Summer may not officially be here, but the warm weather that’s descended upon Michigan has us all craving sandy beaches and outdoor fun. Luckily in Michigan, you’re never more than six miles from a body of water – and Metro Detroit is no exception! Now that Memorial Day has passed us by, many local beaches are open for business and ready for you to make some new and amazing sunny, sandy memories.
Below, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Metro Detroit (and Detroit!) beaches that boast everything from waterfront access, to playgrounds, to boating and fishing. We highly recommend checking out each park’s website for hours and updated fees so you can show up well-prepared to have some stress-free fun in the sun.
Belle Isle Beach | Detroit
2 Inselruhe Ave. Detroit, MI 48207
Looking for a little outdoor fun in the big city? Belle Isle Park is a unique 985-acre park located in the Detroit river that boasts natural beauty and wonderful views of Detroit and Canada. In addition to its swimming beach there’s plenty more amenities to enjoy, such as Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Nature Center, and the infamous Belle Isle giant slide.
Fee: $11 for a day pass
Blossom Heath Park Beach | St. Clair Shores
24800 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores MI 48081
Located within Blossom Heath Park, the beach has sandy shores and lake access as well as a beach house, activity pier, picnic tables, and playground equipment.
Fee: A St. Clair Shores Park Pass is required, residents are allowed up to 5 guests. The Activity pier is open to the public.
Deer Lake Beach | Clarkston
350 White Lake Rd. Village of Clarkston, MI 48346
Deer Lake Beach beach, located a short drive away in Clarkson, is open to both residents and non-residents and offers two separate swimming areas, volleyball court, picnic tables, and seasonal swim lessons.
Fee: $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents.
Dodge #4 State Park Beach | Waterford
4250 Parkway Dr. Waterford, MI 48327
Enjoy a mile of shoreline across Cass Lake, the largest inland lake in SE Michigan. In addition to the swimmable beach, Cass Lake is also known for boating and fishing. Tip: Get there early! Between Memorial and Labor Day the park and boating access site fills up to capacity quickly.
Fee: A non-resident daily pass is $9
Lake St. Clair Metropark | Harrison Township
31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI 48045
Swimming, biking and walking trails, kiteboarding, boating, bird watching – Lake St. Clair MetroPark has it all! An Olympic sized swimming pool? A 3-par golf course? Nature Center? They have that too! If you haven’t visited, we highly recommend enjoying all this MetroPark has to offer.
Fee: $10 Daily Vehicle Fee
Lakeshore Park | Novi
601 S. Lake Dr. Novi, MI 48377
Novi’s largest city park, Lakeshore Park (and the nearby Pavilion Shore Park) have a swimming beach on Walled Lake as well as two playgrounds, a 10-mile mountain bike trail, a kid’s mountain bike trail, and walking trail.
Fee: Free
Lakeside Park | Port Huron
3670 Gratiot Ave. Port Huron, MI 48060
Want to enjoy the Great Lakes without the hassle of a long road trip? Lakeside Park is a beautiful park located right on Lake Huron with picnic areas, grills, playaround, splash pad, and volleyball net. Truly, there’s something here for the whole family to enjoy! Lakeside Park also has an ADA-accessible Mobi-Mat, and food vendors on select days.
Fee: Free to residents, $20 for non-residents
Thelma Spencer Beach | Rochester
3701 John R. Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307
A 113-acre park with a lifeguarded beach, concession stand, fishing pier, picnic areas, playground, tennis court,and volleyball courts. There is also watercraft rental available.
Fee: $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents
Stony Creek Metropark | Shelby Township
4300 Main Park. Dr. Shelby Township, MI 48316
Stony Creek boasts 4,435 acres of scenic areas, including the 500-acre Stony Creek Lake which is open for swimming, boating, and fishing. They currently have 2 beaches – Baypoint Beach and Eastwood beach, the latter also has a food bar. In addition to their beaches you can find trails, playgrounds, a campground, golf course, and nature center.
Fee: $10 daily vehicle pass
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area | Waterford
2401 N Williams Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48327.
Boasting one of the longest beaches in SE Michigan at over half a mile long, you can go for a swim or hit the boardwalk for a relaxing walk or jog. There’s also camping, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, and paddling opportunities available.
Fee: Daily pass $20
Walter and Mary Burke Park | New Baltimore
A quaint, sandy beach in the heart of New Baltimore and on the shores of Lake. St. Clair, the swimming area is also adjacent to fishing docks, bocce ball courts, and two playscapes.
Fee: Free
Looking for more fun activities within the Macomb and Oakland county area? Don’t miss out on our city guides on the blog!