Dog Friendly Beaches in Michigan

Dog friendly beaches are heaven on earth for Fido. And since sandy paws equal happy dogs, we’ve sniffed out the best beaches in Michigan where dogs can run, swim, and frolic in the sand. Use the links/map below to find a dog-friendly beach in Michigan.

Pet Friendly Kruse Park Dog Beach
Kruse Park Dog Beach Kruse Park Dog Beach is located at the park's Northern end in Muskegon, MI. The dog-friendly area is marked, so pay close attention to the signs to avoid being ticketed and keep Fido on a leash. Upon arriving, please note there is a 10-foot cliff/steep sand dune when you enter the area. Call ahead to ensure the beach is open due to erosion issues. See Details
Pet Friendly Warren Dunes State Park
Warren Dunes State Park Warren Dunes State Park has a beautiful pet-friendly beach on Lake Michigan in Sawyer, MI. Dogs are allowed in the campground, forested trails, boardwalks, and north of the northernmost swim buoy at the beach, which provides two and a half miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Pets must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. Entry fees do apply. See Details
Mission Point Lighthouse Mission Point Lighthouse has been a Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula icon for decades in Michigan. The lighthouse is a classic piece of history, located at the north end of a picturesque drive along M-37 through cherry orchards and vineyards. This pet-friendly destination allows well-behaved pups on the beach and trails but not inside the lighthouse. See Details
Frankfort Beach Located along Lake Michigan, Frankfort Beach features a dog run. Dog owners can access the pet-friendly area by designated paved and non-paved walkways. You can find these pathways at the end of Miami Street, Sac Street and the Lake Michigan Beach Turn-Around. The dog run is at the far north section of the beach, north of Miami Street. Here, pups can play under voice or whistle control. Please note your furry friends are not allowed on the beach area or out of the dog run. See Details
Elberta Beach Elberta Beach is a pet-friendly spot in Michigan. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on the sands if you clean up after them. This destination also has trails for you to explore with your furry friend. See Details
Grand Mere State Park Located in Stevensville, MI, dog-friendly Grand Mere State Park is characterized by magnificent dunes, deep blowouts and one mile of Lake Michigan shoreline. This attraction allows leashed dogs in the swimming area and the secluded beach. See Details
Glen Haven Beach Glen Haven Beach is near the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Glen Arbor, MI, and is an outstanding pet-friendly beach. Dogs are allowed on the east end but must always remain on a leash. If you have yet to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes, it's rated one of Good Morning America's most beautiful places in America. See Details
Buttersville Park Located on the banks of Lake Michigan in Ludington, MI, Buttersville Park offers plenty to do with your pooch during their mid-May through the mid-October season. There's a dog-friendly beach area, picnic facilities, camping, or just taking a stroll to see the breathtaking view of the Lake Michigan shoreline, including the North Breakwater Lighthouse. See Details
Hagar Beach Hagar Beach is a pet-friendly recreational spot in Coloma, MI. Bring Fido to walk the shoreline or wooden walkway offering shaded picnic tables. Please note there are about 100 step stairs upon arriving and the entrance has a waste station for easy clean up. See Details
Kirk Park Dog Beach Fido is invited to play at the Kirk Park Dog Beach in Grand Haven, MI. The area is accessible from the south beach stairs, and your furry friend must remain on a leash to and from the off-leash beach. During the high peak season of May 1st through September 30th, your pup is allowed on the beach until 10 AM and back on from 6:00 PM to dusk. From October 1st until April 30th, your furry friend has unrestricted hours. See Details
Bayfront Park Bayfront Park is a pet-friendly community hub in Petoskey, MI. Fido is welcome to explore this former industrial site but must remain on a leash. The park features 7800 feet of public shoreline on scenic Little Traverse Bay and open space areas to relax with your pup. See Details
Zoll Street Beach Zoll Street Beach is a pet-friendly destination in Harbor Springs, MI. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach unless in the water from 6:00 AM until 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM until sunset. They also have a grassy picnic area with waste stations for your furry friend. See Details
North Beach Access Park North Beach Access Park in Manistee, MI, is dog friendly. The secluded beach is geared toward pets, and dog owners are encouraged to bring their leashed furry friends along for long walks. North Beach Access is located at the north end of Washington Street. See Details
Belle Isle Beach Belle Isle Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Detroit, MI. Fido is welcome to join you at designated areas of the park. See Details
Windermere Point Windermere Point is a pet-friendly beach at Mackinac Island, MI. There is a strong current here, so swimming isn't allowed (for humans or dogs). However, it's the perfect place to take your pup down to the beach to cool her feet or walk them around on the large lawn at Windermere Point. They also have a food shack called the Doghouse. See Details
Burt Lake State Park Burt Lake State Park is a dog-friendly spot in Indian River, MI. On-leash pets are welcome on the trails and on the designated animal beach on the park's south end. Visitors are also welcome to come and enjoy camping, sightseeing and many more activities in the beautiful area. See Details
Little Presque Isle Beach Bring Fido to run, splash and play at the dog-friendly Little Presque Isle Beach in Marquette, MI. Leashed pups are welcome to enjoy this peaceful and secluded area, but please remember to clean up after them. See Details
Captain John Langland Park Captain John Langland Park is a pet-friendly beach on Lake Michigan in Onekama, MI. It offers a beautiful view and a pier where your pup can join you on a leash. There is a deck with two gazebos and stairs leading to the beach. In the warmer months, portable toilets are provided. See Details
First Street Beach First Street Beach offers a dog-friendly beach area between the pier heads in Manistee, MI. The entrance is located next to the Rotary Observation Deck. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, though, dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time. Dogs should be kept leashed at all times in accordance with city ordinances. See Details
Charles Mears State Park Off-leash dogs are welcome on the trails and the southernmost section of the shoreline at the pet-friendly Charles Mears State Park. The recreation area is in the quaint village of Pentwater, MI, along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Paved campsite lots are surrounded by fine sand, and a swimming beach is adjacent to the harbor pier. See Details
Michigan