Since 1962 the Musical Fountain has delighted visitors of all ages with its 20-minute synchronized water and light show accompanied with music from Shakira to Lee Greenwood, from Jimmy Buffet to Disney and Star Wars soundtracks. Linger at dusk for a classic Grand Haven treat: the Musical Fountain. For a special treat, book a sunset sail for unforgettable views of Lake Michigan bathed in a glow of evening’s red and orange palette. Visitors are invited to help raise the sails, take the wheel or simply kick back and enjoy the beauty of the Lake Michigan shore. But nothing beats an afternoon sail on the Big Lake aboard the Wind Dancer Charters, a 63-foot double gaff-rigged schooner. The Grand Haven pier and its beaches offer unmatched views of glimmering Lake Michigan. Other can’t-miss warm-weather events include the Great Lakes Kite Festival in May the Grand Haven Art Festival in June and the Grand Haven Sand Sculpture Contest in mid-August. Expect a parade, carnival rides, lots of food and a rare opportunity to tour a Coast Guard cutter. Discover Downtown Grand HavenĬoast Guard Festival | Photo Courtesy of Coast Guard FestivalĪll of Grand Haven joins the party in late July and early August when the annual Coast Guard Festival celebrates Grand Haven’s designation as Coast Guard City, USA. Inside, dine at the casual Kirby Grill for salads, burgers and sandwiches, or head downstairs to the upscale Grill Room, a traditional chop house. Dig into wood-fired pizzas and cocktails on the rooftop patio, K2, overlooking the boardwalk and Lake Michigan. Downtown, feast at the Kirby House, home to three distinct restaurants. Nearby, Butch’s Beach Burritos stakes their claim to fame on their classic burritos, tacos and fresh-made salsa. Why not make the most of it with a meal outdoors? Indulge in an iconic lunch break at Pronto Pups, serving up addictive corn dogs from a tiny beach stand since 1947.
If your family craves something quieter, head to Grand Haven’s North Beach Park where access to the water includes a network of beautiful wooded hiking trails and an off-leash dog beach. Just to the south is Grand Haven City Beach, which allows dogs in some areas and features an ADA-compliant beach walkway.
Head to Grand Haven State Park to walk the pier, snap pics of the brilliant red lighthouse, swim, people-watch and camp on the sand. At least one person has been ticketed today at South Haven beach for not obeying police, swimming in the south shore. This beach town offers lots of public Lake Michigan access. Surfer on beach in Grand Haven | Photo Courtesy of Roche Photoĭon’t let Grand Haven’s small size fool you. The annual Grand Haven beach nourishment project is funded by the federal government, meaning the city won’t have to break the bank to keep its beach in good shape.