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

 Whether you want to take a walk, play on the swings, picnic with family and friends, or enjoy some fun in the sun at the beach, Howell City Park is the place to be. Thompson Lake beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sun or go swimming. A valid seasonal or daily pass is needed from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.

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.

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.

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.

Deer Lake Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with a wonderful shore line. The beach is located within the Village of Clarkston City limits, between Holcomb and Dixie Hwy. There are swimming areas for the little tykes and the big kids too, including an area with a few simple play toys. Sorry, no pets are allowed at the beach. Portable toilets are on site, including ADA units. Handicap Parking available. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours. Beach operates yearly Memorial Weekend to Labor Day.  Swimming lessons available in Summer.

A little beach that makes you feel like you’re up north. The kids will love climbing on the boat themed playground.

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 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.

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 has the longest beach in southeast Michigan at just over half a mile. Go for a swim, stroll the boardwalk and have some fun.

Find sun, sand, water, pavilions, a Splash Pad for the kids, 14 shade kites (courtesy of the folks at the Ruth Mott Foundation) and the Flint River Bike Path. It’s everything you need for your day at the beach.

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.