and, often, life- guards, is a great spot for families.
151 West Bay Street
TOP BEACHES IN PETOSKEY AND HARBOR SPRINGS:Â Sturgeon Bay Dunes
Looking to cast away farther North? Just five miles north of Cross Village is Sturgeon Bay Dunes an infinitely sublime but little-visited haven you likely won’t have to share with anyone except the resident piping plovers.
231.347.0991, landtrust.org
TOP BEACHES IN PETOSKEY AND HARBOR SPRINGS:Â Crooked Lake
This inland lake’s meandering shoreline is almost ridiculously picturesque with its collection of rustic cabins and pine trees. Crooked Lake is part of the Indland Waterway, which runs from Petoskey to Cheboygan. This summer head to the Conway township park–a perfect place for a picnic on the shores of Crooked Lake.
Picnic area located on US 31 in Conway, 6 miles north of Petoskey
TOP BEACHES IN PETOSKEY AND HARBOR SPRINGS:Â Peninsula Beach
Just a short walk from downtown Boyne City, this peaceful municipal beach offers perfect views of Lake Charlevoix, one of Northern Michigan’s largest and striking indland lakes. Ideal for families, Peninsula Beach offers playground equipment, picnic tables, restroom facilities and ample paved parking.
310 Front Street, Boyne City
Top Beaches in Petoskey and Harbor Springs: Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
Find your own secret Northern Michigan oasis in this remote nature preserve. Just north of Harbor Springs on M-119, Thorne Swift Nature Preserve begins with a short woodland hike which ends at 300 glorious feet of Lake Michigan beach. On a clear day, you can see Beaver Island and Charlevoix, as well as the dunes.