Best Lake Michigan beach towns

[Rags to Roses]

I've never been to any beach towns on Lake Michigan but want to make up a short list for a visit. Looking for a place with a walkable & interesting downtown/main street with plenty of restaurant/bar options...preferably a decent number with outside seating. Any suggestions?

 

[IUINSB]

Anywhere east of Gary.

 

[hookyIU1990]

Depends on how far north you want to go. From south to north, New Buffalo, South Haven, Ludington. Lots of little gems between all of them, but those are a good start.
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[zeke4ahs]

Depends on how far north you want to go. From south to north, New Buffalo, South Haven, Ludington. Lots of little gems between all of them, but those are a good start.
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I’d add Saugatuck to that list.

 

[VanPastorMan]

I’d add Saugatuck to that list.

I have a son who lives south of there. I'll have to see if he knows about the place.

 

[Camelot Mead]

I've never been to any beach towns on Lake Michigan but want to make up a short list for a visit. Looking for a place with a walkable & interesting downtown/main street with plenty of restaurant/bar options...preferably a decent number with outside seating. Any suggestions?

Holland fits that list really well. Amazing beach. Huge beach. Great Irish pub/restaurant that I forget the name.

 

[hookyIU1990]

Holland fits that list really well. Amazing beach. Huge beach. Great Irish pub/restaurant that I forget the name.

The Curragh.

@Rags to Roses I haven't traveled to Holland since the pandemic, but if you end up picking Holland, let me know. I've been going there to see a clients 5-6 times/year since 2015 and can give you a list of places from breakfast to beer joints to nice restaurants to seasonal ice cream stands.

I'm just not sure what's still open.

 

[Rags to Roses]

Really appreciate the offer Hooky. Holland looks really interesting

 

[LetsGoBigRed]

We just got back from Frankfort, great town along the M-22. Glen Arbor is another awesome one. These are smaller towns without the vacation crowds like South Haven, Holland, etc.

 

[Harry Hondo]

We just got back from Frankfort, great town along the M-22. Glen Arbor is another awesome one. These are smaller towns without the vacation crowds like South Haven, Holland, etc.

I’ll have to check those out. I was married in South Haven and the wife and I want to buy a beach house there, but it’s become outrageously expensive and I think too crowded. I had suggested we look at another less crowded town in the area.