When it’s time to relax and recharge, opt for a vacation by Lake Michigan with its gorgeous scenery, numerous activities, and adventures, while staying in a relaxing Grand Haven vacation rental. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan is Grand Haven, a small community that also abuts the opening of the Grand River. When booking your trip, select from a pleasing array of vacation rentals from family homes to condos to cabins along the lake. Here are a few towns and areas for you to start your search.
1. Grand Haven, Michigan
Find a condo in the downtown area for your family to make its home base or select a luxury home with views of the water on Lake Michigan or the Grand River. Spend your days playing in the water or exploring the downtown area with its historic storefronts and unique shopping opportunities. You and your family can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk that runs along the shore of the Grand River until it meets Lake Michigan and ends at the pier with the Grand Haven lighthouse.
2. Spring Lake, Michigan
To the north of Grand Haven is the city of Spring Lake along the shores of Lake Michigan with lakefront cabins or family homes for a larger group. You and your family can spend days enjoying the sand and surf or take a more adventurous approach and head out on the lake with a boat or jet ski rental. In the area, there are several rental locations, including Sun Sports Rental.
3. Ferrysburg, Michigan
Just a few minutes inland is the area known as Ferrysburg. While this area isn’t on the shores of Lake Michigan, you and your family can enjoy a vacation rental along the Grand River. Along with all the water activities, experience some of the dry outdoor activities, including biking, hiking and exploring the sand dunes. At Rosy Mound Natural Area, enjoy a short hike through the woods and sand dunes before climbing a staircase with access to the beach on Lake Michigan.
4. Norton Shores, Michigan
Drive about 15 minutes north of Grand Haven for a holiday at Norton Shores along the shores of Lake Michigan. If you visit in the winter months, you and your family can still find plenty of enjoyment in the snow and ice. Take a trip to P. J. Hoffmaster State Park with your cross-country skis. After a short stop at the Gillette, Visitors Center hit one of the trails around the park for a day of fun in the snow on your skis.
5. West Olive, Michigan
To the south of Grand Haven, settle into West Olive in one of the island vacation rentals. Enjoy a slower pace of life when visiting this little town. During the blueberry growing season, stop at one of the local farms and spend a few hours picking fruit fresh from the bush. Watch out though, your kids might eat more than they put in the basket.
6. Port Sheldon, Michigan
At Point Sheldon, you and your family can choose a family home away from the water or a small cabin with views of Lake Michigan. This small town features two parks that wind their way along Lake Michigan. Pack a picnic lunch at your vacation rental and spend the day at the beach at Kouw Park that also includes a playground, picnic area, and bathroom facilities.
7. Holland, Michigan
Explore the Dutch roots of this area of Lake Michigan by finding a vacation rental in this town that celebrates its heritage. Explore the 250-year old, working Dutch windmill that stands over a 100 feet tall. If you arrive in the spring, enjoy the spectacle of more than 100,000 tulip bulbs blooming or ride on the antique Dutch carousel.
8. Macatawa, Michigan
This lakeside town offers views of both Lake Michigan and the Macatawa Bay with plenty of waterside and water view homes for rent. One of the biggest attractions is the Holland Harbor Lighthouse, known as “Big Red” and built in the Dutch Style. While the lighthouse isn’t open to the public, you and your family can get a great view from the shores of Lake Macatawa.
9. Nunica, Michigan
Just east of Grand Haven is the community of Nunica, where your family can avoid some of the hustle and bustles of staying in a tourist town. While staying in the area, send the golf lovers in your family to enjoy the Terra Verde Golf Course. The course features 18 holes and is open to the public with its beautiful setting among rolling hills.
10. Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you’re looking for an urban destination where you can enjoy easy access to the beaches of Lake Michigan, then consider finding a vacation rental in Grand Rapids, less than 40 minutes from Grand Haven. Take advantage of the big city shopping and local eateries. This town plays host to more than 40 craft breweries so check out a couple of the breweries to learn the art of brewing hops.
11. Muskegon, Michigan
Muskegon provides you easy access to Lake Michigan and plenty of outdoor activities all year long. The town is a short drive north of Grand Haven with a booming vacation rental market. Choose a home, condo or cabin for your group. Take the family to Michigan’s Adventure for some fun riding old fashion wooden roller coasters or enjoying the water rides.