St. Joseph, Michigan pier at dusk

15 Best Things to Do in St. Joseph Michigan (2026)

When it comes to Lake Michigan beach towns,St. Joseph, also known as the “Riviera of the Midwest,” is one that needs to be at the top of your Michigan travel bucket list.

For generations, visitors have been heading to St Joseph (not Saint Joseph), for family vacations, spring break, summer getaways or just a day trip. Whether you’re headed for famed Silver Beach and the Silver Beach Carousel; the St. Joseph pier lighthouses on north pier or downtown St. Joseph, there’s something to do for all ages in and interests in St. Joes, one of our favorite Michigan beach towns.

aerial view of port huron michigan

15 Best Things to Do in Port Huron Michigan (2026 Local’s Guide)

The small city of Port Huron sits on the shore at the meeting point between Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. This location and the maritime history associated with it has granted Port Huron the title of the “Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes.” Much of the culture and recreation in Port Huron revolves around the water, including a historically significant lighthouse, plenty of ship-watching, boat races, and more. Moving away from the water, visitors are welcome to explore a broad collection of museums, downtown riverfront dining, shopping, and more. 

Aerial view of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in fall showing Lake Michigan shoreline, inland lake, and autumn foliage from the overlook

Sleeping Bear Dunes Camping: Best Campgrounds + Booking Guide (2026)

Sleeping Bear Dunes camping is at the top of every Michigan bucket list, and with good reason. Set along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Glen Arbor and Empire Michigan, this is one of the most popular camping areas in the lower peninsula.
Filled with inland lakes, the picturesque Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, a towering dune climb and endless miles of sandy Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of northern Michigan’s top tourist attractions.

road winding through a tunnel of trees in autumn

Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees: Complete Guide to the M-119 Scenic Drive

It’s one of northern Michigan’s not-so-best-kept-secrets: a beautiful drive north of Harbor Springs that takes you under a leafy ceiling of leaves…deep greens in the spring and summer and beautiful reds and golds in the autumn months. Michigan’s tunnel of trees is a perfect spot for Michigan fall color tour, and it’s worth exploring in the summer and winter months, too.

new buffalo restaurants

New Buffalo Michigan: A Local’s Travel Guide (2026)

Longing for the relaxation of a quiet Lake Michigan beach?

Eager to explore a quaint Michigan beachtown with a laid-back, small-town vibe?

If so, put beautiful New Buffalo, MI in Berrien County on your travel list today.

We’ve been visiting New Buffalo and the Harbor Country our entire life and want to tell you: there is something special about this hidden little beachtown, tucked away snug of the shores of Lake Michigan.

From the moment you exit the expressway (it’s just off I-94, if that’s how you choose to come), you can’t help but take a deep breath and feel the magic, like a soft lake breeze that sweeps over your entire being.

lake huron beach in oscoda michigan

The Best Things to Do in Oscoda, Michigan (From Someone Who Keeps Coming Back)

In search of the perfect beach day, we headed to northern Michigan and one of our favorite vacation destinations: the sandy beaches of Oscoda, MI. This fun Lake Huron beach town has the perfect setting for all kinds of recreational activities from swimming and kayaking to hiking and biking to fishing and paddle boarding to…you get the picture

Sleeping Bear Dunes national lakeshore in Michigan is one of things to do in michigan in the summer

25 Best Things to Do in Michigan This Summer (From Someone Who Does Them Every Year)

There is magic to be found in a Michigan summer.
The list of things to do in Michigan in summer is endless, so I’ve created a summer vacation bucket list filled with pure Michigan fun.
Summer in Michigan means cool blue water for swimming and boating, endless miles of trails for hiking, and tons of Michigan beaches for exploring.
If you made it through winter in Michigan, you deserve to experience the beautiful warmth of summer! From splash pads to farmers markets, from county fairs to hot air balloon festivals, there are tons of fun activities to add to your ultimate Michigan bucket list of summer activities.
Here are 25 of the best things to do in Michigan in summer.

Lake Huron shoreline with word Huron written in sand at water’s edge

Lake Huron Michigan: A Local’s Complete Travel Guide (2026)

Lake Huron is synonymous with wide, sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, splashing and playing in the freshwater surf.

We’re sure that Lake Huron’s stunning coast is a true natural Michigan treasure, and we think you’ll agree once you’ve visited.

We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting Lake Huron in Michigan.

We’re also giving you an interactive Lake Huron Travel Map, to make sure you don’t miss a spot on this beautiful coast.

Read on to discover everything you need to know to start planning or visit to this magical Michigan coastline.

tents along a river

Michigan River Camping: 10 Best Rivers to Paddle and Camp (2026)

River camping is a fun and exciting way to experience the many beautiful bodies of water Michigan offers.
There’s something so enticing about packing up, situating yourself in a canoe or kayak, and floating down the river to experience Michigan’s natural beauties. Whether you enjoy fishing, rowing, or just want to take on a challenge, river camping is sure to provide something for you to enjoy.
There are so many rivers to choose from in Michigan, and it may be overwhelming to narrow down which ones you want to visit on your trip.
This list compiles ten of our favorite spots you should consider on your next river camping trip, with suggested boat launching coordinates to accompany the descriptions.

A row of grape vines at a Traverse City winery

Best Traverse City Wineries: Old Mission + Leelanau Picks

Situated between Michigan’s pinky finger (also known as the Leelanau Peninsula) and the rest of the mitten, Old Mission Peninsula juts out into Grand Traverse Bay, splitting it into East and West arms. Because of this, Old Mission has some of the best views in all of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This is Michigan’s wine country, and nothing pairs better with the gorgeous view of the bay than a glass of Michigan wine from one of the many lovely wineries found along the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail.

Lake Huron sandy beach with dunes and sailboat along Michigan shoreline

20 Best Lake Huron Beaches in Michigan: A Local’s Guide (2026)

With endless miles of pristine public beaches from Port Huron to Mackinaw City, the Lake Huron beaches are some of the best in the entire state.

From quiet, secluded beaches to busy, bustling spots filled with fun beach activities, there’s a beach for everyone on Michigan’s spectacular Lake Huron coastline.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer vacation, you’ll also need to know more about the sparkling sands and aqua waters of Lake Huron. We’re sharing a list of 20 of our favorite Lake Huron beaches to help you plan your perfect trip to a Michigan beach.

street lined with parade-goers

Cheeseburger in Caseville 2026: Complete Festival Guide

Smell the cheeseburgers wafting through the air? Hear the sounds of Jimmy Buffet songs mingled with the laughs of partygoers on a Lake Huron beach?

Yep. It’s August again, and time for the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival.

This highly-anticipated event is held mid-August and has become an essential part of Caseville, a fun resort town known for its beautiful beaches and casual, laid-back vibe.

a giant rock protruding out of the water in port austin mi

Things to Do in Port Austin Michigan: A Local’s Thumb Coast Guide (2026)

Looking for a fun place to vacation with a seemingly endless sandy shoreline perfect for swimming and splashing?

If you enjoy exploring historic lighthouses, discovering ice cream stores with authentic, old-fashioned soda-fountains, trying new craft beer offerings, sandy dunes adventures, and visiting butterfly gardens, Port Austin, Michigan is the place for you.

Read on to discover a Michigan beach vacation spot that brims with fun during the summer month and put Port Austin on your bucket list today.

Tawas Point lighthouse on lake huron

Lake Huron Lighthouses: My Guide to Michigan’s Most Beautiful Beacons

Looking for your very own cinematic pure Michigan trip? While the state has many opportunities to enjoy those looming structures once used and some still used to aid navigation for boaters back to the shore, the best place to see lighthouses is on Lake Huron in northern Michigan. Indoor tours of these Lakehouses of Lake Huron as well as some beautiful scenery surrounding make these the best date location, family fun day, or a solo trip anyone can make any one of these following destinations the perfect day trip.

michigan bucklet list places incuding mackinac bridge, leland michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes

12 Best Things to Do in Michigan on the Coast (A Local’s Guide)

No matter where your interests lie, there are fun things to do in Michigan. Michigan attractions range from the natural (think towering sand dunes or Isle Royale) to popular tourist attractions like the Detroit Institute of Arts or the Henry Ford Museum. You kind visit a Michigan museum or discovery center, or try exciting outdoor activities like boating, swimming, hiking, and even dog sledding.

Best Places to connect with nature in Michigan

Best Places to Connect with Nature in Michigan: A Local’s Guide

Natural Michigan means clean freshwater lakes, endless streams and rivers, waterfalls, forests, and even towering sand dunes.  The natural wonders of pure Michigan are endless, an ongoing outdoor adventure with endless opportunities for hiking camping, horseback riding or simply relaxing in Michigan’s natural communities. From the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula, Michigan’s natural features inventory is endless.

pretty beach with white sand and blue water

Things to Do in Caseville Michigan: Beaches, Festival & Local Tips (2026)

Looking for a fun place to vacation with a seemingly endless sandy beach perfect for swimming and splashing?

You’ll want to check out Caseville, Michigan , a summer resort-town gem located at the tip of Michigan’s “Thumb” area.

The coast of Michigan’s thumb area has been a favorite vacation destination for beach-goers who love the soft sand and warm waters of Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay.

If you’re looking for a Michigan beach vacation spot that brims with fun during the summer months, put Caseville on your bucket list today.

south haven lighthouse on lake michigan near one of the top south haven campgrounds

Best Camping in South Haven, MI (Campgrounds, RV Parks, Tent Camping, Glamping, Cabins)

Planning some camping in South Haven, Michigan?
It’s that time of the year, when the days are longer and warmer and all you want to do is spend all day basking in the sun. It’s when any whiff of campfire smoke sends a wave of nostalgia through your bones and all you can think about is how badly you want to cook some s’mores.
It’s time to go camping.

Sign for a Saugatuck bed and breakfast

15 Best Hotels in Saugatuck, MI for Every Kind of Getaway

If you’re in need a romantic getaway or relaxing beach vacation, the cozy Saugatuck hotels and Bed and Breakfast’s are just what you need.

The winning combination of stunning landscapes studded with sandy dunes and Lake Michigan combined with a vibrant downtown filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and wineries, breweries and restaurants has everyone planning an escape to this vacation hideaway in west Michigan, not far from Grand Rapids, MI.