You might not think there are a ton of Detroit beaches to visit, but our neck of the woods is home to plenty of waterfront gems that belong on your summertime must-visit list. It’s true, and just to prove it, we’ve sought out the best secret beaches in Detroit. So, the next time you’re craving a healthy dose of vitamin D, fresh air, and shoreline relaxation, visit one of these hidden beaches in Detroit for some fun in the sun.
- Milan Beach (Milan)
Google Reviews/Tammy Howard When you’re looking for a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon, head to Milan Beach for a family-friendly adventure. There’s so much to enjoy here, from a sandy shoreline to beach volleyball to a charming snack shack. This privately-owned, publicly-open beach has charmed visitors of all ages since 1962, so there’s plenty of nostalgia to be found. 16339 Cone Rd, Milan, MI 48160, USA
- Clover Beach (Linden)
Google Reviews/Luke Widing Bask in the beauty of Byram Lake when you visit Clover Beach, which offers picnic areas, lots of sandy spots to unwind in the sun, and refreshing water for those hot summer days. If you’re more inclined to spend time in the shade, you’ll be happy to know there are picnic tables and greenery just a stone’s throw from the water. Can you imagine a lovelier getaway from the Motor City? 15349 Linden Rd, Linden, MI 48451, USA
- Lakeside Beach (Port Huron)
Google Reviews/Harsha Vardan If you’re in the mood for a good, old-fashioned beach day, Lakeside Beach certainly fits the bill. Situated along the stunning shores of Lake Huron, this breathtaking, but underrated, spot deserves to be explored by each and every Metro Detroiter. With more than a thousand feet of waterfront splendor, a splash pad, and playground equipment for the kids, this locale will quickly become a new favorite. Gratiot Avenue, Gratiot Ave, Port Huron, MI 48060, USA
- Thelma Spencer Park (Troy)
Google Reviews/William Berry Hop in the car and venture to Rochester Hills for an awesome excursion at this lifeguard-monitored beach, which sits within a 113-acre park and offers access to a scenic 38-acre lake. 3701 John R Rd, Troy, MI 48083, USA
- Belle Isle Beach (Detroit)
Google Reviews/Eleanor Vaughan Believe it or not, many Detroiters have lived in the city for years without exploring this waterfront spot. Belle Isle Beach is situated on the city’s famed island park and offers access seven days per week between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. When you visit, you’ll enjoy space to spread out atop the sand and a convenient way to cool off on those scorching summer days. 7845 Riverbank Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
- Marine City Beach (Marine City)
Google Reviews/Barnabas A. Christian While it might not be as large as some of Michigan’s state parks, Marine City Beach captures a sense of waterfront delight that’s impossible not to love. The sand is soft, the water is refreshing, and the scenery is perfect for a wonderfully lazy afternoon. Bask in the sun, read a book in a shaded spot, or dip your toes in the water - what’s not to appreciate? 102 Pearl St, Marine City, MI 48039, USA
- Eastwood Beach (Washington Township)
Facebook/Huron-Clinton Metroparks If you’ve ever spent time within Stoney Creek Metropark, you know that its outdoor attractions are seemingly endless. One underappreciated destination within the park is Eastwood Beach, which sits along the shores of Stony Creek Lake and offers wide-open spaces that are perfect for relaxation. Whether you prefer to splash in the water or picnic atop the grassy sprawl, you’ve come to the perfect place. Eastwood Drive, Eastwood Dr, Washington Township, MI 48094, USA
- Walter and Mary Burke Park (New Baltimore)
Google Reviews/Mary Bouchard If you’ve ever spent time in New Baltimore, you know that this small town offers a sense of charm and features plenty of lovely attractions - but have you been lucky enough to unwind at Walter and Mary Burke Park? This spot features a small beach, a lovely boardwalk that extends into Anchor Bay, picnic facilities, tetherball, and more. You’re in for a wholesome day along the shore. 36300 Front St, New Baltimore, MI 48047, USA
- Atwater Beach (Detroit)
Google Reviews/Sondra Jenkins This exciting spot might not fully qualify as “hidden,” but it opened in 2019 and continues to pleasantly surprise first-time visitors with its sandy sections, comfortable seating areas, and awesome Detroit River views. While there’s no swimming allowed here, you’ll still have a blast - in fact, Atwater Beach might just become your new favorite spot to relax here in Detroit. 2670 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
So, did you know about these hidden beaches in Detroit? Ever visited any of them? If so, which ones and what’d you think? Know of any other secret beaches in Detroit? Whatever it is, tell us!
Google Reviews/Tammy Howard
When you’re looking for a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon, head to Milan Beach for a family-friendly adventure. There’s so much to enjoy here, from a sandy shoreline to beach volleyball to a charming snack shack. This privately-owned, publicly-open beach has charmed visitors of all ages since 1962, so there’s plenty of nostalgia to be found.
16339 Cone Rd, Milan, MI 48160, USA
Google Reviews/Luke Widing
Bask in the beauty of Byram Lake when you visit Clover Beach, which offers picnic areas, lots of sandy spots to unwind in the sun, and refreshing water for those hot summer days. If you’re more inclined to spend time in the shade, you’ll be happy to know there are picnic tables and greenery just a stone’s throw from the water. Can you imagine a lovelier getaway from the Motor City?
15349 Linden Rd, Linden, MI 48451, USA
Google Reviews/Harsha Vardan
If you’re in the mood for a good, old-fashioned beach day, Lakeside Beach certainly fits the bill. Situated along the stunning shores of Lake Huron, this breathtaking, but underrated, spot deserves to be explored by each and every Metro Detroiter. With more than a thousand feet of waterfront splendor, a splash pad, and playground equipment for the kids, this locale will quickly become a new favorite.
Gratiot Avenue, Gratiot Ave, Port Huron, MI 48060, USA
Google Reviews/William Berry
Hop in the car and venture to Rochester Hills for an awesome excursion at this lifeguard-monitored beach, which sits within a 113-acre park and offers access to a scenic 38-acre lake.
3701 John R Rd, Troy, MI 48083, USA
Google Reviews/Eleanor Vaughan
Believe it or not, many Detroiters have lived in the city for years without exploring this waterfront spot. Belle Isle Beach is situated on the city’s famed island park and offers access seven days per week between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. When you visit, you’ll enjoy space to spread out atop the sand and a convenient way to cool off on those scorching summer days.
7845 Riverbank Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Google Reviews/Barnabas A. Christian
While it might not be as large as some of Michigan’s state parks, Marine City Beach captures a sense of waterfront delight that’s impossible not to love. The sand is soft, the water is refreshing, and the scenery is perfect for a wonderfully lazy afternoon. Bask in the sun, read a book in a shaded spot, or dip your toes in the water - what’s not to appreciate?
102 Pearl St, Marine City, MI 48039, USA
Facebook/Huron-Clinton Metroparks
If you’ve ever spent time within Stoney Creek Metropark, you know that its outdoor attractions are seemingly endless. One underappreciated destination within the park is Eastwood Beach, which sits along the shores of Stony Creek Lake and offers wide-open spaces that are perfect for relaxation. Whether you prefer to splash in the water or picnic atop the grassy sprawl, you’ve come to the perfect place.
Eastwood Drive, Eastwood Dr, Washington Township, MI 48094, USA
Google Reviews/Mary Bouchard
If you’ve ever spent time in New Baltimore, you know that this small town offers a sense of charm and features plenty of lovely attractions - but have you been lucky enough to unwind at Walter and Mary Burke Park? This spot features a small beach, a lovely boardwalk that extends into Anchor Bay, picnic facilities, tetherball, and more. You’re in for a wholesome day along the shore.
36300 Front St, New Baltimore, MI 48047, USA
Google Reviews/Sondra Jenkins
This exciting spot might not fully qualify as “hidden,” but it opened in 2019 and continues to pleasantly surprise first-time visitors with its sandy sections, comfortable seating areas, and awesome Detroit River views. While there’s no swimming allowed here, you’ll still have a blast - in fact, Atwater Beach might just become your new favorite spot to relax here in Detroit.
2670 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
You’ll find more than hidden beaches in Detroit. The city is brimming with hidden gems, and if you ask us, these are the best kept secrets in Detroit.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Detroit April 08, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What are some other hidden beaches in Detroit? The number of hidden beaches in Detroit is limited. However, there are plenty of hidden beaches near Detroit, including Riley Beach in Holland, which is about two-and-a-half hours from the city. Like some sort of secret paradise, it’s nestled at the end of a short, sandy path and boasts a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. The water isn’t exactly shallow at Riley Beach. That might not appeal to novice swimmers, but it makes for optimal surfing conditions, so don’t forget your board if you’re a surf enthusiast. Are there any other Michigan or Detroit beaches to visit? When searching for beaches near Detroit, don’t overlook Fort Custer Recreation Area. It’s in Augusta, which is just over two hours from Detroit. A great place to beat the summer heat, the recreation area borders not one, not two, but three lakes! Each has something to offer, but we’re partial to Eagle Lake. One of the best hidden beaches in Michigan, it boasts a forested setting and sandy shore. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Eagle Lake is perfect for fishing. What are some other secret beaches in Detroit? There are several places to beat the summer heat in and near Detroit, and Halfmoon Lake Beach is one of them. Located within the 11,000-acre Pinckney Recreation Area, it’s peacefully secluded and brimming with perks, including a boat launch, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a playground. The recreation area also features more than 40 miles of hiking trails, a chain of fishing lakes, and campsites. Independence Oaks in the Village of Clarkston is another great place for a refreshing swim near Detroit. The largest Oakland County Park, it spans 1,286 acres and features a swimming beach as well as more than 10 miles of nature trails, an archery range, volleyball courts, and boat launch for non-motorized boats.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Detroit
April 08, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some other hidden beaches in Detroit? The number of hidden beaches in Detroit is limited. However, there are plenty of hidden beaches near Detroit, including Riley Beach in Holland, which is about two-and-a-half hours from the city. Like some sort of secret paradise, it’s nestled at the end of a short, sandy path and boasts a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. The water isn’t exactly shallow at Riley Beach. That might not appeal to novice swimmers, but it makes for optimal surfing conditions, so don’t forget your board if you’re a surf enthusiast. Are there any other Michigan or Detroit beaches to visit? When searching for beaches near Detroit, don’t overlook Fort Custer Recreation Area. It’s in Augusta, which is just over two hours from Detroit. A great place to beat the summer heat, the recreation area borders not one, not two, but three lakes! Each has something to offer, but we’re partial to Eagle Lake. One of the best hidden beaches in Michigan, it boasts a forested setting and sandy shore. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Eagle Lake is perfect for fishing. What are some other secret beaches in Detroit? There are several places to beat the summer heat in and near Detroit, and Halfmoon Lake Beach is one of them. Located within the 11,000-acre Pinckney Recreation Area, it’s peacefully secluded and brimming with perks, including a boat launch, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a playground. The recreation area also features more than 40 miles of hiking trails, a chain of fishing lakes, and campsites. Independence Oaks in the Village of Clarkston is another great place for a refreshing swim near Detroit. The largest Oakland County Park, it spans 1,286 acres and features a swimming beach as well as more than 10 miles of nature trails, an archery range, volleyball courts, and boat launch for non-motorized boats.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The number of hidden beaches in Detroit is limited. However, there are plenty of hidden beaches near Detroit, including Riley Beach in Holland, which is about two-and-a-half hours from the city. Like some sort of secret paradise, it’s nestled at the end of a short, sandy path and boasts a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. The water isn’t exactly shallow at Riley Beach. That might not appeal to novice swimmers, but it makes for optimal surfing conditions, so don’t forget your board if you’re a surf enthusiast.
Are there any other Michigan or Detroit beaches to visit?
When searching for beaches near Detroit, don’t overlook Fort Custer Recreation Area. It’s in Augusta, which is just over two hours from Detroit. A great place to beat the summer heat, the recreation area borders not one, not two, but three lakes! Each has something to offer, but we’re partial to Eagle Lake. One of the best hidden beaches in Michigan, it boasts a forested setting and sandy shore. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Eagle Lake is perfect for fishing.
What are some other secret beaches in Detroit?
There are several places to beat the summer heat in and near Detroit, and Halfmoon Lake Beach is one of them. Located within the 11,000-acre Pinckney Recreation Area, it’s peacefully secluded and brimming with perks, including a boat launch, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a playground. The recreation area also features more than 40 miles of hiking trails, a chain of fishing lakes, and campsites. Independence Oaks in the Village of Clarkston is another great place for a refreshing swim near Detroit. The largest Oakland County Park, it spans 1,286 acres and features a swimming beach as well as more than 10 miles of nature trails, an archery range, volleyball courts, and boat launch for non-motorized boats.
