T & J Recommend Some Favorites
We have been visiting Grand Haven every year for more than 25 years, so we've got favorites! Here is some of our advice for making your vacation everything it can be with nearby conveniences, restaurant recommendations, and fun things we like to do again and again!
Walkable from the House
Climb the enormous sand dune at North Beach Park, the public beach that can be reached by walking down the private beach. The sand dune is accessible by a recently-built wooden staircase, offering amazing panoramic views of Lake Michigan. There is also a playground at North Beach Park.
An easily walkable or bike-able 0.9 miles from the house, enjoy Coast Guard Park's tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, soccer field, baseball diamond, playground, biking and hiking trails.
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On the Boardwalk
Easily the best homemade soft pretzels we've ever had. Try one for yourself!
See the Musical Fountain! One of the world's largest. It's an amazing nightly water and light show, synchronized to music. Free of charge, but donations accepted. Follow the link for the schedule.
There is nothing more typically Grand Haven than enjoying a walk down the Grand Haven boardwalk, followed by walking the pier. We enjoy watching waves crash on the far end of it. We -do not- recommend using the pier as a platform to jump in the lake.
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The farmer's market brings a variety of tasty local produce and foods. Every Wednesday and Saturday, June-October.
Downtown Grand Haven
A really fun store in downtown Grand Haven, Mackinaw Kite Co. sells toys, boardgames, and most importantly, cool kites to play with on the beach!
Michigan Rag Company is a Michigan company that has been there since we first started going to Grand Haven. They sell unique hand-printed clothing and some fun Michigan-themed prints.
Down To Earth is a fun store to browse. They sell unique, bohemian women's clothing, accessories, and decor for the home.
Try Great Harvest Bread, where free slices of bread are given daily. Try the Raspberry White Chocolate Swirl!
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Our Favorite Restaurants
This is our -favorite- place to eat breakfast in Grand Haven! Decadent pancakes, french toast, and everything that's great about breakfast. Make sure to plan a little time for a wait; they are very popular!
Fine dining right on the beach. This restaurant is a great place to have a nice dinner and enjoy the view from the huge glass windows looking right out onto the beach. We've even seen couples get married on the beach outside the Bil Mar! Or you can enjoy a casual dining experience on their outdoor deck. Walk right up in your swimsuit!
Really great Italian food in downtown Grand Haven. We eat there every year. We especially like their eggplant parmesan and their pizza!
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A fun bar and grill on the corner of Washington and N Harbor Drive, right near the waterfront in downtown Grand Haven. We like to go for dinner and stay for the live music on the weekends. Cover charge later in the evening.
For a quick meal in downtown Grand Haven, we like to get gyros from Mr. Kozak's, a little corner restaurant selling gyros and Chicago-style food.
Special Events
The signature event of the summer for Grand Haven--Coast Guard City, U.S.A.! Coast Guard ships parade down the channel, fireworks, food, and tons of exciting festivities!
Nearby Grand Haven
Take an exciting dune buggy ride in Mears, Michigan! This is something we take all our friends to do. Worth the one-hour drive!
Spend a day at Michigan's Adventure Park in Muskegon, Michigan. Half roller coaster park, half water park. 30 minute drive.
We love to go walk around and shop in the interesting stores in colorful Saugatuck, Michigan. A one-hour drive from the house.
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Experience Dutch culture, tulips, and wooden shoe dancing on Windmill Island in Holland, Michigan. 40-minute drive.
Groceries and Other Needs
- Leppink's Food Center
- Meijer
More Ideas
We like to walk up and ask what's happening at the Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce, located next to the waterfront stadium in downtown Grand Haven.
All photos on this website were taken by the Kornacki family and friends.