Northern Michigan with your dog

People here genuinely like dogs. That’s the short version. The long version is miles of trails, a handful of beaches where your dog can actually run, and a patio culture that treats a well-behaved dog as part of the party. Here’s what to know before you pack the leash.

Beaches

West End Beach

📍 West End, Traverse City · ⏰ Leash required year-round

The most accessible dog-friendly beach in TC is right at the west end of the waterfront. A long stretch of sand on West Bay with restrooms, picnic tables, and enough room to walk a good stretch. Early mornings here before the crowds are especially good — you and your dog will have much of it to yourselves. Keep the leash on; the rule is enforced in summer.

Good to know: Many of the main public beach areas in TC restrict dogs during peak summer months. West End is your most reliable option close to downtown.

Vans Beach

📍 Adjacent to Fishtown, Leland · ⏰ Leash required

A quieter, less-visited stretch of beach just outside of Leland’s Fishtown. Dogs on leash are welcome, and the combination of the beach, the river channel, and the old fishing shanties nearby makes this a genuinely lovely afternoon stop. The light here at golden hour is the kind of thing people photograph from boats. Pair it with a sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty and you’ve got a perfect afternoon.

Frankfort Beach

📍 Frankfort shoreline, Benzie County · ⏰ North end: voice/whistle control area

Frankfort Beach has something rare for a Lake Michigan beach — a designated area at the far north end where dogs can be under voice or whistle control rather than on leash. More freedom for your dog, and a beautiful stretch of shore that sees a fraction of the summer crowds that TC beaches get. The drive down from TC through Benzie County is worth it on its own.

While you’re there: Walk the pier to the Frankfort Lighthouse. It’s a short walk and one of the better views on the southern Leelanau shore.

Patios & Stops

Jolly Pumpkin

📍 13512 Peninsula Dr, Old Mission Peninsula · ⏰ Dog-friendly outdoor patio

The Old Mission Peninsula drive is one of the most scenic things you can do in Northern Michigan, and Jolly Pumpkin at the tip is the right place to end it. Wood-fired pizza, exceptional craft beer, and a patio with bay views that makes it easy to stay longer than planned. Dogs are welcome on the patio and the vibe is relaxed enough that nobody bats an eye.

Pair it with: A stop at one or two of the wineries on the drive out. Most have outdoor areas where well-behaved dogs are fine on leash.

The Village Cheese Shanty

📍 203 E Cedar St, Leland (Fishtown) · ⏰ Outdoor seating, dog-friendly

Fishtown as a whole is relaxed about dogs — the outdoor walkways along the river channel are exactly the kind of place dogs want to be. The Cheese Shanty is the best lunch stop in Fishtown, with smoked whitefish, great sandwiches, and locally sourced everything. Grab lunch, find a spot near the water, and let your dog watch the boats come in.

The Towne Plaza

📍 203 Cass St, Traverse City · ⏰ Pet-friendly patio

The outdoor plaza at The Towne Plaza is one of the better people-watching spots in downtown TC, and it’s officially pet-friendly. A full brunch or lunch menu, a great bar program, and enough room on the plaza that your dog won’t be in anyone’s way. A nice option if you want to combine a meal with a dog-friendly downtown stop.

Moomers Homemade Ice Cream

📍 7263 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City · ⏰ Dogs welcome on grounds

A Northern Michigan institution and the kind of ice cream that makes you understand why people drive 45 minutes for a cone. The farm setting gives dogs plenty of room to stretch out while you work through a scoop of Traverse City Cherry or whatever the seasonal flavor is. The herd that produces the dairy is on site, which makes the whole thing feel genuinely connected to where it comes from.

Trails & Outdoor Activities

Most trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore allow leashed dogs — including the Dune Climb, Empire Bluff Trail, and Pyramid Point. Dogs must stay on a 6-foot leash within the park. Leelanau State Park trails are equally dog-friendly and tend to see fewer crowds, especially mid-week.

Several Leelanau Peninsula wineries are relaxed about well-behaved dogs in their outdoor spaces — Chateau Fontaine and Dune Bird Winery are both good bets. Call ahead to confirm, since policies can shift seasonally.

TwoBayStay has a dog-friendly property that makes a great home base for all of this — Book Here!