What to Bring (and Leave Behind) for Every Art Coast® Season
Some people pack light. Others prepare for every possible plot twist. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, an Art Coast getaway calls for a few essentials, some practical planning, and plenty of room for possibility. Here’s what to bring for every season in Saugatuck/ Douglas—along with a few things you can happily leave at home.
Spring
Spring on the Art Coast likes to keep things interesting. Mornings can be brisk, afternoons can be sunny, and a passing shower may decide to join you somewhere in between.
Pack light layers you can add or shed throughout the day, plus a water-resistant jacket, closed-toe walking shoes, and an umbrella that can handle a little lake breeze. A warm hat isn’t a bad idea early in the season, while sunglasses and sunscreen become increasingly useful as summer gets closer.
Pack with your favorite pursuits in mind, whether that means birdwatching, going for a bike ride, playing 18 holes, or spending an afternoon at a winery.
Summer
Summer packing starts with the obvious: a swimsuit, shorts, sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals, a hat, and clothes that are comfortable enough for a full day of wandering.
The less obvious essential? A light sweater or jacket. Even when the afternoon is hot, lake breezes can cool things down quickly—especially aboard a boat, along the waterfront, or after sunset. A light, breathable layer will keep you comfortable without taking up much room in your bag.
Your plans might include swimming, boating, kayaking, enjoying a picnic on the beach, or catching an outdoor performance, so bring clothes that can keep up.
Dinner attire along the Art Coast, no matter where you go, is casual, so leave the fancy clothes at home—unless dressing up is your thing. Around here, we’re firm believers in “you do you.”
One more summer essential: patience. The Art Coast is especially popular when the beaches are calling, which means parking spots, restaurant tables, and some attractions may come with a longer wait. Start your day early, make reservations when possible, and remember—you’re on vacation. A little flexibility goes a long way.
Fall
Do not put that swimsuit away just yet. Lake Michigan holds onto summer’s warmth into early fall, making September surprisingly inviting for swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Fall days can feel warm in the sun, while mornings and evenings bring that familiar autumn crispness. Pack T-shirts, sweaters, a medium-weight jacket, jeans, and comfortable shoes for orchard paths, woodland trails, and long downtown strolls. Whether you’re picking apples, hiking through fall color, lingering on a winery patio, or gallery hopping, layers let you adjust as the day unfolds. Add a rain jacket and hat, and you’ll be ready for just about anything.
Winter
This is Michigan. And whether there’s snow in the forecast or not, it will be cold. Winter calls for a warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and insulated, water-resistant boots with good traction. Thermal layers and warm wool socks will make outdoor adventures much more enjoyable, whether you’re cross-country skiing, walking a snowy trail, or admiring ice formations along the lakeshore.
Pack cozy, comfortable indoor layers that are easy to shed once you step inside a warm café, restaurant, gallery, or boutique. Many local B&Bs and lodging properties also have fireplaces (find them here), so removable layers will let you enjoy the glow without getting overly toasty.
What Else to Bring
The smartest Art Coast packing list goes well beyond clothing. Here are some other essentials we suggest you bring along.
Bring binoculars. Great Lakes freighters can appear on the horizon, while wetlands, woods, and shoreline provide opportunities to spot everything from herons and owls to migrating songbirds. Keep your eyes open, as the scenery occasionally moves.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Keep it handy while exploring so you can stay hydrated. From shop ‘till you drop excursions to strenuous dune climbs, you’ll appreciate having a drink within reach—and one less disposable bottle to toss.
Bring cash. Most businesses accept cards, but a few memorable local experiences do not. The Chain Ferry is cash only, as is the Sand Bar. The Star of Saugatuck accepts major credit cards for cruise tickets at its main ticket office, but its onboard concession stand and bar are cash only.
Bring your creative supplies. A sketchbook, camera, watercolor set, or travel easel is perfectly at home on the Art Coast. Set up at the four-acre poppy field next to Pleasant Hill Farm in June and July, and at Oval Beach, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or along the Kalamazoo River at Wicks Park at any time throughout the year. You never know what might inspire your next masterpiece.
Bring some empty space. Galleries, boutiques, and antique shops are filled with things you’ll want to take home. Your future self will appreciate the extra room you left in your suitcase. You may also want a tote bag for orchard finds, farmers market produce, or the bottle of local wine that was definitely too good to leave behind.
Bring a bucket list or scavenger hunt list. This is especially fun for kids, although adults tend to become just as competitive. Add Art Coast original activities such as visiting the Free Little Art Gallery outside the Button Gallery in Douglas, climbing the 303 steps to the top of Mt. Baldhead, riding the hand-cranked Chain Ferry, eating a hot dog from the Root Beer Barrel, finding a piece of public art, and watching the sun set over Lake Michigan at Oval Beach. Looking for scavenger hunt ideas? Find some here.
What Not to Pack
Leave the bulky equipment at home and rent what you need locally. Area outfitters offer all the gear you need—sometimes with delivery directly to your lodging or launch site.
Beach gear like chairs and umbrellas can be rented at Woosah, In the Elements, and Beachside Rental Services. Some lodging partners also provide complimentary beach equipment for guests. In the Elements Rental, Blue Star Barns Coffee & Bikes, and Big Lake Outfitters all rent bikes, while In the Elements Rental, Big Lake Outfitters, and Third Coast Paddling rent kayaks and paddleboards. During the winter months, rent cross-country skis or snowshoes from Landsharks.
You can also leave the rigid schedule behind. You may arrive with a planned itinerary, but leave room for local recommendations from that interesting person you met while waiting for coffee. You never know how a surprising detour might lead to a new favorite beach, restaurant, artist, or hiking trail. Some of the best Art Coast moments happen when you bring an open mind.
