With gorgeous outdoor settings, charming and quaint accommodations, and an incredible food and beverage scene, it’s no wonder why lovebirds have been making the Art Coast of Michigan their romantic getaway destination for years.

To help keep the sparks flying, we’ve compiled a list of the most romantic date ideas for our area:

Pack a Picnic

With blue water that stretches all the way to the horizon, sparkling quartz sand, and unforgettable sunsets, there’s nothing like a picnic on the beach with your special someone. Stop by Farmhouse Deli for pre-packed gourmet provisions and then head out to Douglas Beach to enjoy. Spread your blanket at Wicks Park and watch the boats glide along the water with a classic French picnic prepared by Lulu Cadieux and beautifully presented in a wicker and canvas picnic basket that is yours to keep. Or arrange for a luxury brunch or sunset picnic at Oval Beach, complete with styled table scape and custom hand-lettered welcome sign to really amp up the romance.

Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

There’s nothing like starting your evening off with a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the water. The Star of Saugatuck sternwheeler paddleboat and Serenity Schooner tall ship offer cruises highlighting the dramatic beauty of a Lake Michigan sunset.

Take a Scenic Horse Ride

Explore the scenic wooded trails on horseback or take a carriage ride at Wild West Ranch, located just a short 25-minute drive from downtown Saugatuck/Douglas. Affordable and fun, this activity promises to be both romantic and out of the ordinary.

See a Show

There are always opportunities to hear live music here. But for the ultimate live music experience in an intimate setting, treat your ears to the finest in local, regional, and national acoustic/Americana/roots music at Salt of the Earth during one of their Sunday evening concerts. Or check out a performance at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, which brings in nationally recognized visual art exhibitions, Broadway-caliber theater productions, acclaimed film screenings, and more.

Indulge in a Beverage Tour

There’s no shortage of great craft beverages to discover in our region. Home to four wineries, four craft breweries, two craft cideries, and two craft spirit tasting rooms, you’ll find ample opportunities to toast each other. To make an event of it and travel from tasting to tasting responsibly, charter a private excursion or participate in a public Join-In group tour with Coastal Tours, Untapped Sights & Tours, or Singapore Shuttles.

Get a Couples Massage

There’s nothing like getting a great massage, and sharing that experience with your significant other is an even better way to receive all of the restorative benefits. Massage stimulates the release of feel-good hormones, boosting feelings of intimacy and affection. Reconnect with each other with soothing music, calming oils, and therapeutic touch at Bella Vita Spa, which offers couples massages throughout the year.

Take A Joy Ride

Slow down your pace and enjoy the fresh air in classic style. Relax and let your personal chauffeur from Antique Joy Rides regale you with interesting bits of local history as you ride through the downtown district of Saugatuck, neighboring village of Douglas, quiet back roads to the Felt Mansion, and along the high bluffs of Lake Michigan with its stunning views and beautiful lakeside homes. All the cars are antique pre-war era open Ford Model A cars from 1929 to 1931 that have been updated with seatbelts, turn signals, and LED headlights to optimize safety.

Immerse Yourself in Art

While there are organized gallery strolls throughout the year that feature refreshments and live music at participating galleries, there’s no reason you can’t create your own art-filled itinerary. Check out an exhibit at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, visit our many walkable galleries downtown, and then cap the evening with a visit to Ox-Bow’s Friday Night Open Studios during the summer season to watch a live demonstration in glass or metal arts. If being hands-on is more your thing, create your own art in the barn or garden at Express Yourself Art Barn.