Northwest
Charlevoix
Lowdown: Located on an isthmus between Lake Michigan, Round Lake, and Lake Charlevoix, bisected by the Pine River along U.S. 31, which heads into Petoskey.
Distinction: One of the best lake towns in America —Travel + Leisure
Must Do: After shopping downtown, find seats at Vue Wine Bar and watch the Bridge Street drawbridge in action. You’ll also see the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse from this vantage point. Michigan Beach (with a playground, snack bar, and great swimming) is a walkable distance from downtown. Hunt for Petoskey or Charlevoix stones at Fisherman’s Island State Park.
Add to the List: Make sure to find time to golf at Belvedere Golf Club, which made Golf magazine’s list of the top 100 courses you can play. Visit Bier’s Inwood Brewery, where you’ll find plenty of small-batch brewed beers, a variety of hard ciders and wines, and scenic views.
Favorite Fare: At the Weathervane Restaurant, feast on the planked whitefish as you watch a parade of boats gliding along the Pine River to or from Lake Michigan. Locals love breakfast and lunch at Smoke on the Water and pizza at Andy’s Party Store. In nearby Ironton, enjoy a beer and a lobster roll on the deck or dockside bar (you can pull your boat right up to the dock) and make sure to check out the adjacent historic Ironton Ferry while you’re there.
Plan It: visitcharlevoix.com
Harbor Springs
Lowdown: An ideal location — in a sheltered bay on the north shore of the Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan across from Petoskey.
Distinction: America’s best small lake town — Travel + Leisure
Must Do: Shop in its charming downtown, take in the historical cottages, drive along jaw-dropping M-119 and its verdant Tunnel of Trees, watch boats in the marina, and sip a cold one at Stafford’s Pier Restaurant, the town favorite. Located downtown is Zorn Park City Beach, a family-friendly spot.
Add to the List: Drive north on M-119 to Good Hart to find Middle Village Park beach by looking behind St. Ignatius Mission Church. A pathway near the church leads to the beach, which also includes access to an Odawa burial ground.
Favorite Fare: Drinks and small bites at the Fireplace Lounge at Otis Harbor Springs are refreshing and inventive. At Gurney’s Bottle Shop, you can make your own sandwich or try a popular combo — such as the Train Wreck, which is stacked high with meats and cheese.
Plan It: cityofharborsprings.com
Petoskey
Lowdown: Located on the southeast shore of Lake Michigan’s gorgeous Little Traverse Bay about 36 miles southwest of the Mackinac Bridge.
Distinction: One of the best small towns in the U.S. — USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Must Do: Bring home a famous Petoskey stone, the fossilized remains of ancient coral dating back 350 million years. You might find them at Solanus Mission Beach, a stony, dunelike environment with 500 feet of beach frontage via a boardwalk.
Add to the List: Take a sunset cruise aboard Little Traverse Bay Ferry Co.’s Miss Lauren, a 49-passenger ferry that travels between Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Bay Harbor with beautiful views of these towns.
Favorite Fare: Ask about gluten-free options and the quiche of the day at Julienne Tomatoes. Symons General Store offers made-fresh-to-order gourmet deli sandwiches. City Park Grill, housed in an 1875 building, has great food, drinks, atmosphere, and history: Ernest Hemingway, who grew up spending summers on Walloon Lake, was a regular between the 1910s and 1920s when it was known as The Annex. Brandy’s Harbortown in nearby Bay Harbor is a picture-perfect spot right on the water. Casual food options abound, while the rum-infused Brandy’s Painkiller is a must-try.
Plan It: petoskeyarea.com
Traverse City
Lowdown: Dominating the entertainment and winery/distillery scene in the state’s northwest region, it’s located at the base of the east and west arms of Lake Michigan’s 32-mile-long Grand Traverse Bay.
Distinction: One of the top 10 places to go in 2025 — Wall Street Journal
Must Do: TC is dubbed the Cherry Capital of the World, so a visit during its National Cherry Festival (June 28-July 5 this year) is a must for some point in your life. We suggest finding a seat at Chateau Chantal’s Jazz at Sunset. On summer Thursdays, you can sip some of Michigan’s best wine while tapping to the tunes of world-class jazz musicians.
Add to the List: Nice beach picks include Bowers Harbor Park on the stunning Old Mission Peninsula and West Grand Traverse Bay (the drive itself will impress) as well as West End Beach closer to town.
Favorite Fare: For fine dining, consider the Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern at the Delamar Traverse City hotel, which is located on Grand Traverse Bay. The pork chops, scallops, and Great Lakes walleye (among so much more) are outstanding. Have a sweet tooth? Ask for a slice of the Fluffy Cheesecake, drizzled with salted caramel and other flavors. Out on the Old Mission Peninsula, Boathouse Restaurant gets rave reviews for its oysters, halibut, steaks, and more. If you like inventive cooking, try James Beard Award semifinalist The Cooks’ House — “a classic example of farm-to-table,” says Traverse City Tourism Public Relations Manager Mike Kent. The owners procure ingredients from regional sources, even for desserts like olive oil cake made with thyme syrup and lemon mascarpone or a box of Grocer’s Daughter chocolates (Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate is located in the village of Empire and is a must-visit destination). Pick up beach-picnic treats at the Grand Traverse Pie Co. (be sure to get a slice of Grand Traverse cherry crumb pie) or Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop, which has more than 45 types of deli sandwiches — be sure to save room for a cookie.
Plan It: traversecity.com
North
Indian River
Lowdown: Situated on its namesake river and nestled between two of Michigan’s largest inland lakes — Burt and Mullett — 30 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge off I-75.
Distinction: Best campground in the U.S. — Campspot
Must Do: Rent a boat/pontoon to explore the meandering scenic inland waterway between lakes Michigan and Huron; enjoy Burt Lake State Park and its sandy beach; grab a tube or kayak from Big Bear Adventures to enjoy the fast-flowing Sturgeon River.
Add to the List: Bike the scenic North Central State Trail to Mackinaw City or Gaylord; visit the Cross in the Woods Catholic National Shrine featuring one of the world’s largest outdoor crucifixes; hike the nearby 11-mile trail system at Wildwood Hills Pathway.
Favorite Fare: Try the scrumptious whitefish or walleye at the Indian River Golf Club’s Greenside Grille (yes, it’s public) or the baby back ribs and vegan options at Michael’s Tavern & Steakhouse, a restored 1938 log building.
Plan It: experienceindianriver.com
Mackinac Island
Lowdown: This island city is located along the Straits of Mackinac, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. It’s a 3.8-square-mile car-free island.
Distinction: The best summer travel destination in the U.S. — USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Must Do: Rent a bike (or bring your own) to pedal around the 8.2-mile island perimeter. You’ll pass cliffs, unique land formations like Arch Rock, a new nature center, and more.
Add to the List: Pull up a seat at the Pink Pony bar on the deck of the historic Chippewa Hotel and order its famous frosty rum runner. Pay $10 to enter the majestic Grand Hotel, built in 1887. Visit Fort Mackinac or take a horse-drawn carriage tour for a history lesson. On Main Street, pop into Little Luxuries for unique items, Mackinac Outfitter for outdoor clothing, and Somewhere in Time Gallery & Gifts for select Mackinac-themed artwork and note cards.
Favorite Fare: Order lunch and a homemade dessert at the quaint Watercolor Cafe, right on the harbor. The new Lilac Lounge at Mission Point Resort is an ode to the island’s favorite flower and serves the Lilac Bees Knees (a gin concoction with lavender and honey syrup).
Plan It: mackinacisland.org
Mackinaw City
Lowdown: It’s the northernmost point of the Lower Peninsula at the southern end of the Mackinac Bridge and an access point for ferries to and from Mackinac Island.
Distinction: A top 10 tourist attraction in the U.S. (Colonial Michilimackinac) — FamilyFun magazine
Must Do: There’s a completely renovated visitor center and museum store at historic Colonial Michilimackinac, where everyone loves the frequent cannon and musket demonstrations. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and stargaze at Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
Add to the List: Climb the McGulpin Point Lighthouse or visit Heritage Village, the city’s historical park, to tour the buildings or enjoy the gardens. Buy some souvenirs and fudge on Central Avenue.
Favorite Fare: “I love El Zarape [an authentic Mexican taqueria] and its grilled chicken enchilada topped with lots of lettuce, salsa, and guac,” says local artist Mary Lou Peters. Or try Audie’s Restaurant, where you can get a taste of the locally caught planked whitefish which is delivered fresh from the Great Lakes daily. You can’t miss the Wienerlicious hot dog stand (it has the “world’s largest wiener” on its roof), and you shouldn’t. For casual dining across the bridge in St. Ignace (another location to catch a ferry to Mackinac Island), try dining near the water at The Gangplank Pub & Grub, where you’ll find whitefish tacos, beer-battered cheese curds, and the famous mile-high Walk the Plank burger.
Plan It: mackinawcity.com
Upper Peninsula
Grand Marais
Lowdown: Located on Lake Superior about a two-hour drive west of Sault Ste. Marie, popular Grand Marais (once a booming lumber town from 1885 to 1910) is the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Distinction: One of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. — Condé Nast Traveler
Must Do: Explore the area’s coast by hiking, biking, kayaking, and beachcombing to soak up the splendorous cliffs merging with the turquoise waters. Waterfalls, inland lakes, and more attract visitors to this outdoor paradise.
Add to the List: Check out Coast Guard Point’s front range light and rear range light. Au Sable Light Station, located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, stands on Au Sable Point west of town. Tours are available.
Favorite Fare: Lake Superior Brewing Co. serves up good beer (with apropos names —
Backwoods, Hematite, and Cabin Fever, for example) and burgers galore, including olive, blue cheese, and buffalo chicken varieties.
Plan It: grandmaraismichigan.com
Marquette
Lowdown: The Upper Peninsula’s largest city and an energetic college town with great harbor views of Lake Superior about three hours northwest of the Mackinac Bridge.
Distinction: One of the 10 best small-town cultural scenes in the U.S. — USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Must Do: Head outdoors to experience the U.P. lifestyle, baby! Stunning waterfalls are everywhere. Kayak/board the crystal-clear Great Lake or inland ones. There are biking and hiking options galore with some pretty nice elevation changes, plus 6 miles of Lake Superior beaches. Try surfing those awesome waves!
Add to the List: Discover local history at the Marquette Maritime Museum, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse (book a tour to see the catwalk!), and Marquette Regional History Center. Snap photos at the 1,000-foot Lower Harbor Ore Dock. At 85 feet tall, it’s one of the most iconic images of America’s iron ore industry. See the towering rock formations at Presque Isle Park.
Favorite Fare: Take your pick of 13 breweries and taphouses. The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery in the restored 1883-era downtown building serves Lake Superior whitefish prepared several delectable ways.
Plan It: travelmarquette.com
Northeast
Alpena
Lowdown: Northeastern Michigan’s largest city, along U.S. 23 fronting Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay, and the gateway to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects nearly 100 historically significant shipwrecks.
Distinction: One of Michigan’s most picturesque small towns — World Atlas
Must Do: Visit the impressive Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to learn about the vast, 4,300-square-mile sanctuary that encompasses most of northern Lake Huron. Book a two-hour narrated glass-bottom boat ride to view the Shipwreck Alley graveyard. Or kayak over these cool wrecks.
Add to the List: Climb the steep 130 steps to the top of the 1870 New Presque Isle Lighthouse. At 113 feet tall, it’s the tallest on the Great Lakes that the public can climb. The less ambitious also can climb the nearby 1840 Old Presque Isle Lighthouse.
Favorite Fare: Check out Red Brick Tap & Barrel — housed in a century-old renovated space — for fish and chips and menu ingredients from local growers.
Plan it: visitalpena.com
Tawas City/East Tawas
Lowdown: Located in the state’s northeast region along U.S. 23 on the shores of Lake Huron’s Tawas Bay north of Saginaw.
Distinction: One of Michigan’s most picturesque small towns — World Atlas
Must Do: Stop at the Village Chocolatier for delicious hand-dipped candy to nibble on during the scenic drive southeast off U.S. 23 to Tawas Point State Park, known for its eponymous lighthouse. The 67-foot-tall lighthouse recently underwent a $455,000 restoration. Tawas Point is also a destination for bird-watchers.
Add to the List: Take a kiteboarding lesson at Motor City Kite and Surf in East Tawas. North of town on the River Road National Scenic Byway is the Huron-Manistee National Forest’s Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center. Short trails lead to breathtaking Au Sable River views.
Favorite Fare: Boathouse Beer Co. & Boozery features handcrafted beer and a menu jammed with entrées like beef tenderloin and Polish sausage with pierogi, soups, and burgers and other handhelds. Get a seat on the welcoming water’s-edge deck at Social Oak Chophouse & Wine Bar. The outdoor Bikinis Beach Bar often has a DJ.
Plan It: tawasbay.com, easttawas.com
East Central
Bay City
Lowdown: Located along the Saginaw River east of I-75 at Saginaw Bay off Lake Huron. (Or, in Michigander-speak, it’s where the thumb meets the pointer finger.)
Distinction: One of the most affordable places to live in the U.S. — U.S. News & World Report
Must Do: Book a tall ship Appledore IV sailing adventure that goes from downtown’s Wenonah Park into Saginaw Bay.
Add to the List: Stroll Center Avenue and check out historic Victorian mansions that once belonged to lumber barons. Wenonah Park’s band shell rocks during the summer. On North Water Street, visit the Bay City Antiques Center, which, alongside Bay Antique Center, houses more than 60,000 square feet of oldies but goodies. Have a sweet tooth? You’ll find treats at nearby St. Laurent Brothers, one of Michigan’s oldest candy stores.
Favorite Fare: Drift Shoreside Beer Garden satisfies with beverages galore, burgers, churros, and more.
Plan It: gogreat.com/cities/bay-city
Saginaw
Lowdown: The Saginaw River flows through the center of town about an hour and 30 minutes north of metro Detroit along the I-75/I-675 triangle.
Distinction: One of the 50 best cities in which to retire in the U.S. — Investopedia with Travel + Leisure
Must Do: For a special experience, check in at the charming Montague Inn Bed & Breakfast on Lake Linton. Bike the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail, which runs 11 miles south through natural areas and features seven restored railroad bridges. The 1927 Temple Theatre hosts national headline acts from comedians to concerts.
Add to the List: Explore the 10,000-acre Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge via water or land: Johnny Panther Quests Ecotours takes you on a three-hour thrilling boat ride through the refuge into what’s considered the wildlife-rich “Everglades of Michigan”; you can also drive your car along the 6.5-mile Wildlife Drive. Browse the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum on the Saginaw Valley State University campus.
Favorite Fare: In the Old Town entertainment district, the casual-upscale Jake’s Old City Grill serves delightful chophouse entrées and seafood paired with extensive wine and martini selections. The open kitchen at the cozy Artisan Urban Bistro creates seasonal dishes. Make reservations early for its spectacular weekend brunch!
Plan It: gogreat.com/cities/saginaw
Southwest
Grand Haven
Lowdown: Renowned for its sandy Lake Michigan beaches, this shop- and restaurant-lined town west of Grand Rapids features a boardwalk that runs along the harbor to Grand Haven State Park beach and the south pier.
Distinction: One of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. (Grand Haven City Beach) —Condé Nast Traveler
Must Do: The lights on the south pier make for gorgeous photo backdrops. You can access the boardwalk and view the lighthouses from the beach at Grand Haven State Park.
Add to the List: Hike nearby Rosy Mound, which is “a bit of a trek with lots of stairs through winding trails and dunes,” says Grand Haven cottage owner Sue Keels. “But when you finally reach the overlook, the view of Lake Michigan is absolutely breathtaking.” The seasonal 1962 Grand Haven Musical Fountain features 25-to-30-minute synchronized light and water shows at night through Labor Day.
Favorite Fare: Keels loves Noto’s at the Bil-Mar for its outstanding lake view and the crab-stuffed whitefish. “We also love their wood-fired oven pizza.” Just a couple of miles from Grand Haven and nestled in the woods is The Arboreal Inn, a classic Spring Lake fine-dining establishment. “It’s locally owned, and the food and service are amazing,” Keels says. Be sure to order the lobster bisque, which, she says, “is delicious and such a classic — very old-school, but that’s why we love it.”
Plan It: visitgrandhaven.com
Holland
Lowdown: Located on the shores of Lake Macatawa and seconds from Lake Michigan where U.S. 31 and I-196 meet.
Distinction: One of the best small-town festivals in America (Tulip Time) — Reader’s Digest
Must Do: Holland’s Tulip Time — the oldest tulip festival in the U.S., with millions of gorgeous flowers — honors the town’s Dutch heritage (the 2026 festival is May 1-10). View the tulips in public parks, along downtown streets, or at various venues for a fee. Lovely beaches and a hopping downtown are summertime draws. The much-photographed Big Red Lighthouse stands by the channel that connects Lake Macatawa to Lake Michigan.
Add to the List: Hit the area’s sand dune-wrapped beaches, including at Holland State Park. Tunnel Park has an actual tunnel through a sand dune, while the not-so-crowded Laketown Beach is more secluded with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
Favorite Fare: Try Butch’s Dry Dock (a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence winner) for a drink and app on the bar side. Warm sourdough bread with smoked sea salt and butter, as well as truffle cauliflower paired with Michigan’s Left Foot Charley Riesling, is a winner.
Plan It: holland.org
Saugatuck & Douglas
Lowdown: Located southwest of Grand Rapids between the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and I-96, the Saugatuck/Douglas region, including nearby Fennville, is known as the Art Coast of Michigan, thanks to its rich legacy of creativity that goes back to the early 20th century with the founding of the Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency in Saugatuck. Ox-Bow drew artists — especially from Chicago — who were inspired by the area. Today, visitors can explore dozens of art galleries and studios showcasing a variety
of styles and mediums. That spirit has also helped to foster a welcoming atmosphere and to make the area a haven for all, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
Distinction: One of the “Best of the Best” U.S. beaches (Oval Beach) — Tripadvisor
Must Do: These towns’ downtowns are as picturesque as their six combined beaches, with galleries and shops as well as quaint inns and eateries. Book a night at the Wickwood Inn, recently refined with a cozy but chic aesthetic; there’s always something to nibble on in the inn’s library (such as a large, locally sourced plate of charcuterie with wine). Breakfast includes avocado toast and farm-fresh eggs. Douglas’s revamped Forest Inn (the former Sherwood Forest bed-and-breakfast) is now open after extensive renovations to the many spaces in both the main house and the cottage as well as the entire grounds.
Add to the List: Fruit farms, wineries, and farmers markets dot this region’s countryside thanks to the moderating influence of Lake Michigan and favorable soil conditions.
Favorite Fare: Saugatuck locals give a thumbs-up to the upscale Bowdie’s Chophouse and Pumpernickels.
Plan It: saugatuck.com
South Haven
Lowdown: Positioned on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Black River about an hour north of the Indiana state line on I-196.
Distinction: One of the most beautiful towns in America — World Atlas
Must Do: Of the 10 public beaches, families love South Beach because of its access to the South Haven Lighthouse, concession stand, picnic areas, and playground. North Beach is also popular. The South Haven South Pierhead Light is at the entrance to the Black River. It was lit in 1872 and is still operational, with an original catwalk that still links the tower to shore.
Add to the List: Van Buren State Park is known for its tremendously high dune formations. Try a Beachtown Buggies rental to cruise down to the beach or explore the Michigan Maritime Museum, with its changing exhibits and a fleet of period and replica vessels available to visitors for on-water experiences.
Favorite Fare: Clementine’s, an 1896 building that once housed the Citizen’s State Bank, features lots of choices for all ages, from chicken fingers to steaks.
Plan It: southhaven.org
St. Joseph
Lowdown: Located in the southwest corner of the state on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the St. Joseph River about 90 miles from Chicago.
Distinction: One of the friendliest little towns in Michigan — World Atlas
Must Do: Silver Beach County Park has access to the South Pier and lots of swimming space. Sunset lovers like Tiscornia Beach Park, where you can tour the North Pier Lighthouse. Live theater, tall ship sailing, lavender fields, wine trails, beaches … it’s all in this region.
Add to the List: Antiques on the Bluff in Lake Bluff Park overlooking Lake Michigan features more than 50 antiques vendors and takes place on the first Sunday of the month from May through October. Admission is free.
Favorite Fare: Schu’s Grill & Bar, located downtown, provides views of Lake Michigan and serves up burgers of all types, from olive to caprese; fish entrées; catch-of-the-day specials; perch sandwiches; and more.
Plan It: stjoetoday.com
North Central
Cadillac
Lowdown: Located on the shores of Lake Cadillac. The Clam River, which begins in Cadillac, is part of the Muskegon River watershed. “It’s the diamond on your left hand — a beautiful mix of two lakes, parks, culture, and a quaint little town to explore,” says resident Julie Raabe Gentry.
Distinction: One of the greatest adventure towns in northern Michigan — Traverse Northern Michigan
Must Do: The 660-acre William Mitchell State Park, situated between lakes Mitchell and Cadillac, provides great beach access and designated swim areas. For a hike or bike ride, the 92-mile Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park can be accessed from the east side of Lake Cadillac. A network of trails follows the lake’s shoreline, so be on the lookout for wildlife!
Add to the List: Lake Mitchell is perfect for kayaking.
Favorite Fare: Gentry gives Clam Lake Beer Co. and Lakeside Charlies (sit on the patio) a thumbs-up for good sandwiches and other casual food.
Plan It: cadillacmichigan.com
Houghton Lake
Lowdown: Located in Roscommon County, Houghton Lake is home to the largest inland lake in Michigan, covering about 22,000 acres. It’s a big draw for boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and anglers.
Distinction: Named a “fish factory” and “best action spot in Michigan” — Game & Fish
Must Do: Head to Lakeview Park, which offers scenic lake views and has a pavilion, fishing pier, and kayak launch. Located at Federal Avenue and M-55, the park and lake lure a lot of fisherfolk thanks to a rich fish habitat including walleye, bass, northern pike, and panfish.
Add to the List: Cruise the lake in a pontoon, and if you don’t have one, visit docklyne.com for rental information. Love miniature golf? Try for holes-in-one at Pirate’s Cove in Prudenville, located about 5 miles east of Houghton Lake. History buffs love to stop at Trestle Park and its historic railroad trestle that commemorates Michigan’s logging days of the late 1800s.
Favorite Fare: Make the most of water views by finding a seat at the Back Door Saloon, which features popular burgers and gorgeous lake vistas. The building has been part of the region’s history since the 1930s. DJ music also is on tap, typically on Saturdays. We hear the Bloody Mary is the best!
Plan It: visithoughtonlake.com
Leelanau Peninsula
Lowdown: The 30-mile Leelanau Peninsula is northwest of Traverse City and extends into Lake Michigan. Leelanau: The name alone evokes relaxation, from its scenic M-22 highway to the dozens of vineyards soaking up the region’s perfect lake effect to the astounding Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Cute coastal towns and villages like Leland, Suttons Bay, Empire, Glen Arbor, and others entice with charming downtowns and exquisite beaches. Those jewel-toned waters never leave your side, whether it’s the shimmering grande dame (Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay) or the beckoning emerald waters of crystal-clear Glen Lake. You could spend weeks on the peninsula and never tire of its quintessential northern Michigan vibe.
Distinction: One of the best places to go in the U.S. — Condé Nast Traveler
Empire
Must Do: Explore the dunes, which wow with bluffs that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, and unique flora and fauna. An island lighthouse, U.S. Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, driving tours, and picturesque farmsteads also pepper the village.
Add to the List: All you need is a beach towel, a cooler for your picnic, and sunblock to make the most of this gorgeous slice of Michigan paradise. Hit up Empire Beach Village Park first for swimming and sunbathing before beelining to the big Sleeping Bear!
Favorite Fare: Pick up lunch goodies at Shipwreck Café on Lacore Street — it offers fresh sandwiches, salads, and soups to go. Breakfast wraps, brownies, and cookies are also available.
Plan It: traversecity.com, empirechamber.com
Frankfort
Must Do: Besides beachcombing along soft-sand shorelines, head to Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse for fabulous sunsets from its pier. Then hit M-22 and drive to the Point Betsie Lighthouse to tour the original 1858 lighthouse keeper’s residence. You can also climb the 34-step tower and visit its museum.
Add to the List: Some of the freshest dips you’ll ever take are in the region’s Crystal Lake and Glen Lake, both matching Caribbean colors thanks to their depth and clarity.
Favorite Fare: Rock’s Landing is right on the shores of Crystal Lake. Outdoor seating on an enclosed deck with spectacular views allows you to make the most of Michigan’s great outdoors. Expect local produce and organic meats on the menu, as well as draft beer and specialty cocktails.
Plan It: frankfortmich.com, traversecity.com
Glen Arbor
Must Do: Visitors love the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore territory for its bucolic setting amid sand, dune grasses, and the Crystal River that flows into Lake Michigan near the famous Homestead resort’s beach club. The M22 Inn, a two-story colonial-style motel, is popular for families and is within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Add to the List: Stop at Cherry Republic, the flagship store of all things Michigan cherries. There, you’ll find everything from cherry brownie mixes to cherry wines.
Favorite Fare: Vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers will be satisfied at the quaint Good Harbor Grill, where fresh local whitefish may grace the menu at lunch and dinner. Vegans rave about the tofu scrambles for breakfast. A raspberry jalapeño tofu also entices.
Plan It: visitglenarbor.com
Leland
Distinction: One of the most beautiful small towns in America — Travel + Leisure
Must Do: Catch the flavor of this sweet village — stroll quaint Fishtown, right on the Leland River that flows over a dam and into Lake Michigan. Among shanties, tugs, and charter boats are shops and eateries worth exploring for art, smoked fish, and casual apparel.
Add to the List: Stop in at Verterra Winery (meaning “true to the land”) for estate-grown fruit used to produce red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines that capture the essence of the Leelanau Peninsula. Take a ferry to South Manitou Island for a nice day trip amid forests, schoolhouses, sand dunes, and a lighthouse, or visit North Manitou Island for primitive backcountry camping.
Favorite Fare: The Village Cheese Shanty has a huge following and is perfect for finding
yummy ingredients for a picnic lunch on Van’s Beach.
Plan It: traversecity.com, lelandmi.org
Suttons Bay
Must Do: This is wine country, with 24 tasting rooms on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. We suggest heading over to Gilchrist Farm to enjoy its farm-to-table fare. Suttons Bay Beach on Front Street is a neat spot for picnicking.
Add to the List: Visit the Happy Woman store, a vintage bright-blue structure with a red door, for an array of handmade products and apparel that support makers and artisans.
Favorite Fare: The 45th Parallel Café is chock-full of breakfast options, plus burgers and sandwiches. Grab a table at V.I. Grill, where hand-battered Leelanau cheese curds, hearty sandwiches, and braised ribs rule. Locals love Martha’s Leelanau Table, where in-season Michigan flavors abound.
Plan It: traversecity.com
West
Ludington
Lowdown: Situated around the Pere Marquette Lake and River where U.S. 10 ends at Lake Michigan.
Distinction: Best historic small town in the U.S. — USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Must Do: Stearns Park Beach is a beautiful in-town beach with Brunch Babes food truck
service. Ludington State Park Beach has 7 miles of pristine Lake Michigan coastline with expansive dunes and 25 miles of hiking trails.
Add to the List: There are five historic lighthouses within 60 miles of this part of the state, with two in Ludington. The S.S. Badger, a National Historic Landmark, offers daily ferry service across Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, for 620 passengers and 180 cars May through October. It also offers two-hour evening shoreline cruises on select summer dates.
Favorite Fare: At Table14, a Charleston, South Carolina-inspired bistro owned by husband/wife team Howard and Laura Iles, you’ll find Southern delights such as shrimp and grits, buttermilk-fried chicken, and she-crab soup, to name a few. Local Kim Skeltis says Cluck Bucket has excellent homemade chicken salad dishes and other sandwiches (almost all with chicken), plus rice bowls, fresh lemonade, and crowd-pleasing acai bowls.
Plan It: pureludington.com
Manistee
Lowdown: A 6,200-resident Lake Michigan town halfway between Traverse City and Muskegon along U.S. 31, bisected by the Manistee River and Manistee Lake.
Distinction: Best beach in Michigan (First Street Beach) — USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Must Do: This old lumber baron town overflows with beautiful Victorian architecture. Its downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. A self-guided tour features more than 100 sites. The 1.75-mile South Riverwalk has 25 historical markers. For beachgoers, check out Fifth Avenue and First Street beaches by the North Pier Lighthouse.
Add to the List: Enjoy exhibits and concerts at the 1903-era Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. The S.S. City of Milwaukee, a former Lake Michigan car ferry, runs as a “boatel” in the summer, and the retired U.S. Coast Guard ship Acacia is available for seasonal tours.
Favorite Fare: Try BlueFish Kitchen + Bar for local fish and meats in a historic 1895 building on the river or The Painted Lady Saloon, the oldest operating saloon in town, with delicious homemade soups.
Plan It: visitmanisteecounty.com
Megan Swoyer has covered Michigan travel since her days as associate editor at AAA’s Michigan Living magazine. Today, she is editor of Hour Media’s Michigan Blue magazine.
This story originally appeared in the July 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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