The Ultimate Art Coast Bachelorette Getaway Guide
Planning a bachelorette party and searching for the perfect destination? Look no further than the Art Coast of Michigan. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck/Douglas is your ultimate girls’ getaway destination, offering abundant activities sure to make the bride-to-be’s celebration simply unforgettable. Whether you’re here for a night or a long weekend away, want to live it up or keep things low-key, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
To help you with your planning, we’ve pulled together this extensive list of activities to fill up your bachelorette party itinerary. From relaxing spa experiences and immersive private classes to thrilling outdoor adventures and lively evening entertainment, your getaway is certain to be filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Keep It Together
Keep your party all together by renting a vacation home, where you can throw an adult version of a slumber party. From luxury houses with spectacular water views to charming residences secluded in the woods, you’ll find the perfect accommodation to suit your group’s needs here.
Have One Last Sail Before the Veil
Rent a boat for a day of sun, fun, and relaxation on the water and celebrate the bride-to-be in style. Opt for a traditional sailing charter, or go big and rent a yacht for the afternoon with these wonderful options. Or rent a donut boat from Retro Boat Rentals and explore the harbor on your own. Don’t forget to stock up on snacks and beverages from The Old Boat House for a perfect day out on the water.
Stretch It Out
Arrange for a special occasion private yoga session with Satya Yoga, offered in your vacation rental, in the great outdoors, or in their studio. Whether your group has been practicing yoga for years or it’s everyone’s first time on the mat, your session will be uniquely designed for the level and abilities of the participants. If choosing the special occasion studio session, your group will be treated to candlelight, music, diffused essential oils, lavender towels, a bouquet for the bride, light snacks, tea, and an optional champagne toast for the ultimate celebration experience.
Get Cooking
Master some culinary magic and experience some tasty dishes together with a fun cooking class. Take a hands-on approach at Lulu Cadieux, where your group will learn how to create a delectable dish, like the perfect paella, along with classic culinary techniques, from proper knife skills to sauce-making.
Plan The Perfect Picnic
Enjoy a DIY picnic at one of these charming locations with delicious fare from The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry or Isabel’s Market + Eatery, or arrange for an authentic French picnic or artisan charcuterie to go from Lulu Cadieux. For the ultimate celebration for the bride-to-be, take it to the next level with a luxury picnic experience on Oval Beach with Sincerely, K&J.
Dabble In Some Creativity
Make some art together and leave with a hand-made treasure that will remind you of this special time spent together. Book a session at Express Yourself Art Barn , where you can try your hand at various art projects, including painting pottery, making mosaics, or fusing glass in a charming countryside setting. Or take a Waterfront Watercolor Workshop and paint your favorite scene of Saugatuck as an expert artist guides you.
Get Your Game On
For some laid-back, old-school fun, engage in some friendly competition with a night of bowling at Alley’s Pizza and Lakeview Lanes. Alley’s serves up some delicious thin-crust pizza and a build-your-own salad menu, as well as a full bar with craft beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.
Be On The Lookout
Challenge your group to a fun scavenger hunt (we’ve got some ideas here), or try letterboxing for a British-inspired adventurous twist. Hunts like these add an exciting element of adventure and friendly competition to your bachelorette celebration, creating unforgettable moments of teamwork and laughter along the way.
Play Your Cards Right
Add a bit of mystique to your bachelorette bash and indulge in a private tarot card reading and shopping experience at Endora Bohemian. Explore this vibrant Cabinet of Curiosities offering treasures and trinkets from around the globe, and get your cards read for a captivating experience that may grant you a glimpse into the future.
Horse Around
Combine adventure with relaxation with a day spent horseback riding or a carriage ride with the Wild West Ranch as you explore the scenic countryside. Evening rides were made for an enchanting Glow in the Dark horseback adventure with Rise and Ride Ranch, where colorful lights adorn the horses and the trails. For a unique bachelorette adventure that merges the joy of horses with the Southwest Michigan wine experience, book a Saddles & Sips experience that includes a bit of riding and then lunch and wine tasting at our local wineries.
Sing To A Different Tune
Unleash your inner divas and belt out your favorite tunes with an evening spent performing karaoke. Sing your heart out at The Dunes Resort every Friday night or at the Corner Bar & Grill on Saturday nights.
Laugh It Up
Bond with the bride-to-be and her besties with non-stop laughter in a relaxed atmosphere. Catch a stand-up comedy show at Coral Gables for a night filled with hilarious moments that will leave you in tears for all the right reasons. For even more outrageous fun, join in a game of Drag Queen Bingo at The Dunes Resort, happening every Sunday. It’s an entertaining, inclusive experience sure to be filled with plenty of guffaws and a dash of fabulousness.
Raise Your Glass
Taste some award-winning wines and discover the art of winemaking with a guided tour at Modales, Fenn Valley Vineyards, or Michigan Wine Co. Ensure worry-free transportation for your entire party with private tours arranged through The Bottle Run, Singapore Shuttles, Coastal Tours, or Untapped Sights & Tours. Or, bring the winery to your vacation rental by booking a private wine tasting experience led by Michigan Wine Co. winemaker and owner.
Unwind and Be Present
Treat the bride to a day of pampering with a massage or facial at one of our wellness spas. Or, explore alternative wellness options like a private sound healing session, where a sound practitioner will craft a deeply relaxing sound experience using instruments such as singing bowls, drums, gongs, chimes, and the voice, along with focused breathing techniques and guided visualization.
Connect With Nature
Go glamping at The Woods, a 45-acre campground area with 15 luxury cabins and a state-of-the-art, modern bathhouse located in Fennville, just minutes away from Lake Michigan beaches. Begin your day with birdsong surrounded by nature’s splendor and enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. End your evening in complete tranquility with star-gazing and S’mores. For what to do in between, plan to hike the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, spend the day at one of our beaches with stand-up paddle boards or kayaks rented from Big Lake Outfitters or Third Coast Paddling, or explore our scenic bike paths on bikes rented from Big Lake Outfitters , In The Elements Rental, or Blue Star Barns.
Bop To The Beat
Enjoy live music at various venues like The Annex, Salt of the Earth, Pumpernickels, The Butler, Coastal Society, Wally’s Bar & Grill, The BARge, Wicks Park Bar & Grille, and others. Or dance the night away as the DJ spins some of the hottest tunes at The Dunes Resort, one of the largest LGBTQ resorts in the country.
Go On A Shopping Spree
If shopping until you drop is on your bachelorette getaway agenda, we’ve got you covered. Explore the many charming shops and boutiques in downtown Saugatuck and Douglas for on-trend clothing, unique finds, and souvenirs. Peruse our many art galleries and artist studios and have the bride bring home an artful treasure that will remind her of this fantastic experience.