Top 5 Traverse City Beaches to Take Your Cannonballer

Northern Michigan summers were made for floating. But when you’ve got a RadPadz inflatable dock, not all beaches are created equal. You want room to spread out, clear water, and a little bit of local magic. Luckily, the Traverse City area is packed with hidden-gem beaches and legendary sandbars perfect for launching your RadPadz Cannonballer.

Here are the top 5 beaches near Traverse City where you can roll up, inflate, and make unforgettable lake memories.

1. Torch Lake Sandbar - Michigan’s Legendary Float Scene

If you know, you know. The Torch Lake Sandbar is basically the crown jewel of Michigan summers. Crystal-clear turquoise water, a lively (but still family-friendly) vibe, and endless space to anchor your RadPadz float.

Bring your Cannonballer, set it up in the shallow shelf, and you’ve got your own floating lounge in the middle of paradise.

📝 Pro tip: Arrive early - especially on weekends. This spot fills up fast. And don’t forget a sandbag anchor.

2. Maple Bay Sandbar - A Quiet Local’s Secret

Just east of town, Maple Bay feels like a locals-only treasure. A short trail leads you to a stunning bay where you can paddle or float out to a natural sandbar.

It’s like the calmer cousin of Torch - perfect for families who want that peaceful Up North vibe while relaxing on a RadPadz Cannonballer.

📝 Pro tip: Bring a cooler and take it slow. This is a “lose track of time” kind of beach.

3. Bryant Park - Sunset Floats Downtown

Right on the edge of downtown Traverse City, Bryant Park is the perfect quick-launch spot. With grassy areas, parking, and sandy shoreline, it’s an easy place to roll out your pad and hop right in.

Stick around for golden hour. Watching the sun set over West Bay from a RadPadz Cannonballer is next-level.

📝 Pro tip: Weeknights are magic here - pack a simple dinner, skip the crowd, and float into the sunset.

4. Haserot Beach (Old Mission Peninsula) - Calm & Family-Friendly

At the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, Haserot Beach offers calm, protected water and a laid-back family vibe. Its sheltered bay makes it ideal for kids to cannonball off a RadPadz float without worrying about waves.

The views across Old Mission Bay add to that Northern Michigan cottage feel.

📝 Pro tip: Parking is limited - arrive early or ride bikes for an added adventure.

5. Esch Road Beach (Lake Michigan) - Rugged & Adventurous

Sometimes you crave that wild, big-lake energy. Just outside Empire, Esch Road Beach offers Lake Michigan’s expansive views, rolling dunes, and plenty of space to float.

On calm days, it’s unbeatable: inflate your Cannonballer and you’ve got a front-row seat to the endless horizon.

📝 Pro tip: Always check the wind and waves. Calm Lake Michigan days are the best for floating.

Your Floating Basecamp Awaits

Northern Michigan’s beaches are beautiful on their own, but a RadPadz inflatable dock turns them into floating basecamps for family fun. Whether you’re anchoring at Torch Lake Sandbar or finding your own quiet corner of West Bay, these five Traverse City beaches are perfect places to live the Rad life this summer.

 

Ready to level up your lake days? Shop the RadPadz Cannonballer today and make your beach adventures unforgettable.