No Northern Michigan summer is complete without a few days spent at the beach. The Charlevoix and Chain of Lakes region is filled with beaches that range from hideaway spots to places to see and be seen. Explore picnic areas, volleyball nets, swim areas and more to start planning your Up North beach day!
Find this article and more in the free, digital edition of MyNorth’s 2021 Northern Michigan Vacation Guide below; or get the Vacation Guide in print each year for free when you subscribe to Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine, delivered to your door each month.
Local Charlevoix Beaches
Michigan Beach Park in Charlevoix
There’s something for everyone in the family at this in-town Lake Michigan beach. Enjoy a sandy beach, swim area, great rock hunting, playground, volleyball, pavilion and concessions—all within walking distance of downtown Charlevoix.
Michigan Beach Park Website | 95 Grant St., Charlevoix
Charlevoix’s Depot Beach
Located next to a historic train depot, Depot Beach on Lake Charlevoix is outfitted with paddleboard rentals, a pavilion and restrooms.
Depot Beach Website | 307 Chicago Ave., Charlevoix
Mt. McSauba Recreational Area
This sandy beach on Lake Michigan is threaded with spectacular views, hidden dunes and beautiful hiking trails.
Mt. McSauba Website | 9223 McSauba Rd., Charlevoix
Fisherman’s Island State Park in Charlevoix
Seven miles of Lake Michigan beach south of Charlevoix on Bells Bay Road. Hiking trails and 75-site state campground.
Fisherman’s Island Website | 16480 Bells Bay Rd. S., Charlevoix
Chain of Lakes Beaches
Richardi Park in Bellaire
Here you’ll find a sandy swimming area, grills, picnic tables, a pavilion, ice cream cones and other summer treats close at hand in downtown Bellaire.
Richardi Park Website | E. Antrim St., Bellaire
Torch Lake in Eastport
The little hamlet of Eastport, at the crossroads of US-31 and M-88, boasts Torch Lake’s only two public swim areas. Find a pavilion, picnic tables, grills, swimming area and boat access at Torch Lake Township Park south of town on US-31. Another swim area and boat access are located at the north end of town off M-88.
Torch Lake WebsiteÂ
Barnes Park Campground in Eastport
Almost a quarter-mile of sandy Lake Michigan beach, hiking trails and two pavilions. Like it so much you want to stay? Check out the 76 campsites. U.S. 31 and M-88.
Barnes Park Campground Website |12298 Barnes Park Rd.
Antrim Creek Natural Area in Atwood
This mile-long Lake Michigan beach, found just west of Atwood, lies at the end of Rex Beach Road and down a two-track. Walk south along the beach to find where Antrim Creek spills into the big lake.
Antrim Creek Website | 9890 Old Dixie Hwy.
Elk Rapids Day Park
This Elk Rapids favorite offers big sand, wide Lake Michigan views and every amenity a beach can have, including darling Elk Rapids close by.
Day Park Website | 920 S. Bay Shore Dr., Elk Rapids
Elm Pointe in East Jordan
Elm Pointe Park boasts 11 acres with frontage on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix and Monroe Creek.
More Information on Elm Pointe | 1787 M-66, East Jordan
Thurston Park, Central Lake
Great swimming in Intermediate Lake, pavilion and grills. Stop by King Orchards on M-88 for fresh fruit to nibble while you sun.
Thurston Website | 7854 E. Bradford St., Central Lake
Young State Park, Boyne City
Young State Park has a sandy Lake Charlevoix beach with a 41-site state campground.
Young State Website | 02280 Boyne City Road.
Find this article and more in the 2021 issue of the Traverse Magazine Vacation Guide. If you’re not subscribed to Traverse Magazine, you can download the Vacation Guide for free.
