All In The Family
When traveling with aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, and more, making plans that accommodate diverse interests and age groups can be tricky. The Art Coast® has something to pique everyone’s interest—from scenic beaches and trails to pristine golf courses, fine dining, and more. With plenty of spacious rentals, charming resorts, and an array of activities, family members, young and old, will enjoy an extended family stay along the lakeshore.
For the Golfers
If you’ve got clubs in the trunk and a foursome ready to hit the links, we’ve got you covered. You won’t want to miss the Arnold Palmer-designed Ravines Golf Club and Restaurant, which Golf Digest called “a must-play when you visit West Michigan.” Just five minutes from downtown Saugatuck is Clearbrook Golf Course, which offers a driving range, putting and chipping greens, and The Grill Room, a bar and restaurant with lovely views.
For the Pickleheads
With over 36 million pickleball players in the US, there is a strong chance that someone in your crew can’t leave home without their paddle. Saugatuck/Douglas offers plenty of options for play, including Schultz Park in Douglas. This facility has eight gorgeous outdoor hard courts with permanent pickleball lines and nets. If it’s too cold or rainy to play, the Community Athletic Center in Fennville has three indoor wood courts, a weight room, track, and pick-up basketball.
For the Fishing Fanatics
Have family members who would love a day out on the open water? Saugatuck/Douglas is a great place to cast a line. The Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan teem with King and Coho Salmon, Steelhead, and Lake and Brown Trout. There are several Coast Guard-licensed fishing charters with experts who will make your excursion a success. If you’ve brought a boat with you, there are many local launches where you can easily put in.
For the Younger Crowd
Looking to keep your tykes and teens off their devices and engaged in family fun? The Art Coast offers plenty of kid-friendly activities. Take the family on an adventure with Saugatuck Dune Rides. The kids will love the roller coaster twists, turns, and drops, and you’ll enjoy learning about the landscape. Or go for a paddlewheel-boat ride on the Star of Saugatuck for a narrated sightseeing tour along the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan.
For water lovers, renting kayaks is a great way to explore the calm waters of the Kalamazoo River. We have plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, or sprinting down dunes. If the little ones love rockhounding, you can spend hours scouring the sandy shores of Lake Michigan for crinoids, corals, and more. Our beaches are also ideal for stargazing, and if you’re in town between September and early April, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
For the Indoor Enthusiasts
While Saugatuck/Douglas is a great place to visit if you love outdoor activities, we know some people in your family may prefer climate-controlled stores to hikes through the woods. Saugatuck and Douglas have vibrant downtowns with plenty of shopping, galleries, and fine dining. There’s even a museum where history buffs can discover the area’s roots.
For the Whole Family
From resorts to rentals to cozy inns, Saugatuck/Douglas offers a wide array of accommodations for groups small and large. If gorgeous gardens and upscale accommodations fit your family, check out the Belvedere Inn, which is great for groups of 20 people or fewer. If vintage vibes are more your thing, check out the Saugatuck Retro Resort Motel, which can accommodate up to 54 people and has a pool and outdoor firepit. Interested in a vacation rental? Options abound!
