Clinch Park Beach
A vibrant city beach on Grand Traverse Bay, offering family fun with a splash pad, paddleboard rentals, and stunning waterfront views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Clinch Park Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant city beach on Grand Traverse Bay, offering family fun with a splash pad, paddleboard rentals, and stunning waterfront views.
"Great public beach in the heart of traverse city with nice views and good facilities."
Check Water Quality
Avoid swimming 24-36 hrs after rain due to Boardman River runoff. :droplet:
Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water for a comfortable day. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Traverse Bay Views
The main beach area
Stunning waterfront vistas of the bay, perfect for relaxation and photos.
Kids' Splash Pad
Near the concession stand
A fun, interactive water feature for children to cool off and play.
Paddleboard Rentals
Paddle TC (seasonal)
Rent paddleboards and enjoy the calm waters of West Bay.
Underground Tunnel Access
Connecting parking to beach
A safe and convenient way to cross the street to reach the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Water Quality
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Water Quality
Avoid swimming 24-36 hrs after rain due to Boardman River runoff. :droplet:
Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water for a comfortable day. :sunwithface:
Explore Nearby
Visit TC State Park for fewer boats and a more local vibe. :park_park:
Kid-Friendly Fun
The splash pad is a hit with younger visitors! :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Water Quality
Avoid swimming 24-36 hrs after rain due to Boardman River runoff. :droplet:
Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water for a comfortable day. :sunwithface:
Explore Nearby
Visit TC State Park for fewer boats and a more local vibe. :park_park:
Kid-Friendly Fun
The splash pad is a hit with younger visitors! :child:
Paddleboard Adventures
Rent a board for a fun way to explore West Bay. :surfer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Clinch Park Beach is a beloved public beach in Traverse City, praised for its convenient downtown location, family-friendly amenities like a splash pad, and beautiful bay views. While generally well-maintained, visitors should be aware of potential water quality issues after rain due to river runoff and can find it quite crowded during peak times and festivals.
"Great public beach in the heart of traverse city. Access to paid parking across the street ($5 for 4 hours). Safe underground tunnel to cross street and access beach front. Free changing rooms and washrooms. Kids splash pad and clean and well groomed beach waterfront. Concession stand has a variety of food, desserts, and smoothies with lots of seating areas."
Brandon
"The facilities are nice in theory, the sand is better than the East Bay but contaminated frequently after rain so do not swim within 24-36 hours after it rains since Boardman is right there to wash it out to everyone. I find that there is too much boat traffic on the West Bay and it is very crowded.
TC State Park is probably the best beach in the area. Not super crowded, has a playground, BBQ areas and picnic tables, permanent restrooms, same or similar concessions as Clinch and the top reason to choose: a lot fewer boats! It is mostly locals here or people who walk over from the campground since you must have a state park pass to park there. The biggest downside is there are sticks in the sand from trees and the sand isn’t raked."
Kim Kern
"Just passed by. Nice beach. Would be great for kids to spend a day here. Looks like they have a nice change room too."
QL QL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clinch Park Beach is located in downtown Traverse City. Paid parking is available across the street, with a safe underground tunnel for beach access.
Yes, there is paid parking available across the street from the beach. Expect to pay around $5 for a few hours.
If you're staying in downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park Beach is easily walkable.
The beach is generally accessible, with an underground tunnel for safe street crossing.
You can drive or take a short taxi/rideshare from Traverse City State Park to Clinch Park Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Clinch Park Beach is a public beach and is free to enter.
Lifeguards are typically on duty seasonally. It's always a good idea to check for current lifeguard status.
The beach is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like restrooms and concessions may have seasonal hours.
No, a pass is not required for Clinch Park Beach itself, unlike the adjacent TC State Park.
Typically, dogs are not allowed on the main beach area during peak season to ensure a clean environment for swimmers. Check local ordinances for specific rules.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Amenities include restrooms, free changing rooms, a kids' splash pad, picnic tables, and a seasonal concession stand.
The sand is generally considered better than East Bay, but can be affected by runoff after rain.
You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, use the splash pad, rent paddleboards, or enjoy a picnic.
Yes, it's very family-friendly with a splash pad, shallow water access, and nearby amenities.
The water is part of Grand Traverse Bay, offering clear Great Lakes conditions. However, water quality can be impacted by rain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a seasonal concession stand offering food, desserts, and smoothies.
Absolutely! There are picnic tables available, and you can bring your own food.
Being in downtown Traverse City, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops within walking distance.
The concession stand typically offers a variety of beach-friendly snacks, light meals, and sweet treats like smoothies.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is permitted, making it a great spot for a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The pier, the bay views at sunset, and the splash pad area offer great photo opportunities. +1
Yes, the western-facing bay provides beautiful sunset views, perfect for photography.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's best to check with Traverse City authorities before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds for photography.
The marina and the general skyline of Traverse City across the bay are picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Water Quality at Clinch Park Beach
While the sand itself is often praised, the potential for contamination is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. This makes it crucial for visitors to be informed and make decisions based on current conditions. For those seeking consistently cleaner swimming conditions, nearby TC State Park is often recommended, though it has its own set of characteristics like less raked sand and a different crowd dynamic.
Key Takeaway: Always check local water quality advisories before swimming at Clinch Park Beach, especially after rain. Consider TC State Park as an alternative if water quality is a primary concern.
Family Fun and Activities
For families looking for a bit more adventure, seasonal paddleboard rentals are available, allowing parents and older children to explore the bay together.
Pro-Tip: Pack extra towels and a change of clothes for the kids, especially if they plan on enjoying the splash pad to its fullest!
Navigating Parking and Access
A standout feature for accessing the beach is the safe underground tunnel that connects the parking area to the waterfront. This tunnel eliminates the need to navigate busy street traffic, making it a secure and easy way to reach the sand, especially for families with young children or those carrying beach gear.
Remember: Have cash or a card ready for parking fees, and utilize the underground tunnel for a hassle-free journey to the beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit