If you are looking for a great beach destination in the Midwest, West Michigan is a wonderful option.
With so many charming communities along Lake Michigan, your hardest decision will be narrowing down your options for a family getaway.
South Haven, Michigan
Great Beaches in South Haven
76750 13th Avenue – South Haven
80559 32nd Avenue
175 North Shore Drive – South Haven
Unique Things to Do in South Haven
- Visit the Michigan Maritime Museum
260 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI
Learn more about Michigan’s maritime history and Lake Michigan at of Michigan Maritime Museum. The museum also offers several unique on-water tours that are fun for all ages.
- Take a Tallship Cruise
During a sail on “The Friends Good Will” replica 1810 tall ship, guests learn more about the history of commerce in the early 1800s and the role of the ship during the War of 1812.
- Take a cruise on the Lindy Lou (replica of a Truscott fantail river launch.)
Local Ice Cream in South Haven
1601 Phoenix St, South Haven, MI
Saugatuck, Michigan
Great Beaches in Saugatuck
- Oval Beach
- 690 Perryman St, Saugatuck, MI
Oval Beach has been voted “Top 25 Beaches in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler and “Top Freshwater Beach in the US” by National Geographic Traveler.
- Saugatuck Dunes State Park is another great stop with 2.5 miles of shoreline and 1,000 acres of land to hike and explore.
6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck, MI
- West Side County Park
2152 Lakeshore Dr., Fennville, MI
- Douglas Beach
3099 Lakeshore Dr, Douglas, MI
- Pier Cove Beach
2290 Lakeshore Dr, Fennville, MI
Unique Things to Do in Saugatuck
There are lots of great shops in the Saugatuck area ranging from artisan, eclectic, boutiques, and traditional touristy shops.
6495 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI
Fun for all ages, a dune ride is a one-of-a-kind experience with ups and downs like a roller coaster in the sand.
- Sunset Cruise with Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises
Enjoy golden hour on a 90-minute cruise that takes you on both Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River.
716 Water St, Saugatuck, MI
- Take a Ride on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry
528 Water St, Saugatuck, MI
“Diane,” The Saugatuck Chain Ferry is the only remaining hand-cranked chain ferry of its kind remaining in the United States. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry is hand trained by train operators and guided across the Kalamazoo River by a chain that is connected to both sides.
Local Ice Cream in Saugatuck
132 Mason St, Saugatuck, MI
This is a great Ice cream shop with super large portions!
6471 Washington Ave., Saugatuck, MI
Things to Do in Holland, Michigan
Great Beaches in Holland
2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI
66 N, Lakeshore Ave, Holland, MI
6710 142nd Ave, Holland, MI
Unique Things to Do in Holland
Check out these Dutch themed Attractions in Holland
12755 Quincy St, Holland, MI
Watch wood shoe carving on machines, shop for authentic Dutch souvenirs, and watch artists hand paint authentic blue and white delftware.
12350 James St, Holland, MI
Celebrate and learn about Dutch culture at this family-friendly destination with lots of outdoor attractions that younger kids will love.
Great Ice Cream Stops in Holland
- The General Store (near Holland State Park)
2256 Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland, Michigan
- Captain Sundae (multiple locations)
Things to Do in Grand Haven, Michigan
Great Beaches in Grand Haven
- Grand Haven State Park- A very popular park where you can walk the pier
1001 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
If you need an additional parking option try the YMCA parking lot nearby.
- North Beach Park– Smaller beach
18775 North Shore Drive, Ferrysburg, MI
- Rosy Mound Natural Area – A beautiful hike through the woods to the beach with lots of stairs.
13925 Lakeshore Ave, Grand Haven, MI
Unique Things to Do in Grand Haven
- Watch the Grand Haven Musical Fountains (currently not open for the season)
The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a 25-minute show with synchronized water and light show accompanied with popular music from a variety of styles. You can see the Grand Haven Musical Fountain at dusk from Memorial Day through Labor Day along with Fridays and Saturdays in May and September.
- Try Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport that combines wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics.
You can take lessons at MACkite Boardsports Center
- Go Stand Up Paddleboarding
Enjoy a relaxing pace as you paddle on the lake or if the waves increase, you can try turning your paddleboard into a surfboard.
301 N Harbor Dr #A-1, Grand Haven, MI
- Take a Ride on the Harbor Trolley & Transit (Temporarily closed)
Great Ice Cream Shops in Grand Haven
- Pier Peddler (On the boardwalk)
907 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
16830 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven, MI
Muskegon, Michigan
Great Beaches in Muskegon
40 minutes- 1 hr+
3560 Memorial Dr, Muskegon, MI
1563 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI
3560 Memorial Dr, North Muskegon, MI
3205 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI
6585 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores, MI
Unique Things to Do in Muskegon
462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI
Zipline, experience the only summer wheel luge track of its kind in North America, archery, and trail quest.
- Michigan’s Adventure (currently temporarily closed)
4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI
Experience Michigan’s Largest Amusement Park and Water Park at Michigan’s Adventure for the price of 1.
1346 Bluff St, Muskegon, MI
Learn about the history of SS-236 USS Silversides Submarine, one of the most highly-decorated Gato-class submarines of World War II at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum
An unforgettable overnight adventure! Gain a new appreciation for servicemen and women after the overnight encampment sleeping in a submarine.
1801 Beach St, Muskegon, MI
Local Ice Cream in Muskegon
1050 W Western Ave Suite 101-103, Muskegon, MI
2181 W. Sherman Blvd. Muskegon, MI,
1960 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI
459 E Laketon Ave, Muskegon, MI
Ready for a West Michigan beach vacation?
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