Ann Arbor Beaches

Going to a beach in Ann Arbor, MI can turn into a excellent day and has plenty of perks for yourself and your those you take with you. Spending time splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, throwing the frisbee, flying a kite, going on walks, or simply catching some rays, beaches are a source to many different exciting activities.

You can discover several swimming beaches in Ann Arbor that are somewhat close to you with the help of our list of beaches. Below is a list to help you search for a beach close to Ann Arbor. Enter a beach, a city, or a zip code to find beaches.

Ann Arbor Beaches

Prior to going to a beach in Ann Arbor, MI or the surrounding region, check on the beach’s website to make sure that the beach is free to the public. It is common that beaches may only stay open during certain months of the year or for certain times throughout the day.

Keep in mind that the weather on a beach is quite different than what you see in the city. Wind can be stronger and gusty whenever it is blowing off the water.

Rules of the Beach

When you go to beaches in Ann Arbor, there are always guidelines that you must follow. Nearly all beaches will list the following guidelines:

  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If they tell you to stop doing something, then you have to follow through.
  • Check online for guidance on fires on the beach as they could be illegal or you have to adhere to strict guidelines.
  • Glass bottles can easily shatter, so don’t take glass bottles to beaches.
  • Don’t forget, if you bring something with you, you’re expected to not leave anything behind.
  • Do not swim outside of the swimming area.
  • Drinking at the beach is not permitted.

Ann Arbor Beach Checklist

  1. Remember the towels. Dry towels are essential for a good beach experience. A good rule of thumb is beach on the ocean or an area which sees rip tides. Learn the indicators and know what to do if you are stuck in a rip tide.
  2. Avoid the crowds. Ann Arbor beaches can get crowded, particularly on summer weekends. Try to arrive at the beach before peak time if possible.
  3. Avoid Littering. No one likes to go to a dirty beach. Whenever you take something to the beach, you must clean up not leave anything behind. Make sure that you toss out your garbage in an appropriate waste or recycling bin.
  4. Grab a shady spot. If you think that finding shade may be hard to come by, or if you think that there may not be too many shady spots around, pack your own shade! Use a beach umbrella, pop up beach tent, or similar equipment that provides shade. It’s best to use something that has enough air-flow.
  5. Pack the proper sunscreen. Pack sunscreen that is waterproof if you are considering getting wet. The sunscreen must be applied whenever you leave the water to avoid getting a sunburn.
  6. Know if there are restrooms. Bathroom locations are probably the least of your concerns before you plan your beach trip. However you don’t want to be stuck in a situation when you have to find a bathroom soon but you can’t find one nearby. If you’re unable to find bathroom details on the beach’s website, then you should plan on the fact that a public restroom or porta potty is not open. Make sure that you use the restroom before driving to the beach.
  7. Remember extra clothing. Even if you are anticipating hot weather in Ann Arbor, you should know that the weather in Ann Arbor can change very quickly. It is particularly necessary if you’re wanting to go in the water, so bring plenty of warm items like a jacket, blankets, pants, and shoes.
  8. Will the beach have lifeguards? Many frequently visited beaches in Ann Arbor will have a lifeguard on duty, however you should never assume that a lifeguard being at the beach. While heading out to the beach, search for lifeguard on duty signs. Sometimes they list lifeguard hours.