Welcome to
South Haven, MI
Combining unspoiled beach beauty with old fashioned charm, South Haven offers an idyllic lakeside escape.
Beaches in South Haven,
Michigan
South Haven’s resort expertise has guaranteed quality lodging opportunities to visitors for over a century. From picturesque horizons to the west to the green forests to the east, South Haven frames idyllic beaches in the perfect natural landscape. With a dozen beautiful beaches to choose from, you can enjoy the gentle waves, cool breeze and sunshine from almost anywhere along the South Haven shoreline. Take a relaxing walk along the sandy beach, under the shady trees of the Casco Township Nature Preserve, or hike the nearby sand dunes for a more challenging pace. South Haven hosts both remote retreats and peaceful natural areas as well as convenient lakeside cafes, coffee shops and B&Bs. Take a stroll on the beach, spend the afternoon sunbathing, climb the sand dunes with your kids, grab a coffee and snack at a nearby bakery and let your troubles fade away.
A Wildlife
Retreat
South Haven makes it easy to enjoy the natural beauty and magic of West Michigan. A visit to Casco Township Nature Preserve not only brings you the Lake Michigan shore, but also acres of woodlands and extraordinary views. Walk along the paths through the forest and climb to viewing spots along the way to take in the full, breathtaking horizon. This is a moderate to challenging hike that is ideal for energetic families or seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. For a slower pace that is just as majestic, visit the rocky bluff at small and secluded Newcome Beach, or the grassy meadows at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area.
Relaxing and,
Sunbathing
Walk out your door and right onto the beach when you stay at one of South Haven’s lakeside bed & breakfasts or hotels. These beaches are not only easily accessible, but also conveniently located near town, so you can grab a snack, sit down at a lakefront brunch spot, or visit the concessions stand at any time during your visit beach. Visit North Beach to walk up to the concessions stands, walk along well-maintained decking, or bring the kids to the playground. Bring the whole family, including your dog, to Deerlick Creek Beach to play in the gentler current of the creek. Whatever relaxing beach location you choose, you’ll enjoy hours of undisturbed sunshine, soft waves and spectacular views.
Explore
South Haven, MI
Stay
South Haven’s resort expertise has guaranteed quality lodging opportunities to visitors for over a century. As a long-standing resort destination, South Haven supplies a long list of luxurious comforts in welcoming and elegant lakeside settings. Book a cozy cottage, resort room or B&B between Lake Michigan and the Black River to enjoy waterside views on all sides. With a lakeside room, you can step out onto the beach in the morning and watch the sunset from your room in the evening. You’ll find picturesque cottages full of character, luxurious resorts to relax and unwind, cozy and historic boutique B&Bs, and many more accommodations along the South Haven shoreline.
Shop
Shopping in South Haven provides its own type of escape – one filled with unique finds and unexpected experiences. With so many specialty shops located near the Lake Michigan shore, it’s easy to take a stroll through South Haven and find one-of-a-kind antiques, artwork, crafts, souvenirs and more. With a flourishing art community and many talented crafters, South Haven artists and business owners bring an original and authentic touch to the downtown area. Take a look at art galleries and clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, speciality crafts and much more all through the South Haven downtown area. Find a gift for a special friend or family member, or bring home a unique piece just for yourself.
Dine
South Haven’s original menus, combined with beautiful views along the waterfront, make any lunch or dinner an event. If you’re planning for a special occasion, like a romantic, candlelit dinner, a long-awaited reunion with friends, or another special celebration, a delicious dinner spot with an epic lakeside backdrop is the perfect way to make a lasting memory. The restaurants situated along the edge of the river and lake, including SuCasa, Taste, and our three waterfront bars, give you a wide range of delicious cuisine options, all with unbeatable ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a casual brewpub with original beers, an upscale hotspot for an elegant evening out, drinks and appetizers, or delectable homestyle favorites, it’s easy to find the perfect meeting of great food and atmosphere.
Things to Do
From beaches to trails, to boating, fishing, or exploring South Haven’s cultural and agricultural hotspots, you’ll be sure to find fun activities for all ages and interests. From historic collections and buildings to scenic outdoor hiking and biking paths to a dozen beautiful beaches, there’s plenty of activities all year round in South Haven, Michigan. History buffs will love the replicas and showpieces at the Michigan Maritime Museum, Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum and Historical Association of South Haven, while creative spirits will flourish at the South Haven Center for the Arts or Michigan Theatre. The Kal-Haven trail gives you a clear path to reconnect with nature and rediscover Michigan’s natural scenery while the many beaches provide a long list of fun water activities.
South Haven
West Michigan Pike
The West Michigan Pike byway is the best way to explore West Michigan Beach Towns. Located between St. Joseph and Saugatuck along the historic route, South Haven is a perfect place for a planned or impromptu stop on your trip. Whether you spend a week or a weekend along the West Michigan Pike, you’ll take in exquisite scenery, discover new attractions, discover hidden gems and experience the real West Michigan. There’s no right or wrong way—or right or wrong time—to make your getaway along the West Michigan shoreline. Whether you start at the top, the bottom, or somewhere in between, you’ll be glad you stopped in South Haven along the way.
Latest South Haven
Blog Posts
August 8, 2023
Hot cider, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and hayrides: these are the hallmarks of the Fall harvest! South Haven is one of the best areas to keep the harvest tradition alive, especially for young families looking to craft and capture memories that will a lifetime! Plus, we can always use more excuses to enjoy warm cider and […]
June 11, 2023
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 […]
November 1, 2022
It’s never too early to form a shopping game plan— especially when it comes to avoiding long lines, excruciating traffic, and delayed shipping dates. Forego any retail woes and satisfy everyone on your shopping list with these important dates: Dine On Us November 1, 2022 – May 15, 2023 Participating Lodging Members & Restaurants […]
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 12, 2022
South Haven is home to the largest concentration of blueberry growers in the world. There are nearly 300 blueberry farmers with roughly 18,500 acres of blueberry farms within a 50-mile radius. The beloved blueberry is celebrated when it’s in season at our farm markets, u-pick farms, and at our National Blueberry Festival. Let’s learn about […]
July 7, 2022
Summertime in South Haven! During the summer, streets are filled with people of all ages, hands are filled with shopping bags, and bellies are full of good food and adult beverages. Nothing draws a crowd like the three, beautiful bars/restaurants that are located right on Black River. The Idler, Admiral Jack’s, and Captain Lou’s are the perfect spots […]
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 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 […]
March 2, 2020
Here at the Visitors Bureau we receive calls, emails, and visits asking about South Haven’s opportunities for weddings and receptions. This being the case, I’m happy to put together this wedding guide for those who are interested in marrying, having a reception, or simply having engagement photos taken in the South Haven area. Photo credit: Katlyn […]
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 […]
Explore
South Haven, Michigan
Few places in America offer the gorgeous scenery, farm-fresh deliciousness and hours upon hours of affordable, family fun you’ll find in Southwest Michigan. From the moment you arrive, you’ll make wonderful memories that will bring you back again and again all four seasons.
