Best Beaches on the Leelanau Peninsula (2026 Local’s Guide)
Last Updated: May 2026
The Leelanau Peninsula has some of the best beaches in Michigan — and I’ve been driving M-22 up and down this stretch of coastline for years to prove it. Bordered by Lake Michigan on one side and Grand Traverse Bay on the other, the peninsula packs more beach variety into one scenic drive than anywhere else in the state.
Whether you’re after wide sandy shores, a warm inland lake for little kids, rocky Petoskey stone hunting after a storm, or a bluff-top sunset with views of the Manitou Islands — the Leelanau has it. Here’s exactly where to go, including three beaches most guides skip entirely.
Note: Beaches within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore require a National Parks Pass or a $35 vehicle day pass. Township and county parks listed here are free unless noted.
📌 Leelanau Peninsula Beaches: In a Nutshell
- Best sandy swimming beach: Good Harbor Bay Beach (Maple City) — wide, long, campfire-permitted
- Best for families with small kids: North Bar Lake (Empire) — warm shallow inland lake, steps from Lake Michigan
- Best sunset views: Van’s Beach (Leland) — Manitou Islands on the horizon, steps from Fishtown
- Best hidden gem: Christmas Cove (Northport) — turquoise water, half-moon cove, locals-only feel
- Best for Petoskey stone hunting: Peterson Park (Northport) — rocky bluff beach, especially after a storm
- Park pass required: Good Harbor Bay, North Bar Lake, Glen Haven, Platte River Point, Esch Road ($35/day)
- Free beaches: Van’s, Empire Village Park, Peterson Park, Christmas Cove, Suttons Bay
1. Good Harbor Bay Beach (Maple City)
Good Harbor is consistently one of the top beaches in Northern Michigan. Long, wide, and sandy with clear views of North and South Manitou Islands, it genuinely feels like a coastal escape. 2026 Local Tip: Campfires are permitted between the water’s edge and the dune line here—one of the very few Leelanau beaches where that’s legal. Get here before 10am on summer weekends; the lot fills fast with no overflow options.
2. North Bar Lake (Empire)
This is the best family beach for young kids. This shallow inland lake warms up significantly faster than Lake Michigan—hitting the low 70s by mid-July. Once the kids are warmed up, it’s a short two-minute walk over a low dune to the Lake Michigan side for waves. It offers the best of both worlds.
3. Van’s Beach (Leland)
Steps from the weathered fishing shanties of Fishtown, Van’s Beach is the place for sunset lovers. Grab a smoked fish sandwich in town and bring it to the sand. Rock Hunter Note: This is a premier spot for finding “Leland Blue” stones—rare blue-green slag glass unique to this specific harbor.
4. Empire Beach (Village Park)
Named one of the top 21 beaches in the world by National Geographic, Empire Beach has everything: a playground, pavilions, grills, and a warm inland pond for kids. It’s the perfect home base for a full day at the lake. Tip: Stop at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in town after your swim.
5. Glen Haven Beach
This is the most accessible beach in the National Lakeshore. A six-foot-wide accessible deck runs from the handicap parking area down to a beach platform, offering the best ADA access on the peninsula. It’s also steps away from a working blacksmith shop and historic cannery museum.
6. Peterson Park (Northport)
Located on a high bluff, Peterson Park is for the stone hunters. Roughly 120 steps lead down to a rocky shoreline that is a goldmine for Petoskey stones and horn coral fossils, especially after a storm. The viewing platform at the top is accessible and offers a panoramic view of the lake.
7. Christmas Cove Beach (Northport)
A true hidden gem at the tip of the peninsula. On sunny days, the water turns a brilliant Caribbean turquoise. Local Warning: The parking lot is very small (approx. 10-12 spots). If you arrive and it’s full, head back to Peterson Park—do not block the narrow residential access road.
8. Platte River Point (Honor)
This is where the Platte River meets Lake Michigan. It’s a hive of activity where tubers and kayakers finish their float. The water at the river mouth is shallow and moving, creating a giant natural “splash pad” that kids absolutely love.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=17L8WT1Z3xp_P6z9VEJCJR5img3lKXtw&usp=sharing9. Esch Road Beach (Maple City)
If you want to avoid the crowds, go to Esch Road. It’s a quiet, sandy stretch about four miles south of Empire. It’s where locals go when the main National Park beaches feel too busy in July.
10. Northport Marina Beach
Located on the “bay side,” this beach has calmer, warmer water than the Lake Michigan side. It’s right in the heart of Northport, making it easy to walk to shops and lunch. There is a great playground right on the sand.
11. Suttons Bay Municipal Beach
The most convenient beach on the peninsula. You can ride your bike here on the TART Trail, swim in the calm bay water, and walk a block into town for a glass of local wine. Perfect for paddleboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Leelanau Peninsula beaches are free?
Van’s Beach, Christmas Cove, Peterson Park, Northport Marina Beach, and Suttons Bay Municipal Beach are all free with no entry fee. Empire Village Park requires a small daily parking fee. Any beach inside Sleeping Bear Dunes (Good Harbor, North Bar, Glen Haven, etc.) requires a National Park Pass.
What is the best beach for Petoskey stone hunting?
Peterson Park is the top choice because the shoreline is naturally rocky. Van’s Beach in Leland is also excellent and is one of the few places to find the blue-tinted Leland Blue stones.
Are dogs allowed on the beaches?
Most beaches on this list allow leashed dogs. However, Good Harbor Bay has specific “no dog” zones to protect bird nesting areas—always check the brown NPS signs at the entrance before heading to the water.
