This Pyramid Point Overlook has such a colorful setting here on the banks of Sleeping Bear Dunes…read moreNational Lakeshore. I really admired the surroundings and simply looking down upon Lake Michigan's beautiful sand and beaches. Pyramid Point Trail was recommended to me by the park ranger at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center back in the town of Empire, MI. It's a casual 1/2-mile climb to arrive at this observation point. Though...you can hike a 2.7-mile round trip loop around the lakeshores to get a more real feel perspective of being here at Sleeping Bear Dunes rather than just heading straight for this Pyramid Point vista spot. I visited on a random Tuesday back in late May 2021 around 12pm and had the trail and observation point all to myself. So, from high above the waters I was able to hear the waves crashing down below. It was quite nice, and I genuinely appreciated the ambiance. And...I couldn't believe how scenic the turquoise green colors of Lake Michigan appeared especially when highlighted by the sun's strong reflections. Btw...while exploring at Sleeping Bear Dunes I also recommend hiking Empire Bluff Trail and driving the 7.5-mile Pierce Stocking Drive on the outskirts of Lake Michigan. And when traveling along Pierce Stocking Drive, my favorite pullovers were stop numbers 9, 10, 11 to capture the best backdrops for what makes the lakeshore special. Also, don't forget trekking up the 3.5-mile roundtrip Dune Climb to access the beach shores of Lake Michigan. Finally, this Pyramid Point Overlook and Trail was my last full activity here at Sleeping Bear Dubes NL. The crisp, clear background scenery was a terrific way to end my explorations in the Lower Peninsula section of Michigan before venturing further north towards the "UP" driving "Shipwreck Coast" and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore before ultimately ending at Isle Royale National Park. But...I highly suggest hiking the 1/2-mile (each way) Pyramid Point Trail to arrive at this visually appealing overlook!

Fabulous experience that is well-worth visiting. Hiked through the wooded area to eventually see an…read moreoverview of Lake Michigan. A must visit!

Love this beach. Beautiful and usually uncrowded, also a popular spot to swim and sunbath naked…read more Just cross the creek and look for a remote spot and don't be surprised if you see others relaxing in the nude.

The best secluded beach out there! This was such a refreshing place to go after walking around…read moredowntown Traverse City and seeing SO many people. Great place to go to relax during these times. There is lots of free parking here and a short walk to a beautiful beach. Amazing views, lots of room to spread out, and super soft sand for your feet. Bring some snacks because you will want to stay awhile!

Beautiful sandy beach on Lake Michigan with free parking behind Van's garage. It's one of the…read moreeasiest places to hunt for Leland blues. Lots of other rockhounds; everyone was really friendly. We found a few pea-sized stones and were satisfied. The water is about 50 degrees in June, but there some sunbathers and even a few brave souls past knee-deep.

Van's is a great beach off Lake Michigan in Leland perfect for relaxing, swimming, taking in the…read moresunset, or, as we saw others doing, enjoying water sports like surfing and paragliding (can't speak to this directly as I have no skills in either sport but the people who were saw doing it seemed to be very happy there!). It's right near downtown Leland so parking can be a bit sticky but if you're staying in town or spending the day here it's an easy walk from the most bustling parts of this wonderful little town!

This is one of the most magnificent beaches in Michigan. It's easy to get to. It's clean and it's…read morenot well known so it's not crowded. Definitely worth the trip when you're up in Northport.

This beach has spectacular views and for the most part, pristine water! In addition to this,…read morethere's plenty of rocks all around the shoreline. My only complaint about this beach would have to be the terrible smell. If you stray away from the shoreline (which you probably will to set up a parasol and a beach towel) by the bluffs it smells so so bad. At first I thought it was dog crap but with further inspection, it smells that way all over the beach honestly. I recommend you spend most of your time scavenging for rocks and swimming instead of sitting around by the smelly cliffs.

The most breathtaking lake in the world...sugar sand bottom, crystal clear waters, relatively…read moreunspoiled, and nestled into the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. I double dog dare you to find a prettier lake. I'm telling you, it just doesn't exist!

The best lake in all of Michigan it's like being in the Bahamas but up north. The water is crazy…read moreclear and blue with sandy beaches amazing sand bars to relax and beautiful scenery all around dunes and big green trees! My all time favorite spot to come too annually.

I am hesitant to divulge this location but its too beautiful not to share. This is one of the best…read morefresh water beaches in Michigan, in my opine, you will experience. A hidden gem to most but once you arrive at this location you will be left wondering why it took you so long to figure it out. Enjoy the small inland body of water, North Bar Lake, or cross the dune to Lake Michigan for much grander scenery. You could literally walk a mile down the beach and stake out exclusive real estate. Pack a full cooler and make a day out of it. The gas station as you enter town is the only place to stock up supplies. Get there before 11 am and grab a parking spot as it fills up pretty quick after noon. This simple equation will equal a successful day. The secret is out and I provided an address that gets you to the doorstep. The rest is up to you.

Beautiful lake and beach. Natural beauty part of Sleeping Bear Scenic route. We had a great picnic…read morelunch in the picnic area in the shade. Definitely worth a visit. Can't wait to bring family back.

The most beautiful lake in the world. Torch Lake is the place to be!!! Crystal clear water that…read moregoes as far as the eye can see. Perfect for boats (sailboats included!), jet-skis, and swimmers. There's plenty of open water, as well as a sandbar for those looking for a more typical beach-vibe that has places to buy food and drinks. There's also convenient places to gas up boats located right on the lake. Truly, this lake is amazing. It can be a little chilly, which is to be expected. It's all natural! Of course the water will be cold from time to time :)

Torch Lake is well known in Michigan as being one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. It's…read morealso known for the massive sand bar that people flock to during summer holidays and weekends to party. My boyfriend and I are lucky to have friends whose parents live nearby and have a boat, so we went up for Fourth of July weekend. The lake is 19 miles long and is nearly 300 feet deep at its deepest point. The water is crystal clear and you can see many shades of blue ranging from bright turquoise to deep midnight - it's so beautiful! One of my favorite parts of being on the lake was checking out all the amazing homes. There are some stunning "cottages," that's for sure! We went over towards the notorious sandbar area to check it out from afar. It's definitely a sight to see with tons of boats and people everywhere! Lots of music and drinking. We even saw a float plane zooming around which was wild. We stayed a safe distance away and my old body got tired just watching the revelry! I'm definitely too old for those shenanigans but it was interesting to see. I hope I can come back to Torch Lake again in the future! If you get a chance to rent a boat or go out on this beautiful lake, I highly recommend it.

This is a hidden beach that few know about, mostly because you need to drive toward the Portage…read morePoint Inn (be sure to fill your water bottles at the artesian spring, just past the camp), and then keep going right past it on a VERY dinky, one lane road. Head past the marina and yacht club, take a right, and up the dune to the parking lot (free). There's a single room changing area with a pit toilet (needs must), well lit. There are two gazebos and a wooden walkway at the south end of the small parking lot, and a gazebo with benches at the north end of the parking lot. There are dog bags, if you're walking your dog (thank you for cleaning up after them!). I especially love the new addition this year of a barely inclined wooden walkway, with a handicap mat (not sure what to call it, but it is plastic netting that is a stable place for you to walk or wheel down). There's a pier, and a lighthouse at the end. There are 4 fire rings, if you are inclined to have a lovely beach sunset fire (bring supplies). This is my favorite hidden beach in Michigan, and the swims - and sunsets - are glorious.

Google labels Sleeping Bear Dunes a "mountain peak" - LOL. But it is a pretty cool…read morenaturally-occurring pile of sand (and every form of life that is adapted to it). We hiked Cottonwood Trail, but *might* have strayed off it a bit in order to see Lake Michigan. It is great to know that this area is protected.

My only kind that I have about this place was that parking was really expensive! Overall, if you're…read moreinto scenic views, challenging walks, even going to the beach too or are just a avid adventurer this is the place for you. Me and my wife basically did the Dune Climb which was very extraordinary which I reviewed on a separate page. This place was very well maintained with very minimal trash. The dunes were very scenic and even the people were very friendly too. I have never seen water looks so clean and beautiful before. Getting into the beach can be a bit painful with all those rocks just stabbing your feet. I absolutely had an incredible time here regardless. I highly recommend checking this place out if you ever have to chance!

A very nice beach that feels like it's the heart of Frankfort. The views are spectacular ,…read moreespecially when storming or . The sand is pristine and one of my favorite things is the plethora of benches. Normally your lucky for 4 or 5. It feels like there's 80+ here. Watching the large waves crash into the pier creating giant splashes is an awesome sight. The lighthouse at the end of the pier is very nice, nothing spectacular, but a classic none the less. There always seems to be people surfing and sailboarding. Plus people playing with kites. Overall an easy 5 star review! Would I return? You betcha!

Beautiful, clean beach and the most stunning water I've seen in a long time. Parking is a bit…read morelimited, but we got there before noon, so wasn't a problem on a weekday. Uncrowded, family-friendly and a beautiful pier with a graffitied lighthouse to walk out to. Very cool. One of the prettiest beaches I've been to in the U.S.