Top Things to Do in South Haven, Michigan

Relax on pristine beaches, take a sail on a replica tall ship, walk out to a lighthouse and explore maritime history in this Lake Michigan shore town.

South Haven lighthouse
South Haven lighthouse. Photo: John Noltner

Do

City beaches

Several city beaches give visitors access to wide expanses of sand as well as amenities such as grills, picnic tables and campsites. Try South Beach for an exceptional view of the city's iconic lighthouse.

DeGrandchamp Farms blueberry picking
DeGrandchamp Farms. Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux

DeGrandchamp Farms

Acres of blueberry bushes await pickers on the edge of South Haven. An on-site market sells boxes of berries, plus other blueberry specialties, such as barbecue sauce, dried blueberries, preserves and salsas.

Friends Good Will
Friends Good Will. Johnny Quirin

Friends Good Will

Feel the wind in your face at the bow of this sloop during a 90-minute sail from the Michigan Maritime Museum. Learn the original tall ship's role in the War of 1812. Special Pirate Chaser Adventure Sails cater to children.

Kal-Haven Trail

Breathe in deeply to appreciate the pleasures on this 34-mile route past blueberry patches and peach orchards between South Haven and Kalamazoo. Following a former railroad line, the predominantly flat, crushed-gravel path skims seven bridges, including a covered wooden trestle over the Black River that's a favorite photo op.

Michigan Maritime Museum

Explore permanent and changing exhibits on the state's maritime history in a new building opening summer 2022.

Eat and Drink

Golden Brown Bakery

A small-town bakery and cafe on South Haven's main drag offers both delicious baked goods (many with local cherries and blueberries) and full breakfast options.

Sherman's Dairy Bar

What you get at Sherman's isn't fancy, but it's delicious and wallet-friendly. A single-scoop cone looks more like a double, so if you don't want to overindulge, ask for a "baby scoop."

Taste

Pair small plates such as filet bites or crispy artichokes with a signature ginger lemongrass martini at Taste's casual space.

Tello Italian Bistro

Local ingredients flavor Tello's dishes such as pan-seared scallops and butternut squash ravioli.

Stay

Carriage House at the Harbor

Choose from 12 bedrooms in an 1890s Victorian mansion. Gourmet breakfasts might include pears with gorgonzola, artichoke tomato quiche or raspberry scones.

Yelton Manor

A charming Victorian bed & breakfast surrounded by perennial gardens sits across the street from the beach and within a 10-minute walk of restaurants and shops downtown.

Victoria Resort, South Haven
Victoria Resort Bed and Breakfast. John Noltner

Victoria Resort Bed and Breakfast

This 1920s resort features spacious guest rooms and cottages, many with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.

For more information: southhaven.org

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles