Ahh, vacation. Whether you’re planning for months from now or have a spur-of-the-moment urge to get away this weekend, we have some destination ideas for you that will make you feel like you’ve traveled far away, yet they’re all right here in The Mitten! Adventure enthusiasts, relaxation seekers, foodies, sightseers … there’s something here for every interest.
Michigan’s Thumbcoast, which runs 140 miles along Lake Huron, has Port Huron as its hub, though the region spans well beyond. Reachable by car ferry, Harsen’s Island is largely a state-owned nature sanctuary, but there’s also a community called Sans Souci (or carefree) where you can rent pontoons and kayaks, or go on a tiki boat ride via Middle Channel Marina. A 90-minute narrated cruise on the St. Clair River and Lake Huron aboard Huron Lady II is also a favorite, as is Port Crescent State Park, located at the tip of the thumb. The area is also known for shipwrecks, lighthouses, and summer festivals.
More than home to Bronner’s (though that’s a big draw), Frankenmuth has a lot of appeal. From chicken dinners to pretzel twisting and fudge demonstrations; horse-drawn carriage rides to riverboat tours, “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” appeals to families, friends, and couples alike. Zehnder’s Splash Village, Bavarian Blast Waterpark, and Frankenmuth Aerial Park all offer breathtaking fun, while Grandpa Tiny's Farm provides a peek into quiet agricultural life with a petting barn, seasonal activities, and educational tours. Looking for a little luxury? Watch for the 2026 opening of The Mill at Zehnder Park, a boutique hotel overlooking the Cass River.
Marquette, set on Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, blends scenery, walkability, and forested landscapes. Its friendly downtown is filled with independent shops, cafés, and galleries, and the 323-acre Presque Isle Park is celebrated for its iconic views of sandstone cliffs, ancient Black Rocks, and dramatic sunsets. Start the day shopping, browsing, and dining, then close it by taking a scenic drive or bike ride, hiking wooded trails, or spotting birds and wildlife. Sugarloaf Mountain, a short drive from downtown, is also beloved for enjoying panoramas from its 470-foot-high summit.
A stone’s throw from Grand Rapids, Saugatuck-Douglas is miles from ordinary. Visitors can downshift with a Dead Sea mineral facial at SPAlia and a class at Satya Yoga—or rev things up on a tour with Saugatuck Dune Rides and an exhilarating hike at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. For a culinary delight, take a cooking class with Lulu Cadieux. Also popular is wine tasting in nearby Fennville at Modales, Fenn Valley, and Crane's. The Saugatuck-Douglas area is known for unique shopping and diverse cuisine as well, checking all the boxes for the ideal itinerary.
Another close-to-home lakeshore gem is Muskegon. Among the highlights in Port City is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, where there’s something exciting to do in every season. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy zip lining, wheel luge, rock climbing, trail walks, and archery. For a dose of culture, check out the newly renovated Muskegon Museum of Art or take in a performance at the Frauenthal Center. For posh lodging, stay at The Pidge Inn, which is walking distance to Harbour Towne Beach on Muskegon Lake and a short drive to The Deck and the pier.
We also love Manistee for its coastal vibe, sandy slopes, and small-town allure. There’s an accessible riverwalk that follows the Big Manistee River, perfect for an evening stroll, and First Street Beach, which was recognized as the "Best Beach in Michigan" by USA Today in 2024 and 2025. Birders flock to Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve, golfers make the drive to Manistee Golf and Country Club, and photographers focus on Arcadia Scenic Overlook, also known as "Inspiration Point," for its picturesque views. There’s also Lake Bluff Farm, a 76-acre sanctuary where the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies resides.
What guide to the perfect getaways would be complete without including Grand Haven? Wander through Downtown and the hidden corners of Centertown to pick up something special at any of the one-of-a-kind, locally owned boutiques. Or enjoy a beverage and a sweet treat while lounging on one of the many benches that line the main drags. Like many waterfront towns, Grand Haven lures Michiganders to its sun-soaked shores, inviting them to stay for a spell and become immersed in its laidback energy. No schedule, no rushing from Point A to Point B, just pure, uninterrupted leisure.
Allison Kay Bannister has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.
This article originally appeared in the Summer ’26 issue of West Michigan Woman.
