One thing you can always find in this area are some of the 
best freshwater beaches in the world. From kid-friendly beaches with playgrounds to “out of the way” beaches for those looking for solitude. One of these great beach locations is just right for you.
Bayside Park-East Grand Traverse Bay off of US 31 North south of M 72 in Acme. 600′ of sandy beach with bathhouse,picnic and playground facilities.
Bowers Harbor Beach-  Bowers Harbor,Old Mission just outside of Traverse City.Picnic area nearby boat launch with restrooms.
Bryant Park- Near downtown Traverse City off of M37.Picnic area,playground,grills,tall pines,long stretch sandy beach.
Centerville Township Park- This beach is on Lake Leelanau off of Hwy 643 south of the Village of Lake Leelanau.Picnic area,playground,restrooms.
Clinch Park-Over 1500′ of sand along West Grand Traverse Bay in downtown Traverse City.Marina,picnic tables,lifeguards (in the summer),restrooms.
East Bay Park-Shady picnic area, lifeguards, playground, restrooms.Located at the base of East Grand Traverse Bay and the foot of Front St.
Elmwood Township Park- Beach with playground,picnic facilities and restrooms.Located on West Bay off of M22 one mile from M72 junction in Traverse City.
Empire Village Park-Part of the Sleeping Bear shoreline beautiful sandy beach with playground,restrooms,picnic area.Walk to town.Located 22 miles west of Traverse City in Empire.
Glen Haven Beach-Thirty miles northwest of Traverse City near Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Dunes Climb. Beautiful beach in National Lakeshore village of Glen Haven.
Haserot Beach Park-Just east of the town of Old Mission and 20 miles North of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula.Sandy beach,picnic area,playground,boat launch.
Leelanau State Park-Lake Michigan beach at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Northport.Beach,restrooms,hiking trails,lighthouse.
Leland Municipal Beach-Twenty four miles northwest of Traverse City.Marina nearby,restrooms,picnic area.
Long Lake Township Park- Picnic facilities, restrooms, playground, boat launch. Just southwest of Traverse City.
Want your own beach? Try some of these locations for your own piece of beach heaven.
 http://www.visitupnorth.com/traverse-city.shtml#crystalbeech
http://www.visitupnorth.com/lake-leelanau.shtml#staynplay
Northport Beach-Adjacent to the marina right in town.Shops,picnic area,beach,restrooms.
Old Settlers Park-East shore of Big Glen Lake off of Hwy 675. Restrooms,playground,picnic area.
Power Island-Accessible only by boat.West Grand Traverse Bay off of Bowers Harbor.Picnic area,restrooms,hiking trails.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore-33 miles of the most spectacular beaches on the Lake Michigan shoreline,including D.H.Day Park in Glen Haven, north Bar Lake, Good Harbor Bay and Manitou Island. Stop at the visitors center in Empire for directions.
Suttons Bay Municipal Beach-On the West arm of Grand Traverse Bay 15 miles north of Traverse City on M22.Beach,picnic area,restrooms,playground.Walk to village shops, food and more.
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