Welcome to
Saugatuck / Douglas, MI
From outdoor adventures to romantic getaways, art galleries to al fresco dining, and sunny days to cozy nights, it’s easy to see why Saugatuck/Douglas has a special place in so many hearts.
Saugatuck / Douglas
Beaches
Our shoreline, highlighted by the famous Oval Beach, has been named as one of the best in the world, with accolades from Conde Nast Traveler, MTV, National Geographic and more over the years. Come discover one of our 6 unique beaches that are steeped in nature and spectacular views. The beaches in the Saugatuck/Douglas area are perfect for family vacations, getaways with friends, an afternoon in the sun, a special trip, or any plans that bring you to the wind and the waves.
Panoramic Horizons
& Rolling Dunes
Oval Beach is the crown jewel of Saugatuck’s Lake Michigan beaches, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Michigan. Recognized as one of the top beaches in the USA and one of the top 25 beaches in the world, it’s easy to see why Oval Beach is the preferred choice for beach vacations on Lake Michigan. With a backdrop of rolling rolling sand dunes and a panoramic horizon across the lake, Oval Beach is a scene straight from a postcard. It’s not just the exquisite views that make this Saugatuck beach a must-see locale; concessions stands, picnic areas, a chain ferry and an Interurban Bus make it easy to hang out for the day and enjoy the town nearby.
Play in the
Sun, Sand & Water
While Oval Beach may be the most famous beach in Saugatuck, MI, there are plenty of beaches in this area to make your own. The Saugatuck Dunes State Park puts you right between beautiful Lake Michigan and the iconic sand dunes, including a 200 ft climb and amazing overlook. Pier Cove Beach and Laketown Beach are smaller, more remote beaches great for quiet retreats. Wade in the creek at Pier Cove Beach with your kids to enjoy the water away from the waves, or get your cardio workout in at the long staircase on Laketown Beach. Plan a picnic, playdate or family gathering at the pavilion at West Side County Park and spend the afternoon with your favorite people in an idyllic setting.
Explore
Saugatuck / Douglas, MI
Stay
Rest easy. We have the perfect place for you. Saugatuck bed & breakfasts, hotels, resorts and vacation homes have delighted travelers for generations. Between Lake Michigan, Kalamazoo Lake and the Kalamazoo River, it’s easy to get views of the water from almost any location in Saugatuck, MI. When you wake up in the morning, you can pull up a chair on the edge of Kalamazoo Lake to have your morning coffee, or take the Interurban Bus down to Oval Beach to pick out your spot for a day on Lake Michigan. With dozens of welcoming B&Bs in beautiful, historic buildings, spacious cottages and suites, luxurious resorts and more, you can find your ideal getaway in Saugatuck/Douglas.
Shop
Our sidewalks are brimming with one-of-a-kind shops featuring art, clothing, Michigan-made goodies, and more. Home to the Ox-Bow School of Art, the Chicago Art Institute’s summer school of painting, many exceptional painters and other artists have discovered and honed their talent in Saugatuck/Douglas. The Saugatuck/ Douglas area is known as the Art Coast of Michigan for good reason. You’ll find dozens of fine art galleries to appeal to a wide range of tastes and styles, from abstract to realistic, surrealist to impressionist, oil paintings to water colors, wood sculpture, metalwork, clay sculpture and many more. You can find a stunning showpiece here that may also be your favorite souvenir.
Dine
Cheers! Our local wine, craft beer, hard cider, and restaurants are serving up the best of Michigan’s harvest for you. Local wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries brew original, one-of-a-kind beverages for you to enjoy alongside delicious meals made from locally-grown and sourced meats and produce. Extraordinary lake-side and river-side views provide elegant ambiance to complete an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or treating yourself or your sweetheart to a nice evening out, enjoy a five-star meal with beautiful views at one of the many restaurants in downtown Saugatuck/ Douglas.
Things to Do
Adventures await you in the dunes, the town, and the waterways. From sunrise to sunset, there’s never a dull moment here. Some visitors look forward to a relaxing beach retreat at Lake Michigan in Saugatuck, and others look for more adventure. Many look for a combination of both! Whether you’re looking for fast-paced or dialed-back, indoor or outdoor, there are many options to choose from in Saugatuck, MI. If you’re looking for a challenge, climb the 200 ft sand dune at one of Saugatuck / Douglas’s many beautiful beaches. For a more relaxing afternoon, find your sunny spot on the beach or explore the shops and restaurants in downtown Saugatuck / Douglas.
Saugatuck / Douglas
West Michigan Pike
The West Michigan Pike byway brings you to many of the most beautiful beaches and exciting locations on Lake Michigan’s shore. Saugatuck/ Douglas lays midway along the West Michigan Pike, making it the perfect place to rest as you make your trip northward or southward. Make the award-winning beaches of Saugatuck / Douglas your destination for sunshine and sand while you explore the West Michigan Pike, or place a marker for fantastic dining in the downtown area, or exploration across the dunes.
Latest Saugatuck / Douglas
Blog Posts
June 18, 2020
You don’t need to head to the ocean to enjoy a relaxing beachfront summer getaway. The best Lake Michigan vacation spots bring you the beauty and serenity of the beach with no need to board a plane. There’s dozens of gorgeous beaches to choose from along Lake Michigan, and we’ve selected a few of the […]
March 24, 2020
We in Saugatuck/Douglas take pride in our community as a one-of-a-kind place for respite, and we want nothing more than for our wonderful visitors and local residents to remain healthy and happy during these challenging times. As our community continues to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing, we’re loving how locals (and visitors, too) are still […]
March 16, 2020
As you travel through the Lake Michigan Beachtowns, don’t miss stopping at the many spots along our Craft Beverage Trail! We have breweries, vineyards, tasting rooms, distilleries, and cider mills. Discover some new favorites and bring them home as souvenirs and gifts! Holland New Holland Brewing was founded in 1997 and today is recognized as […]
February 5, 2020
If you are looking to plan a romantic getaway look no farther than the quaint and friendly towns along the Lake Michigan Beachtowns! We offer traditional wine & dine experiences along with some adventure, quiet time for just the two of you, and the most stunning sunsets you will ever see in your lifetime. Go […]
January 24, 2020
Romance is everywhere in Saugatuck/Douglas year-round, but especially so during Valentine’s Day. Lovebirds have made the Art Coast of Michigan their destination for honeymoons, anniversary trips and romantic getaways for years; in fact, we’ve been dubbed one of the five best mini-moon spots in the state of Michigan! The town’s trendy art galleries, romantic lodging options, acclaimed dining and unique shopping […]
January 15, 2020
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! 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 […]
November 6, 2019
Plan your winter vacation in Western Michigan along Lake Michigan’s coast to enjoy beautiful scenery and exhilarating activities. Lake Michigan Beachtowns are full of wonder in winter. Marvel at natural ice sculptures as they form before your eyes along the shoreline, or cozy up inside a charming winery, restaurant, or boutique. Tour colorful Christmas lights […]
September 13, 2019
Fall in West Michigan is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The West Michigan Lakeshore offers a wide range of fall activities, including extraordinary fall color tours through the natural landscape, apple picking, cider tours, hayrides and more. The robust red, orange, and yellow canopy over the fall trails and the historic […]
August 29, 2019
What do you see when you envision the perfect beach? For us, it’s pretty hard to beat Oval – the largest beach in Saugatuck/Douglas. Although our beaches are a beloved part of our community, our year-round attractions, local character, food scene and charm factor, all distinguished Saugatuck/Douglas from the rest when Thrillist Travel chose the […]
August 19, 2019
There’s lots to do in Saugatuck/Douglas all year round, but fall is an especially special time to visit. From traditional autumn activities like apple picking and color tours to more creative ones like gallery walks and beverage tours – spending time in Saugatuck/Douglas in the fall is an experience you’re sure to enjoy. 1. Fall […]
Explore
Saugatuck / Douglas, Michigan
A round of golf or a round of beers, hiking trails or setting sails, relaxing at the beach or diving into the surf. Take a paddle on the river or simply watch the boats go by. It’s all here waiting for you, in the Art Coast of Michigan.
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The fall brings major wave action along the Lake Michigan coastline. Here's a shot of the waves crashing along the Grand Haven pier recently 🌊🌊🌊
📸: @b_still_photos
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