Vermilion Lighthouse Beach

Extremely dog-friendly! While I initially thought leashes were a given, it turns out everyone was quite relaxed about dogs playing off-leash. Both beachgoers and dog owners were just out there having a great time. It appears a beach house with restrooms is under construction, but currently, there's only a small parking area with about 15-20 spots and a porta-potty. The beach is clean. There's a sandstone walkway leading out to the water.

A lovely, pristine beach perfect for relaxation and capturing great photos.

This place is a hidden treasure. We discovered it a few years ago while searching for something to do, and now we visit regularly. The shops are fantastic, there are plenty of food choices, and the beach gives you a vacation-like feel. My pointer used to love swimming there, though my shihtzu prefers lounging on a blanket under a tree with me. It's one of those rare spots where people bring their dogs to swim, and everyone gets along without any issues. The area is always quiet and clean. I hope it remains this way forever. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing day, even for someone like me who isn't a beach person at all. I highly recommend a visit.

I understand that there was a small craft warning at the lake yesterday, but I've visited several times and noticed that there's often wood along the shoreline. For a harbor town, they don't maintain the shoreline very well.

If you're comparing it to the beaches of the Atlantic, this is definitely a small beach. Despite its size, it's a lovely spot for a stroll, playing in the lake, or watching the boats come and go from the nearby marina. Most importantly, it's a beautiful place to catch the sunset. There aren't many facilities at the beach itself; there's a porta potty by the lighthouses, but the nearest restroom is up at Exchange Park (Main St and Liberty Ave). It's worth a visit while you're in town.