Summary
- Experience the beauty of Michigan's west coast with a seamless blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming urban experiences.
- Fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport or Cherry Capital Airport and rent a car to explore Manistee, Ludington, and Pentwater.
- Make Ludington the central hub of your road trip and enjoy picturesque beaches, local breweries, yoga classes, and a shoreline cruise aboard the S.S. Badger.
Nestled along Michigan's captivating west coast lies a string of picturesque beach towns and sand dunes dotting the edge of Lake Michigan. These hidden gems create a haven for locals and travelers seeking a summer getaway, all within arm's reach. With a seamless blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming urban experiences, this meticulously crafted three-day itinerary offers a journey through Manistee, Ludington, and Pentwater, Michigan.
Whether arriving by air or car, this itinerary caters to both modes of travel, showcasing the ease of navigating through the summer vacation-worthy towns and sights of the Great Lake State. Because the summer is when road trips, memories, and new adventures coincide, why not explore the surrounding area of Lake Michigan and beyond? Luckily, this post shares the best ways for travelers to see as much as their heart desires within three easy days of driving within this gorgeous state. The best time of year is here, so buckle up!
This itinerary can be rearranged as each town is a roughly 30-minute drive from the other and can be done by traveling north or south along M-31.
Exploring Michigan's Iconic West Coast & How To Get Here
- Visitors to Michigan's west coast can fly or drive to these beach towns.
- Two close airports to Lake Michigan are Gerald R. Ford International Airport and Cherry Capital Airport.
Before heading out to Michigan's famed west coast, it's always a good idea to get a plan put together. Because this drive is shorter, making the most of each stop is a good idea.
Whether you want to fly to the nearby Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, or even travel north following the M-22: a beach-filled vacation is closer than one would think.
Flying:
- Travelers can fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids or Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City and then rent a car to take them to any of the three destinations.
Driving:
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Each destination is automobile-friendly and offers electric vehicle charging stations along the route. For a more adventurous drive or if you're looking to extend your trip, visitors can keep traveling north and follow M-22 to experience the most iconic road in the state.
- Also, plenty of drivers will pass through on their way to Manistee, Ludington, and Pentwater, including the home of Beer City, U.S.A. Grand Rapids, South Haven, New Buffalo, and Grand Haven.
M-22 is a 116-mile stretch of highway that winds along the Lake Michigan shoreline and through the scenic countryside of Manistee, Benzie, and Leelanau counties. This is a fairly scenic drive and should be pleasant during the summer.
Where To Stay:
- Considering the design of this itinerary and the proximity of the towns, it is advisable to use Ludington as the central hub of the road trip. Since it's a strategic location between the two destinations, Manistee and Pentwater, it makes for the perfect "middle" ground. There are many hotels, vacation rentals, and even places to camp in this area.
Our 3-Day Itinerary For Michigan's West Coast
On this three-day summer drive, travelers will begin the journey in the quaint city of Manistee, Michigan. With a population of just over 6,000, this smaller city is the perfect starting point for the road trip, with plenty to see, do, and experience.
From Manistee, drivers head to Ludington, the county seat and the largest city in Mason County, Michigan. On day three, drive to Pentwater, a village in Oceana County with a small population of roughly 900 residents.
Consider stopping in small businesses along the way to make this trip even more memorable. There will be places to eat, shop, and stay—plus quirky roadside attractions—throughout this three-day road trip, so don't be afraid to make new friends and connections!
Day 1: Manistee
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Morning: Grab a coffee and a pastry at The Daily BakeHouse and head up to play a round at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club.
- Location: It's above Lake Michigan; this course has been ranked in Golf Digests' 100 greatest golf courses in the U.S., 100 greatest public courses in the U.S., and the 3rd best course to play in Michigan.
- Stops: During the drive, stop at the Arcadia Overlook for panoramic views of fascinating Lake Michigan and the surrounding scenery.
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Afternoon/Evening: Relax at Fifth Avenue Beach and stick around for a stunning sunset. This is one of western Michigan's premier beaches, featuring parking, snacks, restrooms, and places to settle down for a few hours.
- Location: A short drive from downtown Manistee, Fifth Avenue Beach is considered one of Michigan's most beautiful beaches and has walking access to the North Pier.
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Evening/Night: Explore downtown while following a Brew & Spirits Self-Guided Tour. This could be a fun way to taste locally sourced beer, spirits, and wine and even a chance to see the packaging process.
- What It Includes: The full tour includes 13 establishments that offer beer, spirits, and/or wine made by local crafters.
- Notable Stops: Iron Fish Distillery, Stormcloud Brewing Company, and St. Ambrose Cellars.
Day 2: Ludington
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Morning: Join a morning al fresco yoga class in Rotary Park or on a nearby beach.
- Stops: Lotus of Ludington offers weekly outdoor yoga classes, or feel free to find a quiet spot and do a solo variation.
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Afternoon: Grab picnic supplies in downtown Ludington and trek the dunes overlooking Lake Michigan at Ludington State Park Skyline Trail Dune Climb.
- Stops: Michigan's beloved natural phenomenon is its sand dunes dotted along its west coast. Nature trails for hiking and biking snake in and around dunes and state parks, so there's no shortage of places to explore.
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Evening/Night: Catch the S.S. Badger for a Ludington Shoreline Cruise during sunset.
- Aboard The Ship: Guests will enjoy a 2-hour tour along Michigan's west coast, and reservations include food, a cash bar, live entertainment, and access to indoor and outdoor lounges, a gift shop, a movie theater, and a museum. This tour is perfect for couples, families, and groups!
Day 3: Pentwater
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Morning: Explore in and around downtown Pentwater and take a walk down the Pentwater South Pierhead.
- Stops: The downtown area is the perfect place to sip on a coffee, browse the shops, and purchase local artisanal goods at the farmers market (held Mondays and Thursdays from June - September)
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Afternoon: Stop in Pentwater Outfitters and select a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to take you along Pentwater Lake or Pentwater River. This should be about one to two hours on the water, so bring plenty of sunscreen and water/snacks.
- Tip: For a more intimate experience on some of Michigan's waterways, adventure through nearby rivers and lakes via paddleboard, kayak, or canoe. Personal rentals are a great way to explore the area from a one-of-a-kind perspective.
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Evening/Night: Take advantage of the warm weather with dinner on Village Cafe and Pub's deck- to enjoy live music and top the night off with a nightcap or visio Pentwater Dari Creme.
- Location: Pentwater is known for having comfortable temperatures in the evening, between 60 and 70 degrees, making it ideal for enjoying a late summer evening outdoors.
Exploring Michigan's Various Beach Towns Is The Perfect Summer Adventure!
Whether someone is looking for a quick road trip idea this summer or wants to turn this into a week-long journey, Michigan's west coast provides sand, water, and plenty of fun (and sun) for the whole group.
From the quaint town of Manistee to the mid-way point of Ludington and off to Pentwater, Michigan, this three-day itinerary proves to be jam-packed with sights, experiences, and outdoor exploration opportunities.
Remember to have plenty of fun, and don't be afraid to make a few detours. Happy summer from beautiful Michigan!