Grand Haven has long been one of Michigan’s most popular summer vacation destinations. Three hours north of Chicago, and one hour west of Grand Rapids, Grand Haven is located right on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Grand Haven is not only bordered by Lake Michigan waters, but also by the Grand River, which flows through the city and into the big lake.

*Beaches - Grand Haven is lined with beautiful, sandy beaches. They include: The Grand Haven State Park, the Grand Haven City Beach and Northshore Beach (located just across the harbor). The most developed and popular of the three is Grand Haven State Park, which boasts large paved parking areas,  playground equipment, picnic tables, charcoal grills, public restrooms, a store, a restaurant and updates on current swimming conditions.

*Harbor Trolley - Running daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Harbor Trolley provides tours of downtown Grand Haven, the harbor and nearby Five Mile Hill.

With its many pick-up and drop-off sites, the Harbor Trolley is a fun and convenient way to get around Grand Haven!

*The Boardwalk - The Grand Haven boardwalk spans two-and-a-half miles along the harbor, starting at the City Marina and ending at the Grand Haven Pier & Lighthouse.

Along its lighted path, one will come upon Chinook Pier, the Harbor Steamer, the Waterfront Stadium, restaurants, shops, ice cream stands, the Grand Haven State Park and the Grand Haven Coast Guard Station. The boardwalk is great for an early morning jog, as well as an afternoon or evening stroll.

*Hiking - From easy family trails, to more adventurous paths, the Grand Haven area offers a variety of scenic hikes, with many leading you right out to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. A local favorite is Rosy Mound Nature Preserve. This small County Park is located about three minutes outside of Grand Haven, down a beautiful scenic drive. It offers paved parking, bathrooms, out houses, and boardwalk under foot. This park is meticulously cared for, and offers some of the cleanest bathrooms around. The hike out to the lake takes you through dense woods and up sand dunes, by way of wooden stairs, and along ridge lines. Scenic look-outs offer places to sit and enjoy the views. The reward for making this trek is ending up right on the beach at Lake Michigan. The hike takes around 30 minutes, depending on your pace.

*Restaurants - Downtown Grand Haven has a wide variety of dining options, ranging from a simple snack such as harbor front Pronto Pups (delicious red hot smoky links on a stick blanketed by a thin, crispy outer shell) to fine dining at Bil-Mar Restaurant overlooking Lake Michigan. Some breakfast stops favored by the locals, and tourists alike, include The Pavilion, Dockside Galley and Dee Lite. Popular lunch haunts are Snug Harbor and Pavilion’s Wharf Deli, while The Kirby House, Porto Bello and Bil-Mar Restaurant are just a few of Grand Haven’s revered evening dining spots.

*Watering Holes - Wet your whistle at any one of Grand Haven’s shoreline "watering holes". Rosebuds, The Tip-A-Few and The Kirby House are just a few of the favorites.

In addition to food and spirits, these establishments offer everything from pool to live music. Choose your preferred atmosphere.

*Skydance Air Tours - Ride shotgun in a classic open cockpit Waco bi-plane. Flights include scenic tours over the Lake Michigan shoreline.

*Scorpion Cruises - Create your own tour of the local waterways on an off-shore power boat. Cruises are available each weekend in the summer.

*Golf Courses - Play 18 holes at any one of the many local golf courses, including Grand Haven’s own Evergreen Golf Course and The Grand Haven Golf Club. There’s competition for all levels of experience.

*Imagination Station - Located across the street from the Coast Guard Station, in Mulligan’s Hollow, is an extensive, outdoor, wooden playland. It is a must see when visiting Grand Haven with children of all ages.

*The Farmer’s Market - Grand Haven’s very own farmer’s market is located downtown on the harbor next to Chinook Pier. It is open to the public every Wednesday & Saturday from June - October beginning at 8:00 AM.

*The Coast Guard Festival - Without question, Grand Haven’s most popular event is the annual Coast Guard Festival, which this summer takes place from July 27, through August 5th. During Coast Guard week the city becomes one big party, stretching from the harborfront Coast Guard Station with its many ships and rescue boats on display for daily tours, to downtown’s main street (Washington Street) with its fun filled carnival and Waterfront Stadium events. Coast Guard week features a different event each day, including favorites such as the Parade of Ships (7/30 - harbor) - Ship Tours (7/30 - 8/4), the Coast Guard Crafts Fair (8/3,4 - Central Park), the Grand Parade (8/4 - through downtown) and the magnificent Fireworks Extravaganza (8/4), one of Michigan’s largest fireworks displays which closes out the festival.

*Shopping - Grand Haven's shopping district is located adjacent to the harbor and boardwalk.  It is the hub of the waterfront area and is peppered with quaint shops, boutiques, restaurants/bars, stands, coffee  houses, ice cream parlors, and gourmet specialty stores.  Also, the  Lakes Mall is located fifteen minutes north of Grand Haven.  The mall boasts all the usual suspects of stores and restaurants. 

**For a complete list of the area’s summer events and more details about Grand Haven’s many shops and restaurants, please log on to www.grandhavenchamber.org