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Make the most of summer in Michigan with guides to the best beaches, lakes, outdoor festivals, and adventure activities. Find top swimming spots, boating destinations, hiking trails, and must-visit beach towns. Our summer category is your go-to resource for warm-weather escapes, waterfront dining, family vacations, and classic summer events in Michigan.
Shhhh…we’re going to let you in on some of Michigan’s best-kept secret beaches. These are the beaches that you only learn about if you ask a “local”… the clandestine spots that the people who live near these beach keep to themselves. Sometimes, those “in-the-know” will share this exclusive information with you if you ask really, really nicely :). We have asked nicely, and that it what we will share with you.
There is no shortage of hotels in Mackinaw City, one of the top tourist destinations in Michigan.The challenge is finding the right place for your stay, whether you’re headed for Mackinac islands historical sites, crossing the Mackinac Bridge to St. Ignace, or simply visiting downtown Mackinaw City. Mackinaw City, MI, is set at the tip of Michigan’s mitten, on the shores of Lake Huron. It overlooks the straits of Mackinac, where you’ll see a Mackinac Island ferry or two going back and forth across the water all day long.
Information about ADA Accessible beaches, Barrier-free and Handicap Accessible beaches, Dog-Friendly beaches and family-friendly beaches in the Grand Haven and Holland areas and activities for visitors. Find information about Lake Michigan beach activities and beach amenities in Grand Haven and Holland areas. Information about hotels, cottages and other lodging accommodations in Grand Haven and Holland areas. Information about where to eat and dining options in Grand Haven and Holland areas. Find information about recreational activities in the Grand Haven and Holland areas.
The Grand Haven beaches are some of the best beaches in West Michigan. From busy, bustling beaches with tons of amenities (and people, too) to quiet, natural beaches surrounded by towering dunes and wide open spaces, the beaches of Grand Haven are pretty amazing.
The best part? Most of them are dog-friendly, and that means your beach day just got even better. Although there are great beaches downtown, if you’re willing to drive a little bit, the beaches in the Grand area are pretty great, too.
If you haven’t visited the beautiful Mackinac Island MI, it should be at the top of your Michigan bucket list. Nothing is quite like it – the lakeside views while biking on the coast; the quaint, car-free village with a connected community; the mouth-watering fudge on virtually every corner of the island.
With a Mackinac Island Michigan guide like this one, you’ll be able to plan your vacation and explore Mackinac without missing anything. Whether you’re getting ready for a solo trip to Mackinac or you’re visiting Mackinac Island with kids and other family, there is an endless supply of things to do and enjoy during your stay. Also, if you’re looking for Mackinac Island date ideas, you’ve come to the right place!
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is one of the best flower festivals in the country.
When the lilacs bloom on Mackinac Island, their sweet, elegant aroma welcomes summer to northern Michigan and dresses the island in a debonair shade of purple.
For the 74th year, the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival will bring visitors from all around to celebrate the blooming of the over 250 different types of lilacs found on the island and whose plants have persisted there for over 200 years!
With over 100 Great Lakes lighthouses to see, visit, tour and explore, it’s really no wonder we love them so much, but did you know that some Michigan lighthouses offer the chance to stay overnight? Whether through B&B operations, rental opportunities, or the chance to become a volunteer keeper, staying overnight in a lighthouse on the Great Lakes should be on everyone’s Michigan bucket list.
Traverse City is located in Michigan’s Northwest Region of the Lower Peninsula and is home to miles of picturesque hiking and biking trails, endless local breweries and wineries, miles of sandy shores along turquoise blue waters, and a quaint downtown life perfect for shopping, enjoying local restaurants, and family fun!
Michigan Islands?
That’s right. When you think about the mitten-shaped state of Michigan, the word “island” doesn’t come to mind. Beautiful lakes? Check. Amazing hiking trails? Check. Culinary craft? Check. All four seasons? Check. The list goes on and on.
But now, Islands?
Michigan offers all there is to have in a state and more, and now these 17 Must-Visit Michigan Islands are ones to add to the top of your to-do list when it comes to new treasured experiences in Michigan. From populated islands to remote isles, there is an island in Michigan for you.
For a memorable escape and a unique adventure, these Michigan Islands will have you forgetting you’re located in the Midwest.
Information about ADA-Compliant, Dog-friendly and family-friendly beaches in Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs and activities for visitors. Find information about Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay beach activities and beach amenities in Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Information about hotels, cottages and other lodging accommodations in Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Information about where to eat and dining options in Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Find information about recreational activities in the Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs as well activities for visitors such as Kayaking, Hiking and Biking and more.
Detroit’s Belle Isle Aquarium is one of southeast Michigan’s best-kept secrets.
Want to go eye-to-eye with a Moray Eel? Or have an unforgettable encounter with an Albino African Clawed Frog? How about peeking in on some Michigan Gar Pike?
You can do all of these things at the Belle Isle Aquarium, a family-friendly aquarium on Belle Isle in Detroit. You’ll find a huge collection of fish from the Great Lakes region, and get an up close look at some local species of fish and other aquatic life.
Read on to discover everything you need to plan a visit to this amazing public aquarium in southeast Michigan.
Welcome to Holland, the west Michigan home to tulips, beach towns, and one great trip idea! When you visit Holland, there are some essential things you have to do before you leave. We know the highlights of this beautiful little town, and we don’t want you to arrive unprepared.
Whether you’re going for a Holland day trip or planning to stay a few nights, we’ve got you covered.
For Metro Detroiters, the perfect destination for a quick getaway is a short drive to downtown Detroit to visit the jewel of the city, Belle Isle.
Belle Isle State Park, a spectacular 982-acre island in the middle of the Detroit River, is the perfect example of natural beauty in the midst of a metropolis.
Trip planning ideas for Traverse City, MI | BEST beaches in Traverse City | Attractions & Activities | Lodging and Dining | Vacation Planning Ideas | Best Lake Michigan Beaches | Grand Traverse County Travel | Travel | Family-Friendly Vacation in Traverse City | ADA and Wheelchair Accessible beaches in traverse City | Old Mission Peninsula | Traverse City Wineries
As the beach-loving creator of MyMichiganBeach.com, I’m always chasing those off-the-beaten-path spots that make our state feel magical. Iargo…
After being inside for so long, you might need a small escape. It’s easy to get antsy, but you don’t have to travel far to get over cabin fever. The best way to detox from all of the tech overload is to spend some time in the pure Michigan great outdoors, taking in the fresh air, beautiful views and exploring the hiking and biking trails in Metro Detroit.
Presque Isle is one of my favorite destinations in Michigan — a peaceful, rocky peninsula tucked into the northeast…
Information and tips about visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Find the best beaches in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Find information about Lake Michigan beach activities and beach amenities in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area and Lake Michigan area. Learn where to swim, eat, stay and play in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area and Lake Michigan area.
Summertime may be almost over but there’s still time for a last-minute Michigan getaway. With more than 3000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, endless inland lakes, and forests to hike, there is still time to find a summer fun adventure in pure Michigan.
Let’s face it: Michigan travel is some of the best travel in the United States. We’re spoiled here, with great state parks, fun beach towns, national lakeshores and more. From the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls in the U.P; to Grand Rapids and even small town Ann Arbor, Michigan, everywhere in between, Michigan has tons of great places for weekend getaways. You can find tons of fun travel spots just hours or minutes from metro Detroit, Grand Rapids
Whether you’re looking for romantic getaways or a great place to take the family or simply want to get outside we’re sharing 15 fabulous last minute getaways in Michigan. Labor Day is just around the corner, so read on for some great vacation ideas for a weekend trip or getaways in Michigan before the summer’s out.
Are you ready for a journey through the 15+ best things to do and see on Old Mission Peninsula? If you’re looking for wine-ins, dine-ins, and the good life in old Michigan, you’re in luck: Old Mission Peninsula has everything you need for a perfect getaway all year long.
In the summer, the Lake Michigan breezes are refreshing, and the fall colors in the vineyards are stunning against the backdrop of the bay.
Metro Detroit Beaches
Michigan beaches hold something for everyone, whether it’s a vast, sandy dune overlooking one of the Great Lakes, or a sandy patch of land at a local swimming hole. You can be a child splashing along the shore; a teenager gathering with friends; a family enjoying time together or simply seeking some contemplative time alone, the beaches in Michigan are special and speak to all of us.
Here are some of our favorite beaches in the Metro Detroit Area:
Over the past few years, I’ve developed a stong affinity for Michigan wines. Starting with the popular Blue Heron from St. Julian Wineries, I explored the whites from Leelanau Cellars’ Winter White to the award-winning Late Harvest Reisling from Grand Traverse, before moving to the reds like Red House Red by Black Star Farms.
Discover the beautiful white-sand beaches of Ludington; popular Stearns Park Beach near downtown Ludington features a walkway to the North Breakwater Light and a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Ludington State Park features towering sand dunes, excellent swimming, and extensive trails through the park. Find info about ADA-Accessible, Barrier-free and Handicap Accessible beaches, Dog-Friendly beaches and family-friendly beaches in the Ludington area and activities for visitors.
Welcome to the majestic Keweenaw Peninsula, a hidden gem nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This scenic region, known locally as the Copper Country, offers a blend of historical grandeur, outdoor recreation opportunities and natural beauty.
Information and tips about visiting the St. Joseph, MI area. Find the best beaches in the St. Joseph, MI area. Find information about Lake Michigan beach activities and beach amenities in the St. Joseph, MI area and Lake Michigan area. Learn where to swim, eat, stay and play in the St. Joseph, MI area and Lake Michigan area.
I don’t promote products often — but when I do, it’s because I’ve used them on real Michigan beaches,…
There is a reason that Michigan’s population swells with tourists from around the globe every summer, and that reason has everything to do with the stunning Michigan beaches and clear, fresh waters of the Great Lakes that surround the state.
If you’re heading to the National Cherry Festival this year, you’re probably wondering where to park and how to…
The Traverse City Cherry Festival is THE summer festival in northern Michigan. It’s a celebration of northern Michigan’s favorite fruit on the beautiful shores of Grand Traverse Bay, and it’s one of my favorite Michigan events.
It’s eight days of celebrating everything cherry: cherry blossoms, cherry pies, even a national cherry queen. The annual event is part old-time country fair; part rockin’ beach party; part family-friendly carnival and full-on fun.
From classic car shows to the arts and crafts fair; from a sand sculpture contest on the beach to the Cherry Porch parade, National Cherry Festival week is one giant party in downtown Traverse City and the festival grounds. You’ll find lots of kid’s activities, too, like a Bubble Gum Blowing content and cherry pieeating contests. There are performances to watch, from the Ultimate Air Dogs to the Navy Blue Angels; from Jim Gaffigan to Boyz II Men and Collective Soul. And that’s just a small taste of the many activities planned for this fun event. Whether you take a day trip or a longer vacation, you’re going to want to put the Traverse City National Cherry Festival on your Michigan summer bucket list.
Read on for everything you need to know about this exciting summer festival in Traverse City Michigan.
Excited to celebrate the 4th of July Michigan style? Fourth of July is one of the top party weekends in Michigan. Everyone decked out in red, white, and blue ready to have fun in the sun all day long and enjoy beautiful firework shows at night.
Are you struggling to find something to do for the family or with your friends during this fun-filled weekend? Well, look no further. We have compiled a list of this year’s must-see and do Fourth of July activities and events.
The party is on this Fourth of July season in Michigan, with parades, fairs, cookouts, music festivals, and more. Read on to find Michigan July 4th events near you!
There’s no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday – America’s Independence Day – than gathering with friends and family on a Michigan beach to see a sizzling spectacular fireworks display over the water.
Watching the bright colors burst against a dark night sky (cue the Ooohhs and Aahhs) while commemorating the birth of the USA is a summer rite of passage for many Michigan residents and visitors alike.
Music festivals are a must-do activity for any lover of the summer months, and Michigan’s music scene is hot! Cites across Michigan offer plenty, all covering a different genre and fitting into a unique niche.
Musical fests offer a great opportunity to kick back and enjoy the Michigan outdoors. This list covers a total of 15 music festivals to keep your eye out for when making your summer plans in Michigan.
After dozens of Michigan beach trips, I’ve learned what truly makes for a perfect day by the lake. This…
Michigan Strawberry Picking season is finally here!For some, Strawberry U-Pick is a well-kept secret here; most tourists accidentally discover strawberry fields when they pull off the road to buy some fruit at a fruit stand along M-22 or another scenic country road in Michigan.
Michigan Destinations for Budget-Friendly Getaways If you’re like me, you want to experience the best of Michigan without worrying…
The Michigan Memorial Day parades all over the state honor those who have lost their lives in battle for our country. It’s a agreat way to pay homage to their memory durign the long Memorial Day weekend in Michigan.
Looking for fun and exciting ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Michigan? Well, look no further! Michigan has an array of events to honor the memory of those who fought for our country. From backyard barbeques to 5ks and kids activities to memorial day ceremonies, we’re sharing everything you need to know about celebrating Memorial Day in Michigan.
Summer is festival season in Michigan, and I have a confession: I wait for it all year long. From…
If you’re a Michigan travel buff, you’ve definitely heard of the Tahquamenon Falls before. If you’re not, then you’re in for a treat: Tahquamenon Falls is one of Michigan’s most-visited spots, and with good reason. It’s pure Michigan beauty at its natural best, and its practically free: all you need is a Michigan state park pass.
If you’re looking for one of the very best spots in Michigan for a vacation getaway, look no farther than Glen Arbor, Michigan.
Set in a picturesque glen in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor is a cherry-land paradise at the top of the list of Michigan’s must-see destinations.
And with good reason.
One visit to this beautiful, friendly town and you’ll be hooked for life. From the charming downtown that swells with delighted visitors in the summer and fall to the cozy surroundings, you can’t help but just love Glen Arbor.
Surrounded by water, including Lake Michigan Big Glen Lake, and Little Glen Lake, it’s home to some of the prettiest beaches in the country. Whether you take a boat, paddleboard, kayak or simply swim and splash on the shores, you’ll love exploring the water here.
You’ll also find boutiques and art galleries to wander, restaurants, and comfortable inns.
Read on to discover what to do in Glen Arbor MI. You’ll find everything you need to know to plan your trip to this special spot in northern Michigan.
Planning your Michigan girls weekend getaway?
You’re in for a treat. There is no better place to unwind and celebrate friendship than with a pure
Michigan girls’ trip!
Whether it’s southwest Michigan’s art coast, exploring the northern Michigan wineries or hiking through
the trails Sleeping Bear Dunes, there is no shortage of fun getaway ideas for a much-needed girls’
weekend.
Copper Harbor is the most northern city in Michigan, located right at the top of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the most northern part of the Upper Peninsula.
One of the top destinations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Copper Harbor MI offers breathtaking views and endless waterfront. It also has something for every type of nature lover, whether it be hiking, canoeing, fishing, or camping.
In addition to an amazing trail system in Keweenaw County, you’ll also find waterfalls to explore, and great places for bird watching.