Nothing says summer in Michigan like a day at the beach! Whether you’re looking to build sandcastles, splash in shallow water with toddlers, picnic under the trees, or spend the entire day swimming, Metro Detroit is home to plenty of beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for families.

From Great Lakes shorelines to inland lakes with calm water, these beaches offer playgrounds, splash pads, picnic areas, nature trails and even inflatable water slides. Pack the sunscreen, beach toys and a cooler—these are the best beaches within an easy drive of Metro Detroit for your next family adventure.

Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison Township)

31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI 48045

If you’re looking for an “up north” beach experience without leaving Metro Detroit, Lake St. Clair Metropark should be at the top of your list. The wide sandy shoreline along Lake St. Clair is perfect for swimming, relaxing and building sandcastles, while the calm water makes it a favorite for families with young children.

The fun doesn’t stop at the beach. Families can also enjoy the pool with waterslides, a splash pad, playgrounds, walking paths, kayak rentals and picnic areas. It’s easy to spend an entire summer day here without running out of things to do.

Scofield Park (Howell)

404 Thompson St., Howell, MI 48843

Located along beautiful Thompson Lake, Scofield Park is one of Livingston County’s hidden gems. The sandy swimming beach offers clear water and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for younger families.

Beyond the beach, you’ll find shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, open green space and walking paths. Downtown Howell is only a few minutes away, making it easy to grab lunch or ice cream after a morning at the beach. Daily and seasonal beach passes are required during the summer season.

Sterling State Park Beach (Monroe)

2800 State Park Rd, Monroe, MI 48162

Want to experience the Great Lakes without driving across the state? Sterling State Park is Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie and features more than a mile of shoreline perfect for swimming, beachcombing and relaxing.

Families love watching boats pass by while enjoying the gentle Lake Erie waves. The park also offers nature trails, fishing, bird watching, picnic shelters and plenty of space to spread out for a full day outdoors.

Dodge #4 State Park Beach (Waterford)

4250 Parkway Drive, Waterford MI, 48327

Cass Lake’s Dodge #4 State Park remains one of Oakland County’s favorite swimming beaches thanks to its soft sand, clear water and spacious shoreline. The designated swimming area is ideal for kids, while parents appreciate the clean facilities, shaded picnic areas and easy parking.

Belle Isle Beach (Detroit)

2 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

No beach in Metro Detroit offers views quite like Belle Isle. Relax on the sandy shoreline while taking in spectacular views of the Detroit skyline and watching freighters and pleasure boats travel along the Detroit River.

Turn your beach day into a full-day adventure by visiting the Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Nature Center and Great Lakes Museum – all located on the island.

Deer Lake Beach (Clarkston)

350 White Lake Rd, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346

Deer Lake Beach is a community favorite for families thanks to its beautiful sandy shoreline, clean swimming area and lifeguard-supervised beach during the summer. The beach includes shallow water for younger swimmers, play equipment in the sand, accessible facilities and swimming lessons throughout the season.

Mercer Beach (Walled Lake)

239 E Walled Lake Dr, Walled Lake, MI 48390

Mercer Beach may be small, but it’s packed with charm. This neighborhood beach features soft sand, calm water and one of the area’s most unique playgrounds—a large boat-themed play structure that kids absolutely love.

It’s the perfect spot for families with younger children who want an easy beach outing without large crowds. Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on Walled Lake.

Lakeshore Park (Novi)

601 S Lake Dr Novi, MI 48377

Lakeshore Park is one of Metro Detroit’s best beaches for toddlers and younger swimmers. The shallow water extends well into Walled Lake, allowing little ones to splash safely while parents relax nearby.

The park also offers wooded hiking trails, volleyball courts, picnic shelters, playgrounds and plenty of grassy space for family games. It’s an excellent destination for families looking for a quieter beach experience.

Thelma Spencer Beach (Rochester)

3701 John R Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307

Thelma Spencer Park combines a beautiful swimming beach with one of Oakland County’s nicest family parks. The 38-acre lake features a sandy beach, designated swimming area and plenty of room to spread out.

Families can enjoy fishing, kayaking, playgrounds, nature trails and shaded picnic areas before cooling off in the lake. It’s an ideal destination for a full day outdoors.

Stony Creek Metropark (Shelby Township)

4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316

With two sandy beaches, Stony Creek Metropark offers one of the biggest beach experiences in Metro Detroit. Baypoint Beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing, while Eastwood Beach adds extra excitement with the towering Quadzilla inflatable waterslide (closed for the 2026 season).

The park also features hiking and biking trails, boat rentals, fishing, playgrounds, picnic shelters and nearly 5,000 acres of outdoor recreation, making it easy to spend an entire weekend exploring.

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area (Waterford)

7800 Gale Road, Waterford MI, 48327

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area boasts the longest public beach in southeast Michigan, stretching more than half a mile along the shoreline.

Families can swim, walk the boardwalk, fish, picnic, hike and even camp overnight. The expansive beach means there’s usually plenty of room to spread out, even on busy summer weekends.

Bluebell Beach (Flint)

5500 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505

Bluebell Beach offers much more than just swimming. Located within Genesee County Parks, families will find a sandy beach, splash pad, shaded picnic areas, large playground and access to the Flint River Trail.

It’s a fantastic destination for younger kids because everyone can alternate between the beach and splash pad throughout the day.

Kensington Metro Park (Milford)

4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380

Martindale Beach and Maple Beach make Kensington Metropark one of southeast Michigan’s premier beach destinations. Families can swim in Kent Lake, play on the sandy shore and cool off at the nearby Splash ‘N’ Blast water playground or ride the giant waterslides.

Beyond the beach, Kensington offers miles of bike trails, nature centers, playgrounds, paddleboat rentals, a farm center and picnic areas, making it one of the best places for an all-day family outing.

Beach Essentials: Don’t forget to add these items to your packing list

Photo credit: Kensington Metropark