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21 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Michigan to Visit in 2024

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Image Credit: MieczyslawSam, Pixabay

Written by: Jordyn Alger

Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

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21 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Michigan to Visit in 2024

/ Lifestyle / By

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.

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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 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 the 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

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️ 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
  • 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 incredibly 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 given permission 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

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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:

Sources
 

Featured Image Credit: MieczysławSam, Pixabay

Contents

About the Author

Jordyn Alger

Pets are Jordyn’s passion, especially cats. Whenever she has the opportunity, she loves to learn about animals and share her knowledge with everyone. She is devoted to her mischievous tabby cat named Jack and works hard to buy him his favorite toys and treats. Discovering new ways to better care for her pet is always on the top of her to-do list, and she is eager to help pet parents everywhere who have similar pursuits. In her free time, she loves to write, read, and take long walks. She has a creative spirit, which often helps her to come up with funny cat names.

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