Michigan is often called the Great Lakes State for good reason, it’s bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, giving it more freshwater coastline than almost anywhere else in the country. From the sandy beaches and dune-lined shores of Lake Michigan to the quieter towns along Lake Huron and Lake Superior, Michigan’s coast offers a huge variety of scenery and small-town charm. Here’s a look at some of the standout stops worth adding to a coastal tour.
South Haven
A classic Lake Michigan beach town, South Haven offers a charming downtown, sandy beaches, and a historic lighthouse, making it a great starting point for a coastal tour.
Saugatuck
Just up the coast, Saugatuck has been recognized as one of America’s best coastal small towns. Its vibrant downtown features art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants, while nearby Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers dunes as tall as 200 feet and miles of scenic trails. Don’t miss a ride on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, the last hand-crank chain ferry still operating in the country.
Holland
Known for its Dutch heritage, Holland blends Midwestern charm with European flair, complete with an iconic windmill and tulip gardens that bloom each spring. Its sandy beaches and cozy downtown cafes make it an easy, relaxing stop along the coast.
Grand Haven
With several beach options, including Grand Haven State Park and North Beach Park, this lakeside town is a popular getaway known for its scenic boardwalk, charming downtown, and its iconic musical fountain along the waterfront.
Traverse City
Sitting on Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City offers a mix of boutique shopping, renowned wineries, and fresh, lake-caught seafood. It’s also home to the popular National Cherry Festival, adding a lively cultural touch to its scenic waterfront setting.
Petoskey
Known for its charming downtown and the famous Petoskey stones found along its shoreline, this small coastal town offers a quieter, more laid-back stop on a coastal tour, with beautiful views of Little Traverse Bay.
Mackinac Island
No car tour of Michigan’s coast is complete without a stop near Mackinac Island. Cars aren’t allowed on the island itself, but its historic charm, horse-drawn carriages, and famous fudge shops make it a memorable detour worth the ferry ride.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
For a break from the towns, Sleeping Bear Dunes offers dramatic, towering sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan, along with hiking trails and stunning overlooks that make it one of the most scenic natural spots along the entire coast.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers some of the most dramatic scenery on the entire coast. Its namesake sandstone cliffs stretch for miles, streaked in colors from embedded minerals, and reach up to 200 feet above the water. Visitors can explore the area by hiking, kayaking beneath the cliffs, or taking a scenic boat tour to see standout formations like Miners Castle and Battleship Row up close. With waterfalls, sand dunes, and dense forest surrounding the shoreline, it’s one of the most striking natural stops on a tour of Michigan’s coast.
Whether you’re chasing beach towns, wineries, or natural scenery, a tour along Michigan’s coast offers a little bit of everything, all within a scenic drive along the state’s Great Lakes shoreline.