For a day of complete relaxation, there is no better place than a sandy beach.  Grab a blanket or your favorite lounge chairs and enjoy a sunny day reading a juicy novel while listening to the tides roll in from our beautiful lakes.  There is something very soothing about the warm sand beneath your toes as you find the perfect spot to call your own for a few hours. When you get just hot enough, dip your toes in and plunge into one of the fabulous lakes that are an amazing part of our area.  Here are a few places to try:

• Petoskey State Park, Petoskey:  Located between Petoskey and Harbor Springs, this state park offers miles of sandy beach, a concession stand and great swimming in Lake Michigan.  A true place to relax and unwind.
• Sturgeon Bay, Cross Village:  Beautiful and all natural – find a spot along the roadside, as this beach area is long and winding.  You should always be able to find a private spot to claim and set up your day at the beach on the shores of unsalted Lake Michigan.  Beautiful sunsets await as well.
• Sand Dunes Beach, St. Ignace:  This one will take you over the bridge, which is really just about an hour’s drive from Petoskey. This publicly accessible beach is located on the south side of US-2 in Mackinac County, and spans approximately 1 mile along Lake Michigan’s northern coast. No parking or facilities, just a natural coastline that is excellent for swimming.  Hard-packed sand and waist-deep for a long way out.
• Elk Rapids Sandbar, Elk Rapids:  Another hour from Petoskey – this time south will take you to the charming town of Elk Rapids, and this lovely beach. It’s shallow and has fine sand. The water is clean and clear and it’s a great beach for kids. Steps to stores and restaurants in town.