Clinch Marina
A well-located marina in Traverse City, offering boat slips and easy access to downtown amenities and Clinch Park's beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier docking
Clinch Marina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier docking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A well-located marina in Traverse City, offering boat slips and easy access to downtown amenities and Clinch Park's beach.
"Excellent location, walk to downtown, beach, shopping, and great food all minutes away by foot. "
Book Slips Early
:admission_tickets: Summer weekends fill up fast! Reserve your spot well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Check Launch Lanes
:boat: Two narrow launch lanes with a shared dock can get busy. Be patient and aware of swimmers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Clinch Park Beach
Adjacent to the marina
A sandy public beach perfect for a refreshing dip or sunbathing with views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Downtown Traverse City Access
Short walk from the marina
Explore charming shops, diverse restaurants, and local breweries just minutes from your boat.
Marina Lounge & Kitchen
Marina building
A comfortable spot to relax, do laundry, or prepare a meal with excellent amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Dock
Marina Amenities & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Slips Early
:admission_tickets: Summer weekends fill up fast! Reserve your spot well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Check Launch Lanes
:boat: Two narrow launch lanes with a shared dock can get busy. Be patient and aware of swimmers.
Walk to Downtown
:walking: Enjoy easy access to shops, dining, and entertainment just a short stroll away.
Bring Your Own Supplies
:shopping_bags: While there's a kitchen, grocery stores are a bit of a distance. Plan accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Slips Early
:admission_tickets: Summer weekends fill up fast! Reserve your spot well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Check Launch Lanes
:boat: Two narrow launch lanes with a shared dock can get busy. Be patient and aware of swimmers.
Walk to Downtown
:walking: Enjoy easy access to shops, dining, and entertainment just a short stroll away.
Bring Your Own Supplies
:shopping_bags: While there's a kitchen, grocery stores are a bit of a distance. Plan accordingly.
Expect Some Overgrowth
:evergreen_tree: Some visitors note unkempt landscaping and debris in the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Clinch Marina offers a prime location with convenient access to downtown Traverse City and its amenities. While many appreciate the marina's facilities and helpful staff, some visitors have noted issues with upkeep and service consistency. The adjacent Clinch Park and beach are significant draws for recreation.
"The marina is very nice. Nice floating docks, laundry and an exceptional lounge with a kitchen. The harbor master went out of his way to find us a slip on a windy, then stormy, Saturday. Highly recommend."
Lorraine Marshall
"Spent two nights here and were both surprised amd disappointed with this marina. Overgrown/ unkept landscaping, spiderwebs everywhere and so much junk everywhere in the water.
My husband had to call and request toilet paper in the restroom with the majority of stalls empty.
When we arrived to check in everything was locked with no staff to be found. We called the number pn the sign and were told to check in at the end of pier A. When I arrived to check in I mentioned that it would be nice if there was some sort of sign directing us to Pier A, to which one of the 3 very young people responded with a blank stare. He asked me the name of our boat, wrote it on the parking pass and handed it to me. The young lady sitting next to him handed me the card with the code. It felt like I interrupted a teenage hangout session.
There are two narrow lanes for launching with just one shared dock in the center amd seawalls on both sides. There is a public swimming beach on one side and a kayak rental stand on the other leading to a LOT of people in the water around the launch.
We take our boat to stay at marinas all around the great lakes and this was the least impressive marina we have encountered yet."
Lily Angiolini
"A Clinch Park and Marina a satisfying place to visit. Easy access from downtown Traverse City. Walk along the boardwalk, enjoy the grassy park or sandy beach area."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clinch Marina is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Traverse City. Simply head towards the waterfront, and you'll find the marina adjacent to Clinch Park.
Yes, parking is available. Visitors often receive a parking pass when checking in.
From US-31, follow signs for downtown Traverse City and the waterfront. The marina is clearly marked once you are in the vicinity.
Absolutely! Clinch Park has bike paths, and it's a pleasant ride from many parts of Traverse City to the marina.
Traverse City has a public bus system that can get you close to the downtown area and waterfront, making it accessible via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter the marina area itself. Access to slips is for registered boaters.
The marina typically operates during daylight hours, with staff available for check-in during specific times. It's best to confirm current hours with the harbor master.
Slips can be booked by contacting the marina directly. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
The public beach at Clinch Park is free to access for everyone.
Check-in procedures can vary, but typically involve reporting to the dock office or a designated pier. Some visitors have noted a less-than-clear process.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The marina offers floating docks, laundry facilities, and a lounge with a kitchen. Restrooms and showers are also available.
Yes, Clinch Park features a sandy beach, grassy areas, and is adjacent to the marina, making it a great spot for families.
There is a kayak rental stand located near the launch area, offering opportunities for water activities.
You'll see a variety of recreational boats, from smaller vessels to larger yachts, with some videos showcasing docking maneuvers.
One visitor reported being questioned by security for filming, so it's advisable to be mindful of your surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, downtown Traverse City is just a short walk away and offers a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Clinch Marina has a lounge with a kitchen, providing a space for boaters to prepare meals.
Grocery stores are a bit of a distance from the marina, so it's recommended to stock up before arriving or plan a separate trip.
Popular spots mentioned include Taproot Ciderhouse and Moomers Ice Cream, both easily accessible from the marina.
While not directly at the marina, many restaurants in downtown Traverse City offer waterfront views or are located along the bay.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of boats docked, the marina architecture, and the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. The adjacent beach also offers scenic views.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be bright, but the clear blue waters are always photogenic.
The boardwalk along the bay and the public art installations in Clinch Park can provide unique backdrops for your photos.
Be aware that drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, and one visitor encountered security questioning their filming. Check local regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the marina and bay views. A telephoto lens can be useful for boat details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the largest crowds. While the marina itself has amenities like a lounge, the park's open spaces and beach are the main attractions for younger visitors. Be mindful of the busy boat launch area if you have very young children.
⚓ Boaters & Cruisers
However, potential visitors should be aware of mixed reviews regarding maintenance and staff attentiveness.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Shoppers
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, take in the views of the bay, or relax in Clinch Park. The marina's central location makes it easy to combine a boating trip with a full day of exploring the charming city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Marina Experience
Conversely, other guests have noted issues with the marina's upkeep, mentioning overgrown landscaping, spiderwebs, and debris in the water. There have also been reports of inconsistent staff responsiveness and a perceived lack of direction during check-in, with some staff appearing disengaged.
Despite these mixed reviews, the marina's excellent location remains a significant draw. Being within walking distance of downtown Traverse City means immediate access to a vibrant culinary scene, unique shops, and local attractions. This convenience often outweighs minor inconveniences for many visitors.
Clinch Park: More Than Just a Marina
The park also provides ample green space for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely strolls along the boardwalk. For those seeking active pursuits, kayak rentals are available near the boat launch, allowing exploration of the surrounding waters.
While the park is generally well-loved, it's worth noting that the area around the boat launch can become quite busy, especially during peak season, due to the proximity of the beach and rental stands.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit