Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

21 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Michigan to Visit in 2026

Share

yorkshire-terrier in the beach

Traveling is always a fun time, but it can be difficult when you have a dog. Not all places are pet-friendly, and sometimes you have to plan your trip around your dog. If you are hoping to have some beach time fun in Michigan, you should know which beaches are available to you and your pup.

We have made a list of 21 amazing beaches for you to check out, so see if any of them are destination-worthy to you.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

The 21 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Michigan

1. Esch Road Beach

Address: Esch Rd, Honor, MI, 49640
Open Times: 24/7
Cost: $25 per car
Off-Leash: No
  • Esch Road Beach can be found at the mouth of Otter Creek, which is located inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  • This beach is 3 miles south of Empire, MI
  • Bathrooms are available
  • Parking is available along the road
  • Esch Road Beach is a beautiful place to explore with your dog and is full of wildflowers

2. Buttersville Park Beach

Address: 1100 S Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431
Open Times: Open May 15–October 15
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Buttersville Park Beach is associated with Buttersville Park Campground, where visitors can stay overnight
  • The beautiful trails provide spectacular views of nature, including a glimpse of Lake Michigan’s shoreline
  • Included in the experience are a pavilion, a grill, and a playground
  • Restrooms are available
  • Expect to see some wildlife: deer are a common sight around the area

3. First Street Manistee Beach

Address: 100-122 S Lakeshore Dr, Manistee, MI 49660
Open Times: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • The First Street Manistee Beach is a part of the Douglas Recreational Area
  • There are other amenities such as concessions, restrooms, sporting areas, picnic spots, and fishing availability
  • The picnic area provides an incredible view of Lake Michigan
  • It is important to note that this beach is not open to dogs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but there is a dog run available within the Douglas Recreation Area

4. West End Beach in Traverse City

Address: 716 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
Open Times: Open sunrise to sunset all year round
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • There are nearly 10 acres of beauty to explore
  • This beach provides fishing, sports, swimming, grilling, and picnicking
  • The far west portion of the beach is available to dogs, but the remaining areas (including swimming areas) are off-limits

5. North Beach in South Haven

Address: 45 Lakeshore Dr, South Haven, MI 49090
Open Times: Open all year round from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Cost: $7 per car
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are not allowed at the picnic areas, the volleyball courts, or the off-trail locations
  • This beach has beautiful trails by the water, giving you a great view of the coast
  • There are restrooms available to the public
  • Available activities include swimming, fishing, kiteboarding, and volleyball

6. Frankfort Public Beach

Address: Frankfort, MI 49635
Open Times: Open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Cost: $10 per car
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the dog-run area
  • This beach is on Lake Michigan and has a beautiful view
  • On the northern part of the beach, there is a dog-run area
  • Parking and bathrooms can be found on the main street leading up to the beach
  • Dog-friendly hotels are nearby for those who want to turn their beach trip into an overnight stay

7. Peterson Beach

Address: Peterson Rd, Honor, MI 49640
Open Times: Open all year round from sunrise to sunset
Cost: $25 per car
Off-Leash: No
  • This beach is a gorgeous and secluded area on Lake Michigan
  • There is an incredible view of Sleeping Bear Point and Empire bluffs
  • An island called South Manitou Island is close enough to be visible on days with good weather
  • Parking is unfortunately limited
  • Note that the south portion of the beach welcomes dogs, but the northern part does not

8. Baraga State Park

Address: 1300 US Hwy 41, Baraga, MI 49908
Open Times: Open year-round from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Cost: $10 for a one-time recreational passport
Off-Leash: No
  • Baraga State Park is located in the Upper Peninsula and contains plenty of gorgeous natural sights
  • The state park overlooks the Keweenaw Bay, which is located in Lake Superior
  • The beach area is somewhat limited due to rocky landforms
  • Baraga provides plenty of activities such as camping, hiking, and kayaking

9. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Address: N8391 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862
Open Times: Open 24/7 all year round
Cost: $10 per car
Off-Leash: No
  • The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has long beaches, hiking trails, and incredible views
  • Nearly 100 miles of trails are available to explore
  • Massive cliffs of sandstone create a stunning view
  • Dogs are invited to many locations at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore such as the Twelve-mile Beach Campground and Miners Beach

10. McLain State Park

Address: 18350 Highway M-203, Hancock, MI 49930
Open Times: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Cost: $10 for a one-time recreational passport
Off-Leash: No
  • The beaches at McLain State Park are entirely pet-friendly
  • Cabins and modern amenities are available for overnight stays
  • There is a perfect view of a nearby lighthouse to enjoy
  • The terrain is gorgeous, with open areas, wooded locations, and areas where ice can form along the coast
  • Activities available include berry picking, fishing, hunting, and windsurfing

11. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Address: 33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Open Times: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Cost: $10 for a one-time recreational passport
Off-Leash: No
  • The Porcupine Mountains are among the few wilderness areas in the midwestern United States
  • This state park is the largest in the state of Michigan, with 35,000 acres of wooded areas and over 90 miles of trails
  • Other than the coast of Lake Superior, visitors can enjoy dazzling waterfalls, rivers, and streams
  • Attractions in the park include the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area, a disc golf course, and an observation tower at Summit Peak

12. Marquette South Beach

Address: 501 S Lake St, Marquette, MI 49855
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • This is an accessible beach with parking and restrooms in close range
  • South Beach is just south of downtown Marquette, offering great entertainment both on and off the beach
  • All summer long, local lifeguards are around to ensure visitor safety
  • The view of Lake Superior and the Marquette skyline gives this beach two vastly different yet equally incredible sights

13. Mackinac Island

Address: Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Open Times: Open 24/7 all year
Cost: Varies depending on trip details
Off-Leash: No
  • Mackinac Island is a popular tourist destination in Michigan due to its historical significance and beauty
  • The price of your stay will be influenced by how long you plan to stay, how you intend to reach the island, where you plan to lodge, and other various trip details
  • There are plenty of places to walk, bike, and explore throughout the island
  • Some shops may be closed during slower tourism seasons, but the island itself is accessible year-round

14. Otsego Lake State Park

Address: 7136 Old 27 South, Gaylord, MI 49735
Open Times: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm year round
Cost: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm year round
Off-Leash: No
  • Otsego Lake State Park is a beautiful location with over 60 acres of land to explore, including a gorgeous sandy beach
  • Available activities include a boat launch, water volleyball, picnicking, and fishing
  • Certain parts of the beach are not available to pets, and the portion that is welcoming to pets is only accessible past a set of stairs

15. Grand Haven City Beach

Address: S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day, dogs are permitted on the beach at all open hours
  • Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the hours that dogs are allowed on the beach are limited to before 11:00 am and after 5:00 pm
  • Free parking is available but limited
  • Restrooms are available on-site

16. Orion Oaks Dog Park

Address: 1502-2102 Joslyn Rd, Orion Twp, MI 48360
Open Times: 8:00 am to 8:30 pm all year
Cost: $5 daily pass
Off-Leash: Yes
  • This park contains 24 acres of fields, trails, and bodies of water for your dog to explore unleashed
  • Amenities include restrooms as well as pavilions for picnicking
  • There is a dog dock for access to Lake Sixteen, which is only available for dog swimming
  • Activities such as fishing and non-motorized boating are available to pup parents
  • Three separate parking lots provide access to the park at Clarkston, Baldwin, and Joslyn streets

17. Port Crescent State Park

Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Open Times: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year
Cost: $10 for a one-time recreational passport
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Port Crescent State Park is settled on the tip of the “thumb” of the state of Michigan
  • Certain trails, as well as a section of the beach near the Pinnebog River, are available to off-leash dogs
  • There are plenty of available shorelines to explore, with nearly 3 miles of coast to enjoy
  • This park is secluded from the commotion of the city, allowing visitors to embrace the beauty of nature to their fullest potential
  • A dark sky preserve is available to those who want to gaze at the stars with more clarity than ever before

18. Kirk Park

Address: 9791 Lakeshore Drive, West Olive, MI 49460
Open Times: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm all year
Cost: $8 for non-residents
Off-Leash: Yes
  • The southern portion of the beach is an off-leash area where dogs can roam free and enjoy the beach
  • Bags are provided on-site to clean up after your dog
  • There is a lot to explore, including dunes, wooded areas, hiking trails, and sandy coasts
  • Parking fees will be mandated from Memorial Day to Labor Day
  • Due to changing water levels, dogs are only allowed in the park from 7:00 pm to 10:00 am

19. Tawas Point State Park

Address: 875 Paved Path, East Tawas, MI 48730
Open Times: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year
Cost: $10 for a one-time recreational passport
Off-Leash: Yes
  • This area is often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest”
  • Off-leash dogs are allowed on trails as well as on the part of the beach between the lighthouse and the camping grounds
  • Dogs are not permitted to use the swimming areas
  • There are over 180 acres to explore
  • The Tawas Point Lighthouse is a fun visit that is rich in history

20. Warren Dunes State Park

Address: 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI 49125
Open Times: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year round
Cost: $10 for a one-time recreational passport
Off-Leash: No
  • All dogs must be on a 6-foot leash to be allowed on the beach
  • This state park has nearly 2,000 acres full of fun activities
  • Dunes rise almost 300 feet above sea level, providing a great spot for hang gliding as well as an unforgettable view

21. Grand Mere State Park

Address: 7337 Thornton Dr, Stevensville, MI 49127
Open Times: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year
Cost: $10 for a one-time recreational passport
Off-Leash: No
  • One whole mile of Lake Michigan shoreline is available to dogs
  • Nealy 1,000 acres of woodland and sand dunes contain beautiful hiking trails to explore
  • Hunting, fishing, metal detecting, and picnicking are all activities available to visitors

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of amazing beaches in Michigan, and even more that allow dogs. This list is by no means exhaustive, so if there is a beach in your area that was not mentioned, look into it and see if your dog is welcome. After all, it’s not a family day at the beach without your furry friend!

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: MieczysławSam, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: My Favorite Game (April 23, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Meet Chilaquil: The Golden Retriever Making the Internet Smile

If you’ve ever found yourself laughing at a dog’s inner monologue on social media, chances are you’ve come across Chilaquil (and if you...

What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Lumps and Bumps

Finding a lump on your dog is one of those moments that stops you cold. One minute you’re giving them a scratch behind...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Eats Her Poop! (April 20, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

More related

Hospice Therapy Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Benefits for Patients

Going through the final stages of life can be frightening. No matter how strong one’s mental foundation is, dying isn’t something that most...

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet: 15 Emergencies Reviewed (Vet Answer)

All dog owners will know that our canine companions are very much a part of the family. It’s so important to keep them...

English Shepherd vs. Border Collie: The Differences (With Pictures)

If you’re looking for an intelligent working dog, you might be considering the English Shepherd and Border Collie breeds. Both of these breeds...

Why Do Puppies Eat Their Poop? 7 Reasons & How to Stop It

Puppies are adorable, fluffy little goofballs, but all that charisma and charm goes out the window when you see them eating poop. However,...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Bagels? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Health Risks

Almost every dog owner has a hilarious story about their dog stealing their food. If your dog has stolen your bagel, it may seem funny (if slightly exasperating), but the truth is that bagels can be detrimental to your dog’s...

Can Dogs Eat_bagels

Semi-Moist, Dry & Canned Dog Food: Vet-Reviewed Pros & Cons

The world of dog food, diets, and what to feed your dog specifically has become an ever-changing topic. With so many brands, flavors, and types these days, it has almost become a complicated and mysterious affair to unravel. Yet it...

different kinds of dry and wet pet food

Can Dogs Eat Mexican Rice? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips

It’s not unusual for people to search for ideas on new things for their dogs to eat. Pet owners want their dogs to enjoy new things from time to time instead of routine dog food. Considering that rice is often...

Can Dogs Eat Mexican Rice

9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls in 2026 – Review & Top Picks

Elevated dog bowls have certainly increased in popularity over the last few years—and why wouldn’t they? They are aesthetically pleasing, they reduce mess, and they improve your dog’s dining experience. If you have your feelers out for an amazing set...

Havanese dog eating from a raised bowl

Can Dogs Eat Tic Tacs? Vet-Reviewed Risks & Precautions SE PAOLA

Tic Tacs are a tasty little treat that we keep in our car or purses whenever we need breath freshening. While most of us wouldn’t offer a Tic Tac to our dog to freshen its breath—no matter how badly they...

Can Dogs Eat Tic Tacs

Can Dogs Eat Kielbasa? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Kielbasa is a delicious sausage that many people love to eat; however, you should be careful when eating it around a dog. Kielbasa is not considered safe for animal consumption because it contains additives, seasonings, and other harmful components. Its...

Can Dogs Eat_kielbasa

11 Best Foods for Dogs with Pancreatitis in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Stomach trouble is no fun for anyone, and your playful pooch is no exception. While some issues go away within a few hours, others, like pancreatitis, take longer to manage and recover from. When you’re considering which food is the...

dog eating wet food

10 Best Dog Foods for Medium Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are so many options for dog food on the market nowadays that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. The good news about the many varieties of food is that dogs that suffer from allergies can find...

beagle dog eating from bowl

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter