Looking for a quaint, relaxing weekend getaway by the water? Well then Grand Haven, Michigan is the place for you! Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this small town has a shop-lined boardwalk and a perfect spot to watch the sunset on the pier. Here are the best things to do, places to eat, and spots to drink during your short stay!
Things to Do
Walk the boardwalk to the lighthouse: Take a stroll along the board walk to the light house. Going at the time of sunset is the best as the sun goes down over the lake and makes for a gorgeous view.
Head to the beach: Grand Haven is known for its sandy beaches so I highly recommend having a beach day! Bring a book, your swim suit, a towel, and call it a day!
Watch the Musical Fountain: The “Vegas” of Michigan! Just like the Bellagio Fountain in Vegas, Grand Haven also has a musical fountain show of its own (just on a smaller scale). This show consists of the water changing colors and dancing along the pond to music. They will even synchronize the water along to soundtracks, we got lucky and experienced “The Greatest Showman”. So grab your blankets, some snacks, and enjoy the show!
Bike the Lakefront Trail: Are you the outdoorsy type that loves to bike? The lakefront trail is 20-miles long and connects Grand Haven and Holland. It is the perfect trail to spend a day outside exploring on (and a great workout)!
Explore the shops in town: Downtown Grand Haven has the most adorable shops. It was fun walking in and out of each shop and seeing what they have to offer. I love supporting local business so I obviously ended up with stuff to bring home.
Places to Eat
Morning Star Cafe: Honestly one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had! This place has a fun vibe, a very colorful decor, the staff is friendly, and the food is delicious! When we arrived the line was out the door for a table, but it is totally worth the wait! If you don’t want to wait for a table, I suggest getting there as it opens!
The Kirby House/K2 Pizzeria: The Kirby House is located right downtown and has a wide variety of food options to choose from. It is the perfect place to grab dinner and then walk over to the musical fountain show as it is right across the street from where people gather for the show.
The Toasted Pickle: I really only went here because I love pickles and since the name of the restaurant had the word “pickle” in it, I had to go. And I am so happy I went! The sandwiches were so good, I could have had seconds. I highly recommend getting the soup and sandwich combo. One downfall is there is not a ton of seating inside, but if it’s a nice day, it’s more fun to eat outside anyways!
The Copper Post: This restaurant is a great place to grab a bite. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. On a nice, day who wouldn’t want to eat on a patio? The food is yummy and all locally sourced which is always a great thing to hear! You can head here for brunch, lunch, or dinner! They also have a happy hour for those looking for good drink deals.
Where to get Your Morning Coffee
Odd Side Side Bar Artisan Coffee: Located within the Odd Side Ales brewery, this coffee shop is a must visit if you enjoy your daily morning dose of caffeine. Their lattes are the best I’ve ever had and let me tell you I’ve had a lot of lattes in my lifetime! I highly recommend the Raspberry Vanilla or Mayan Mocha lattes, you won’t be disappointed.
Jumpin’ Java: This cute little establishment has creative drinks along with clever names (most of them are named after frogs). I got the Fire Belly latte and it hit the spot! It is a great place to sit outside to have your morning coffee before heading out to explore for the day. They also have some great and quick food options if you get hungry!
Places to Drink
Grand Armory Brewing: This craft brewery is located in the historic Armory Building in Grand Haven’s downtown district. They have a wide variety of beer, ciders, and wine to choose from! I highly recommend ordering a flight so you can try a little bit of everything. This place is ideal as it opens early as a coffee shop (Aldea Coffee) and transitions to a brewery with food, beer, and entertainment! And if you want to grab a bite, you can order Righteous BBQ right inside the brewery!
Odd Side Ales: This brewery is the perfect place to bring a large group or spend quality time with a loved one. This place is HUGE! There is plenty of space to sit without feeling overcrowded. Odd Side Ales has a variety of board games to choose from and is a great place to grab a drink and have a game night!
12 Corners Wine Tasting Room: Do you prefer wine over beer? Then head on over to 12 Corners Wine Tasting Room! For only 10 dollars, you get to try 5 wines and get to take the tasting glass home! The wine was delicious so we obviously ended up with a few bottles to take home for ourselves.
The Kirby House: No it’s not a brewery, but is a fun place with a good atmosphere to grab a drink and watch sports.
“The mitten” has so much to offer and is the perfect place to visit if you are outdoorsy, adventurous, a foodie, or a beer lover! If you’re traveling through Michigan, check out the best places to grab a drink in the beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan.
