Beaches

When the weather gets hot and the swimsuits come out, there is no better place to be than at a beach on Lake Michigan, just a half-hour drive from downtown Grand Rapids. Spend the afternoon bronzing in the sand in Grand Haven, catch a bite to eat at any of the many beachside restaurants and then watch the sunset on the famous pier. Or while away the day on the beach at Muskegon's Hoffmaster State Park or Holland's State Park with its famous red lighthouse. Insiders love Holland's Tunnel Park beach for the privacy afforded by its location amidst the dunes. Next morning, head to Saugatuck/Douglas for Oval Beach, one of the area's finest. Cool off at the swanky art galleries and antique shops that have made this prototypical beach town famous with Chicagoans. Be sure to stop for giant waffle cones at any of these beach towns.