100+ Best Things to Do in Saugatuck, MI (2025 Local Guide)

Top 10 activities for first timers to Saugatuck

Best for: families with kids • teens • grandparents
Season sweet spot: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Time needed: 2–3 days to hit the highlights
Vibe: beaches + dunes + boats + walkable downtowns

Don’t miss:

• 🏖️ Oval Beach — easy swim, big sand, sunsets

• 🚶 Stroll Saugatuck & Douglas — shops, galleries, ice cream

• 🚙 Saugatuck Dune Rides — 40-min thrills + history + humor

• 🚢 Star of Saugatuck Cruise — 90-min river/Lake Michigan views

• 🍒 U-Pick Fruit — June–Oct family classic

1. Relax and Play at Oval Beach

A visit to Oval Beach is a must during your stay — and it’s hands-down our favorite summer activity. Widely recognized as one of the best beaches in the Great Lakes region, Oval Beach has earned national and international praise, including being named one of the “25 Best Shorelines in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler. With its soft sand, gently sloping shoreline, and stunning dune backdrop, it’s the perfect place for families to spend a full day by the water.

Whether you’re swimming, building sandcastles, or just relaxing under an umbrella, the wide open views of Lake Michigan never disappoint. The beach is easy to access, family-friendly, and well maintained, with lifeguards on duty during peak summer weekends.

The north end of the beach has become the most popular area recently, offering a bit more sand and space thanks to higher-than-normal water levels. The south end of the beach features public restrooms and a small concession stand, where you can grab snacks and cold drinks. There are picnic tables near the parking area, perfect for lunch breaks or sunset watching.

To make the most of your day, arrive early — especially between mid-June and late August, when parking fills up fast and the beach may reach capacity by late morning. We recommend arriving by 10 a.m. for a smooth entry and the best spot on the sand.

As our guest of Saugatuck Modern Farmhouse or Douglas Modern Villa, you’ll have access to all the beach essentials to make your visit easy and enjoyable — including beach chairs, beach umbrellas, beach towels, a cooler, beach cart, and basic sand toys for the kids.

2. Explore the art scene in Saugatuck Michigan

• Saugatuck Center for the Arts has exhibits, theater, performances, and workshops. The prices are reasonable and proceeds from the merchandise supports the local community. There are kids’ camps available in the summer (book well in advance!). 400 Culver St. Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-2399

• Ox-Bow School of Art and Artist's Residency has workshops, classes, open studios, and art auctions. It’s great for kids and on Friday evenings they have free open studio. Be sure to visit their website for the latest. 3435 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-5811

• Express Yourself Art Barn has a wide variety of family-friendly, DIY art projects that can be done in an hour or two. The staff really encourage your creativity, without being too intrusive of your family time. This is a great idea for a day when the weather is not cooperating. 6459 130th Ave. Fennville, MI (269) 857-5566

• Visit some of the 20+ art galleries in Saugatuck/Douglas.

3. Fruit picking in Fennville Michigan

Fruit picking in Fennville is a summer-and-fall classic for families—easy strolls through orchard rows, buckets filling fast with blueberries or peaches, and kids running between trees with juice on their chins. Some farms have animals, cider, donuts, or hayrides depending on the season. It’s a quick 15–20 minute drive and perfect for a relaxed morning before heading to the beach or back home to bake. 👉 See our full fruit-picking guide for farms, months, and tips in the “Summer Outdoors” section of this guide.

4. Dock Fishing in Douglas Michigan

There are many fishing spots in the area, including Wick’s Park in Saugatuck, under the Blue Star Bridge (the bridge between Saugatuck and Douglas).

Insider tips: Our favorite spot is Wade’s Bayou, which is a 2-min walk from Douglas Modern Villa. Some additional fishing spots can be found here. You can buy or rent fishing equipment and purchase bait at Big Lake Outfitters in Saugatuck, MI. However if you are in the off-season and Big Lake is closed, you can buy bait at Lakeshore Convenience or Dunes View Kwik Shop. Also keep in mind a fishing license is required in Michigan that can be purchased at Big Lake for $10/day.

5. Hike the Trails at Saugatuck Dunes State Park

If your family loves a good mix of nature, exercise, and beach time, you’ll want to spend a day exploring Saugatuck Dunes State Park. This 1,000-acre park features over 13 miles of sandy hiking trails that wind through peaceful forests, rolling dunes, and out to the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.

The trails vary from short, family-friendly loops to longer, more challenging treks for adventurous hikers. The most popular route is the Beach Trail (about 2.5 miles round trip), which leads through shaded woods and over gentle dunes before opening up to a wide, uncrowded stretch of beach — perfect for a picnic, sandcastle building, or swimming on warm days.

Because the paths are sandy, it’s best to wear sturdy shoes or sandals that can handle uneven terrain. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks, and expect a bit of a workout on the return trip from the beach (it’s uphill!). The park’s natural setting means there are no concessions or restrooms near the shoreline, so plan accordingly.

This park is also a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying Michigan’s natural dunes ecosystem — kids will love spotting wildlife and running up and down the sand hills.

Tips: Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid crowds and secure parking. The trailheads are well-marked from the parking lot, and maps are available at the entrance. $11 day pass per vehicle. 6575 138th Ave. Saugatuck Dunes, MI 269-637-2788

6. Cruise the Kalamazoo River on the Star of Saugatuck

Step aboard the Star of Saugatuck — a classic, double-decker paddlewheel boat that’s been delighting visitors for decades. This 90-minute cruise along the Kalamazoo River and out to the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to take in the area’s beauty.

From your seat on the open upper deck, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Saugatuck’s harbor, lush dune landscapes, and (weather permitting) the stunning expanse of Lake Michigan itself. It’s a smooth, breezy ride perfect for all ages — kids love watching the big paddlewheel turn, and adults appreciate the slow pace and photo-worthy views.

The Star of Saugatuck offers both daytime and sunset cruises, with the evening sailings being especially popular for couples and families alike. There’s a concession stand and bar on board serving snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails, along with restrooms and shaded seating areas for comfort.

This is truly a classic Saugatuck experience — whether you’re looking to relax on the water, take family photos, or simply enjoy the fresh lake breeze, you’ll love this leisurely cruise. 716 Water St, Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-4261

7. Saugatuck Dune Rides

• Saugatuck Dune Rides is one of those rare experiences that’s both thrilling and family-friendly — a fast, funny, memory-making tour through the rolling sand dunes that define this part of Michigan’s coastline. The moment you climb into the bright, open-air dune schooner, the driver sets the tone with a mix of humor, storytelling, and “hang on tight” energy. Then you’re off — engines humming, sand kicking up, and wind rushing across your face as the truck zips up steep hills and swoops down sandy valleys.

Between bursts of speed, the guide pauses for history: the lost logging town of Singapore, how the dunes formed, past shipwrecks, and the ongoing efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem. Kids love the jokes and surprise turns; adults love the views — especially from the high lookout points where Lake Michigan glints through dune grass and endless pines.

The ride lasts about 40 minutes, but most families spend closer to an hour onsite with check-in and photos. It’s suitable for most ages (generally 5+), and the smooth bench-style seating fits families comfortably. The experience feels adventurous but never unsafe — guides are skilled, personable, and genuinely entertaining. It’s a must-do for first-timers and a yearly tradition for many returning guests. You can check out a video of this experience in our Instagram here [be sure to follow us!] 6495 Blue Star Hwy. Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-2253

Insider Tips:
• Book exactly 2 weeks ahead at midnight — summer slots fill quickly.
• Evening rides are cooler and better for photos.
• Wear sunglasses — sand can kick up on windy days.
• Bring a light jacket for morning or sunset tours.

8. Climb Mount Baldhead for Panoramic Views

A trip to Saugatuck wouldn’t be complete without conquering the Mount Baldhead steps — one of the area’s most iconic and rewarding short hikes. Located just across the river from downtown, this small park offers big rewards: sweeping, 360-degree views of Saugatuck, Douglas, and the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan.

The main attraction is the 302-step wooden staircase that climbs through the trees to the top of the dune. It’s a fun challenge for all ages, and there are resting platforms along the way where you can catch your breath and enjoy the view. Once at the summit, you’ll find a scenic overlook deck that’s perfect for family photos. Adventurous hikers can continue down the sandy trail on the western side toward Oval Beach — just remember, the climb back up is a workout!

Families often pair this outing with a ride on the historic Chain Ferry, which connects downtown Saugatuck directly to the base of Mount Baldhead. The ferry runs seasonally (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day) and adds a nostalgic twist to the adventure. At the bottom of the steps, there’s also a small playground and picnic area, making it an easy and enjoyable stop for all ages. 98 Water Street, Saugatuck, M

9. Charter Fishing on Lake Michigan

This is one of our favorite summer activities. Lake Michigan is great for Salmon and Lake Trout. Usually the boats leave around 6am from Saugatuck, and return around 2pm. The charters do all the work for you, all you need to do is reel in the fish.

• Insider tip: If you want a proven experience, and also save a few bucks, you should call Tony Wolte, of Always On Fishing Charters. Tony is the captain I work with each summer for our annual charter fishing trip on Lake Michigan. A blog post on our six years of fishing expeditions coming soon.  Preview: we never came home empty handed!  Call Capt. Tony Wolte at (616) 836-8452, and let him know that I referred you.

• Big Lake Outfitters They work with and can connect you with several local fishing charters and have friendly staff. You can charter a fishing boat, or rent a pontoon boat and get a different perspective of the surroundings out on the open waters. 640 Water St, Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-4762

• Best Chance Too This is another charter fishing company. If you are looking for a great Lake Michigan fishing experience, a trip on the Best Chance Too should be right up your alley. They stop at several fishing spots all up and down the lake. 1650 Water St, Saugatuck, MI (616) 292-4812

10. Stroll the Charming Downtowns of Saugatuck & Douglas

Sometimes the best family adventures are the simplest — and a leisurely stroll through downtown Saugatuck and nearby Douglas is a must-do during your stay. These two walkable, picture-perfect towns are filled with colorful shops, cozy cafés, and plenty of opportunities for families to relax, explore, and enjoy the waterfront.

Start your walk along Water Street in downtown Saugatuck, where you’ll find boutique stores, art galleries, and ice cream shops like Charlie’s Round the Corner Ice Cream and Kilwins — both local favorites with kids. You can browse beachwear at Landsharks, discover unique gifts at The Brass Anchor Co., or pick up a handmade souvenir at The Laffing Glass.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, make sure to hop aboard the historic Saugatuck Chain Ferry — a hand-cranked ferry that has been carrying visitors across the Kalamazoo River since 1838! Kids love helping crank the ferry, and it’s the only one of its kind still operating in the U.S. On the other side, you can explore the base of Mount Baldhead or take a short nature walk.

After exploring Saugatuck, take a quick 5-minute drive or a scenic walk across the Blue Star Highway bridge to downtown Douglas, known for its laid-back vibe and local art scene. Stroll Center Street, visit J. Petter Galleries, or grab a snack at Respite Cappuccino Court. For a break, relax in Beery Field Park, where there’s plenty of open space for kids to run around.

This simple outing is perfect for a light activity day — you’ll get to experience the heart and charm of both towns, enjoy the views, and support local small businesses.