Looking for artsy charm and coastal beauty on Lake Michigan? Discover Saugatuck! This beloved beach town offers art galleries, sand dunes, boutique shopping, and sunset cruises—all with a relaxed, creative vibe. Whether you're kayaking, wine tasting, or browsing downtown, Saugatuck is pure Michigan magic.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Saugatuck is late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer offers warm beach days and lively downtown events, while fall brings colorful foliage, crisp air, and fewer crowds—perfect for cozy weekends and scenic hikes.
How to Get There
- By Car: Saugatuck is just off I-196, about 45 minutes from Grand Rapids and 2.5 hours from Chicago or Detroit.
- By Plane: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids is the nearest major airport, about 1 hour away.
- By Bus: Limited regional bus services run to nearby Holland or South Haven with car rentals available from there.
Where to Stay
- Wickwood Inn – Elegant downtown B&B offering gourmet breakfasts and luxurious rooms near shops and galleries.
- Lake Shore Resort – Adults-only lakefront retreat with private beach access and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
- The Hotel Saugatuck – Romantic, modern inn with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and breakfast-in-bed service.
Top Attractions
- Saugatuck Dunes State Park – Hike wooded trails and climb towering dunes for breathtaking views and access to a quiet beach.
- Oval Beach – One of the top-rated beaches in the Midwest, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or watching a Lake Michigan sunset.
- Saugatuck Chain Ferry – Ride the hand-cranked ferry across the Kalamazoo River—one of the last of its kind in the U.S.
- Mount Baldhead Park – Climb 300+ steps for panoramic views, then descend to Oval Beach via forested trails.
- Downtown Saugatuck – Stroll art galleries, boutique shops, and vibrant cafés in a walkable, welcoming downtown.
More Attractions
⮕ Step Into the Past and Savor the Lake Life at Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Museum
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Museum is a well-known museum in Michigan. Every year, thousands of visitors come to observe the exhibits, spend time in the outdoor garden, and take in the view from the harbor-front walkway. The museum has an eclectic range of permanent and temporary exhibitions featuring the history of dancers, artists, gangsters, shipwrecks, and more. A team of volunteer writers and designers help create the Saugatuck Museum’s unique style. The museum is run by local volunteers. There’s no admission or parking fee when visiting the museum, but donations are always welcome and appreciated.
735 Park Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, Phone: 269-857-7900
⮕ Swirl, Sip, and Soak in the Scenery at Fenn Valley Vineyards
Fenn Valley Vineyards and Wine Cellar was founded in 1973. The family who owns and operates the vineyards opened the business with one clear objective. Their goal was and still is to “produce world-class wines from grapes grown along the shore of Lake Michigan.” The Vineyards are located on a 240-acre estate just five miles from the lake. Throughout the year, locals and visitors can enjoy events like Vine Wine’d Trail Run, a Chili Cookoff, a Wine Festival, and Winemaker’s Dinners. On a more regular basis, the business hosts vineyard tours, private tasting events, and educational wine tasting tours.
6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408, Phone: 269-561-2396
Where to Eat
⮕ Fuel Your Day Where Beans Meet Bold at Uncommon Coffee Roasters
Uncommon Coffee Roasters, UCR for short, opened in 1994 under the name Uncommon Grounds. At that time, the cafe was sourcing its coffee from a local coffee roaster. This changed in 2000, when founders Guy Darienzo, and Stephen Keye started to roast their own coffee. A decade later, the popularity of their coffee grew so much that the owners opened up a wholesale business. UCR is a certified LGBT Enterprise that provides its products to over 200 businesses in the Midwest. This company is also conscious of its carbon footprint, so it serves coffee drinks in biodegradable cups that come with compostable sleeves.
127 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck MI 49453, Phone: 269-857-3333
⮕ If You Crave Gourmet Comfort in a Storybook Setting, Book The Belvedere Inn
The Belvedere Inn and Restaurant is a fully restored Gilded Age mansion. The name Belvedere translates to ‘beautiful view’ in Italian. The mansion was built in 1912 and is located two miles outside of downtown Saugatuck. It was later converted into an Inn and now features seven luxurious guest rooms and three magnificent suites. It covers 5-acres of manicured gardens and has amenities characteristic of a 5-star hotel. The Belvedere also has a top-class restaurant with a log burning fireplace, European inspired dishes, and a full wine and spirits menu. The Inn can also be reserved for private events and parties.
3656 63rd Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, Phone: 877-858-5777
Local Events
- Saugatuck Venetian Festival (August) – Summer celebration featuring a boat parade, live music, and fireworks over the harbor.
- Saugatuck Expo (June) – Month-long series of art, music, theater, and culinary events showcasing the town’s creative spirit.
- Fall Gallery Stroll (October) – Discover local artists and special exhibits across Saugatuck and Douglas in a weekend-long art walk.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Saugatuck, Michigan
- Douglas (5 min) – Stroll art galleries, sip craft cocktails, or relax on the waterfront boardwalk.
- Fennville (10–15 min) – Visit local wineries, explore family farms, or dine at acclaimed countryside restaurants.
- South Haven (25–30 min) – Walk the pier, browse lakeside shops, or catch a Lake Michigan sunset cruise.
- Holland (20–25 min) – Tour the tulip-lined streets, visit Windmill Island Gardens, or shop in the charming downtown.
- Ganges (10–15 min) – Explore rural backroads, stop at roadside farm stands, or visit artisan studios and markets.
- Glenn (10–15 min) – Discover a quiet beach, browse antique shops, or picnic at a scenic overlook.
- Pullman (20–25 min) – Fish inland lakes, hike nature preserves, or relax in a quiet, wooded setting.
- Macatawa (25–30 min) – Walk sandy beaches, tour historic cottages, or paddle Lake Macatawa’s peaceful shoreline.
- Blue Star Highway Corridor (5–20 min) – Drive scenic byways, shop roadside galleries, or stop at craft breweries and cideries.
FAQ
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Where is Saugatuck located?
- Saugatuck is a small city in western Michigan, just steps from the shores of Lake Michigan.
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What makes Saugatuck a special destination?
- The city has a lot of charm and a strong sense of community, making it a welcoming place for visitors.
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What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Saugatuck?
- Visitors can explore the town’s museum, admire artwork at the local art school, or go wine tasting at a family-owned vineyard.
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What dining experiences does Saugatuck offer?
- Restaurants and cafés in town offer al fresco dining, cider tastings, or a warm cup of tea at the town’s tea house.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming tulips, perfect for exploring nature.
The Hotel Saugatuck – A charming waterfront bed-and-breakfast.
Visit the Saugatuck Dunes State Park – Enjoy hiking trails and breathtaking lake views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for beach outings and outdoor activities.
Lake Shore Resort – A relaxing stay with private lake access.
Relax at Oval Beach – One of the best freshwater beaches in the country.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage, great for scenic drives.
Wickwood Inn – A cozy and romantic getaway with gourmet breakfast.
Explore downtown Saugatuck – Browse art galleries, boutique shops, and local restaurants.
Plan Your Trip