What to Know Before You Go: The Inside Scoop on the Art Coast^®

Close Enough to Wander on Foot

Downtown Saugatuck and downtown Douglas are both easily walkable on their own, with boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants, all clustered together for an easy stroll.

And yes, you can absolutely walk between the two towns! It’s about a 30-minute stroll from central downtown Saugatuck to central downtown Douglas, with water views the entire way. The path is clearly marked, pedestrian-friendly on both sides, and accessible for wheelchairs and bikes. 

And when it comes time to explore Fennville’s wineries, restaurants, and u-pick farms, it’s less than a 20-minute drive from Saugatuck, making it an easy detour.

Parking & Getting Around (A Little Strategy Helps)

Not gonna lie—during the peak summer season, downtown parking can be very limited. If you’d rather skip the circling, leave your car at your lodging or park at Saugatuck High School (401 Elizabeth Street) and hop on the Interurban.

The Interurban is a demand-response bus system that’s wheelchair accessible, affordable, and surprisingly convenient. It runs throughout Saugatuck and Douglas and saves you the hassle of finding parking on busy weekends. Call 269.857.1418 to reserve a ride.

Other transportation options include Uber, Old Harbor Shuttle, Saugatuck Douglas Taxi Service, Cyndi’s Moonlight Express, and Moveportz Private Car and Shuttle Service. 

If you’re driving an electric vehicle, EV charging is available at several local hotels and lots, which can be found here.

Lodging: Advance Planning Pays Off

Summer weekends fill quickly, so reserve sooner and relax more. To have the best chance at getting your preferred accommodations, we’d recommend booking at least two months in advance. For especially popular properties, guests will often book their next stay before they even leave, so you may want to book even earlier than two months if you have your heart set on a particular property.

It should come as no surprise that shoulder seasons offer more flexibility, but if you’re visiting for an event weekend, advanced planning is always wise.

Dining During the Summer Deserves a Little Patience

When it comes to dinner during peak summer (July and August), the typical wait for a table is about an hour—every night of the week. It’s all part of summer along the lakeshore.

During early and late summer, expect to wait around 30 minutes.

In the shoulder seasons, waits are rare (unless you’re headed to Phil’s Bar & Grille or Pennyroyal Café & Provisions, which remain busy in the fall).

Many restaurants do accept reservations, including: Bowdies Chophouse, Borrowed Time, J. Paul’s Dining Room, Coast 236, Pennyroyal Café & Provisions, Pumpernickels, Salt of the Earth, The Southerner, The Grill Room at Clearbrook, Lady Bird, Singapore Room, The Belvedere Inn Restaurant, Duck Alley, The Cottage at Wicks Park, and Wild Dog.

Dress Code Realities

Casual attire is welcome everywhere, no matter the season. For the summer, resort casual is the norm—think sundresses, shorts, sandals, relaxed linen, light layers. No one is judging your footwear. Comfort wins. 

Oh, and bring a sweater. Even on hot summer days, evenings can cool off quickly because of lake breezes.

Beach Basics (Read This Before You Pack)

A little planning makes beach days effortless. A few important things visitors are often surprised by:

None of the public beaches has lifeguards. Swim at your own risk; flotation devices are strongly recommended for children.

The only beach in the area where dogs are allowed is Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash.

There is no beach gear available for rent directly at the public beaches. However, Woosah (near Oval Beach) rents beach chairs and umbrellas, and In the Elements (Saugatuck) also rents beach gear. Beachside Rental Services rents chairs, umbrellas, and wagons and will deliver to your location. Many lodging partners also offer complimentary beach gear for guests.

Lake Michigan Temperatures by Season

Here’s what to expect from Lake Michigan throughout the year:

Winter (Jan–Feb): Surface temps hover near freezing (32–35°F), with ice formations along the coast. 

Spring (Mar–May): Waters warm gradually, reaching 40–55°F by late May. It’s still brisk in May, but is a popular time for fishing and boating.

Summer (June–Aug): Surface temps typically range from 57–68°F, peaking in late August around 65–70°F. It’s usually comfortable to swim once the temps hit 65° or higher.

Fall (Sept–Nov): The lake holds summer warmth into early fall before gradually cooling into the 40s by late November. Translation? September can be surprisingly lovely for a swim, and boating is still a great option into early October.

Bikes, Kayaks & Rentals, Oh My!

While you can certainly bring your own, we do have local places that rent bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards for your convenience. 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. 

There’s no need to over-plan this piece of your trip. During the busy summer season, you can generally rent recreational equipment on the day of (unless it’s for a large group). That said, availability is always better if you start early.

A Few Final Insider Notes

Cell service can be really spotty near the lake. It’s normal. Lean into it. It’s a great opportunity to practice all that mindfulness you’ve been hearing about.

The number one insider tip from locals? The busyness of the peak season tends to reward the early birds.

So plan on an earlier beach time. Earlier shopping. Earlier dinner.  

Above all, know that Saugatuck/Douglas is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming to all. We encourage all our visitors to show up exactly as they are.

That sense of ease is part of what makes everything feel different here. So plan a little, but leave room for spontaneity. Walk more than you drive. Start your days early. Stay out late if you’d like. The rest tends to take care of itself.