A region of beautiful beaches! From Lake Michigan to inland lakes, the Charlevoix and Chain of Lakes region is filled with an array of shorelines. Find hideaway havens, sandy coasts to soothe your soul and waterside parks with kid-friendly amenities. Start planning your beach day here!
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Our Favorite Lake Michigan Beaches
ANTRIM CREEK NATURAL AREA, ATWOOD
A golden mile of Lake Michigan beach. Take Rex Beach Road to a two-track that ends at the shore. Walk south along the beach to find where Antrim Creek spills into the big lake.
BARNES PARK, EASTPORT
This quarter-mile stretch of Lake Michigan beach is perfect for rock hunting. Also at the campground are a playground, picturesque boardwalks, walking trails and bathroom facilities.
ELK RAPIDS DAY PARK, ELK RAPIDS
This area favorite offers big sand, wide Lake Michigan views and great amenities, including darling downtown Elk Rapids close by.
Photo by Nick Hearn
WILCOX-PALMER-SHAH NATURE PRESERVE, ELK RAPIDS
For a gorgeous day in the waves or a secluded spot to watch the sun set, visit the Wilcox-Palmer-Shah Nature Preserve. Only a five-minute drive from downtown Elk Rapids, this dog-friendly beach (must be leashed) has sugar-sand dunes and a boardwalk down to the shore.
MT. MCSAUBA RECREATION AREA, CHARLEVOIX
A sandy beach on Lake Michigan is threaded with spectacular views, hidden dunes and hiking trails.
MICHIGAN BEACH PARK, CHARLEVOIX
There’s something for everyone in the family at this in-town Lake Michigan beach. Enjoy a sandy beach, swim area, top-notch rock hunting, a playground, volleyball, pavilion and concessions—all within walking distance of downtown Charlevoix.
Charlevoix Area Inland Lake Beaches
RICHARDI PARK, BELLAIRE
A sandy swimming area, grills, picnic tables, pavilion with ice cream cones and other summer treats close at hand in downtown Bellaire.
DEPOT BEACH, CHARLEVOIX
Located next to a historic train depot, Depot Beach on Lake Charlevoix is outfitted with paddleboard rentals, a pavilion and restrooms.
FERRY BEACH, CHARLEVOIX
Ferry Beach has all you need for a beach day. With a sandy shore, playground, concessions, restrooms, paddleboard rentals and shaded pavilions, it’s a fabulous spot for families to relax and play.
TORCH LAKE TOWNSHIP DAY PARK, EASTPORT
Find a pavilion, picnic tables, grills, swimming area and boat access at Torch Lake Township Day Park south of town on US-31.
More Ways to Enjoy the Chain of Lakes Region