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Broad, welcoming beaches line the southwest Michigan shore, from New Buffalo near the Indiana line to Grand Haven, 100 miles north. In fact, Oval Beach in Saugatuck (left) has been rated one of the world's best for its wide, sandy shores and clear lake.
The beachfront towns here--St. Joseph, South Haven, Saugatuck and Holland--all have their own relaxed ways and unique graces. The Red Arrow Highway (US-12) and Blue Star Highway (US-31) thread among villages, interrupted only occasionally by stoplights.
Streets and boardwalks lead to the sand and surf. Harbors crowded with pleasure boats scallop the water's edge, and lighthouses--once beacons for ships loaded with lumber and steamers full of vacationers--overlook the scene.
On the following slides you'll find information on great beach destinations in southwest Michigan: New Buffalo area, St. Joseph area (including South Haven) and Holland area (including Saugatuck).
Just across the Indiana state line, the first stretch of shore in Michigan includes New Buffalo and tiny Union Pier. With a quaint business district that stretches almost right onto a sun-toasted beach, New Buffalo qualifies as the prototype beach town. Pleasure boats head out from the deep harbor (left), while kids hang around the beachside ice cream hut and race across the sand.
If you're looking for high-flying thrills, parasailing is said to be better at Warren Dunes State Park (10 miles north of New Buffalo) than at top launch sites in California. More accessible beach activities include surfing (yes, you can!). Or get a workout scaling colossal Tower Hill (240 feet) at Warren Dunes.
The next three slides have information on what to do, where to eat and where to stay in the New Buffalo area.
Warren Dunes State Park In Sawyer, dunes rise as much as 260 feet above the lake (left), offering great views--and a popular hang-gliding site.
Outpost Sports Explore New Buffalo with a rented bike or kayak. A 90-minute kayak trip goes down Galien Passage to the New Buffalo beach, with transportation provided to the put-in point. Open seasonally.
Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery About 20 miles north of New Buffalo, this family-owned business offers wines, brandies, vodka and microbrews.
Vickers Theatre On rainy days, head inland to Three Oaks, where this charming theater shows indie films.
Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant Picture windows in the dining room frame lovely views of the vineyards (left), in Buchanan. Specialties include pecan-crusted chicken breast with raspberry sauce.
Soe Cafe Meals at this chic Sawyer restaurant start with bread and cinnamon-honey butter.
Soe Cafe (269/426-4878)
Sandpiper Inn In Union Pier, most rooms at this adults-only inn (left) face the lake and have private screen porches. Breakfast is a highlight, with almond waffles and Piper's Nest--an egg nestled in a croissant, topped with cheese.
Gordon Beach Inn Swim at the private beach a short walk from this 20-room rustic hotel in Union Pier.
Kamp Across from the Dunes Park your RV across from Sawyer's scenic Warren Dunes State Park and Lake Michigan.
Marina Grand Resort This luxurious hotel in New Buffalo harbor features water views and fireplaces. Suites (some as large as three bedrooms) also have kitchens.
In the laid-back communities of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and South Haven, visitors meander between beaches and shops, boutiques and cafes.
In St. Joseph (about 30 miles north of New Buffalo), steps climb from Silver Beach to a shady bluff-top park and downtown. Schu's, a local favorite, serves famed potato soup at a few outdoor tables with a view of the harbor. St. Joseph's Lighthouse (left), constructed in 1907, is a local landmark.
Another 30 miles north along the shore, shops and eateries scatter South Haven's historic downtown and line the harbor. A paved trail with signs recounting the village's history follows the waterfront to the Michigan Maritime Museum, home of an 1810 replica sloop. Visitors board the ship, Friends Good Will, for sails along the shore.
The next three slides have information on what to do, where to eat and where to stay in the St. Joseph area.
Friends Good Will Sail across the waters of Lake Michigan on this replica 1810 square topsail sloop (left). The ship travels from the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven.
Blossomtime In spring, orchards burst into bouquets of pink and white, heralding Blossomtime, touted as Michigan's oldest and largest festival. The Grand Floral Parade goes through St. Joseph/Benton Harbor.
Box Factory for the Arts A rehabbed factory in St. Joseph houses artists' studios and galleries, plus a small gift shop.
Curious Kids' Museum In St. Joseph, 100 hands-on exhibits entertain young kids as they make giant bubbles or learn about Michigan agriculture in the interactive Awesome Apple Orchard.
Silver Beach County Park In St. Joseph, this regional park has a clean, wide beach. The annual Venetian Festival includes sand sculpture contests, a boat parade, a crafts show and fireworks.
Weko Beach Near Bridgman, a campground with four log cabins and a summer concert series make this a better-than-average Michigan beach.
Tello Italian Bistro At this South Haven restaurant (left), locally grown ingredients give fresh flavor to dishes such as spaghetti di tello, with dried cherries, Gorgonzola and roasted walnuts.
The Bistro on the Boulevard This upscale hotel restaurant in St. Joe serves fresh, seasonal dishes.
Chocolate Cafe Cheesecake, fondue and ice cream are among the sweet treats at this South Haven cafe, which also has a branch in St. Joseph.
The Livery A 100-year-old horse livery in Benton Harbor's Arts District houses a restaurant-pub with handcrafted beers on tap. Soon-to-be-hot bands play live.
Piggin' N' Grinnin' Charlie and Susan McGee serve Benton Harbor's best barbecue. A Big Mama Sampler gives a taste of just about everything.
Schu's Grill and Bar This dining institution in St. Joe is known for its great burgers and potato soup.
Hotel Nichols Guests can rent bikes at this European-style downtown South Haven hotel (left).
The Boulevard Inn Some of the guest rooms have lake views at this all-suite hotel in St. Joe.
Chestnut House Bed and Breakfast Guests at the 1920s Arts and Crafts B&B in St. Joseph enjoy Lake Michigan views and a hearty breakfast on an enclosed porch.
Old Harbor Inn Rooms with balconies overlook the harbor in downtown South Haven.
A windmill, a hand-powered chain ferry and towering sand dunes are some of the attractions in the beach towns of Holland, Saugatuck and Grand Haven, all just west of Grand Rapids.
Holland takes pride in its Dutch heritage. A 12-story windmill spins near downtown, which has brick sidewalks and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The town also has hip shops downtown (left) and the new, green CityFlats Hotel.
An artists' colony thrives amid the dunes in Saugatuck. Studios and galleries mingle with shops downtown, and sculptures dot most corners. Energetic visitors can trek 282 steps up Mount Baldy dune for a panoramic view overlooking Saugatuck.
In Grand Haven, a boardwalk links downtown to a wide beach and pier with a much-photographed red lighthouse. It's one of this coast's best places to "sunset," a nightly ritual. As twilight descends, parades of walkers head for the water's edge to watch the slow scarlet ending of another day along Lake Michigan.
The next three slides have information on what to do, where to eat and where to stay in the Holland area.
Grand Haven State Park This 48-acre preserve with views of the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse (left) boasts a popular sandy Lake Michigan beach and a newly renovated lodge.
New Holland Brewing Saturday tours of the Holland brewery include the 50-barrel brew house and bottling line. Visitors can sample beer and take home a souvenir pint glass.
Saugatuck Dune Rides All ages go for fast rides through the sand hills near Saugatuck.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park Long sandy beaches and dunes more than 200 feet tall draw nature enthusiasts, bird-watchers and hikers. Up-and-down routes lead over steep slopes to secluded beaches.
Saugatuck Ferry Your kids won't be able to resist a ride across the Kalamazoo River on Saugatuck's hand-powered chain ferry.
Windmill Island and Gardens In Holland, a 248-year-old working windmill towers above a garden-filled, 36-acre island. Visit the only female Dutch-certified miller in North America, and bring home a sack of ground wheat to make bread.
Morning Star Cafe For a hearty breakfast in Grand Haven, try the stuffed French toast (left)--cinnamon bread layered with cream cheese and topped with from-scratch raspberry and vanilla sauces. Lunch includes sandwiches, burgers and crepes (616/844-1131).
Alpenrose Restaurant and Cafe Once a discount store, the downtown Holland building now features a dinner menu divided by European country, with entrees such as pretzel-crusted walleye.
Boatwerks Overlook the harbor while you dine on seafood, steaks or sandwiches at this Holland restaurant.
Bodacious Babes Emporium and Tea Room Tea, sandwiches and desserts are served near the beach in Grand Haven; tea parties can be arranged for special events.
Fortino's The aroma of fresh-roasted peanuts has drawn visitors to this family-owned Grand Haven institution for more than 100 years.
Santo Stefano del Lago In Grand Haven, this gourmet shop sells locally made gelato, including the favorite flavor: Italian pistachio.
Harbor House Inn Twenty rooms in a Victorian-style house (left) overlook the Grand River and Lake Michigan dunes in Grand Haven.
Bella Vita Spa and Suites In Saugatuck, romantic suites feature flat-screen TVs, exposed-brick walls and to-die-for showerheads.
CityFlats In largely Victorian Holland, this newer hotel sets a decidedly different tone, with environmentally friendly custom decor, walk-in showers and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Serendipity Resort The Grand Haven cottage resort caters to visitors craving a more private vacation.
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I liked your article about Midwestern Lakes; however, I don't understand why the lakes of northern Indiana are not included. There are so many outstanding lakes in northern Indiana that I think at least one should have been included. Phyllis Pickard
6/28/2011 12:00:12 PM Report Abuse