Vacation prep can feel overwhelming, which is why we created this guide to the best beach resorts in northern Michigan to help you pick the perfect spot for your next trip up north!

Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family with small children visiting for a weekend of beach fun, or you’re looking for a place to crash after your day of wine touring the peninsulas, there’s a place to stay for you.

Resort Selection Criteria

We chose the resorts on this list based on:

• Beach access
• Amenities offered
• Positive online reviews

The list is divided into three sections, one for families, one for couples, and one for resorts that work for both couples and families.

Northern Michigan Beach Resorts for Families

Some of the best places in Michigan for a family vacation are beach resorts in the northern part of the state. They offer kid-friendly activities for a variety of ages and provide great opportunities for up-north memory-making!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Beach Resort

Address: 1683 U.S. 31 North Traverse City, MI 49686

The Grand Beach Hotel is located on the East Bay of Lake Michigan, on the main drag as you enter Traverse City. This hotel offers guest rooms with private balconies and separate villas for another sleeping option.

Why It’s Good for Families:

• Many room options to fit the whole family, including villas.
• Beach access.

Nearby Activities:

• Grand Beach Resort is located across the street from many restaurants.
• Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park is within walking distance. 

Lakemore Resort

Address: 2323 Salon Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696

Lakemore Resort offers three newly built lakefront homes and four more homes, all on the shore of Arbutus Lake, 11 miles southeast of Traverse City. This makes the property a great option for single-family or family reunions.

Why It’s Good for Families:

• Great for privacy, families can rent out whole homes.
• Easy beach access including outdoor showers SUP boards, kayaks, and beach chairs
• Onsite boat rental
• Covered outdoor dining area, grilling area, and 4-season screened porch

Nearby Activities:

The Lakemore Resort offers a great location for your family’s home base in northern Michigan. Guests at the resort location will have easy access to:

• Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
• Bike rides along East and West Grand Traverse Bay
• Leelanau Peninsula

For those staying at the Arbutus Lake location, there will be easy access to the following activities:

• Arbutus Lake – all sports lake skiing, tubing, SUP boarding, kayaking, fishing
• Brown Bridge Quiet Area: Hiking and biking trails
• VASA Trail: mountain biking, Nordic skiing
• Holiday: downhill skiing, snow tubing, and ziplining

Best Michigan Resorts for Couples

If you’re looking for the best romantic getaways in Michigan, here are some places you should check out.

Harbor Lights Resort

Address: 15 S. Second Street P.O. Box 1039 Frankfort, MI

Harbor Lights Resort is in Frankfort, MI where small-town charms abound. Couples will find endless opportunities for romantic adventures in the area. Including exploring Lake Michigan shoreline, at Elberta Beach and exploring local breweries like Stromcloud Brewing.

Why It’s Good for Couples

• Luxury suites include fireplaces and in-room spa tubs for couples to enjoy
• The Marina at Harbor Lights overlooks a 58-slip dockside marina

Nearby Activities:

• Explore wineries and microbreweries
• Several great golf courses within a short drive
• Point Betsie Lighthouse
• Great fishing opportunities

Sugar Beach Resort Hotel

Address: 1773 U.S. 31 North Traverse City, MI

This beachfront hotel is located on the East Grand Traverse Bay roughly four miles from shops and restaurants in downtown Traverse City.

Why It’s Good for Couples

• Couples can pick from king suites or Grand Beach Villas
• You and your partner can throw some axes, bowl, and get a drink at The Den

Nearby Things To Do:

• Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park for mini golf
• Downtown Traverse City shops, restaurants, parks, beaches, and theaters
• Mission Point Lighthouse
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Best Northern Michigan Resorts for Both Families and Couples

Some northern Michigan resorts are great destinations no matter if you’re traveling for a romantic getaway or a family respite …

Bayshore Resort

Address: 833 E. Front St. Traverse City, MI

This resort is just a 12-minute walk to downtown Traverse City and is located right on the West Bay of Lake Michigan. Room options include water-facing double queens, king suites with pull-out sofas, and beach walkout double queens.

Nearby Activities:

• Families can walk to many close-by restaurants downtown.
• Easy access to either Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsulas.
• A 45-minute drive to the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore

Why It’s Good for Families:

• Families can stay in standard rooms (with an option to connect) or a king suite with a fold-out sofa bed.
• The kids will love the arcade room complete with air hockey and coin games.
• Families can rent rooms that walk out to the beach.
• The beach provides a great swimming area and a place to rent jet skis and kayaks.
• If the weather’s not cooperating, the kids can enjoy the indoor pool.

Why It’s Good for Couples

• Couples can pick between king spa rooms with water or partial views or a king suite.
• Anyone can add a romance package to any room, including one red rose, a few pieces of Ferrero Rocher chocolate, and a bottle of local wine or bubbly.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa  

Address: 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Box 404 Acme, MI

There’s so much for families and couples to enjoy at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

If you and your significant other are ready to escape up north, the Grand Traverse Resort is one of the best resorts in Michigan for couples. The Tower rooms are great for those who what great views of the local area.

Why It’s Good for Families:

• Endless activities to participate in on sight.
• Families can choose to stay in standard hotel rooms or suites, the Tower, or a spacious condo, depending on how much space they need.
• There are many places to eat within the Resort property, including the Aerie Restaurant and Lounge, Sweetwater American Bistro, The Grille, and Jack’s Taproom. If you’re not feeling up to going out, you can also order room service!

Why It’s Good for Couples

The Resort is designed for any kind of couple, whether you are interested in:

• Golfing
• Tennis
• Swimming
• Tall ship excursions
• Spa packages
• Cross-country skiing/ snowshoeing

Nearby Activities:

• Jet ski rental Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Hiking trails
• Color tours
• Gaming at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
• Wine tasting on Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas

Looking for Couples or Family Resorts in Michigan?

There’s truly no place like northern Michigan. There are many options for places to stay, depending on what you’re more interested in. But, when you stay at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, you get it all! A great location, golf, pools, activities for families and couples, restaurants on site and more.

Are you ready to book your stay? Head to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa to spend some quality time with the ones you love best! Give us a call at (800) 236-1577 or book a room online.