Michiganders are no stranger to lakefront fun. For those of us who call Detroit home, shoreline exploration typically begins along the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, or Lake Huron itself. While these larger and more popular bodies of water have their many appeals, inland lakes are just as fantastic - and one Metro Detroit county is sure to impress with its incredible array of scenic waterfront options.
If you’re a Detroit local, you’re undoubtedly familiar with Oakland County. After all, this section of land encompasses beloved Metro Detroit cities like Pontiac, Southfield, and Royal Oak.
While the county is primarily lauded as the homeplace of bustling cities and towns, its natural beauty is often overlooked. In fact, Oakland County itself boasts a truly incredible array of inland lakes.
Of course, this assessment of the area’s lakes is compiled by the Department of Natural Resources, but the Oakland County Parks system has previously placed the number of lakes at over a thousand.
We’re inclined to believe that the actual number sits somewhere in the middle. No matter how many “official” lakes make their home in Oakland County, though, they’re undoubtedly worth exploring.
There are 317 lakes in the county with names, while others remain less recognized. The largest is Cass Lake in West Bloomfield, which covers a whopping 1,280 acres and provides stunning scenery.
Another local favorite is Lake Orion, which offers public access by way of parks, a public boat launch, and more. Crescent Lake and Crooked Lake also offer space for visitors to launch their boats.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect place for a relaxing day along the shore or hunting for a hidden gem, simply head to Oakland County. You’re almost guaranteed to find a new waterfront favorite.
Have you and your loved ones made memories at any of the many lakes in Oakland County? Which lakes are your favorite? We would love to hear your thoughts, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments or make an official recommendation for a future piece by filling out our nomination form here.
You might not think there are a ton of Detroit beaches to visit, but our neck of the woods is home to plenty of waterfront gems that belong on your summertime must-visit list. It’s true, and just to prove it, we’ve sought out the best secret beaches near Detroit. So, the next time you’re craving a healthy dose of vitamin D, fresh air, and shoreline relaxation, visit one of these hidden beaches in Detroit for some fun in the sun.
When you’re looking for a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon, head to Milan Beach for a family-friendly adventure. There’s so much to enjoy here, from a sandy shoreline to beach volleyball to a charming snack shack. This privately-owned, publicly-open beach has charmed visitors of all ages since 1962, so there’s plenty of nostalgia to be found.
Bask in the beauty of Byram Lake when you visit Clover Beach, which offers picnic areas, lots of sandy spots to unwind in the sun, and refreshing water for those hot summer days. If you’re more inclined to spend time in the shade, you’ll be happy to know there are picnic tables and greenery just a stone’s throw from the water. Can you imagine a lovelier getaway from the Motor City?
If you’re in the mood for a good, old-fashioned beach day, Lakeside Beach certainly fits the bill. Situated along the stunning shores of Lake Huron, this breathtaking, but underrated, spot deserves to be explored by each and every Metro Detroiter. With more than a thousand feet of waterfront splendor, a splash pad, and playground equipment for the kids, this locale will quickly become a new favorite.
Hop in the car and venture to Rochester Hills for an awesome excursion at this lifeguard-monitored beach, which sits within a 113-acre park and offers access to a scenic 38-acre lake.
Believe it or not, many Detroiters have lived in the city for years without exploring this waterfront spot. Belle Isle Beach is situated on the city’s famed island park and offers access seven days per week between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. When you visit, you’ll enjoy space to spread out atop the sand and a convenient way to cool off on those scorching summer days.
While it might not be as large as some of Michigan’s state parks, Marine City Beach captures a sense of waterfront delight that’s impossible not to love. The sand is soft, the water is refreshing, and the scenery is perfect for a wonderfully lazy afternoon. Bask in the sun, read a book in a shaded spot, or dip your toes in the water - what’s not to appreciate?
If you’ve ever spent time within Stoney Creek Metropark, you know that its outdoor attractions are seemingly endless. One underappreciated destination within the park is Eastwood Beach, which sits along the shores of Stony Creek Lake and offers wide-open spaces that are perfect for relaxation. Whether you prefer to splash in the water or picnic atop the grassy sprawl, you’ve come to the perfect place.
If you’ve ever spent time in New Baltimore, you know that this small town offers a sense of charm and features plenty of lovely attractions - but have you been lucky enough to unwind at Walter and Mary Burke Park? This spot features a small beach, a lovely boardwalk that extends into Anchor Bay, picnic facilities, tetherball, and more. You’re in for a wholesome day along the shore.
This exciting spot might not fully qualify as "hidden," but it opened in 2019 and continues to pleasantly surprise first-time visitors with its sandy sections, comfortable seating areas, and awesome Detroit River views. While there’s no swimming allowed here, you’ll still have a blast - in fact, Atwater Beach might just become your new favorite spot to relax here in Detroit.
Whichever one you chose, don't forget the sun protection! So, did you know about these hidden beaches in Detroit, Michigan? Ever visited any of them? If so, which ones and what’d you think? Know of any other beaches near Detroit? Whatever it is, tell us!
You’ll find more than hidden beaches in Detroit. The city is brimming with hidden gems, and if you ask us, these are the best kept secrets in Detroit.
You might not think that there are any tropical places in Detroit — but I’ve got a few recommendations that just might change your mind. While the Motor City and its surrounding areas seem like a far cry from the genuine tropical paradises many of us dream about vacationing in, they’ve still got plenty of spectacular scenery and pretty perks during the summertime months.
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There are so many great things to do near Detroit in summer, but nothing beats the experience of unwinding and pretending you’ve landed in a far-off tropical locale. If you’re ready for a getaway that won’t require a plane ride or a huge chunk of change, check out these seven unique destinations that will make you feel like you’ve uncovered a few bonafide tropical places in Detroit.
If you’re hoping to stay right in the heart of the city, look no further than Campus Martius Park. This well-loved spot in downtown Detroit is a popular gathering place and event venue throughout the year, and its unique sandy section is perfect for tropical fun right here in town.
There are 400,000 pounds of sand to play in and plenty of seating for guests to enjoy, whether you’re here to enjoy a drink from The Fountain or simply to build a sandcastle with the kids. I can't imagine a better day trip destination in the heart of Detroit, and you can explore this spot between May and October which makes it an excellent choice if you're on the hunt for summer places around Detroit.
2. Robert C. Valade Park (formerly known as Atwater Beach)
Situated directly along the amazing Detroit Riverfront, this fun spot offers a little something for everyone: scenic views, plenty of fresh air, easy access to restaurants like Atwater Brewery and Smokey G’s Smokehouse, and a laid-back atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a vacation hotspot.
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Whether you’re strolling or sitting, you’ll fall in love with this waterfront gem in the Motor City.
Nothing beats a fun tiki bar when summertime is here, and Mutiny Bar is one of the best around. This compact yet vibrant spot will make you forget that you’re in the Midwest by offering tropical vibes, beachy drink containers, nautical decor, and some of the tastiest cocktails in the area.
With live music, special events, and friendly service, Mutiny is so much more than just an Instagram-worthy gem -- it’s one of Motor City’s best-kept secrets, and you'll be glad you're in the know.
Ready to enjoy dinner with a waterfront view? Head to Mike's On The Water in the nearby town of St. Clair Shores for an experience that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of the ocean to fill up on seafood.
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Known for its lobster rolls, Mike’s offers an awesome outdoor patio that’s always bustling during the summertime. Watch boats make their way in and out of Lake St. Clair as you wait for your food to arrive, then round it all out with a drink or two as the sun sets on a warm, sunny evening. It's one of the best summer places near Detroit.
You won’t find any palm trees at Lake St. Clair Metropark, but that doesn’t stop this massive outdoor space from providing lots of fun in the sun. In addition to plenty of sandy space along the shores of Lake St. Clair, the park offers an exciting splash zone, marinas, a kiteboarding launch, jet ski opportunities, a beach shop, and so much more.
When the kids are out of school and temperatures are high, there’s no better place to unwind. Make sure you bring along the sunscreen!
If you’re a fan of the Great Lakes, you definitely won’t want to miss Lakeside Beach. This blue-water gem is so worth driving from Detroit to Port Huron, as it offers a classic waterfront experience that might just make you think you’ve been dropped into a Caribbean paradise.
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Enjoy a picnic lunch or settle in along the sand with a good book while your loved ones splash in the cool waters. No matter how many times you've visited, you'll always be charmed by Lakeside Park.
Launching from Detroit, Wyandotte, and Lake St. Clair, this awesome company provides guests with the chance to make lasting memories on a floating tiki boat. Up to six passengers can ride in addition to the captain, who will guide your two-hour tour.
Bring along your own beverages and snacks to make the adventure extra special (and decidedly delicious). Whether you’re planning a special outing or simply looking for a unique adventure in Metro Detroit, Aloha certainly has you covered. Does it get much more fun?
If you can’t get enough tropical vibes, you might just want to read about the prettiest beaches around Detroit or even check out a charming beach town near Detroit. Which of the locations on this list of Caribbean-esque destinations, many of which might just make you feel as if you’ve found paradise in Detroit, have you checked out in person?
Are there any other things to do in Detroit in the summer that I should consider featuring in a future piece? Share your experiences with me and recommend another tropical-inspired locale by filling out our official nomination form.
