14 Best Places to Visit in Michigan
The Great Lakes State is full of natural wonders and the coolest getaways! I’ve discovered breathtaking beaches, historic treasures, and hidden gems far from the usual tourist stops on our four week road trip. This is exactly why I decided to share my favorite things in Michigan so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own vacation. I'm sharing my absolute favorites that I hope you'll enjoy too.
Mackinac Island - 4 hours and 30 minutes from Detroit
This is not just Michigan's most iconic island resort, it's also one of my favorite places to visit in Michigan. What I loved most is that the island feels like stepping into another era. You'll find no cars... just bicycles and horse-drawn carriages which is super unique. In addition, it’s easy to reach by ferry.
Fall was especially beautiful here with crisp island air, warm afternoons, and peaceful evenings.
To get to Mackinac Island, I suggest taking a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, since the ride only takes about 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge. Ferry prices vary by company and season, but tickets are generally affordable and easy to book. This isn’t your only option, though because some hotels offer ferry packages, and you can also arrive by private boat. I prefer the ferry because it’s fast, scenic, and hassle-free.
If you make the trip to Mackinac Island, I think you should consider walking or biking along the 8.2-mile perimeter loop, exploring Arch Rock, and wandering through downtown. The island is famous for its fudge shops, historic buildings, and lake views. What's more, there are countless places to stop for lunch, ice cream, and coffee. You can also visit Fort Mackinac, stroll along the shoreline, hike wooded trails in Mackinac Island State Park, or simply relax and take in the slower pace of island life.
I’ll warn you that Mackinac Island can get very busy, especially in July and August, and it’s easy to spend a lot of time wandering without seeing the highlights. We thought that the historic carriage tour was a great introduction to the island.
We stayed four amazing days at Bicycle Street Inn and Suites for its prime location right on Main Street.
What I loved best:
Watching a sunset from British Landing was my personal highlight.
Holland - 3 hour from Detroit
We absolutely love Holland, Michigan and have been many times. Resting along the edge of Lake Macatawa and just minutes from wide, sandy beaches, this is one of the most peaceful and scenic towns I’ve visited in the Midwest on our road trip and I think it’s one of the best places for a relaxing Great Lakes escape. Why? First off, Holland offers miles of lakefront trails, and quiet dunes. In addition, it has a laid-back vibe far removed from the bustle of larger beach towns, so I find it perfect when I'm craving calm and natural beauty.
There are heaps of unique things to do here! Famous for its Dutch roots, "Tulip City" feels both proudly historic and warmly modern, tulip-lined streets, charming windmills, and a vibrant downtown that hums with energy year-round.
Holland carries its traditions proudly, from wooden shoe carving to the annual Tulip Time Festival.
Enjoy wandering through Windmill Island Gardens, strolling along downtown’s 8th Street, and relax on the sandy shore of Holland State Park Beach. My son's favorite was Nelis’ Dutch Village , a family-friendly park celebrating Dutch traditions. If you have kids, don't miss Nelis’ Dutch Village!
We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown for two days and loved it for its walkable location and comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. My favorite meal was dinner at New Holland Brewing, where the wood-fired pizza ($16) paired perfectly with a flight of local craft beers. My son loved the soft pretzel with beer cheese ($10), and the lively vibe made it a memorable evening.
What I loved best:
Walking along the Holland Harbor Boardwalk with sweeping lake views was my personal highlight.
Traverse City
This is one of my favorite places to visit in northern Michigan because the city is surrounded by such stunning natural beauty. Since there is so much to take in, we decided to join a guided tour with a local guide on our first visit which was a great idea.
What struck me most was the variety packed into such a walkable place. One moment you’re exploring boutique shops downtown, the next you’re sipping wine overlooking rolling hills, or watching the sun set over Lake Michigan.
We reached Traverse City in 4 hours from Detroit and stayed at Hotel Indigo Traverse City for four days, right in the Warehouse District, which gave us easy access to downtown and the bay. My favorite meal was at The Little Fleet, a lively food truck park. I had the fish tacos ($14), while my son loved the wood-fired margherita pizza ($13). The casual outdoor vibe made it a perfect summer evening stop.
What I loved best:
National Cherry Festival in early July was my personal highlight.
Lansing - 1 hour 20 minutes from Detroit
Set along gentle rivers and surrounded by tree-lined neighborhoods, this is one of the most charming capital cities I’ve explored in the USA. I think it’s one of the best low-key getaways in Michigan. Why? Lansing offers peaceful parks, river trails, and a relaxed vibe.
This city surprised me with its mix of state history, cultural spots, and relaxed riverfront charm. As Michigan’s capital, it carries the weight of government and heritage, but it balances that with a youthful energy thanks to nearby Michigan State University. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
What stood out most was the variety within reach. You can tour the soaring dome of the Capitol building in the morning, then enjoy art galleries or river trails by afternoon.
We stayed at Graduate East Lansing for four days, just across from the university, which made it easy to explore both Lansing and East Lansing. My favorite meal was at Meat BBQ, a local favorite featured on TV. The brisket sandwich ($14) was smoky and tender, while my son devoured the mac & cheese ($10). The casual, lively vibe made it one of those meals you remember long after the trip.
What I loved best:
Strolling through Old Town Lansing, full of boutiques, galleries, and cafés, was my personal highlight.
Detroit
This is the largest city in Michigan and one of my favorite places to visit. Why? First off, I love how much there is to see and do, from history, culture and even heaps of nature in the parks! Secondly, it's a surprisingly affordable destination because of so many different accommodations options and free attractions.
Now, first things first, one of my favorite stops was John K. King Books, Michigan's largest used & rare bookstore (I learned that hey have 1,000,000 books in stock!).
I recommend going for brunch at Dime Store. Go for duck confit hash with a runny egg and herbed hollandaise, savory and sharp, the café warm with the scent of coffee and citrus.
Later, we wandered through the Wasserman Projects Art Gallery, where light spilled across large-scale installations and the silence of the space made you lean in. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
Dinner at Prime and Proper was a stylish place. My perfectly cooked filet that arrived with roasted garlic and sea salt. Afterward, we stopped by Grey Ghost for dessert—salted caramel panna cotta, creamy and cool, the room humming with low music and soft conversations.
What I loved best:
Strolling along the Riverwalk, with skyline views and parks along the water was my favorite highlight.
Sault Ste. Marie
Ready for a Michigan getaway filled with nature, history, and pure Upper Peninsula atmosphere? Check out Sault Ste. Marie, a real standout any time of year.
Sault Ste. Marie is a great choice for history buffs and nature lovers. Perched on the U.S.-Canada border along the St. Marys River, it’s the oldest city in Michigan. It's also home to the world-famous Soo Locks — where massive freighters pass through a system that’s as fascinating today as it was a century ago.
What struck me most was the sense of scale and story. Watching a thousand-foot ship glide through the locks is humbling, but so is wandering the town’s quiet streets lined with heritage buildings. Add in the raw beauty of Lake Superior just minutes away, and you get a destination that balances engineering marvels with serene northern wilderness.
We drove 5 hours from Detroit and stayed at The Ojibway Hotel for two days, right across from the Soo Locks viewing platform. My favorite meal was at Lockview Restaurant, a classic diner-style spot serving up Great Lakes whitefish. The broiled whitefish platter ($18) was fresh and filling, while my son loved the perch basket ($15). Eating with a view of passing freighters made it feel uniquely “Soo.”
What I loved best:
Walking the Water Street Historic Block, with its preserved 19th-century buildings was a standout!
St. Joseph
I fell for this place that immediately felt like a Lake Michigan treasure on our road trip this month. It's a classic beach town with Midwestern warmth and one of my favorite places to visit in Michigan. Nicknamed the “Riviera of the Midwest,” it offers sandy shores, lighthouses, and a walkable downtown.
What stood out most was how family-friendly it is. You can spend the morning enjoying coffee and snacks downtown, then walk a few blocks to splash in the lake or watch sailboats drift by. Moreover, sunsets over Lake Michigan are unforgettable.
We drove from Detroit for 3 hours and stayed at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro for two days. It's located above downtown with sweeping lake views. My favorite meal was at Silver Beach Pizza, set inside a restored train depot by the Amtrak tracks. The margherita pizza ($16) was a hit, and my son loved the pepperoni deep-dish slice ($12). Watching trains pass while sharing a meal made it one of those uniquely “St. Joe” moments.
What I loved best:
Walking out to the St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse for postcard-worthy views was my personal highlight.
Ann Arbor
I loved visiting this charming college town when we lived nearby, often arriving after an easy, low-stress drive (45 minutes from Detroit).
Anchored by the University of Michigan, it’s a place where bookstores, art galleries, cafés, and leafy neighborhoods all blend seamlessly with a lively downtown scene. It instantly became one of my favorite Michigan day trips.
I loved that one moment you’re exploring a world-class museum, the next you’re sipping coffee in a quiet corner shop or wandering along the Huron River. Ann Arbor feels like a "big small town" — cosmopolitan enough to surprise you, but still approachable and warm.
My favorite meal was at Zingerman’s Deli, an Ann Arbor institution. The Reuben ($18.50) was every bit as good as its reputation promised, while my son loved the grilled cheese ($12). Sharing a meal there felt like being part of the city’s story.
Need a place to stay? Graduate Ann Arbor boutique hotel filled with collegiate charm, right in the heart of downtown.
What I loved best:
Walking along the Huron River at Gallup Park.
Saginaw
Ready for a peaceful, arts-meets-nature escape? Check out Saginaw, a real standout in mid-Michigan.
To me, spring was an incredible time to visit — the last traces of winter lingered along the riverbanks, but the city was beginning to wake up with the promise of spring. I’d learned that early March here brings a quiet kind of beauty.
After arriving via MBS International Airport, we settled into a charming downtown Airbnb for two days near the Saginaw River. Days were spent exploring Ojibway Island Park and the Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House, where the gardens were just starting to show signs of life. We wandered through Old Town Saginaw, with its restored brick buildings, quirky boutiques, and cozy cafés perfect for warming up between strolls.
What I loved best:
Sunset walks along the river were my personal highlight.
Grand Rapids
This place makes for one of my favorite day trips in Michigan because it blends art, history, and a youthful vibe. Every time I visit, I’m surprised by how much there is to explore in just a single day. After just over two hours from Detroit, we reached Grand Rapids.
We first stopped by the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and I loved wandering among the massive outdoor sculptures, gardens, and even a tropical conservatory. It was unusual and joyful to see art and nature come together so seamlessly. To me, it absolutely felt like a hidden gem in the Midwest.
Check out Downtown Grand Rapids with its spectacular energy, craft breweries, street art, and local shops.
Don't miss visiting the Grand Rapids Art Museum with its contemporary works and rotating exhibits.
Afterwards we stopped at The Pump House Frozen Yogurt Bar - Knapps Corner and in July it really hit the spot and let us cool off.
What I loved best:
Walking along the riverfront tied the day together with views of the city that were peaceful.
South Haven
Framed by wide sandy beaches and heaping dunes, plus a lovely harbor, this is one of the most inviting shoreline places to visit in southwest Michigan.
March was an incredible time to visit. I learned that this shoulder season is one of the best-kept secrets on the lakeshore. And for sure, I was charmed by quiet beaches, and cozy cafés.
After driving in from Grand Rapids, I checked into a snug rental for two days just steps from the South Haven Lighthouse. Mornings began with brisk walks along the pier. By afternoon, I’d warm up in the local shops and coffeehouses downtown — no crowds, just the easy friendliness of a small harbor town easing out of winter.
What I loved best:
Evenings brought the kind of stillness you can only find by the lake, the sun melting into the horizon.
Kalamazoo
This is one of my favorite mid-Michigan cities to visit because Kalamazoo blends a lively college-town spirit with a creative energy.
I recommend heading to Kalamazoo Mall, one of the first outdoor pedestrian shopping streets in the country. Next, go for a visit to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum for a dose of history.
What I loved best:
Exploring the city’s famous craft beer scene was my personal highlight. Bell’s Eccentric Café was the perfect place to spend an afternoon sampling local brews.
Dearborn
Rooted in automotive heritage and surrounded by leafy parks, this is one of the most culturally fascinating towns we’ve visited in Michigan. I think it’s one of the best places for a history-meets-modern-culture getaway. Why? Dearborn offers world-class museums, diverse food, peaceful walking trails, and a relaxed vibe far removed from busy downtown Detroit, yet still close enough for a day trip (just 15 minutes by car).
I recommend going to The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and exploring the exhibits that tell the story of America’s inventors and dreamers.
Next, just across the way, the Automotive Hall of Fame was a true highlight, an inspiring tribute to the pioneers who shaped the world on wheels.
What I loved best:
Walking among vintage cars, portraits, and stories of visionaries like Henry Ford and Soichiro Honda gave me a real sense of how this city fueled global innovation.
Houghton
Set on the edge of the Keweenaw Peninsula and surrounded by dense forests, clear water, and old mining history, this is one of the most striking small cities I’ve explored in the Midwest. Honestly, I think it’s one of the best places in Michigan for anyone who loves nature and a bit of adventure. Why? Houghton offers scenic overlooks, peaceful waterfront trails, and that laid-back outdoorsy vibe far removed from crowded tourist destinations.
This place felt like a true northern escape — a place where history, lake views, and outdoor adventure all meet at the edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Set along the Portage Canal and framed by rolling hills, its the gatewy to the Keweenaw Peninsula and carries the heritage of the copper mining era while embracing its role as a college town.
What stood out most was the balance of energy and quiet. With Michigan Tech University at its heart, Houghton has a youthful vibe, but it’s also deeply tied to its natural surroundings — from hiking trails and waterfalls to snowy winters that transform the area into a wonderland. The downtown’s mix of historic buildings and modern shops made it feel both authentic and welcoming.
What I loved best:
For me, Houghton is one of the best places in Michigan. It's romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I can’t wait to return to!
Hiking along the Maasto Hiihto Trails and enjoy panoramic views was my personal highlight.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
