11 Beaches in Manistee, Mi for Your Summer 2025 Bucket List

 

Beach gear on sand with lake on the horizon

The Best of Manistee’s Shores: Your Go-To Beach Guide with Perks

Sandy toes, sun-kissed noses, and the serene hum of Lake Michigan’s waves await you on the shores of the beaches in Manistee, Mi. In this charming Michigan vacation destination, the beaches are not just plentiful. Many also possess a number of amenities to enhance your vacation experience. From First Street Beach’s vast recreational offerings to the secluded charm of Magoon Creek & Sundling Park, we’ve rounded up the ultimate beach-goer’s guide to Manistee’s shores. Each beach boasts its unique blend of facilities, from picnic spots and playgrounds to pet-friendly areas and athletic fields, ensuring your days by the lake are as convenient as they are blissful. Whether you’re looking to catch the sunrise with your furry friend or spend a family day filled with sports and snacks by the lake, Manistee’s beaches offer a slice of paradise for everyone. Read on to uncover the perfect beach for your next lakeside getaway!

Popular Beaches in Manistee with Multiple Amenities

 

1. & 2. First Street Beach and Fifth Avenue Beach are both a short stroll away from some of our Manistee vacation home rentals. With playground areas, boat launch spots, food vendors, showers, picnic areas, and even free Wifi, these beaches have everything you need for a perfect day on the lake!

3. Douglas Park at First Street Beach, a grand beach and recreational zone in the region, boasts multiple amenities. It is well-equipped with numerous athletic fields, tennis courts, and basketball arenas.

Despite pets being restricted on the beach during peak summer days (only from Memorial Day through Labor Day), the Douglas Park houses an exclusive enclosed park for dogs and an assigned waterfront space for dogs under the observation deck near the Lions Pavilion! Various picnic spots, complemented by charcoal grills, also dot the area, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

More Serene Beaches in Manistee, Mi

 

4. Did you know that Manistee is home to the Man Made Lake beach? This pet-friendly beach welcomes dogs. It also offers a convenient designated parking area and picnic tables. Once you arrive at Man Made Lake Beach, a brief stroll will transport you into a delightful natural enclave where the water seems to be perpetually warm and inviting. Since it’s so small, this manufactured miniature lake is great for budding snorkel enthusiasts.

Because the City of Manistee recently acquired this petite park, it remains a protected, natural haven for beach lovers.

Arcadia Scenic Turnout in Manistee County
Arcadia’s scenic overlook in Manistee County, just one of many stops along the M22 Route.

5. Arcadia Beach is another fabulous option. It’s owned by Arcadia Township and — thanks to the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy — it has remained protected. In addition to being a dog-friendly beach, the park offers many additional conveniences. These include restrooms, a picnic area, grills, and an emergency call station. There’s even a playground for the little ones.

6. Yet another pet-friendly beach in Manistee, Bar Lake Access, is a bit more rustic. That being said, the privacy adds a certain serenity to the experience, and it’s a wonderful environment in which to unwind and commune with nature.

7. & 8. Like Bar Lake Access, both North Beach Access and Pierport Beach are a hit amongst contemplative, quiet beach-goers and their four-legged friends. These are great places to sit and watch sunrises and sunsets in peace.

9. Portage Point Beach is nestled on Lake Michigan at the mouth of Portage Lake. Here, you can enjoy the views of the undulating sand dunes and amble along miles of sandy beach. Picnic tables and public restrooms are available, and this beach also welcomes pets.

10. & 11. Last but not least is Magoon Creek & Sundling Park. Like all of the aforementioned beaches in this section, dogs are welcome. Amenities include restrooms and picnic tables. According to the Manistee Tourism website, this is the ideal location for cross country skiing! So, if you’re visiting Manistee in the winter, consider bringing along snow shoes or skis.

 

Beaches in Manistee, Michigan & Beyond:
Discover All of the Unsalted Waters Michigan Has to Offer

Best Family Beach Vacation Rentals in Northern Michigan
Enjoy the sunset from any of the amazing decks, including a completely separate wooden look-out over Lake Michigan at Bellavita in Manistee.

Now that you have a list of the best beaches in Manistee, Mi, it’s time to plan your perfect getaway with BVW Unsalted Vacations! Let BVW Unsalted Vacations plan your next unforgettable vacation in one of Michigan’s most charming coastal towns. We are proud to offer furnished rentals in in Manistee. But we also offer an expansive portfolio in Michigan’s many other charming beach towns.

Contact us today to orchestrate your dream getaway at one of our unique, expertly cared for vacation rentals in Michigan. We can’t wait to welcome you to your home away from home!

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