BeachesSummer has arrived and it’s time to trade shoes for flip-flops and business suits for the swimming kind. Yep, it’s time to head for the beach to catch some rays and enjoy a summer vacation Pure Michigan style.

While there are beautiful beaches throughout the mitten state, you won’t find many better than those in and around Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. So if your idea of a great vacation includes great beaches, look no further than the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan.

Here are eleven reasons Petoskey, MI is the place beach lovers love to visit.

  • Camp Petosega, Petoskey, MI – A beautiful beach located on beautiful Pickerel Lake. There’s also a pavilion that you can rent for things like family reunions and birthday parties.

  • Jones Landing Township Park, Petoskey, MI – A nice, small beach with wheelchair accessibility. Also a covered pavilion, restrooms and boat launch.

  • Magnus City Park Beach, Petoskey, MI – Located on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, Magnus Park City Beach offers 1,000 feet of shoreline and is within walking distance of downtown. This is a terrific place to hunt for Petoskey Stones.

  • Peninsula Beach, Boyne City, MI – This wonderful beach on Lake Charlevoix is located on the south side of Boyne City on Front Street. The beach is just a short walk from downtown and has restrooms, a playground and a picnic area.

  • Petoskey State Park, Petoskey, MI – A fantastic sandy beach on Little Traverse Bay. Plus there are picnic facilities, sand volleyball courts, a small playground and concession stand. Admission is charged.

  • Sturgeon Bay Beach, Cross Village, MI – Three miles of sandy beach, sand dunes and gorgeous views. Port-o-johns, but no restrooms. Approximately four miles to Legs Inn restaurant.

  • Tannery Beach, Boyne City, MI – You’re welcome to bring your pooch to this beach on Lake Charlevoix.

  • Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, Harbor Springs, MI – This beach is small, but pristine and quiet. Interpretive facilities are open seasonally. $3.00 parking per vehicle.

  • Walloon Lake Beach, Walloon Lake, MI – A plus here is that Walloon Lake is generally warmer than Lake Michigan. The park area features a picnic area, volleyball, a playground, horseshoes and basketball, and restrooms.

  • West Park Beach, Bay Harbor, MI – Beach shoes come in handy here…the shoreline is rocky and is accessible by a walking trail. Great views and peaceful. Restrooms at the beginning of the trail.

  • Young State Park, Boyne City, MI – Located at the east end of Lake Charlevoix, Young State Park offers not only a lovely beach, but also a picnic area, boat launch, beach house, playground and hiking trails. Admission is charged.

Whether you want to take a stroll, make sand castles, look for Petoskey stones, or take a refreshing dip, you’ll find a beach to lose yourself on in the Petoskey area. We hope to see you soon.

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