You might expect Mackinac Island to be full of beaches since it’s surrounded by water. And, of course, it is – although not the crowded, sandy shores you may be thinking of.
The beaches you find on Mackinac Island are a bit rockier. More rugged. More secluded.
They’re places with crystal clear water, mesmerizing views and an endless supply of smooth, flat stones perfect for skipping.
Take a look and see for yourself. Here are some examples of the beautiful beaches of Mackinac Island:
The west side of Mackinac Island faces the mighty Mackinac Bridge, which at 5 miles in length is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. With the bridge as a backdrop, the beaches on this side of Mackinac Island offer spectacular photo ops both during the day and at sunset. Most visitors are familiar with the bridge because they arrive on Mackinac Island by ferry boat from docks at either end of it, in St. Ignace at the north end of the bridge or in Mackinaw City at the south end.
One of the unique characteristics of the beach out front of Mission Point Resort on the southeast corner of Mackinac Island is a large lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs. In addition to the white chairs, green grass and sparkling blue waters, from this vantage point you can also see the red outline of Round Island Lighthouse in the distance. The Mission Point waterfront is also where the whole family can enjoy a round of miniature golf on The Greens of Mackinac, a natural-grass putting course.
The beach at Windermere Point at the west end of Main Street is perhaps the best place on Mackinac Island for stone skipping. In fact, it’s where the annual W.T. Rabe Stone Skipping Contest is held each Fourth of July. It’s also a great spot to watch ferry boats come into the docks between the break walls, not to mention a fine area for flying a kite.
The beach at British Landing is a popular spot to take a break on a bike ride around the outer rim of Mackinac Island. The historic beach is located about halfway through the 8.2-mile trek, on the north side of the island where British troops landed during the War of 1812 on their way to overtake Fort Mackinac. British Landing today features a cannon to commemorate that occasion, plus other attractions including picnic tables, a nature center and the Cannonball Oasis.
There are lots of great places for a picnic on Mackinac Island. That includes any Mackinac Island beach. Just pick up some grub from Mackinac Island’s historic Doud’s Market & Deli and enjoy a scenic and relaxing afternoon with the ones you love!
The beaches along M-185 on the east side of Mackinac Island are ideal for catching the tranquil beauty of a morning sunrise. For a vista up on the bluffs high above the beaches, hike on up to Robinson’s Folly.
The boardwalk that runs west of Main Street along the beachfront is a popular place to watch an iconic Mackinac Island sunset.
Mackinac Island sunsets on the beach are picture perfect!
