My Saugatuck, Michigan Travel Guide will help you make the most out of a getaway to this beautiful lakeside town in Southwestern Michigan!
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About Saugatuck
Saugatuck/Douglas is located right along the eastern side of Lake Michigan and is an open-minded town that boasts a great art scene, lots of local vineyards, beautiful beaches, and some great restaurants that foodies will love! We just visited for my bachelorette party last weekend, but it’s a great spot for a girls’ weekend, a romantic getaway, or even a family trip!
When to Visit
Memorial Day through Labor Day is definitely the most popular time to visit Saugatuck, but spring + fall are both options as well that won’t be as crowded. If you’re a fan of snow, head up in the winter — a few years ago we did a winter trip and it was so fun…Lake Michigan was even frozen over enough to go for a walk!
Getting Around
You will most likely be driving into Saugatuck, but I would highly recommend using the Interurban when you’re there! It is a small bus that will pick you up anywhere in Saugatuck/Douglas for $1 per person…such a steal! You just call ahead and they’ll be there in as little as 15 minutes. Timing is somewhat limited during COVID, but this was so convenient since Uber/Lyft seems to be very limited up there!
Where to Stay
One of my best friend’s has a house in Saugatuck, so I’ve only stayed there… but there are lots of great options! After doing a little research, I’d suggest looking into these accommodations.
What to Do
Oval Beach is a perfect local beach to spend a sunny afternoon… just make sure you go early because it can be crowded! $10 per car to enter and pretty sand beaches! Oval Beach was ranked as one of the top beaches in the USA!
My friends booked us a private charter on The Flying Dutchman Adventure Co.‘s boat and it was so much fun! We did a sunset cruise and you’re able to bring food + drinks aboard… my friends packed charcuterie + crudité boards (and of course champagne) to make it a little floating happy hour! It’s a father/son duo that restored this beautiful boat… they also do public tours if that’s more your speed! I almost forgot to mention the best part of the trip… the captain brought his dog Ted along (Saugatuck’s cutest Sheepadoodle!)
Wine tasting is another really fun way to spend an afternoon we went to Michigan Wine Company which is brand new for a flight and then headed to Fenn Valley for a private picnic out in their vineyards. Fenn Valley set out a beautiful charcuterie board for our picnic and the wine was great at both! Virtue Cider was the last stop on our tour… it’s a really cute spot that has a ton of cider options and is situated on a farm with some adorable animals if you venture away from your table!
Shopping in downtown Saugatuck is another great way to see the town! There are boutiques and art galleries galore- you’ll find anything from Michigan gear, to trendy fashion, to high end art! I love to stroll around downtown!
Where to Eat
Admittedly, on this trip we only went out to eat once since #COVID, but we had a great meal and I’ve been to Saugatuck before so here are few can’t miss spots!
Happy Travels!
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