Welcome to Michigan, where luxury meets the serene beauty of the Great Lakes and beyond. Known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming lakeside towns, Michigan offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for your next luxury vacation.

Whether you're seeking a cozy lakeside retreat or a sophisticated urban escape, Michigan has something to offer every traveler looking to indulge in the finer things.

Michigan Weather" When Should You Visit?

• Summer (June to August): Enjoy warm temperatures perfect for beach activities, boating on the lakes, and exploring outdoor festivals and events.
• Fall (September to November): Witness Michigan's stunning fall foliage with vibrant colors across the landscapes. It's ideal for hiking, wine tours, and enjoying local harvest festivals.
• Winter (December to February): Embrace the winter wonderland with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, and cozying up by the fireplace in charming lodges.
• Spring (March to May): Experience the awakening of nature with blooming cherry blossoms, ideal for hiking trails, visiting botanical gardens, and exploring quaint towns.

The Best Lakeside Towns in Michigan

• Traverse City: Known for its vibrant downtown area, world-class wineries, and stunning views of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay. Traverse City is also famous for its Cherry Festival and excellent dining options.
• Saugatuck: This charming town is renowned for its art galleries, boutique shops, and beautiful Oval Beach. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Kalamazoo River or explore the nearby sand dunes.
• Holland: With its Dutch heritage, Holland boasts beautiful tulip gardens, charming windmills, and the picturesque Lake Macatawa. The town is also home to Holland State Park, featuring a stunning beach on Lake Michigan.
• Charlevoix: Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, this town offers unique architecture, including the famous Mushroom Houses. Charlevoix is ideal for boating, fishing, and enjoying the scenic waterfront.
• Petoskey: Known for its historic Gaslight District, beautiful waterfront parks, and the famed Petoskey stones found along the beaches. Petoskey offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
• South Haven: A popular summer destination with sandy beaches, a bustling harbor, and charming downtown shops. South Haven is perfect for water sports, fishing, and enjoying local festivals. If you’re staying in South Haven, see our Wander Michigan Shores transportation guide to enjoy seamless travel to and from your luxury rental.
• Union Pier: Located in Southwest Michigan, Union Pier offers a peaceful retreat with pristine beaches and charming cottages. It’s a great spot for relaxing getaways and exploring nearby wineries.
• Mackinac Island: Although not a town, this unique island between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas is car-free and known for its historic sites, stunning landscapes, and luxurious resorts.

Each of these lakeside towns in Michigan provides a unique charm and a variety of activities, making them ideal destinations for a luxury vacation.

Food and Drink in The Great Lakes State

Indulge in Michigan's culinary delights, from fresh seafood along the coast to farm-to-table experiences in quaint towns. Along the shores of Lake Michigan, enjoy succulent whitefish, perch, and trout freshly caught and expertly prepared at waterfront restaurants.

Traverse City, known as the Cherry Capital, offers an array of cherry-inspired dishes and desserts and boasts some of the state's best farm-to-table dining experiences.

Michigan is also home to over 300 breweries, with Grand Rapids earning the nickname "Beer City USA" for its impressive brewery scene.

Venture into the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas to explore boutique wineries offering exquisite tastings and stunning vineyard views. If beer and wine aren’t to your taste, you can also experience the unique flavors of Michigan-made ciders, meads, and spirits.

For more restaurant inspiration close to Wander Michigan Shores, check out our food guide.

Points of Interest in Michigan

Explore Michigan's diverse attractions, from the bustling city life of Detroit to the natural wonders of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Detroit, the Motor City, offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, and historic Eastern Market. Take a stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk or catch a game at Comerica Park to feel the city's dynamic energy.

Head north to the Upper Peninsula, where the breathtaking beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore awaits. Here, you can marvel at towering sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and cascading waterfalls.

Michigan is also dotted with historic lighthouses, each telling a story of the state's maritime heritage. Visit the Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park or the Point Betsie Lighthouse near Frankfort for stunning views and a glimpse into the past.

For art lovers, towns like Saugatuck and Grand Rapids boast vibrant art scenes with galleries, public art installations, and annual art fairs.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can climb sand dunes and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

Incredible Acitivities in Michigan

Whether you prefer hiking through scenic trails, sailing on crystal-clear lakes, or exploring charming downtowns, Michigan offers activities to suit every taste.

• Hiking: Traverse rugged trails in Isle Royale National Park or enjoy serene hikes in Huron-Manistee National Forests.
• Biking: Bike along Mackinac Island’s scenic routes, where motor vehicles are prohibited.
• Water Sports: Sail the Great Lakes, paddleboard on inland lakes, or fish in top freshwater spots.
• Golfing: Play at Arcadia Bluffs or other top-rated courses with stunning views.
• Winter Sports: Ski and snowboard at Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain, or the Porcupine Mountains. Explore trails on cross-country skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles.
• Urban and Cultural Activities: Shop in Ann Arbor’s unique boutiques, enjoy live music in Detroit, or take a scenic drive along the Tunnel of Trees near Harbor Springs.
• Special Attractions: Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for iconic sand dunes and panoramic Lake Michigan views.

Choosing Where to Stay in Michigan

The Most Popular Vacation Destinations in Michigan

Michigan offers a variety of vacation spots that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the most popular destinations:

• Mackinac Island: A car-free island where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles rule. Enjoy stunning Lake Huron views, historic sites like Fort Mackinac, and the Grand Hotel. Don't miss the island's famous fudge.
• Petoskey: Located on Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey features a historic Gaslight District, charming shops, and scenic trails in Bear River Valley Recreation Area. The town is also famous for its unique Petoskey stones.
• Saugatuck: An artist's haven with numerous galleries and art studios. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, dune rides, and kayaking on the Kalamazoo River. The Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers hiking and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
• South Haven: A quintessential lakeside town on Lake Michigan with stunning beaches, a historic lighthouse, and a charming downtown. Enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the Kal-Haven Trail, which stretches to Kalamazoo.

The Best Cities in Michigan to Explore

• Holland: Known for its annual Tulip Time Festival and Dutch heritage. Explore the Veldheer Tulip Gardens, Windmill Island Gardens, and beautiful beaches at Holland State Park and Tunnel Park.
• Ann Arbor: A lively college town with a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Home to the University of Michigan, it offers museums, galleries, theaters, unique boutiques, diverse restaurants, and the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Getting Around

Navigating through Michigan is a breeze, whether you prefer the freedom of driving yourself or the convenience of a private chauffeur. Here's how you can get around:

• Private Chauffeur Services: For those who want to travel in style and comfort, consider hiring a private chauffeur. This option is perfect for a luxurious and hassle-free experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views without worrying about directions or parking.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car is an excellent way to explore Michigan at your own pace. Numerous car rental agencies are available at major airports and throughout the state, offering a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs. This flexibility allows you to visit even the most remote attractions and take spontaneous detours.