Reigning. Undefeated. Undisputed. USA Today has named Manistee’s First Street Beach “Best Beach in Michigan” for the second year in a row.
 
Manistee’s First Street Beach in Manistee County took top honors again among Michigan beaches by popular vote. USA Today assembled an expert panel to narrow the choices to the must-visit beaches across the state as part of its 10Best Readers’ Choice selection. First Street Beach also won in 2024. 

“First Street Beach has it all, and we backed up last year’s win with another,” Manistee Mayor Jermaine Sullivan said. “If you are looking for a family-friendly beach, a dog park or breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Michigan, First Street Beach is the best place in the state to experience your perfect beach vacation. I’m really proud of all the great things happening in Manistee and excited to share it with everyone – those of us who live here and the guests from all over the world.”
 
Pristine First Street Beach is one of Manistee County’s largest beaches and recreation areas. It boasts multiple parks and playgrounds, a full-service concession stand, ball fields, fish cleaning stations and permanent bathrooms. It’s clean, it’s spacious and it has something for everyone. 

 

First Street Beach includes Douglas Park, which has multiple baseball and softball diamonds, basketball courts and tennis courts. Four playgrounds also make up First Street Beach. 
 
“First Street Beach in Manistee stands out as a premier destination along Lake Michigan, offering a blend of natural beauty and diverse amenities that cater to a wide range of visitors and residents,” Sammie Lukaskiewicz, executive director for Manistee Tourism, said. “Its recognition as Michigan’s best beach by USA Today for two consecutive years underscores its appeal.”
 
Though dogs are not allowed on the beach between Memorial Day to Labor Day, it has its very own revamped dog park and a dedicated dog beach on the waterfront below the observation deck near the Lions Pavilion. 
 
There are separate picnic areas with charcoal grills available for an afternoon, an 18-hole disc golf course, boat launch and access, Rocket Park, Lighthouse Park, showers, fish cleaning station, Lake Gulls concession stand, a waterfront Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton with a full-service restaurant and beach bar, a retro, 16-foot-tall slide and other playground equipment and “Origins,” an award winning interpretive sculpture park and historic site that tells the story of Manistee with a series of steel sculptures. 
 
“Manistee County has 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 10 Lake Michigan beaches, each as beautiful as the next,” Lukaskiewicz added. “It’s really special when one of our beaches is named in such high regard across all beaches in the state because it brings attention to all Michigan beaches, which are beautiful and unique and fly under the radar. A lot of people work really hard to make our beaches an experience where families, travelers, locals, anyone who goes there, can create special memories that last a lifetime. So thank you to everyone who recognized this and voted.”

 

First Street Beach is ADA-accessible and has a safety station with life vests for all sizes. 

 

The beach is maintained by the city of Manistee and used by tourists and locals alike year-round. Concerts, fireworks, fishing tournaments, you name it – all take place at First Street Beach throughout the year.

 

Parking at the beach is free. The boat launch is $5. 

 

For more information about First Street Beach, view a live cam to check out beach conditions or to book your Manistee County beach vacation, please visit www.VisitManisteeCounty.com.