Grand Haven is a classic Lake Michigan beach town with a real downtown. It is easy to do on foot, and it works in any season.
Here is the weekend plan I would give a friend, from breakfast to dinner. You can do it in one full day, or spread it over two slow ones.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: 6 Lakeshore Breweries Worth the Drive
My Grand Haven Weekend Plan
1) Anna's House
Start with breakfast downtown. It sets you up for a morning of walking.
Anna's is right downtown on Washington Avenue, so you can walk straight from breakfast to the water. On a busy weekend, it helps to get there early. Order something hearty, because there is a lot of walking ahead.
2) Grand Haven State Park
Walk the boardwalk from downtown to the pier and the lighthouse.
This is the heart of Grand Haven. Take your time, and if the waves are high, enjoy the pier from the beach.
In summer, bring a towel and stay for a while on the beach. In winter, bundle up and go for the walk. The pier and the lighthouse look great in every season, and the boardwalk is one of the best walks in town.
3) The Toasted Pickle
Lunch near the waterfront. An easy, casual stop between the boardwalk and the afternoon.
The Toasted Pickle is a good place to sit and warm up, or cool down, between morning and afternoon plans. It is close to everything else on this list. Use the break to look at your plan for the afternoon and decide how much energy you have left.
4) Rosy Mound Natural Area
A dune trail through the woods to a quieter beach.
If the state park feels busy, this is where I would go to find some quiet.
Rosy Mound is a short drive south of downtown. The trail goes over the dunes, so wear comfortable shoes. The quieter beach at the end is a nice reward.
READ: Grand Haven's Boardwalk and Musical Fountain
5) Odd Side Ales
A drink downtown before dinner. The taproom is cozy and the beers are a little unusual.
Odd Side is a fun place to try something new. Order a flight and share it with your group so everyone gets a taste.
6) The Unicorn Tavern
Dinner. A Belgian style pub is a good way to end a long day outside.
The Unicorn is a cozy way to wrap up the day. In summer, the tiki patio is the place to be, and in winter, it is a warm room after a long day by the lake.
Grand Haven is one of those towns where you can park once and walk all day. That is what makes it such an easy weekend. Breakfast, the boardwalk, a dune trail and a good dinner. Simple and good.
West Olive Cottage is a short drive south of downtown, so you can be on the boardwalk in the morning and back at the cottage by evening. Come stay with us.
More favorites in my Grand Haven area guide.