8 Metro Detroit Beaches to Visit This Summer

Grab your sunscreen and towel and head to these hot spots
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Spend the day soaking up the sun at Martindale Beach in Milford. // Photograph by Timothy Klima.

Possibly the most quintessential summer activity is the classic β€œbeach day.” These metro Detroit beaches offer the look and feel of a vacation getaway, without having to leave the state. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed day filled with kayaking and swimming or a lazy, relaxing day of floating, these beaches have you covered.

Martindale Beach

A beautiful beach and then some, Martindale Beach is located inside Kensington Metropark and offers plenty of amenities for an unforgettable summer day. From boat rentals to the Splash N’ Blast water and spray park, this spot is great for a beach day that goes beyond sandcastles and sunbathing. The beach is surrounded by Kensington’s biking and walking trails, and the park is pet-friendly. Martindale Beach, ; .

Mercer Beach

This tiny but mighty beach is located on Walled Lake, near the waterfront restaurant The Beach Tiki Bar and Boil. Complete with a playscape for kids, picnic tables, a designated swimming area, and plenty of space to unwind and relax, this beach is great for an easy, low-maintenance day of fun in the sun. Looking to have a picnic but don’t want to pack a basket? The beach is also within walking distance to Big Dip Burgers, a staple for the Walled Lake community with delicious grab-and-go options. Mercer Beach, ; .

Belle Isle Beach

Take in views of the sunrise and sunset at Belle Isle Beach. Bring your own canoe, a book to read while you chill out, a picnic for the whole family, or a speaker for your music, and make this beach trip whatever you want it to be. Whether it’s a relaxing solo trip, a celebration, or a family day out, this large beach can be anyone’s playground. Belle Isle Beach, ; .

Stony Creek Eastwood and Baypoint Beaches

Both located at Stony Creek Metropark, Eastwood and Baypoint both offer beautiful scenery and tons of fun. Eastwood is home to a 50-foot tall, 230-foot long water slide, playscape, and paddleboard rentals, making it a great stop for families. Baypoint offers kayak rentals, picnic areas, and is often less crowded than Eastwood. Stony Creek Metropark, ; .

Lake St. Clair Metropark

Approximately 1,000 feet long, this sandy beach offers lake-front yoga classes, shore fishing, boat access, and its own marina. A favorite for locals, this beach is surrounded by other park amenities like a golf course, hiking trails, tennis courts, and picnic areas. Lake St. Clair Metropark, ; .

Deer Lake Beach

Located off White Lake Road, this beach is easily accessible and always clean. Because it’s near Deer Lake Athletic Club and within walking distance to the downtown area, this metro Detroit beach is a hot spot for Clarkston residents. Complete with sand volleyball courts, wading areas in its swimming zones, rentable kayaks and paddleboards, and picnic tables, this is a low-maintenance beach day just waiting to happen. Deer Lake Beach, ; .

Thelma Spencer Beach

Located near Rochester, this 113-acre park and 38-acre lake can sure please the whole family. Kayaks and paddleboards rentals are offered and there are picnic areas and play structures for the family. Tennis courts, sanded volleyball courts and ladder golf are ready for the ultimate beach day. Spencer Park, ; .

Lakeshore Park

This Novi park offers a beach that is the perfect for families. The beach is located on Walled Lake, it is shallow for several feet so kids and parents can enjoy the beach as they please. A picnic area, play structures, mountain bike and walking trails, too. Lakeshore Park, ;.

This post has been updated for 2023.Μύ

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