Name: Grand Haven City Beach
Address: South Harbor Dr., Grand Haven, MI, 49417

Named one of American’s Top 25 Best Beaches by Travel+Leisure Magazine, this large, sandy beach on Lake Michigan is ideal for families and dog lovers. It’s about 34 miles from downtown Grand Rapids.

Grand Haven City Beach is nestled between [Noto’s at the Bil-Mar](https://www.experiencegr.com/listing/notos-at-the-bil-mar/13790/), a beachfront restaurant, and [Grand Haven State Park](https://www.experiencegr.com/listing/grand-haven-state-park/5805/). An accessible walkway within the sand beach is provided to within several feet of the water. Accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic tables are provided. Due to extensive sand, some activities are limited for those with disabilities. Dogs are allowed on-leash before 11am and after 5pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs are permitted on-leash the rest of the year.

Limited free parking is available. Restrooms on site. No fees or passes required.

Grand Haven City Beach

We are an economic generator through sports tourism for Greater Grand Rapids and Kent County in the West Michigan area.

We own and operate an award winning baseball/softball complex; the Meijer Sports Complex [www.MeijerSportsComplex.com](https://www.MeijerSportsComplex.com) featuring eight fields, including a championship field that seats 1,000.

Our signature event, the Meijer State Games of Michigan (Olympic-style sporting event), draws 10,000 athletes through 60+ sports in its Winter and Summer Games.  We work with many of our local sports clubs and organizations to host various regional and national tournaments.

Why Grand Rapids? We have:
•	12,000 + hotel rooms (2,500 downtown)
•	234,000 square foot downtown convention center (fits 40 volleyball courts)
•	12,000 seat Van Andel Arena
•	5 facilities that feature 4+ courts and multiple grass or turf fields
•	Grant program for new events
•	and more!

West Michigan Sports Commission

This 48-acre park is set along a half-mile of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. Ideal for camping, fishing, sunbathing, volleyball and swimming, it’s about 35 miles from downtown Grand Rapids.

Grand Haven State Park consists primarily of sandy beach and provides scenic views of the Grand Haven pier and two lighthouses. It’s home to a modern campground, overnight lodge, designated swim beach, picnic areas and a beach pavilion. The adjacent boardwalk along the Grand River is a popular fishing destination. The [park's three track chairs](https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/accessibility/Track-Chairs) – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – expand access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chairs are available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

All Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport for entry. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport at any state park or recreation area or online at https://midnrreservations.com/store (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery). A day pass for nonresidents is $11, an annual pass is $40. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport by checking “YES” when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State. You can also purchase the Recreation Passport by mail, kiosk, online at [www.expresssos.com](https://onlineservices.michigan.gov/ExpressSOS) or at SoS branch offices.

Grand Haven State Park

This seven-acre waterfront park 45 minutes from Grand Rapids offers swimming and sunbathing along 745 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Visitors can swim, play volleyball and climb the wooden stairway to the top of a dune for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. North Beach Park also offers a playground, picnic tables and grills, modern restrooms and ample parking. During the summer, a barrier-free beach walkway is maintained. An accessible beach wheelchair designed to navigate the sand and float in the water is available free-of-charge for park visitors. Dogs are not permitted from May 1-September 30; they must be leashed and under control when visiting during the off season.

North Beach Park is an Ottawa County Park requiring a parking permit from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Annual permits are $25; daily permits are $8. There are additional discounts for residents and resident seniors, which are available when you purchase your permit [online](https://ottawacounty.cmrpay.com/dashboard/landing). Permits may also be purchased from the pay station North Beach Park.

North Beach Park

Known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan along with its dunes, forested trails, boardwalks and natural beaches, Rosy Mound is a 164-acre property about 45 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.

Rosy Mound is a classic Great Lakes dune system including high wooded dunes, foredunes, beach and a dune blowout (a sandy depression). A 0.7-mile hiking trail from the parking area to the Lake Michigan shoreline includes 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes and scenic views. A unique shade canopy, dune boardwalk trail and rustic toilets are located near the swimming beach. There are modern restrooms near the parking area. Dogs are not allowed.

Rosy Mound Natural Area is an Ottawa County Park requiring a parking permit from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Annual permits are $25; daily permits are $8. There are additional discounts for residents and resident seniors, which are available when you purchase your permit [online](https://ottawacounty.cmrpay.com/dashboard/landing). Permits may also be purchased from the pay station at Rosy Mound.

Rosy Mound Natural Area

Lakeside Beach features a sandy beach area, restrooms, shelters with picnic tables and a deck with benches overlooking Spring Lake, about 32 miles from downtown Grand Rapids. A lifeguard is on duty.

Built on the site of the former cross-lake ferry dark, Lakeside Beach is free to the public. There are popular bicycle paths nearby.

Lakeside Beach

Lakeshore Kayak Rental is a family owned and operated kayak, canoe & SUP rental provider based on the Grand River. We are located directly on the Grand River offering immediate access to the water for your adventure to begin. We are the premier destination for quality equipment, exceptional customer service, water way info, and a fantastic afternoon adventure on the Grand River & bayou’s. Whether you’re a first time kayaker, have a family or have your own equipment, we can assist you with a fun afternoon, early morning, or all day adventure trip. Looking to “float” more? Or would you rather paddle a bit and interact with nature? Whatever your preference, we have a trip & the equipment to accommodate your needs.

Lakeshore Kayak Rental

Situated on 3 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and featuring mighty sand dunes plus 10 miles of scenic trails, this park is approximately 50 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. Pet-friendly!

The park is also home to a modern campground and the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, which offers exhibits and educational programming. The Dune Overlook Trail is a half-mile roundtrip journey with about 220 steps and benches along the way. The 2-mile-long Homestead Trail is a more moderately steep hike that includes a stop at Lake Michigan. There are two beach wheelchairs available to borrow. Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline apart from the designated swim area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control.

All Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport for entry. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport at any state park or recreation area or online at https://midnrreservations.com/store (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery). A day pass for nonresidents is $11, an annual pass is $40. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport by checking “YES” when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State. You can also purchase the Recreation Passport by mail, kiosk, online at [www.expresssos.com](https://onlineservices.michigan.gov/ExpressSOS) or at SoS branch offices.

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

Located about 45 minutes northwest of downtown Grand Rapids, this 189-acre park is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, hiking and picnicking. Dogs are allowed in off-beach areas.

Lake Harbor Beach Park features 4,000 feet of footage on Lake Michigan, 2,000 feet on the Mona Lake Channel and 1,500 feet on Mona Lake. The walkway along Mona Lake provides an ideal fishing area. A picnic area with tables, grills, shelter and restrooms overlooks the channel. An interpretive trail leads to sand dunes, a wooden walkway with observation decks and a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan. There are also many other natural trails leading to Lake Michigan. No animals are allowed on the beach, but dogs are permitted, on a leash, in all other areas of the park.

No fees or passes required.

Lake Harbor Beach Park

Located about 30 miles west of downtown Grand Rapids, Kirk Park features more than one-third mile of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline along with acres of sand dunes and woods to explore. Pet-friendly!

The park also features a covered pavilion, playground, swimming beach, hiking trails with scenic dune overlooks, and cross-country ski trails. A paved path leads to a deck overlooking the beach and Lake Michigan. Barrier-free facilities include a picnic shelter, restrooms, some picnic tables and grills, and the trail to the Lake Michigan overlook deck. From May 1-September 30, dogs are allowed off-leash on the south beach area only. Dogs must remain leased on-trail. The rest of the year, dogs are allowed off-leash on both the south and north beach.

Kirk Park is an Ottawa County Park requiring a parking permit from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Annual permits are $25; daily permits are $8. There are additional discounts for residents and resident seniors, which are available when you purchase your permit [online](https://ottawacounty.cmrpay.com/dashboard/landing). Permits may also be purchased from the pay station at Kirk Park.

Kirk Park

An extensive series of stairs and boardwalks traverse a steep dune formation and provides access to the sandy Lake Michigan beach at Olive Shores, just about 45 minutes west of downtown Grand Rapids.

The mostly wooded 20-acre site includes a mature beech-maple-hemlock forest featuring a barrier-free trail loop. Decks provide seating and views of Lake Michigan and host a display highlighting the property as the site of a scene from the Tom Hanks movie, "Road to Perdition*."* *Barrier-free facilities include the parking lot, restrooms and picnic tables. Some trails are wheelchair-accessible and all stairs are designed to be ADA-accessible.*

Olive Shores is an Ottawa County Park requiring a parking permit from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Annual permits are $25; daily permits are $8. There are additional discounts for residents and resident seniors, which are available when you purchase your permit [online](https://ottawacounty.cmrpay.com/dashboard/landing). Permits may also be purchased from the pay station at Olive Shores.

**Amenities**

- Swimming beach (NO LIFEGUARDS)
- Hiking trails & boardwalks
- Stairways & decks with scenic views of Lake Michigan
- Picnic tables
- Modern restrooms
- Paved parking area

**Park Hours:**Open April 1 until the first snowfall: 7am to 10pm

Due to the narrow paths, stairways, boardwalks and trails, dogs are not allowed at Olive Shores.

Olive Shores

Muskegon restaurant 40 minutes northwest of Grand Rapids offers 40 draft beers on taps and an impressive menu of burgers, sandwiches, entrees and more.

Pints & Quarts

Four days of championship foosball in Grand Rapids. Juniors and touring professionals play at the same tables. Every dollar raised helps put free foosball tables in schools.

The Great Lakes Classic

Gear up for the 2026 University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon, a thrilling all-ages multi-sport event set to energize the vibrant streets of Grand Rapids on October 18, 2026!  Traverse the scenic landscapes of Michigan's second-largest city as you race towards triumph amidst the community's cheers. 

University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon

The 2026 Thunderfest Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, presented by Fusion Medical, is a Grand Rapids Thunder home tournament taking place October 24–25, 2026, at MSA Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This six-team Division II–III wheelchair rugby competition welcomes athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials, with lunch and a tournament T-shirt provided to participants. Tournament schedules will be emailed after rosters are received, with roster submissions due October 13.

Thunderfest Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

The 2nd annual Women's 3x3 Unified Basketball Tournament is taking place in West Michigan in November 2026! Teams throughout the nation will compete for the gold medal in a thrilling 4-day experience.

Special Olympics North America Women's 3x3 Unified Basketball Tournament

The mission of Special Olympics Michigan is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff. Donations from Michigan citizens and businesses provide funding for the program.



Grand Haven City Beach

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Happening in West Michigan Sports Commission

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