Explore the Best of Our Beaches
Spend a day in the sand in #MyManistee!Every beach offers a different experience when visiting this summer in #MyManistee
From the Fifth Avenue Beach with it’s iconic lighthouse and action packed fun in the sand, to the more quite beach locations found in the northern reaches of our county, Manistee is your destination of choice if long days relaxing in the sand are what you seek. Let us help you find just the right spot!
1. First Street Beach + Douglas Park
Listed first for a reason! First Street Beach was voted USA Today Readers’ Choice Best Beach in Michigan in 2024. It isn’t hard to understand why this beach would be chosen with it’s spectacular view of the Lake Michigan shoreline, a walkable pier, picnic areas, food vendors, a playground for the kiddos, a boat launch, and ADA accessible amenities. Here you’ll find everything you seek for the perfect summer day at the beach.
Check out the amenities here.
2. Fifth Avenue Beach
Nothing says you’re in Manistee more than the 5th Avenue Beach Lighthouse. The iconic Manistee monument, the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse sit atop the pier off of Fifth Avenue Beach and provides the perfect backdrop for a souvenir photo of a spectacular Lake Michigan sunset. This structure, constructed in 1927, has guided countless vessels safely into the Manistee Harbor throughout it’s tenure in the city.
Along with the lighthouse and pier walks, when you get back to the sand, hop in on the action of one of the many pick-up volleyball games happening at Fifth Avenue Beach.
Learn more about the beach amenities here!
3. Magoon Creek & Sundling Park
More secluded beaches in the Manistee area can be found at Magoon Creek & Sundling Park. Found south of downtown in Filer Township, these neighboring beaches offer a slower and quieter location for relaxing on the beach with your beverage and a book in your hand. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? We just can’t think of a better way to begin the day than a quiet stroll on the beach and Magoon Creek delivers just that. A short, wooded trail leads you to this secluded beach on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. This spot is a favorite among locals for rock and beach glass hunting, the perfect souvenir to remind you of your fantastic getaway. Just up the road from where your day began at Magoon Creek, you fill find Sundling Park. This “off-the-beaten-path” park offers access to the beach in an often-secluded setting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset as you reflect on a full day of exploring.
Learn more about the amenities here.
4. Portage Point Beach
Tucked into the rolling dunes at the mouth of Portage Lake on Lake Michigan, this beach is a local favorite for walking the pier and the miles of sandy beach. This spot offers plenty of room to spread out on this large Lake Michigan Beach. Although there are picnic areas and restrooms, this beach has a little more low key amenities. You’ll want to pack some snacks and beach toys to make most of your day at this beach.
Learn more here
5. Arcadia Beach Natural Area
Found in the northern reaches of our county, Arcadia Beach is generally a less crowded beach, offers convenient parking, and access to a beautiful natural beach area along the picturesque Lake Michigan coastline. Find the perfect spot for your beach blanket, bring along a picnic, and enjoy your day just basking in the sun with your toes buried in the sand. Pure Michigan perfection!
Learn more here