Aqua-Tots Swim School is expanding its Michigan footprint and opening its 9th metro Detroit location in Berkley this fall.  …
Best Beaches In Metro Detroit

When you live in the Great Lakes State, there’s no shortage of sandy beaches, but most of them require a drive – here are local beaches you can visit in Metro Detroit on those hot summer days!
Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison Township)
31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI 48045
A truly sandy beach with clear water and skyline. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’re on vacation. You can also change it up and use the pool or splash pad.
Sterling State Park Beach (Monroe)
2800 State Park Rd, Monroe, MI 48162
When you want the Great Lakes, this one is close. The sand can be a little rocky and the skyline isn’t the most picturesque, but there’s something about the calming waves of Lake Erie on a summer morning that’s fun and beautiful for all.
Dodge #4 State Park Beach (Waterford)
4250 Parkway Drive, Waterford MI, 48327
There are a lot of inland lakes to visit, but Dodge Park #4 is our favorite – offering good sand, clean water, and a long shoreline.
2 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
There’s no better beach view than the city skyline. Watch the boats go by and make a splash in the Detroit River. While you’re on Belle Isle you can also enjoy visits to the Aquarium, Conservatory, Nature Center and Great Lakes Museum.
350 White Lake Rd, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346
Relax and enjoy Deer Lake Beach. Please note, in 2020 there will be no life guard on duty or planned programming.
239 E Walled Lake Dr, Walled Lake, MI 48390
A little beach that makes you feel like you’re up north. The kids will love climbing on the boat themed playground.
601 S Lake Dr Novi, MI 48377
Lakeshore is the perfect family beach. There’s a small sand line, so you don’t have to walk far, but the kids can still play. The water is shallow for several feet, providing a safer space for kids to play while parents simply wade wearing shorts or sit back and watch.
Thelma Spencer Beach (Rochester)
3701 John R Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Thelma Spencer Beach has a 38 acre lake for swimming and boating. Kids can play at the playground or walk the nature paths. Vehicle admission is $10 for residents and $5 for non-residents.
Stony Creek Metropark (Shelby Township)
4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316
Enjoy a summer day in the water at Baypoint Beach or Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark. At Eastwood Beach you can also enjoy the 50-foot tall 230-foot long Quadzilla Slide. This massive four-lane inflatable water slide is a great way to bring a little extra thrill to your beach day. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall.
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area (Waterford)
7800 Gale Road, Waterford MI, 48327
Pontiac Lake has the longest beach in southeast Michigan at just over half a mile. Go for a swim, stroll the boardwalk and have some fun.
5500 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
Lakeside Park along the Flint River Bike Path features a sandy beach, a splash pad and large playground.
Martindale Beach @ Kensington Metro Park (Milford)
4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380
There’s no lifegaurd at Martindale Beach but it’s still fun to splash around Kent Lake. The sandy shore is also next to monitored 240-foot twisted water slides and a large Splash n’ Blast spray park. There’s no shortage of splash parks in Metro Detroit, here’s a guide to find one near you!
Beach Essentials: Don’t forget to add these items to your packing list
- Puddle Jumper Life Vest (Amazon – $25)
- Sand-Free Beach Mat (Amazon – $29)
- Lightweight XL Pocket Tote (Sseko – $65)
- Collapsible utility wagon (Amazon – $59.99)Â
- Beach umbrella (Bed Bath & Beyond – $49.99)
- Sand toys with mesh bag (Walmart – $15.99)
Photo credit: Kensington Metropark
SHARE THIS:

About Carrie Budzinski
Carrie Budzinski is the Vice President of LittleGuide Detroit. She grew up in Livonia and Detroit and continues to live life in both cities. Carrie loves exploring the city and finding hidden gems in the suburbs..
MORE ARTICLES
Join the Encanto Sing-A-Long Concert At Pine Knob
We don't walk about Bruno but we LOVE to sing about him! Bundle up and enjoy an outdoor Encanto sing-a-long…
Top Things to do with KIDS in Metro Detroit This Week
Looking for daily inspiration and ideas for things to do with kids this week? From at-home family…
Urban Air Adventure Park Opens In Livonia
If your kids are always testing the limits and looking for adventure, head to the new Urban Air in Livonia.…
7 Shaded Parks In Metro Detroit That Are Perfect For Summer
Summer is coming! With that comes the heat! Here are some local area parks that will help to keep you…
10 Things to Do with Kids in Metro Detroit this Weekend
The days may all be a blur but the weekends are a time to refresh. Save time scrolling and check…
2022 Stroller Roll Events Kick Off with FREE Characters, Trucks + Family Fun
Back by popular demand, LittleGuide Detroit is hosting two Stroller Roll event in 2022! Mark your calendars and start making…
Wayne County Family Aquatic Center Opens For Summer
Wayne County’s largest family waterpark is now open for the 2022 summer season, start making plans to visit the Wayne…
10 Things to do with KIDS in July
There are so many things happening around town in July (check out our event calendar) - here are our top…
2022 Lavender Markets, Festivals, & Fairs in Metro Detroit
Soak up the sun and take in the fresh air at a Lavender Market or Fair in metro Detroit this…
Join Peppa On Her Aquarium Adventure At SEA LIFE Michigan
Calling all Peppa Pig fans, head to SEA LIFE Michigan at Great Lakes Crossings in Auburn Hills this summer to…
3 Places To Celebrate Christmas In July
We parents may not be ready for Christmas but the kids are already thinking about their favorite day of the…
30 Family-Friendly Downriver Destinations To Check Out This Summer
Head Downriver this summer for family fun. From playgrounds and nature trails to waterparks and splash pads and more! …
Family Guide To The Michigan Activity Pass
The Michigan Activity Pass gives families FREE and discounted access to popular destinations throughout Michigan. Here's your guide to venues…
Stony Creek Metropark Hosts Free Movies, Concerts and Children’s Programs This Summer
Huron-Clinton Metroparks has 13 parks across southeast Michigan and Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township is one you don't want…
Reading & Rhythm On The Riverfront Returns For 2022
One of our favorite family activities returns for another summer. Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront is a FREE program…
Win An All-Inclusive Family Vacation To Grand Rapids
When you need a family vacation, look no further than Grand Rapids. The metropolitan center of western Michigan is the…
Tony Hawk Helps Open NEW Chandler Skate Park In Detroit
Tony Hawk and his non-profit organization The Skatepark Project have helped open another new skate park in Detroit, this time…
Top Things to do with KIDS in Metro Detroit This Week
Looking for daily inspiration and ideas for things to do with kids this week? From at-home family…
6 Reasons To Visit Belle Isle With Kids This Summer
If you're in need of an island vacation, Belle Isle State Park is the perfect place to escape with the…
Normandy Oaks Park Offers FREE Playground & Splash Pad In Royal Oak
If you're looking for FREE family fun this summer, head to Normandy Oaks in Royal Oak! The park features a…
FREE & Fun 4th of July Weekend Events in Metro Detroit
Make the most of 4th of July weekend and celebrate American Independence with fun and free activities! Go To…
Best Beaches In Metro Detroit
When you live in the Great Lakes State, there's no shortage of sandy beaches, but most of them require a…
8 Reasons To Visit Dearborn With Kids This Summer
Dearborn is one of the most diverse cities in the country and there are plenty of reasons to visit. From…