Lake Michigan Beachtowns Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and explore in Lake Michigan Beachtowns with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Lake Michigan Beachtowns

Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Beachtowns of West Michigan offer visitors a charming mix of outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty. Explore the local history at museums and historical sites, soak up the sun on sandy beaches, hike or bike through the forests and dunes, indulge in local delicacies, or enjoy a variety of water sports. This travel guide will help you plan your trip to the Beachtowns with ease.

List of Places to Visit in Lake Michigan Beachtowns

Here are some of the must-visit places in Lake Michigan Beachtowns:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Grand Haven Lighthouse and Historical Museum
  • Muskegon Museum of Art
  • Tri-Cities Historical Museum
  • Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society Museum

Natural Attractions of Lake Michigan Beachtowns: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Saugatuck Dunes State Park
  • Hoffmaster State Park
  • Rosy Mound Natural Area
  • P.J. Hoffmaster State Park
  • Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lake Michigan Beachtowns

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Beachtowns offer several hiking and biking options, including:

  • Kal-Haven Trail
  • Loutit District Library’s Trails
  • Rosy Mound Natural Area Trails
  • Saugatuck Dunes State Park Trails
  • Musketawa Trail
  • Heritage Trail

Best Things to Do in Lake Michigan Beachtowns: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Lake Michigan Beachtowns:

  • Visit the iconic Grand Haven Lighthouse and climb to the top for stunning views.
  • Explore the Muskegon Museum of Art and marvel at the exhibits.
  • Take a sunset sail on a Tall Ship or charter boat.
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the Lake Michigan shoreline.
  • Ride the dunes on a guided dune tour or rent a dune buggy.
  • Take a fishing charter and try your hand at catching salmon and trout.
  • Enjoy a wine tour through the region’s many wineries.
  • Attend an outdoor music festival, like the Venetian Festival or Coast Guard Festival.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lake Michigan Beachtowns

Here’s a week-long itinerary for the Beachtowns:

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore Grand Haven Lighthouse and Museum
Day 2 Visit Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Day 3 Go wine tasting
Day 4 Rent a dune buggy at Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Day 5 Go fishing on Lake Michigan
Day 6 Attend a music festival
Day 7 Relax on the beach

Food and Drink Scene of Lake Michigan Beachtowns

The Beachtowns offer a variety of delicious local cuisine and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Whitefish from local restaurants like The Lake House Waterfront Grille and Dockers Fish House.
  • Cherry-inspired dishes such as cherry pie, cherry salsa, cherry salad and more.
  • Local farm fresh vegetables from local farmers.

Local Beverages

  • Michigan Beer: Enjoy a glass of local beer from Saugatuck Brewing Company or New Holland Brewing Company.
  • Apple Cider: Try an apple cider from Virtue Cider or Crane’s Pie Pantry and Orchard.
  • Wine: Sip some of the region’s best wines from Fenn Valley Vineyards or Round Barn Winery.

Where to Stay in Lake Michigan Beachtowns: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the best options for accommodations in the Beachtowns:

  • Grand Haven: Harbor House Inn and Boyden House Inn
  • Muskegon: Shoreline Inn and Conference Center
  • Saugatuck: Wickwood Inn and Captain’s Quarters
  • St. Joseph: The Boulevard Inn & Bistro

What to Buy in Lake Michigan Beachtowns: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t forget to take back some local souvenirs or products. Here are a few options:

  • Handcrafted pottery from Blue Star Pottery in Saugatuck.
  • Custom-made clothes or accessories from American Spoon in Douglas.
  • Gourmet jams, preserves, and fruit butters from Crane’s Pie Pantry and Orchard in Fennville.

Local Culture and Customs of Lake Michigan Beachtowns

The Beachtowns have a relaxed, laid-back culture. It is common to see people walking or biking around town, especially during the summer months. People in the Beachtowns tend to be friendly and welcoming to visitors, so don’t be shy to ask around for recommendations of things to do or places to eat.

Best Time to Visit Lake Michigan Beachtowns

The best time to visit the Beachtowns is between May and October, when the weather is warm and sunny. The months of July and August tend to be the busiest, due to school holidays, music festivals, and other events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lake Michigan Beachtowns

Do:

  • Apply sunscreen regularly when out in the sun.
  • Make reservations for popular restaurants, hotels, or tours ahead of time.
  • Try local cuisine, beverages, and products.
  • Respect local customs and culture.

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beach or trails.
  • Smoke or vape in public spaces.
  • Ignore safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lake Michigan Beachtowns

The Beachtowns are generally safe, but it is important to remember general safety tips when traveling. Be cautious of rip currents when swimming in Lake Michigan and obey all warning signs. When driving or biking, be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians.

Health in Lake Michigan Beachtowns

The Beachtowns offer excellent medical care, with hospitals and medical clinics in the region readily available.

Getting to Lake Michigan Beachtowns: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to get to the Beachtowns and around the region:

Airports Near Lake Michigan Beachtowns

  • Muskegon County Airport (MKG)
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
  • Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)

Bus Stations Near Lake Michigan Beachtowns

  • Greyhound, located in Grand Rapids
  • Indian Trails, located in St. Joseph

Other Options

  • Ride-sharing services are available throughout the region.
  • Renting a car is also an option to explore the Beachtowns on your own.

How to Get Around in Lake Michigan Beachtowns

The most convenient way to get around the Beachtowns is by car, though biking and walking are also common. Many locations throughout the region offer bike rental services.

Where to Go Next from Lake Michigan Beachtowns: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations to visit:

  • Holland, MI
  • South Haven, MI
  • Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, MI
  • Grand Rapids, MI

Conclusion

The Lake Michigan Beachtowns offer a charming mix of outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty. With this comprehensive travel guide, plan your trip to the Beachtowns with ease and enjoy all the region has to offer.



    Ludington
    Manistee
    Muskegon
    Saugatuck
    South Haven