There is a place where the Platte River ends and flows into Lake Michigan, and it’s called Platte River Point.

The beach at Platte River Point is full of excitement (and people watching) because it’s the end of the Platte River tubing route.

When tubers, canoers, and kayakers arrive after their hours-long excursions, they’re rewarded with this epic Sleeping Bear Dunes beach, complete with breathtaking vistas.

Good Harbor Bay Beach greets you with a long sandy beach, perfect for long strolls along the lakeshore. This gorgeous spot also offers clear views of Whaleback and the Manitou Islands as well as beautiful views at sunset.

Arrive at a paved parking lot with bathroom facilities. Overflow parking is on the road.

Enjoy the crystal clear waters and rock hunting during the day and finish with a bonfire at sunset.

This Sleeping Bear Dunes beach takes some work to get to and is not one where you can haul in a beach chair.

But if you’re already planning a dune climb, there’s no better reward than some rock hunting in refreshing water and downtime playing in the sand when you’re finished.

The dune climb all the way to Lake Michigan is a four-mile round trip up and down strenuous terrain at times. If you fill your backpack with snacks and sunscreen, though, you can break up the hike with a dip in turquoise-colored Lake Michigan.

North Bar Lake Beach is one of the hidden gems of the Sleeping Bear Dunes beaches, and definitely a family favorite.

Here you get the best of both worlds: swim or float the day away in smaller, warmer North Bar Lake or brave the big waves in majestic Lake Michigan – all in the same place!

You can’t see the lake from the road or parking lot, which builds the suspense and makes your first look at this hidden oasis even more spectacular.

DH Day is a popular rustic campground in the northern district of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

This wooded campground is tucked into Sleeping Bear Bay and is a favorite due to its proximity to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the dune climb, the Sleeping Bear Maritime Museum, Glen Haven, and Glen Arbor.

Although this Sleeping Bear Dunes beach is part of the campground, visitors who are not camping may use the beach during the daytime.

Vistas of North Manitou Island, South Manitou Island, and Pyramid Point are perks of DH Day. The handicap accessible Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail also runs right by the beach access trail which is accessible to walkers, runners, & cyclists.

There is some parking on the campground road. Vault toilets are available on the premises.

Glen Haven Beach is one of the more accessible Sleeping Bear Dunes beaches. There’s a handicap parking lot which leads to a 6-foot wide deck that goes down to a large platform on the beach with benches.

Glen Haven Beach is popular with families because of the crystal-clear waters and the many nearby activities and attractions.

Hike the low-lying dunes, explore the historic Glen Haven village, visit the Michigan boat museum, and check out the Great Lakes fishing tug. There’s even a working blacksmith shop!

Shalda Creek is a stream that runs from the woods into Lake Michigan on Good Harbor Bay and is just seconds away from Good Harbor Beach 669.

The off-the-beaten-path beach at Shalda Creek is a perfect Sleeping Bear Dunes beach for kids to play in because of the warmer waters and clear, rocky bottom.

If you’re into rock hunting and skipping stones, Shalda Creek is the place to be.

Follow the creek into the woods for even more adventure and warm up after a dip in Lake Michigan.

Another favorite Sleeping Bear Dunes beach is Esch Road Beach which, because it’s at the mouth of Otter Creek, makes it ideal for families to wade in the warmer waters of the creek.

Play in the sand, identify the many wildflowers that line the banks of the creek, and hunt for unique rocks.

The small gravel parking lot at Esch Road Beach fills up fast during the summer, so visitors park along the road and then walk to the beach. There is a vault toilet located at the parking lot.