10 Top Secret Beaches in Traverse City

Summertime in Northern Michigan is legendary. There’s sun, sugar-sand, cherries, and absolutely no humidity! Now, if you’re looking for the best beaches in any location, you’ll usually have to get in good with locals who know where they are and how to get there, as they tend not to want to reveal them to tourists. Like any other lake or seaside town, the best beaches in Traverse City are kept secret to keep crowds and litter to a minimum. So we might get in some hot water with local Michiganders for revealing these. But if you don’t tell anyone, we won’t either.

10 Best Beaches in Traverse City

The following secret waterside hot spots are rather sacred to Traverse City locals. Enjoy them, but please, let’s respect these hidden areas. After all, we wouldn’t want to be the reason they keep these spots a secret in the first place!

1 - Haserot Beach Park - At the Tip of OMP

The clearest water in Lake Michigan is here at Haserot Beach Part. It’s just at the tip of the Old Mission Park. It’s quite a drive to get out there, but if you can manage it, you’ll be glad you did.

2 - North Bar Lake

This secret beach is in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes, just north of Empire.

Locals warm themselves in shallow North bar lake, before cooling off in Lake Michigan. Travel north on LaCore street, exit Empire, and follow Voice to Bar Lake Road. Once there, you can hike the dunes and follow the bluffs below the overlook platform.

3 - Taylor Park - Long Lake

A great place to spend an afternoon, Taylor Park features a large shady picnic area and a small stretch of beach with a sizable swimming area. It’s right across from the Long Lake Grocery Store on North Long Lake Road.

4 - Torch Lake

If you’re looking for a party, this is the ideal spot. This 19-mile stretch of secret beach is only a quick drive from Traverse City at the top corner of the lower peninsula. Its hours are regulated by the city, so it’s something less of a secret than our other secret beaches.

5 - Bryant park

At the base of Old Mission Peninsula, Bryant Park features a broad, sandy, west-facing beach – and the sunsets are absolutely primo! You can find it at the intersection of Peninsula Drive and Garfield Road at the base of the OMP.

6 - East Bay Park

East Bay Park features shallow, warm water and playgrounds, making it a great spot to bring small children. It’s located at the base of East Grand Traverse Way.

7 - Power Island

Find this secluded spot by taking a short boat ride in Grand Traverse Bay. It’s a 202-acre island in West Bay full of secluded beaches and hiking trails. It has a rich history, and yet has retained that secret island feeling.

8 - Good Harbor Beach

Bryant Park isn’t the only Michigan beach with stunning sunsets. With unbeatable views of the Manitou Islands, Good Harbor is to die for. Turn right on Lake Michigan Road, and take it to the trailhead for beach access.

9 - Maple Bay Natural Area

If you enjoy a long, peaceful hike it’s about a 2-mile trek to Maple Bay Beach. It’s just north of U.S. 31, between Traverse City and Elk Rapids. This spot has a lot to offer besides beaches and is a popular summer destination for locals.

10 - The Beach at Tamarack Lodge

Let the sugar sand seep between your toes along the steps from your room on East bay. You can reserve your spot at Tamarack Lodge for a night, for a week, or however long you’d like.