11 Family Friendly Beaches Within A few Hours Of Ann Arbor

This summer has been been full of sun and sunshine so far. A great way to spend a summer day is at the beach. We have compiled a list of beaches within a few hours of Ann Arbor for your family to take a trip to.

Kensington Metropark 

Kensington Metropark is home to a wooded beach area that’s perfect for biking, boating, swimming and fishing. There are also boat rentals available and a campground to turn your beach trip into a weekend trip! 

Independence Lake County Park 

Independence Lake is great for boating, fishing and swimming. There are also areas to picnic or go for a walk. The Lake also has grills for public use and opportunities for boat rentals. For families with little children there is also a playset.  

Holland State Park 

Fishing, swimming, a boat launch, camping areas,and a concession stand make Holland State Park a great place to take your family. It is also close by to Holland’s beautiful downtown with places with a plethora of shops and restaurants. 

Tunnel Park – Holland

Tunnel Park is a unique place to take your family for a beach day. There is a beautiful tunnel and scenic overview to pass through on your way down to the beach. Tunnel park has picnic tables and grills, a swimming beach and reservable picnic shelters. There are also sand volleyball courts to play a game on. 

Grand Haven State Park 

At Grand Haven State Park your family can enjoy a beach pavilion, swimming, fishing, and camping. There’s also a beautiful scenic view of 2 lighthouses and the Grand Haven pier. 

Grand Haven City Beach 

Grand Haven City beach has a large and sandy beachfront, perfect for a family day. The beach is close to ‘The Noto’s At The Bilmar’, a beachfront restaurant. In case your littles need to use the potty, there are restrooms available close by. 

Laketown Beach- Saugatuck

If you’re looking for a beach that isn’t as busy with crowds, Laketown Beach might be perfect for your family. It is a great place for sunset watching. Visitors have to walk up 350 stairs up and down from the beach, so if you visit be prepared for the hike. 

Oval Beach- Saugatuck

Oval Beach has won Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 25 Beaches in the World, National Geographic Traveler’s Top Freshwater Beaches in the USA, and MTV’s Top 5 Beaches in the USA. There are gorgeous views of rolling dunes behind the beach. There are also bathrooms and concessions available close to the beach. 

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North Beach- South Haven

North beach has concessions, beach volleyball courts, a play structure and picnic area available to visitors. It’s also ADA accessible. North Beach is close to South Haven’s beautiful downtown area that has plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. 

South Beach- South Haven

South Beach is another great place to visit in South Haven. It’s also ADA accessible. There is access to grills, picnic areas, play structures and restrooms. There is also a boardwalk out to a red lighthouse for a little stroll. 

Caseville County Parks 

Caseville County Parks is a fun place to spend a beach weekend. They have access for boating, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. If you’re hoping to camp, they have RV water and electric hookup sites.