Van's Beach — Attraction in Leland Township

Being one of the main beach access areas in town, my Wife and I were shocked that it's pretty much hidden away with no signs or anything out at Main St. to point you toward the area. It's literally one street over from the main Fishtown area, basically tucked back into a beachside neighborhood but you'd never know, unless you well...know.

That being said, actually we would probably have never found this place but the manager from our hotel was showing us around town and mentioned there being a really nice beach down at the end of this road. He asked if we wanted to scope it out, and of course we took him up on the offer. There is literally no signage for the beach until you get down to the beach entrance itself. We probably would have missed it entirely if he didn't show us where it was.

The beach is quite large, and there are a ton of rocks which makes this particular location perfect for rock hunting. My family and I spent several hours over a couple days time hunting for the elusive "Leland Blues" and the seemingly more popular "Petoskey Stones". I'd also recommend heading out hunting as early in the season as possible because things were pretty picked over by the time we got out there (toward the end of the season), but you never really know what will wash up next.

The beach is absolutely beautiful, and has a ton of sandy areas where you can setup and hang out, but I will say if you're planning on going down by/in the water, having something on your feet is very beneficial because it is very, VERY rocky, and being barefoot is certainly not ideal (at least in my opinion). It's entirely possible that you have ogre feet, and you might not even feel the millions of rocks beneath you. Consider yourself lucky if that's the case.

This beach is also a fantastic place to catch a summer sunset. It's a truly beautiful sight to see, and because of its hidden location, it doesn't seem to get nearly as busy as some other beaches in the area.

When all is said and done, you really can't beat this beach. Perfect location. Perfect atmosphere. This will be one of our first and last stops when we come...

Vans Beach in Leland, Michigan, is a hidden gem on the shores of Lake Michigan, located near the famous Fishtown historic district. This compact lakeside spot is known for its beautiful views, soft sand, crystal-clear water, and tranquil setting. Highlights • Stunning Views: The beach offers sweeping vistas of Lake Michigan, especially picturesque at sunset. • Easy Water Access: Gently sloping sand and shallow entry make it suitable for swimming and wading. • Pet-Friendly: Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a favorite for visitors with pets. • Serenity: Less crowded than larger public beaches nearby, Vans Beach provides a quieter experience, perfect for relaxation. • Rock-Hunting: The shoreline is popular for searching for Leland Blue stones and Petoskey stones. Things to Keep in Mind • Limited Parking: The small lot fills quickly in peak summer months, so early arrival is suggested. • Few Amenities: There are no concessions or lifeguards. Restrooms are available but basic. • Rustic Atmosphere: The beach is largely undeveloped, preserving its natural charm but offering little shade or...

This is a great beach for sitting and watching the sunset and rock hunting. Do not come here if you want to swim. The shore and under the water are all rocks. You will tear your feet up. We came here to do both, I ended up spending 3 hours scouring the water for petoskey stones and Leland blues. I found quite a bunch but they were all super tiny, like fragments. There were also about 25 other people doing major rock hunting. So if that’s your main reason for going, go early, wear water shoes, and bring some sort of sifting device. I’m a novice and just do it for fun to display in my home, but next tome I’m coming prepared! Haha. This beach has nice parking, and a porta-potty if you need to use the facility. Right next to town so it’s easy to get to and pretty homes to look at along the beach. We will definitely be coming back here when we...