It’s the perfect season to enjoy all of the delightful towns and cities along the West Michigan lakeshore.
Between the beaches, the boutiques, the breweries and beyond, there’s easily enough fun to fill multiple trips (you could even turn it into a staycation with a cozy B&B). While we can’t cover the entire coast here, here are a few of our suggestions starting at Holland and heading south.
HOLLAND
Believe it or not, Holland is not just the setting of Holland (2025), starring Nicole Kidman. While that fun but messy direct-to-streaming movie may be of debatable quality, it did undeniably capture the unique historic charm of this beloved beachside city.
You can stroll the brick-paved sidewalks of the vibrant downtown, where tulip motifs and Dutch gables frame boutique shops, cozy cafés and art galleries. Springtime visitors flock to the world-famous Tulip Time Festival (May 1-10), but Holland shines year-round with the 8th Street Shopping District.
Check out attractions like Nelis’ Dutch Village—with cultural demonstrations, tasty food, a petting farm, and easygoing modern and historic rides—and Windmill Island Gardens, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the country. If you’re looking for even more activities and games, The Lost City is home to laser tag, an arcade, mini bowling and indoor mini golf.
That’s all not to mention the sandy stretches of Holland State Park, where Big Red Lighthouse offers a postcard-perfect sunset. Or visit the Outdoor Discovery Center to enjoy local wildlife and walking trails. For drinks, you can visit a wide variety of spots, including New Holland, Brewery 4 Two 4 and Obstacle No. 1. For food, check out Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, Crazy Horse Steak House and Hops at 84 East.
SAUGATUCK/DOUGLAS
Heading south from Holland, you’ll reach Saugatuck/Douglas, a hip yet charming community along Lake Michigan. One of our top recommendations for the area is the Saugatuck Dune Rides, if you’ve never tried it. This 40-minute, open-buggy ride showcases the area’s natural beauty while offering plenty of action with twists, turns, and steep drops. Along the way, your guide will provide interesting info about the history, culture, and folklore of the area.
For more nature, you can climb the 282 steps up Mount Baldhead Park for a panoramic view of the harbor and shoreline; take a scenic walk through the dunes, wetlands, and shoreline at Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area; or ride the historic hand-cranked Saugatuck Chain Ferry, one of the last of its kind in the country.
At this point, you’ve worked up a thirst and appetite, so it’s time to check out one of the area’s beloved restaurants, like The Southerner, Pennyroyal Café & Provisions, or Everyday People Café, along with a bar like Phil’s Bar & Grille or Wally’s Bar and Grill.
Make sure to also visit Saugatuck Center for the Arts, a renowned art museum, market and theater bringing in innovative art year-round.
FENNVILLE
Just a bit south and further inland is Fennville, trading beach crowds for a slower, more pastoral kind of summer, marked by farm stands, orchards, and winding country roads. Come hungry. At Salt of the Earth, wood-fired cooking and seasonal ingredients turn rustic dining into something memorable, while Crane’s Pie Pantry serves up slices of nostalgia with its legendary fruit pies (and yes, you’ll want to take a whole one to go). Then, stretch out for an afternoon tasting at one of the local vineyards, like Fenn Valley, a longtime staple with rolling views, or Modales, one of Michigan’s only Certified Organic wineries.
SOUTH HAVEN
Heading down the coast, you’ll find South Haven, a port city. If not one of the area’s 10 public beaches or the iconic South Haven Lighthouse, your first stop might be Lakeside Social, a vibrant bowling center that also has 18 holes of outdoor mini golf, karaoke nights, and plenty to eat and drink.
Then you can learn about Great Lakes history and step aboard historic vessels at the Michigan Maritime Museum, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Kal-Haven Trail State Park, and wander the shops and galleries of Phoenix Street. For craft beer, check out South Haven Brewpub, Three Blondes Brewing and Harbor Light Brewery. For dining, consider grabbing a famous burger and onion rings at Clementine’s.
ST. JOSEPH (& BEYOND)
St. Joseph has a vibrant arts scene, including the entirely free Krasl Art Center (home to over 41 sculptures) and the annual Art Fair on the Bluff (July 11-12 this year), along with the Box Factory for the Arts, a former factory now used as a multi-use arts facility.
In the great outdoors, you can stroll the bluff-top paths and take in sweeping Lake Michigan views at Lake Bluff Park, especially beautiful at sunset. Enjoy the hand-carved horses on the nostalgic Silver Beach Carousel, cool off at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and enjoy some iconic slices at Silver Beach Pizza, all right by the popular Silver Beach County Park.
For drinks, head south on 196 for some brewery hopping at the fantastically fun Watermark Brewing, the lively Livery, the boldly innovative Transient Artisan Ales, and Haymarket, known for superb pizza. Nearby, you’ll also find Out There, a stellar wine bar and retail shop located in a historic 1920’s Shell service station.
