Fifth Avenue Beach

Fifth Avenue Beach is the Manistee beach to pick if you want a lighthouse walk with your swim. It is one of three city beaches, on Lake Michigan at the west end of Fifth Avenue, with soft sand the city cleans weekly.

It works well for families. There is a beach house with concessions, restrooms and showers, a playground, and volleyball and tennis courts. The city runs a live beach cam, so you can check the waves before you load the car.

The north pier starts right here and leads about a quarter mile to the Manistee North Pierhead Light, where the Manistee River meets the lake. It is a good walk at sunset. Use the restrooms at the beach first, since there are none at the light, and stay off the pier when waves are high.

For a free family disc golf course with your beach day, try First Street Beach. Orchard Beach State Park is north of town on a bluff above the lake. More on the big lake is on our Lake Michigan page.