14 Reasons to Visit South Haven This Summer

South Haven is a small community situated comfortably within walking distance of the Lake Michigan shoreline. With a diverse array of lodging & dining options, as well as a legendary history of summer festivals and hospitality to match, South Haven is the perfect place for friends and families to visit and begin new traditions. Here are 14 Reasons folks visit (and revisit) South Haven the most:

1. Sugar Sand & Rocky Beaches
The number one reason why people visit South Haven in the summer is to spend time on the city’s beautiful beaches. Along the Great Lakes you will find different terrains on the shores, from rocks to dunes to soft and silky sand. South Haven’s public beaches (there are seven!) are full of groomed, sugary sand that is perfect for relaxing, building sand castles and enjoying the sunshine.

Photo Credit: @jenninthesun

Photo Credit: @jenninthesun

2. Walkability
You can park anywhere in town and walk from the downtown shopping area to the beach with relative ease. Getting to and from locations is simple in South Haven, and there are several hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals within walking distance to all the excitement of the downtown and nearby beaches. This makes it easy to rent a scooter, a bicycle or a golf cart and have fun around town! It’s easy here!

photo credit: @timlargentsr

Photo Credit: @timlargentsr

3. Variety Of Accommodations
There is a huge variety of places to stay in the city and township. Two locally-owned hotels are located directly downtown, while four chain hotels lie just a mile down from the main strip on Phoenix Street. You’ll also find several bed and breakfasts, an abundant amount of vacation rental homes, unique inns and camping cabins.

The Caboose Inn

Photo Credit: Mark McCulfor

4. Exciting Adventures
Kids will love splashing around at the Friends Good Will Splash Pad, located near South Beach. The Splash Pad is an enchanting and safe place to allow small children to frolic Also, located just 4 miles from downtown, Arvesta Sport Complex contains two wibbit play areas, a cable park for skiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding (no experience required), waterslides, a drink bar and more!

5. On-Water Experiences
There are so many different options to suit your taste for adventure, relaxation and fun:
• SoHa Surf Shop sets up camp at North and South Beaches with kayak and paddle board rentals.
• The Michigan Maritime Museum hosts a fleet of historic and replica boats, including tall ship Friends Good Will, an experience you can’t miss out on!
• The Sunsetter is docked at the South Marina and is a relaxing cruise that offers views of the lakeshore.
• Elsie J, a renovated 1945 Tugboat, takes day trips and sunset cruises.
Try one, or try all!

6. Pure Michigan Trail Town
In 2019, South Haven was one of the first four communities to be designated as a Pure Michigan Trail Town. Rent a bicycle from Rock n’ Road Cycle and hop on the Kal-Haven and Van Buren Trails for a scenic ride, or a casual stroll. Rent a kayak at Black River Park and paddle up river on the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail. Visit one of the township’s four nature preserves and hike along dunes, wooded paths and even search for beach glass. There are so many ways to enjoy South Haven’s trails, and each trail has its own unique aspects.

7. Waterfront Bars
If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere to grab a bite or have a drink, look no further than Captain Lou’s, Admiral Jack’s and the Idler Riverboat. All three are situated around South Haven’s harbor and you can very easily walk to and from each bar. Live music is a frequent occurrence on the weekends in the summertime.

Photo Credit: Radiant Landscapes Photography

8. Handcrafted Haven
Three breweries, one craft beer tasting room, three wine tasting rooms, a winery and a cidery all exist within the South Haven zip code. You can find even more if you venture further afield in all directions. There are so many flavors to try!

9. Michigan’s Fruit Belt
Fresh produce is a staple at South Haven’s downtown farm market, which runs every Saturday from mid-May to mid-October and every Wednesday from June-August. There are several surrounding farms offering u-pick strawberries, raspberries, peaches and (of course) blueberries. Summer fruit is a must have, and in South Haven there is PLENTY to go around!

South Haven, aka The Blueberry Capital of the World!

10. Locally-Owned And Quaint Downtown
South Haven’s downtown is full of locally-owned shops and restaurants. You’ll find a variety of stores, from t-shirt shops to jewelry, women’s clothing, home decor, candy, toys, books and so much more. Make it an adventure with in-store experiences like 42N Naturals‘ fragrance and terrarium bar, and Kalamazoo Candle Company‘s candlemaking workshop!

11. Eating Across Downtown
Whether it’s a burger and beer or a martini and chef’s plate, you’ll be able to satisfy your craving at one of the many South Haven restaurants. There are classic American diners, upscale destinations, pizza joints and ethnic options. On the water, the beach, in town, or in the country, there’s a place to eat in nearly every corner of South Haven. With vineyards and craft breweries to tour as well, you can try something new every day. Eat your way through South Haven’s restaurants and maybe you’ll even find your new favorite food spot!

The Reuben Sandwich at The Lodge

12. Sherman Dairy Bar’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Sherman’s has been a local favorite for 63 years and for good reason! Their old-fashioned ice cream is made one batch at a time with rich flavors. You’ll find classic flavors along with fun and unique choices, and of course the midwestern favorite, blue moon!

13. Historic Movie Theatre With Throwback Prices
Rain or shine, a movie at the historic downtown Michigan Theatre is a fun way to spend your time. The prices have not changed since the 90’s so you can see a matinee for only $4, and an evening show for $5.50. You can’t beat that!

14. Sunsets Over Lake Michigan
Cozy up in the sand, gather in front of the lighthouse, or find a spot among the bluffs. Sunsets are a magical sight and they are a great way to wind down from the day. If there is anything we highly recommend, it’s witnessing a stunning, colorful sunset. That’s a South Haven specialty! Click here for our 2023 Sunset Schedule.

photo credit: @timlargentsr

Photo Credit: @timlargentsr

Explore the Lake Michigan Beachtowns in the Winter

Lake Michigan Lighthouse Frozen

While we are the Michigan Beachtowns and we are most famous for our summers, there is still plenty to do and discover in the winter months along Lake Michigan!

Little Sable Lighthouse - 📷 @r_christensen_photography

Silver Lake Sand Dunes + Hart

This area is best known for their towering sand dunes that keep watch over Silver Lake and Lake Michigan. The Silver Lake Sand Dunes ORV area is open April 1st through October 31st but there are still many winter activities to enjoy! Pentwater Patherways and The Hart-Montague Bike Trail are each excellent areas to cross-country ski or snowshoe. When the snow is at least 4 inches or more, snowmobiles are permitted on the Hart-Montague Trail which is 22-miles long! The Little Sable Point Lighthouse Beach is accessible in the winter months even though it is not open for tours. Take a quiet walk along the frozen lakeshore and don’t forget a selfie with Little Sable. Learn more about the Silver Lake Area here!

Muskegon Muskegon Lighthouse 📷 @gregviau

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex luge track is one of only four luge tracks in existence here in the United States. And you can give it a try! Public participants receive equipment and training before shooting down the luge upwards of 30mph. If this is a little too adventurous for your taste, the Winter Sports Complex also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding. Pere Marquette Beach is home to two lighthouses and gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. Warm up after a day full of winter fun by visiting one of the many breweries and coffee shops downtown Muskegon. Catch a Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey game while eating gourmet tacos from Rad Dads Taco & Tequila Bar. Learn more about the Muskegon area here!

Grand Haven Lighthouse 📷 @colegrove_photographyGrand Haven

Good news! You don’t have to drive 2 hours further up north to be able to go skiing! Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl is just minutes from downtown shops & restaurants and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding on lighted paths, including tow ropes, eight downhill runs, and snowmaking. Warm up on cold days at Mulligan’s Lodge inside next to the fireplace or sit outside in the Adirondack chairs that circle the outdoor firepit. Grand Haven State Park is home the the Grand Haven Lighthouses and Pier whose catwalk looks otherworldly when covered in snow and ice. Pigeon Creek Park has lighted cross-country ski and snowshoe trails as well as a lighted sledding hill. The Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park offers snowshoe rentals and cross-country ski trails. Downtown Grand Haven has heated sidewalks for slush free shopping and many breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants to warm up. Learn more about the Grand Haven area here!

Holland Holland Lighthouse 📷 @david.sowa

Starting in late November, the Holland area embraces the season by celebrating with their Dutch Winterfest and with their open-air European Kerstmarkt with unique gifts for all. Downtown Holland has heated sidewalks and outside fireplaces so that shoppers can make their way to over 100 locally owned shops and restaurants. Even though Holland is home to many wonderful breweries, New Holland Brewing Company was born here in 1997 and has grown to be one of the leading innovators in craft brewing and distilling. Riley Trails is a multi-use trail that has a 4-5 mile mountain bike loop is a favorite of fat tire bike riders in the snowy months. Don’t forget to stop at Holland State Park to watch a winter sunset or get a photo with Big Red! Learn more about the Holland area here!

Saugatuck 📷 @lady_of_saugatuck Saugatuck-Douglas

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can be a lot of work but with views of Lake Michigan, the 13 miles of trails at Saugatuck Dunes State Park are worth the effort. If you more of a quiet winter hike kind of person, the Tallmadge Woods Loop has views of the Kalamazoo River, Lake Michigan, and Ox-Bow Lagoon. The charming downtowns of Douglas and Saugatuck have unique gift shops, cozy coffee cafes, and farm-to-table cuisine. The area is home to many vineyards, tasting rooms, breweries, and cider mills including Virtue Cider. Located on a working farm, you can sip a variety of hard ciders while visiting the local pigs, sheep, and chickens. Learn more about the Saugatuck-Douglas area here!

South Haven South Haven 📷: @davidwbehrensphotography

A great way to start a winter’s day in the South Haven area is with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate from a local cafe and then to head down to South Beach to see the frozen lighthouse and lakeshore. The 34-mile Kal-Haven Trail is open to cross-country skiers, snowshoeing, and snowmobiles when the conditions are right. For downhill skiing, Timber Ridge Ski Area and Bittersweet Ski Area are located nearby. Bitter-Sweet Acres has horse drawn wagon, sleigh, trolley, or carriage rides. The South Haven Ice Rink is an outdoor, covered ice rink located in downtown near many restaurants and cafes. Not only do they offer skate rentals, but they also host curling lessons and leagues! Learn more about the South Haven area here!

St Joseph Light House 📷 @alexlewislandscapesSaint Joseph

Being one of the most southern towns along Lake Michigan, the St. Joe area can experience some of the largest waves on Lake Michigan. Watch the waves crash against the mighty St. Joseph Lighthouse creating an unforgettable formation of ice along the pier. Lake Bluff Park overlooks Lake Michigan, Silver Beach, and the Silver Lake Carousel. From the first Friday of December through Valentine’s Day Lake Bluff is covered in over 1 million lights.  The Saint Joseph area is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, and more. Follow the Makers Trail and visit local brewers, wine makers, and distillers. Grab a Makers Trail Flight Crew Passport for your trip to collect stamps and free gear. Learn more about the Saint Joseph area here!

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