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Beaches and parks

Made for those who want to spend their entire day moving between the shoreline and the surrounding park trails.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Dodge #4 State Park image 1

Large beach and walking trails offer stunning lake views and ample picnic areas. Atmosphere stays peaceful and respectful, with clear water and dog-friendly zones. Facilities include boat launch, fishing piers, and volleyball courts.

Sandy shores meet calm lake waters with designated dog beach areas for pets to swim. Plenty of picnic spots and walking trails surround the peaceful, well-maintained beach.

Clean, well-kept areas include a spotless beach and good lake views. Plenty of seating areas and picnic spots make it family-friendly with walking trails and excellent shelters.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with gorgeous views and nice walking trails."

"It's Dog Friendly with a great separate beach for dogs."

"I found the beach here to be gorgeous."

Good to know

1

You need to purchase a Rec Pass to enter the park, which can be bought at the gate for $19 annually.

2

The park is dog-friendly, with designated areas for pets.

3

Only one bathroom is open, so plan accordingly.

02
Lake Lansing Park South image 1

Park offers beautiful lake views with a huge wooden playground and ample green space for family activities. Atmosphere stays peaceful and clean, with quiet beach and well-maintained grounds. Live music and picnic areas add to a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

Shallow water makes the beach easy to enjoy. A dock adds a nice touch to the beautiful beach area perfect for relaxing.

Playground offers ample space and is well-loved by kids. The park features clean facilities, plenty of room to play, and options for lake swimming and fishing.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with a nice beach by the lake."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with a fun playground and bike loop."

"It's a nice park with a big beach area."

Good to know

1

Parking is often difficult at Lake Lansing Park South, especially on weekends.

2

The park hosts free concerts every Friday during the summer at 7pm.

3

A $3 fee is charged for Ingham County residents to enter the park.

03
Hawk Island Park image 1

Big, spacious park with scenic trails and a small lake surrounded by green areas and boardwalks. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, ideal for walking dogs or relaxing. Features include a large playground, splash pad, and pavilion with picnic facilities, attracting families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Calm water and a large sandy area make the beach great for kids. The beach stays clean, safe, and has a grassy spot nearby.

Offers playground equipment, a splash pad, and a dog park with pass access. Activities include fishing near wooded areas, snow tubing in winter, and swimming in summer. The park stays clean and well kept with scenic lake walks.

People are saying

"It's a fun, kid-friendly place with a great splash pad and playground."

"I found the parks here to be remarkably clean and well-kept."

"The beach here is clean, inviting, and perfect for kids."

Good to know

1

Entrance fee is $5 per car for nonresidents and $3 for residents.

2

Free parking is available at Scott Woods Park, a short walk away.

3

The park has several picnic areas with grills and a pavilion.

04
Thelma Spencer Park image 1

Sprawling green spaces with manicured lawns and towering trees create a peaceful, serene atmosphere. Well-maintained sports fields and courts sit alongside a sandy beach with lifeguards, playgrounds, and paddle boat rentals. The park feels family-friendly and lively on weekends, while remaining quiet and calm during weekdays.

Sandy beach with a clean swimming area and lifeguards offers a safe spot for families. Nearby play structures and bathrooms make it great for small children.

Serene and well maintained, this park offers a paved path around the lake and a playground near the swimming area. It features a clean beach, good fishing spots, and amenities that suit families and kids.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly spot with a fun playground and beach."

"I found the beach here to be beautiful and super clean."

"The parks have great playgrounds and water areas for kids."

Good to know

1

The park has a no life jacket policy to protect the lake's ecosystem.

2

Entry to the park requires a fee for non-members or non-residents.

3

The swimming area has lifeguards on duty during open hours.

05
Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center image 1

Nature preserve offers peaceful atmosphere with breathtaking scenery and easy walking trails. It features hands-on exhibits and wildlife viewing, making it suitable for families and bird watchers. Amenities include playgrounds, splash pads, and picnic areas, though parking can be limited.

Beach access requires a fee. Kids enjoy the splash pad nearby. Water is inviting for toe dips during warm months.

Beautiful setting with many trails and great playgrounds for kids. Offers bird watching, camping, shore fishing, and plenty of amenities in a clean, safe environment.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with animals and nature crafts."

"The beach trails here are beautiful and easy to walk."

"I found the park to be beautiful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to limited spaces, especially on weekends.

2

The nature center organizes events throughout the year for families.

3

The park has a swimming pool and snack shops available during the summer.

06
Camp Dearborn image 1

Large campus with cottages and cabins offers many amenities like pool, putt-putt, and live music. Beaches, ponds, bike paths, and playgrounds stay clean and well manicured, creating a safe and fun environment. Activities suit both active visitors and those seeking relaxation.

Beaches stay clean and well-kept, almost like they've been vacuumed. Some areas have duck droppings and could use more trash cans. No bathrooms near the beach make it tough for kids and older folks.

Clean beaches, ponds, and bike paths offer fun for kids and adults. Amenities include a pool, putt-putt, playgrounds, and a canteen with live music.

People are saying

"The beach here is so clean, it looks like it's been vacuumed."

"The parks here are clean and fun for the kids."

"The beaches and bike paths are so clean and fun for the kids."

Good to know

1

Events like square dancing and festivals happen daily.

2

The beach area is clean but lacks sufficient trash cans.

3

Restrooms are a bit of a walk from the camping site.

07
Belle Isle Park image 1
State park

State park offers beautiful river views and historic structures like an aquarium and conservatory. Atmosphere stays peaceful and family-oriented, with trails and playgrounds supporting biking, hiking, and kids' activities.

Beaches and gardens offer spots for relaxing and exploring. Activities include picnicking, fishing, and beach fun alongside walking and biking paths.

A large urban oasis with plenty to see and do, including activities for children and peaceful spots like a calm pond. It offers great options for walking and relaxing with beautiful river views and a size bigger than Central Park.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with great greenery and relaxing lake views."

"I loved the nice view of Detroit across the river."

"I enjoyed the beach and the beautiful views of the city."

Good to know

1

There is a $14 entry fee for non-Detroiters to access Belle Isle Park.

2

The aquarium and conservatory at Belle Isle Park are free to visit.

3

Food trucks sometimes set up near the aquarium during events.

08
Metropolitan Beach image 1

Beach offers wide range of activities including volleyball, pickleball, golf, and splash pads alongside walking and biking trails. Atmosphere shifts from quiet weekdays to busy weekends and holidays with many families and active visitors. Facilities are accessible and free, with well-maintained grounds and pleasant natural views.

Huge beach area offers beautiful views and a clean environment. Walking and biking paths run along the shore, with fewer people on the sand than the grassy spots nearby.

Many activities fill the park including pickleball courts, a par 3 golf course, and a nature center. The playground features newer equipment and rubber flooring for kids, plus a swimming pool with locker rooms.

People are saying

"It's so kid friendly with a splash pad and a pool with slides."

"The beach here is beautiful and packed with activities."

"The parks here have tons of activities, from biking paths to splash pads."

Good to know

1

The beach offers a variety of activities for all ages.

2

The kids area features rubber flooring for safety.

3

There are not enough trash cans available throughout the beach.

09
Bath Township Park Lake Beach image 1

Small beach and swim area sit right by the road, offering easy access but limited privacy. Quiet lake with non-wake waters suits kayaking and fishing, supported by a floating fishing dock and boat rentals. Nearby playground and covered picnic spots create a family-friendly atmosphere.

Small and easily accessible, the beach sits right by the road with convenient parking nearby. The gorgeous and simple beachfront offers a nice spot to swim when not crowded.

Easy parking leads to a playground across the street from the beach. A nearby park offers a safe space for kids to run freely and enjoy themselves.

People are saying

"The beach here is pretty small, even the swim area."

"The beach and water access here are so convenient."

"The lake's non-wake status makes it a perfect Meditation Spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is free at Bath Township Park Lake Beach.

2

Boat rentals are available only by reservation on weekends.

3

The lake is non-wake, making it perfect for paddleboards.

10
Spencer Park and Beach image 1

Park combines spacious beach and play areas with lifeguard supervision and picnic facilities. Atmosphere stays peaceful and clean, attracting families for relaxing outdoor activities. Rules on flotation devices and pets create a safe, controlled environment.

A clean, well maintained beach offers a spacious area suitable for various activities. Lifeguards are on duty, and the beach is easy to access from the parking lot and playground.

Clean trails and a well maintained recreation area offer hiking, tennis courts, and a volleyball court. The playground features multiple swings including accessible and saucer swings, with easy access from parking to the beach and play areas.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be nice and clean."

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with a fun play area."

"The parks here are always clean and well maintained."

Good to know

1

Kids are not allowed to wear life vests at the beach.

2

Flotation devices for children are not permitted.

3

Dogs are not allowed at the beach.

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