Grand Haven is nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan on the West side of the state. It’s everything you could imagine a “beach town” to be. That’s why people flock to Grand Haven from all over the country as well as so many local residents planning their own staycations here. Whether you are planning a summer vacation with the whole family, kids included, or a weekend with friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this town! Starting to plan a trip to Grand Haven? Here’s everything you should know about what to do, where to eat and drink, and most importantly where to stay in this beautiful beach town.
Where to stay
When it comes to planning your stay in Grand Haven, you have many different options for lodging. Whether you are bringing along the whole family or you’re on a couple’s trip, there are great options for places to stay. There are many vacation home rentals in the area that can accommodate larger groups of people or families. These properties can be found on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. If you are just coming with a significant other or a couple of people, there are many local hotels that offer a relaxing and comfortable lodging experience. Depending on the time of the year that you go, it may be necessary to book your lodging well in advance for popular summer months.
Where to eat and drink
Grand Haven is full of local eateries that will be sure to satisfy your taste buds. For the adults, there are a few different breweries that call the Grand Haven area home that are worth checking out including Odd Side Ales, Vander Mill, and Grand Armory Brewing Company. Along with these breweries, there are many local bars in the area as well to grab a drink on the patio.
In you are searching for a bite to eat, the options are endless! From your typical American cuisine to hearty Italian, you will find it all here. Some of the local favorite restaurants in the area include:
What to do in Grand Haven
When it comes to finding something to do in Grand Haven, you will never run out of options. From catching a beautiful sunset on Lake Michigan to taking part in retail therapy, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do during your stay in Grand Haven:
Beach day
The Grand Haven City Beach is visited by thousands of people every single year! There is limited parking available to bring your car, but it is within close walking distance from the downtown area. Also by this beach is the Grand Haven State Park where you will find camping and more on the beach. There are volleyball nets set up across the length of the beach for additional summertime fun with the whole family. This is the perfect place to have a beach day, whether you are throwing a ball around or lounging by the shore in the sunshine.
Take a hike
There are many different places in Grand Haven to go hiking. Whether you are looking for sand dunes and water or nature and trees, there is a hike that you will love here. A few of the most popular places to take a hike in Grand Haven include:
- Rosy Mound Natural Area
- North Ottawa Dunes
- Pigeon Creek Park
Experience the Musical Fountain
The famous musical fountain in Grand Haven is fun for everyone of all ages to check out! During scheduled times at night, the fountain will play music that’s synchronized with the water fountain and lights. This makes a cool performance to see when you’re in the area. To find out more about the musical fountain, visit their website here.
Shop downtown
Downtown Grand Haven is home to many small businesses and local shops. The best part of the downtown district is that you can walk to all of these places without having to drive. There are cute galleries, boutiques, and more to explore in Grand Haven. To find a full list of the different local shops in the downtown district, visit this website.