Top Things to do in Grand Haven

Known as Coast Guard City, USA – Grand Haven, MI is full of fun activities for everyone to enjoy.  Enjoy the beaches and views of Lake Michigan or take a stroll in the quaint downtown area to check out the local shopping and restaurants.  One of the best parts about the area is everything is within walking distance of downtown.  So, park the car or walk from your vacation home and enjoy some of the top things to do in Grand Haven. 

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!

Pin it!

Grand Haven State Park

Grand Haven State Park is a must-visit destination when you are visiting Grand Haven.  The 48-acre park sits along a half-mile of Lake Michigan shoreline with sugar-sand beaches.  On the Northside of the park sits the Grand River Channel, a great spot to throw a line in and catch some fish.  You will also enjoy taking a stroll on the south pier to catch some beautiful sunsets alongside the well-known Grand Haven Lighthouses.  Camping sites are available but be sure to book in advance as they fill up fast! 

Festivals

Whatever the season in Grand Haven, you will find the city bursting with energy when you visit during one of their festivals.  Check out some of their biggest festivals below:

• Kite Festival
  • The kite festival takes place in the spring – usually May, on the beach in Grand Haven State Park.  You will find kites of all shapes and sizes flying, see some world-famous stunt fliers perform to music, shop the kite tent, and have some fun at the family tent.  Visitors are welcome to join in with their kites in designated areas. The festival is free to attend, but there is a fee to park inside the state park.  For more information about this year’s festival, keep an eye on the festival’s Facebook page.
• Coast Guard Festival
  • The biggest of the festivals, the Coast Guard Festival is nationally renowned and brings in visitors from all over the nation.  Coast Guard is a family-friendly event that honors and recognizes the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.  This festival has it all, performances, a carnival, craft fair, food vendors, memorials, and so much more.  The festival usually runs from the last week of July through the first week of August.  Check out the website for more info and be sure to be in town when the big Coast Guard ship arrives!
• Salmon fest
  • Held to celebrate the turning of seasons and the Salmon migration, Salmon fest is held in September and has many activities to take part in such as an art fair, a KidZone, cookoffs, and so much more.  The festival focuses on art, education, music, and entertainment – all ages are welcome.  Keep an eye on the website for this year’s dates and events.
• Winterfest
  • A Grand Haven tradition for the last 30 years, Winterfest invites you out to enjoy winter on the lakeshore.  Winterfest is held the last full week of January and offers sled building contests, snow volleyball, beer, and wine tasting, and more.  Get the details here.

Fishing

If you are looking for something to do in Grand Haven, you want to make sure that you get the opportunity to catch some fish!  There are many ways to fish in the area.  Throw a line into the channel to hook some channel cats, fish off the piers for a chance to reel in some salmon, or our personal favorite – get out on the water in a charter boat! 

Many charters in the area offer half and full-day charters out on Lake Michigan and target Trout, Steelhead, Coho Salmon, and King Salmon.  Typical charters run from April to October and provide all tackle and guidance to catch some fish so even the newest fisherman can join – kids included!  Check out some of the best-known charters in Grand Haven below:

• Danel Sportfishing
• Top Shelf Charters
• Sea Flea Charters  
• Hot Spot Charters

Grand Haven Musical Fountain

The Musical Fountain is a must-see in Grand Haven.  Located at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, the fountain puts on a great light and water show synchronized to music of all varieties.  The fountain runs daily at dark from Memorial Day through Labor Day and Fridays and Saturdays in May and September.  The shows last 25 minutes, making it the perfect ending to a day in Grand Haven.

Biking/Hiking

Grab your bike or hiking shoes and check out all the paths the area has to offer!  Grand Haven has over 100 miles of bike paths and trails in the area for your enjoyment.  You will enjoy many different paths with views of the gorgeous scenery of West Michigan.  One of the most popular paths, The Lakeshore Connector Path, is fully paved and stretches 20 miles along the lakeshore from Grand Haven to Holland.  This is a great option to get outdoors and get some exercise in Grand Haven!

Downtown Grand Haven

Take a stroll in downtown Grand Haven and enjoy a small-town feel as you wander about.  You will find many different stores including galleries, wineries, boutiques, and markets.  Once you have explored the shopping, be sure to check out one of the many restaurants downtown Grand Haven has to offer.

Restaurants

From quaint downtown eateries to upscale dining with views of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven has many different restaurant options to choose from.  Keep reading to learn about some of our favorites:

• Pronto Pups
  • No trip to Grand Haven is complete without a visit to Pronto Pup.  Pronto Pup is a stand located on S Harbor Drive that serves corndogs that visitors and locals line up for.  Pronto Pup is open from April to mid-September, so be sure to stop in and try the local legend.  Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!   
• Snug Harbor
  • Snug Harbor is on the Grand River and overlooks Lake Michigan and the Grand Haven Pier.  The menu at Snug’s offers American Fare.  Enjoy your meal as you overlook the water and watch the passing boats sail off into the sunset.
• Kirby House
  • Located in downtown , the Kirby House is located inside a historic building that used to be a hotel.  The menu offers American fare with and something for everyone.  If you do some fishing in the area, with notice Kirby House will cook your catch for you!   Kirby House is a great option for enjoying a meal after exploring all the things to do in Grand Haven.
• The Toasted Pickle
  • Known for its eclectic sandwiches, The Toasted Pickle is in downtown and is a great spot to grab a meal.  The menu features sandwiches, artisan salads, and soup.  Stop by the quick service window for a quick snack or grab a table inside and sit down for a meal. 

If you plan to stay awhile, be sure to check out some of the best places to stay in Grand Haven here!

Pin it for Later!

Book a hotel!

Booking.com