Local Beaches Offer More Than Scenic Views—They Create Economic Value

Gladstone Beach

Recent discussions about Airbnb rentals have highlighted the importance of local amenities, making new research on the economic value of beaches especially relevant to Delta County. Escanaba and Gladstone are fortunate to have two exceptional public beaches that offer more than beautiful waterfront views. Both communities provide lifeguards during the swimming season, a feature that has become increasingly rare. Many public beaches across Michigan and throughout the United States are "swim at your own risk," making the presence of trained lifeguards an added benefit for families and visitors seeking a safe place to enjoy the water.

This is a competitive advantage that could be emphasized more in local tourism and economic development efforts. Safe, clean, and well-maintained beaches help attract visitors while enhancing the quality of life for area residents (One might think of places like San Diego where beaches are a big part of their footprint. While their beaches are open most of the year our local beaches are seasonal but relates to regional tourist visits.).

(Illustrative Only)

A wild beach lounger
in his natural habitat.

Do not feed! Unless
it comes from one
of the nearby restaurants.

Research also shows that beaches contribute measurable economic value to nearby properties, including vacation rentals. Since most homes and Airbnb properties in Escanaba and Gladstone are located within a short drive of one of these waterfront destinations, proximity to the beach becomes a valuable selling point. Recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, walking trails, and waterfront parks further increase the appeal of the area.

The quality of the beach itself also matters. Fine sand, clean water, accessibility, maintenance, and available amenities all influence visitor experiences. Gladstone's beach features groomed sand, a concession stand, and family-friendly facilities, while Escanaba offers an expansive shoreline, Ludington Park, a public boat launch, nearby fishing opportunities, and other recreational amenities that attract residents and tourists alike.

Escanaba Beach

As communities continue exploring ways to strengthen tourism and encourage investment, these natural assets deserve recognition. Protecting beaches, maintaining waterfront parks, and investing in recreational infrastructure not only improves environmental quality and community well-being but also supports local businesses, tourism, and property values. In many ways, the shoreline is more than a scenic backdrop—it is an economic asset that benefits the entire community. 

The Economic Value of Coastal Amenities: How Beach Characteristics Influence Airbnb Rental Prices

• The study examines how different beach characteristics influence Airbnb rental prices, demonstrating that coastal amenities provide measurable economic value to nearby properties.
• Beach quality factors such as sand type, beach width, accessibility, and waterfront frontage significantly affect rental prices, with higher-quality beaches generally commanding premium rates.

• 

  A kid's imagination. 
  You can't put a price
  tag on it. There is a
  hard wall in this fort, 
  support poles,
  bridges, etc. 

  Using a hedonic pricing model, the researchers estimated the implicit monetary value of individual beach attributes, helping quantify the economic benefits of natural coastal resources.
• The findings suggest that investments in beach preservation, accessibility, and environmental quality can generate economic returns through increased tourism demand and higher short-term rental values.
• The research highlights the importance of incorporating environmental amenities into tourism planning and public policy, demonstrating that protecting coastal ecosystems also supports local economic development.

Boto-García, D., & Leoni, V. (2023). The economic value of coastal amenities: Evidence from beach capitalization effects in peer-to-peer markets. Environmental and Resource Economics, 84(2), 529–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10640-022-00735-5