Michigan summer is on its way! The Mitten State offers visitors its lakes combined with its beaches and beautiful natural sights. Our team assists clients in locating Michigan summer vacations that match their desired spending level.
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Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a longer vacation, these top Michigan spots will spark your imagination.
Vacation Spots on Lake Michigan and Its Shores
Michigan residents cherish summer vacations on the lakes. We can understand why: a lake vacation mixes the soothing murmur of beach waves with the thrill of water activities. Selecting a lake destination for your next vacation might be the hardest.
Petoskey, Michigan
Petoskey functions as a representative northern Michigan town because it contains numerous lakes as well as beaches together with outdoor possibilities.
Take your bike on a scenic trail tour for miles while you explore both local farms and vineyards and study the Victorian architectural heritage and visually enjoy the historic central district.
Watch a sensational sunset at the beach then bring the day to an end. Become observant for the Petoskey Stone which serves as the state stone of Michigan while you are there.
Charlevoix, Michigan
Adults and children alike love Charlevoix.
As the weather warms up and more people go to the beach and boats hit the waves, this sleepy resort town transforms into a summertime mecca. An increasingly popular “hidden” summer getaway in Michigan, it has grown in popularity over the years.
Charlevoix is a great place to visit if you’re seeking a little town vibe with some fascinating architecture (the town is famed for its mushroom cottages).
A splash pad and an outdoor, interactive music garden are the finishing touches to their wonderful library.
Torch Lake, Michigan
The Caribbean-looking Torch Lake seems to have been dumped in Michigan by a spacecraft.
It is one of the top Michigan summer vacation sites, and its breathtaking turquoise and deep aqua hues make it a sight to see.
With the lake’s many sandbars—including a two-mile-long one—you and the kids will have plenty of chances to soak in the lake’s breathtaking scenery.
Traverse City, Michigan
If you’re looking for beaches, fruit, festivals, and more, Traverse City has you covered. Tourists from all over the globe flock to this legendary Michigan summer destination.
Clinch Park Beach’s coastline, splash pad, and munchies draw visitors. Downtown eateries and stores are across the street.
Residents from Michigan spend time in Traverse City for both weekday trips and summer vacation because of the many lodging choices and camping facilities and recreational activities.
Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan
Tourists find themselves drawn to the Leelanau Peninsula through its pretty towns and stunning seashore alongside the regional wines produced locally.
By taking the famous Michigan State Highway 22 all the way into the Leelanau Peninsula, you can cross two items off your Michigan Day Trips bucket list.
Stop by one of the twenty wineries in the area, take a stroll around Historic Fishtown, or see the lighthouses. Take in the stunning sunset over Lake Michigan to round off your day.
Manistee, Michigan
Manistee is the place to go if you want to find a hidden treasure that isn’t well known.
Timber baron-owned buildings from the turn of the century enhance the town’s mix of old and new.
Due to its Lake Michigan vicinity, you may go beachcombing, boating, and more.
Imagine driving under a forest canopy, wandering along Arcadia Marsh’s boardwalk, sleeping at the Portage Point Inn, and hugging a gigantic sequoia tree—it’s memorable!
Grand Haven, Michigan
For a lakeside vacation, drive to Grand Haven, Michigan. Take in Lake Michigan’s sparkling water, old lighthouse, and beaches.
Here you can:
- get off of the big lake and into the woods and bayous;
- ride your bike along the paved path system;
- kayak or fish in the rivers or interior lakes;
- see the town on a trolley.
No matter what you’re looking for, Grand Haven has it all!
Holland, Michigan
When the weather warms up, Holland becomes a breathtaking sight. Optimistic Dutch culture and breathtaking beaches characterize this one-of-a-kind Michigan summer getaway.
Visit Holland State Park to relax on one of the best beaches on Lake Michigan, visit the state’s most photographed lighthouse, the Holland Museum, and, in the downtown area, have a brew from one of the many award-winning breweries.
Windmill Island Gardens and Nelis’ Dutch Village miniature amusement park are great places to get your Dutch on.
Traveling to Holland during Tulip Time, a week in May, is perhaps the busiest and most picturesque. With almost six million tulips, the town attracts visitors. This feels magical.
Saugatuck, Michigan
The art and history of Saugatuck are like no other.
The artistic community of this picturesque Michigan lake town has made a name for itself because to its many galleries and studios. The Peterson Mill and the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, which is the only one of its sort in the United States, are sure to delight history enthusiasts.
Because it’s just a few hours away by car, yet seems like a world apart, this Michigan vacation location is a favorite among our Chicago friends.
Visit a local vineyard, go on a paddlewheel boat ride down the Kalamazoo River, explore the 1,000 acres of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and don’t leave without taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan at the hidden Oval Beach.
Port Austin, Michigan
The gem of Lake Huron, Port Austin, lies hidden on Michigan’s “thumb” peninsula. The quilted barns and Grindstone City ghost town make this hamlet exciting and charming.
Spend your Michigan vacation here, sunning on the powdery beaches, shopping at the biggest farmer’s market in the state, or kayaking to Turnip Rock.
Detroit, Michigan
With its resurgence in recent years, the city of Detroit now has world-class museums, a vibrant cultural scene, and a wealth of historical sites.
It is a huge metropolis full with sights, and they’re not all in the city!
The Dequindre Cut rails-to-trails project, the Detroit canals, and the riverwalk are all accessible by bike in this verdant metropolis.
And for some city entertainment, you may go to the Detroit Zoo, see a play, eat some delicious cuisine, see some fantastic murals, or visit the DIA to learn about art and culture.
It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Detroit is always a fantastic Michigan vacation spot.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is the cultural and artistic epicentre of Michigan, known for more than simply its many colleges and tailgating traditions.
Its massive art festival makes it a great Michigan summer vacation option. There are numerous unique shops and outdoor activities around the University of Michigan campus.
Visitors like the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum and the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. Don’t miss Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum and The Petting Farm. See the peonies at their most beautiful around Memorial Day, or find out what adventures await you in the winter.
Where to Go Next?
Was your favorite Michigan vacation location featured? It might be challenging to ensure that we visited all of the amazing places since there are so many. Choose one of these attractions or find something new in Michigan on your own!