(Photo by Graeme Robertson/Getty Images)

Spring and summer are on the way, and that means it’s vacation time. You don’t need to travel far to experience an amazing vacation experience. In fact, chances are there’s a great getaway just a road trip away. Here in Michigan, we have plenty of exciting beach towns and vacation-ready destinations.

Plenty of people from neighboring states and beyond actually come to Michigan to vacation in the spring and summer. I have a friend in Florida who rents a place up north for a week every summer. That said, why not take advantage of the beautiful land we have in Michigan and plan your spring getaway or summer vacation right here in the Mitten? One of my favorite things to do each summer and road trip to a new Michigan destination and take in that town’s unique culture.

Read on for a list I’ve put together of some of Michigan’s finest vacation destinations. I included 30 on this list, but of course, there are many more. The No. 1 spot, in my opinion, is Mackinac Island. If you’re a Michigander and have never been to Mackinac Island, then you have some catching up to do. I remember going there as a child with my parents and grandparents and finding Petoskey stones- or at least purchasing them at a local gift shop.

If you’re interested in a top 10 list, U.S. World and News Report recently put together a list of the 10 best places to visit in Michigan, which you can find here. As a Michigan native, I approve of their list, but there are far more than just 10 cities in Michigan that area prime vacation destinations.

  • Mackinac Island

    Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau - Unique Mackinac Island, MI Vacation

    Mackinac Island, MI is a unique vacation spot boasting fine dining, historic sites, and exciting attractions. Learn more from Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau!

  • Holland

    Holland

    Holland is best known for its Dutch heritage, evident in many of its attractions and events. Visitors can walk back through time in the Dutch Galleries of the Holland Museum, the renovated splendor of the Cappon House and a recreation of 1890s Netherlands at Nelis' Dutch Village.

  • Traverse City

    Traverse City Hotels, Events, Restaurants & Things to Do

    Find information on hotels, events, restaurants and things to do in Traverse City, Michigan. Start Planning your trip to Traverse City today!

  • Saugatuck

    Visit Saugatuck Michigan - Saugatuck

    For a getaway that's rich in both recreation and relaxation, explore Saugatuck/Douglas and discover your ultimate escape.

  • Grand Rapids

    Grand Rapids, Michigan | Dream Grand and Go

    Get ready to be wowed - Grand Rapids never fails to surprise visitors with the huge variety of things to see and do here: Craft Beer & Beverages, Art, Food, Live Music and Outdoor Recreation!

  • Lansing

    Lansing

    Join us in the "middle of the mitten" and visit Lansing. No matter the reason, or the season, Michigan's Capitol City offers unique, affordable attractions, hotels/motels, Bed and Breakfast and campgrounds that the entire family can enjoy.

  • Iron Mountain

    Iron Mountain, MI - Official Website | Official Website

    Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.

  • Manistee

    Manistee

    Find yourself on our winter trails, in our historic town and villages and immerse yourself in the peace of UpNorth life. Take in a guided Moonlight Ski at Big M, or enjoy a historic hotel and boutique shopping in downtown Manistee.

  • Petoskey

    The Petoskey Area

    Petoskey is located on the shores of Lake Michigan's beautiful Little Traverse Bay in northwest lower Michigan. Long a resort area, Petoskey is known for its fresh air, spectacular beauty and, of course, Michigan's state stone, the Petoskey Stone.

  • Ludington

    Ludington

    Like a natural utopia, Ludington and Mason County offer an abundance of parks, beaches, inland lakes, and rivers. Our signature feature is our most graceful and bountiful element, the water in and around the Ludington Area

  • Frankenmuth

    Frankenmuth

    In Frankenmuth we say "Willkommen", in German it means welcome. An offer to come and join. There's a place that's all about being welcome. Welcome to family time. Welcome to playtime. Welcome to Christmas time all year long. Welcome to Frankenmuth. Michigan's little Bavaria, where you find all the things that make time together so meaningful.

  • Saginaw/Bay City

    Things to Do in Saginaw: The Ultimate Pure Michigan Guide

    From art museums and theatres to iconic locales with both historical relevance and modern-day flair, you're bound to find endless things to do in Saginaw.

  • Kalamazoo

    City of Kalamazoo

    Find information and services on the City of Kalamazoo's official website.

  • Muskegon

    https://www.muskegon-mi.gov/

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes

    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

    Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450' above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park's rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.

  • Pictured Rocks

    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

    Sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park's coastal features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four-season outdoor opportunities abound.

  • Boyne City

    Boyne City Michigan | City of Boyne City - City of Boyne City

    The City of Boyne City is committed to working with the community to provide ethical and responsible local government so everyone can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Boyne City in beautiful Northern Michigan.

  • Ann Arbor

    Ann Arbor

    You may come to the Ann Arbor area to experience world-class dining, or unique shopping. Perhaps you travel here for an event - a football game, the famous Art Fair or a conference. Ann Arbor is a treasured Michigan destination with fun to be had year-round.

  • Leelanau

    Leelanau County | Leelanau County

    This site is supported by the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, participating agencies, and the community. The Leelanau County Government Center is located at: 8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suttons Bay MI 49682 This site and its contents are under © copyright 2014 for Leelanau County

  • Marquette

    Marquette

    Marquette is on the southern shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. Home of Northern Michigan University and points of interest include the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and Maritime Museum and Presque Isle Point Park, north of town, and the iron ore docks.

  • Sault Ste. Marie

    Sault Ste. Marie

    Come to Sault Ste. Marie and experience rushing waterfalls, majestic forests, rocky coastlines and picturesque lighthouses. Sault Ste. Marie is Michigan's first place and has long welcomed those looking for a place that speaks to them of a life lived differently, whether for a weekend or a lifetime.

  • St. Ignace

    Homepage

    Make St. Ignace Your Home Port in the Straits of Mackinac. Find out why we say "It's Better Above The Bridge In St. Ignace".

  • Mount Pleasant

    Welcome to Mt. Pleasant, MI

    Located in the middle of the mitten, Mount Pleasant is home to more than 21,000 full-time residents as well as the Central Michigan University Chippewas. We retain a quaint "hometown" feel while also offering students and residents the convenience of a big city.

  • Tecumseh

    Welcome to Tecumseh, MI

    Tecumseh, Michigan, is a vibrant small community, situated 25 miles southwest of Ann Arbor, and 45 miles northwest of Toledo. Nestled into the rolling landscape of Lenawee County, the city's location provides easy access to major highways and transportation hubs.

  • Escanaba

    Discover Escanaba: A Pure Michigan Itinerary

    Located on the shores of Lake Michigan's Little Bay De Noc, Escanaba is a hidden gem set against the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula,

  • Flint

    Flint

    Welcome to Flint & Genesee County, where up north meets down south, a place filled with discoveries. Explore the 11,000 acres of woods, water and trails of Michigan's largest county park system. Walk among the work of renowned artists in our galleries and museums. Broaden your view of the world at Flint's planetarium or hop on a historic ride down the tracks.

  • Crystal Falls

    Home - City of Crystal Falls, Michigan

    Welcome to beautiful historic Crystal Falls, Michigan! We have outdoor recreation such as fishing, hunting, camping, skiing, hiking, or snowmobiling.

  • Grand Haven

    Home - Grand Haven

    For travel information regarding the Grand Haven Area, explore VisitGrandHaven.com and you'll find the best four-season destination in Michigan.

  • Glen Arbor

    Visit Glen Arbor - Something for everyone

    Nestled among the Crystal River, the Glen Lakes and Lake Michigan - Glen Arbor is in close proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Maple City, and Empire. Offering exceptional year-round recreation and variety of activities, there's something for everyone.

  • Prescott

    Prescott

    West Branch's Victorian Downtown area is great for shopping as well as the Tanger Outlet Mall. There's golf, hunting, fishing and hiking for the outdoorsman to enjoy.The Tawas Area is what you're looking for each season [...]

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