Hours: dawn to dusk
Cost: free
Nordhouse Dunes offers miles of trails to explore on the shore of Lake Michigan. Natural features include sand dunes, wooded areas, marshes, interdunal ponds, and beaches. Dogs must be leashed at all times while exploring Nordhouse Dunes. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are also permitted in the campground.
First Street Beach, located within Douglas Park, is dog-friendly throughout much of the year. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, though, dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time. Dogs should be kept leashed at all times in accordance with city ordinances.
This beautiful beach is located at the end of Fifth Avenue. Leashed dogs are welcome at the beach throughout most of the year. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, though, dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time.
Your pet will love the chance to run off-leash at this fenced, 1/2-acre dog park near the beach with a shaded area and picnic tables. Although the dog park is near the beach, there is no water access.
Douglas Park offers a dog-friendly beach area between the pier heads. The entrance is located next to the Rotary Observation Deck. Please make sure to follow all rules for the dog beach.