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 5, 2023
You don’t need to book a flight to the Caribbean to have your wedding on a sandy white beach or travel clear across the country to find a dreamy destination where people will accept you for the wonderful person you are. Saugatuck/Douglas is a hidden gem of inclusivity, tucked along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. […]
June 5, 2023
When you step inside the Laffing Glass, a Saugatuck shop owned by Leslie Fitzell, it’s like crossing the threshold into Oz. A vibrant garden of glass flowers and dragonflies greets you, as does Leslie herself, ready with a smile and an endearing sense of humor. Her sunny spirit is even evident on the exterior of […]
June 5, 2023
Stunning lakeshore views, exhilarating outdoor experiences, a thriving arts scene, and a renowned culinary and craft beverage scene—it’s no wonder why so many visitors flock to the Art Coast of Michigan each summer. If you’re visiting for the first time, it can be overwhelming when deciding on how to spend your time here. Save yourself […]
May 5, 2023
If you’ve ever tried geocaching—using GPS coordinates to hunt for secret containers hidden all over the world—you might want to try the pastime’s analog cousin, letterboxing. Letterboxes are concealed all over the Art Coast. You only need a compass, curiosity, and a little determination to track down these hidden gems while visiting the Saugatuck/Douglas area. […]
May 5, 2023
Looking for a family-friendly vacation spot in a safe, inclusive environment? Look no further than the Art Coast of Michigan. With stunning outdoor scenery and fun activities for every age, Saugatuck/Douglas provides a warm welcome to all families looking for their ultimate escape. A long-standing history of inclusivity, a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and a plethora of kid-friendly […]
May 5, 2023
We know how addictive hobbies can be (ever tried pickleball, anyone?). Whether you’re visiting Saugatuck/Douglas for a workcation or traveling for pleasure, you don’t have to miss out on your favorite pastime while you’re here. To help, we’ve compiled a sport-by-sport breakdown of all the places you can go to stay active doing the hobby […]
May 5, 2023
With exhilarating outdoor experiences, a lively craft beverage scene, and so many more activities to explore, there’s no shortage of ways to make Father’s Day memorable. Here are our top 5 ways to celebrate Dad in Saugatuck/Douglas this year and every year. Ravines Golf Club Saugatuck Dunes State Park Lakeshore Drive 1. Hit the Links […]
March 16, 2023
A New Wave Wellness vacation can be a great way to prioritize self-care and living a more balanced life. Involving a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual activities, New Wave Wellness embraces holistic health concepts and alternative practices to promote optimal health. Reset and recharge in the Art Coast with these less conventional activities […]
September 13, 2022
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 15, 2022
There’s no time like autumn in Saugatuck/Douglas when the trees display a riot of color, the air is a little crisp, and the crowds have thinned out. It’s the perfect time for families to enjoy an active weekend getaway sure to leave lasting memories. Places to Stay The AmericInn and Best Western are traditional hotel options, but families […]
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.
Top 5 Ways To Celebrate Dad In The Art Coast - Michigan Beachtowns
www.michiganbeachtowns.com
With exhilarating outdoor experiences, a lively craft beverage scene, and so many more activities to explore, there’s no shortage of ways to make Father’s Day memorable. Here are our top 5 ways to...
