A Perfect Weekend in a Charming Michigan Beach Town

As a Michigan native, one of my favorite things to do in the summertime is visit a charming Michigan beach town. It's really the only proper thing to do as a Michigander. There's one Michigan beach town that I visit more than others, because my uncle lives near this town. If you've never been there, I'm going to tell you about a few fun things to do during your visit.

If you've never been to Saugatuck, Michigan, then you're missing out. It's one of my favorite Michigan beach towns, and there's really no other town like it. Saugatuck/Douglas is located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and the downtown area is filled with quaint little shops. Many of these shops close during the winter months, though, so if you're going to Saugatuck for shopping, you should do it during the tourist season, which is spring through fall. This town kind of goes to sleep in the winter, although they still have a coffee shop and some great restaurants open year-round.

So, what do you do in this charming Michigan beach town? First of all, as I mentioned above, there's the shopping. Butler Street looks like a street out of a Hallmark movie. It's packed with small, local stores, delicious restaurants, breweries, wineries, art galleries and more. There's really a great art scene in Saugatuck, too. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts brings in Broadway-caliber musicals, so that's a great thing to do if you're into the arts.

One of town's landmarks is actually a coffee shop called Uncommon. I remember going to Saugatuck years ago in the winter, and Uncommon was one of the only places open. It never disappoints. This spot offers a bevy of coffee treats, plus baked goods and more. They also have seasonal drinks, so the menu is always a little different. Another Saugatuck/Douglas landmark is The Butler restaurant, which is located right on the water.

If you feel like doing something outdoorsy, visit the famed Saugatuck Dunes State Park, which offers 2.5 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, coastal dunes, forest and trails. Here, you'll also find the 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area. This area makes for a breathtaking view and very Instagram-worthy photos. What's your favorite charming Michigan beach town? Contact me and let me know. Check out a photo of me at the beach near Saugatuck below. Keep reading below for some tips and tricks on how to save money on your next trip, whether it's to Saugatuck or beyond.