A Charming Midwest Lakeside Resort City Offers Serene Beaches, A Bustling Boardwalk, And Lively Events

The shores of Lake Michigan are dotted with charming towns perfect for a relaxing getaway. But among these hundreds of destinations, Grand Haven stands out from the pack thanks to its combination of serene beaches, a bustling downtown, and a lineup of incredible seasonal events. So while you can certainly kick back and relax in Grand Haven, there's always something new for the adventurous traveler to explore.

Grand Haven is less than an hour west of Grand Rapids, but you'd be forgiven if you thought it was much farther. It feels a world away from Grand Rapids skyscrapers and urban vibes, instead offering a quaint downtown district and coastal vibes near the lake. One of its defining features is the Boardwalk — a bustling pathway featuring water views as it winds past dozens of popular shops and restaurants. Depending on when you visit, you might also see Grand Haven come alive during one of its many festivals. These run throughout the year, giving you an incredible way to immerse yourself in the local community.

Grand Haven offers more than enough to keep you busy for a long vacation, but it's also an excellent hub for nearby adventures. About an hour away is South Haven, another coastal city called the "Catskills of the Midwest," and it's worth exploring if you have the time. You could also spend a day milling about Grand Rapids, as the city is overflowing with excellent restaurants and amenities, making it a nice contrast to the small-town vibe of Grand Haven.

If you're visiting Grand Haven, you probably want to spend as much time near the water as possible. Thankfully, that's an easy goal to accomplish. Grand Haven State Park is the most popular spot to work on your tan, as the park spans 48 acres and provides you with around half a mile of shoreline. Along with a swimming beach and picnic areas, there's a campground and lodge — consider staying here if you want to be steps from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.

Just up the road is the iconic Grand Haven Boardwalk. You can start your walk at several points, but a popular entry is at Chinook Pier. It winds along the Grand River before meeting up with Lake Michigan, offering a relaxing 3-mile round trip stroll through the most picturesque section of Grand Haven. Be sure to take it as far west as possible, as it'll lead you to incredible views of the two lighthouses on the South Pierhead. Much like a remote Lake Michigan island with tranquil landscapes, you'll find the lighthouses in Grand Haven to be incredibly photogenic.

Adjacent to Grand Haven State Park is the Grand Haven City Beach. It's incredibly similar to the state park, so consider venturing down here and looking for parking if the other lots are full. There's also an Overlook Platform that gets you an elevation view of the entire region. Even farther south is the Rosy Mound Natural Area, offering over 100 acres of sand dunes, forests, and hiking trails.

Beaches are just half the allure of Grand Haven — the other half is its incredible lineup of restaurants and festivals. Though it's not exactly a festival, the Musical Fountain is an event not to be missed. Running from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the massive fountain puts on an incredible light show when the sun goes down, with the water and lights synchronized to music. You can see it from the boardwalk, though the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium is often cited as the best viewing location. Be sure to check online for show details.

As for actual festivals in Grand Haven, you'll find lively events all year long. Visit in the winter to enjoy Winterfest. It's been running for three decades during the last full weekend of January, and it offers fun activities like cardboard sled races, snow volleyball, and even a snowboarding competition. You could also consider heading into Grand Rapids for the Midwest's largest winter festival. Other highlights include the epic Grand Haven Kite Festival down at the beach, the Spring Lake Heritage Festival celebrating local culture, and the live concerts of Music on the Grand every Wednesday throughout the summer.

Once you're ready for a meal, don't miss out on Grand Haven's most popular eateries. The Toasted Pickle is a unique local sandwich shop — housed inside a vibrant green building right downtown, it offers a varied menu with specials that rotate weekly. For something more elegant, you can check out Snug Harbor. Perched along the Grand River, it provides you with an extensive wine list and an upscale dinner menu. Alternatively, you can simply meander through downtown. It's littered with incredible restaurants, so something is bound to catch your eye.