Oliver’s Pawesome Adventures is a feature on our blog that gives you a fun look into what Oliver has been up to. Oliver is a Miniature Schnauzer and he's the real boss at Organic Pet Boutique. He loves to travel with his human, Julie, so his pawesome reports could be from anywhere in the U.S. Come back frequently for his viewpoint on a new adventure.

This month Oliver has been going to as many dog beaches as possible in Michigan. September is a great time for dogs to play on the beaches of Lake Michigan. The crowds are small and most beaches that aren’t open to dogs in the summer now welcome our fur babies.

Here is Oliver’s take on the adventure…

Hi, I’m Oliver. I love going to dog beaches with my mom. She lets me run through the sand and doesn’t get too upset when I eat it. I mean…it doesn’t taste the best, but I like the texture. You get it, right?

One of my favorite things about the beach is watching the waves. I’m scared of going in the water and it’s usually too cold for my taste - remember, I’m only 9lbs. But watching the waves keeps me entertained for hours.

Lake Michigan is a massive fresh water lake and if a wave splashes up on a boardwalk or pier we’re walking on, I like drinking it. It’s refreshing and tastes like fish. Sometimes I bark at the big dogs walking by. My mom doesn’t approve. I just need them to know that I may be little but I have street smarts. They don’t act like they care, but I know deep down they’re scared of me.

I highly recommend the beaches of Lake Michigan for any dog or human. The humans seem to enjoy laying on the beaches in their swimsuits as well as walking and jogging along the shore. I also see them out on boats and kayaks a lot. Some of the beach towns along Lake Michigan have nice bike and walking paths. There are also sand dunes to climb and hike over.

My mom is particularly drawn to beach towns that have restaurants and shops close to the beach itself. In Pentwater, for example, everything is within walking distance from each other. If you’re at the dog beach for a day, you can walk a short distance into town to get something to eat. 

Our Favorite Beach Towns in Michigan

Pentwater 

It has a dog-friendly beach year-round on the south end of the main beach in Mears State Park. There is also a paved board walk that takes you along the beach and channel, with benches along the way to watch the boats go by. The town of Pentwater is walkable from the beach.

Holland 

The state park beach has a section along the channel that is dog-friendly and dogs are allowed on the paved paths and pier. However, dogs are not allowed on the main beach. There are several walking and bike paths outside of the state park that will take you for miles and miles. The town of Holland is approximately 6 miles from Holland State Park beach.

Grand Haven 

There is a dog beach within a short drive south from the town of Grand Haven called, Kirk Park. They allow dogs on the beach in the evening hours. The town of Grand Haven is within walking distance to the state park beach and there is a great walking path along the large channel that dogs are allowed on.

Saugatuck 

This is a quaint little town with shopping and restaurants. Nearby is the Saugatuck Dunes State Park with fun hiking paths through the woods that unfold onto the beach. Dogs are welcome and love to explore this area.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Area 

This a must see with endless hiking opportunities. Check the website to see where dogs are allowed. Outside of the designated national lakeshore, there are dog beaches nearby and several towns along Lake Michigan.

When I go to a beach, I always take my essentials with me. Okay, I’ll be honest, my mom takes them and I appreciate her for it!

Oliver's Beach Essentials

Buddy Belts Premium Harness and Leash - It’s the first harness I don’t complain about and it keeps me under control when I flirt with…oh ah I mean, get distracted by other dogs.

Poop Bags and Dispenser - When you gotta go, you gotta go.

Water Bowl and Ball or Zisc Toy - Playing catch in the sand is fun! And even though I like to drink from Lake Michigan, my mom says it's safer for me to drink the fresh water she provides in my travel bowl.

Outdoor Bed - My mom likes to sit and watch the sunset. This keeps me clean and comfortable when I don’t want to sit on her lap.

Let me know if you visit a beach along Lake Michigan. I would love to hear about your adventures!

Until my next pawesome adventure,
Oliver 🐾