East Bay Park
Traverse City, MI
East Bay Park sits at the southern tip of East Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, where the water is warm and shallow for a long way out. There are restrooms, a playground, and lifeguards in summer. It's the beach Traverse City parents pick for toddlers.
Warm, shallow water ideal for little kids, though there's little shade.
How we score beachesBring a pop-up shelter or umbrella. There's not much natural shade on the sand.
A lot at the park off East Front Street.
The lot is close to the sand, with a short, flat walk.
East Bay's shallows warm up faster than West Bay, so this is one of the first comfortable swims of the year, often by late June.
More Great Lakes beaches
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New Buffalo City Beach
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Warren Dunes State Park
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