1.Awesome Beach Rentals

Want a romantic getaway for two, couples weekend, family vacation, multi-family vacay, family retreat, you name it and there’s a dwelling near a beach that probably also has some sweet amenities. Check out our South Haven on Lake Michigan for your rental.

Here’s a quick tour of our South Haven Rental

2. Endless activities for families

There’s the obvious one, swimming! The lake is amazing, one day there’s huge waves to jump and the next it’s so calm, quiet, and peaceful, perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking.

Outpost Sports -rent bikes and paddles

SoHa Surf Shop-rent kayaks & paddleboards

Saugatuck Dune Rides 

There’s also fishing, canoeing, tubing….dune rides, horseback riding, you name it and chances are South Haven or a place in close proximity offers it!

3. Location, location, location!!!

Did I mention we were close to EVERYTHING?! It felt nice not having to get in the car each time we wanted to eat at a restaurant, go shopping, grab coffee, get ice cream, eat pizza on the beach  etc.

4. Perfect Sunsets

Like clockwork, when 9PM rolled around everyone came out of their rentals and strolled down to the beach to behold one of the most beautiful sunsets ever, literally, every sunset we saw seemed for vibrant, more beautiful, and magnificent than the last.

When vacationing with other families take turns making meals, or better yet, take turns going on an adventure each evening! Have each family choose a country’s cuisine to share and assign them their day ahead of time so they can plan the decorations, food, and music ahead of time. This year we traveled to Japan, Italy, the Polynesian Islands, America, & Mexico! We even had an apron ceremony at the end of each meal.

Have Rainy Day Activities/Activities to keep Kiddos Busy Throughout the Week 

Rain in the forecast? Just need to keep the kiddos busy while you repack the beach bag, do laundry, and/or want enjoy that second cup of coffee on the porch? Bring a bin full of arts and crafts, get it out at the beginning of the week and assign different “kits” and crafts to each kiddo letting them know they have until the end of the week to complete their projects for the Art Show. Then of course you need to take a half hour and have an Art Show that last day. Include refreshments and toast the magnificent artist and the epic week y’all had!!

SO what are you waiting for, book your next getaway as a couple, family vacay, retreat now! Is your school district starting school online…have laptop, have mask, will travel! Have you and your family vacationed in South Haven? I’d love to hear about your experience. Or perhaps you have a question about the post, South Haven, or taking a Family retreat?

Home to some of Michigan’s oldest resorts and bed & breakfasts, South Haven is where summer fun begins. Experience beach town history, maritime heritage, wineries and numerous art galleries. South Haven Visitors Bureau explains why it’s easy to make this West Michigan gem your new summer tradition.

Imagine a place where you can embrace the small town charm with more than 70 upscale shops, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Enjoy the warm summer sun on one of seven beaches. Feel the gentle breezes as you leisurely walk the pier of the often-photographed historic lighthouse. Experience the Great Lakes’ rich heritage in the Maritime District. Sail Lake Michigan on a tall ship or cruise the harbor on an old-fashioned water taxi. Travel Blue Star Highway where artisans, galleries and antiques converge on a 16-mile stretch of scenic roadway, and celebrate the bountiful harvest at plentiful year-round farmers markets and wineries.

Though we don’t think it will take much convincing, here are five reasons to make South Haven your next summertime getaway.

1. Seven Public Beaches – One for each day of the week

South Haven is known for beautiful, sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Our visitors love to experience a different beach each day of week. Choose from family-friendly beaches with playground equipment or secluded beaches perfect for that perfect romantic sunset, or if you’re up for some water play you’ll love that you can rental paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, sailboats, and fishing boats.

2. Beautiful Scenery – Wooded bike trails, dunes for hiking, scenic drives, and a Covered Bridge

No matter where you go, whether it’s a stroll downtown eating an ice cream cone or biking the 34 mile Kal-Haven Bike Trail or a leisurely paddle down the Black River; the natural scenic beauty will take your breath away.

3. Shopping in Downtown South Haven – The river runs through it

The greatest part about shopping in South Haven is the family-owned, one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques you’ll discover. From resort wear to cottage decor stores to fudge, ice cream and everything in between; South Haven’s downtown is alive with activity – year ‘round! The best part is that it is only a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan beaches,  and several stores are located in Old Harbor Village, right on the river.

4. Wine Lovers and Foodies love Van Buren County

If you love dining, wine tasting and tours, there are fabulous restaurants and a dozen wineries in the area. Sample at St. Julian Winery in Paw Paw, a scenic 35 minute drive from South Haven, and you’ll experience the history and flavor of Michigan as an emerging wine capital! St. Julian Winery is Michigan’s Oldest, Largest and Most Awarded Winery.

5. South Haven is walkable and convenient

Enjoy a mile walk on South Haven’s exclusive HarborWalk which extends from the Lighthouse on the South Pier around the harbor to the North Pier. Along the way, take in South Haven’s Historic Markers to see the many ways maritime history is woven into the story of South Haven.

Whether you’re coming to visit for a day or a week; you’ll go home with treasured memories from South Haven and Van Buren County that will last a lifetime!