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Destination
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Enjoy a huge range of entertainment, dining, shopping and sightseeing opportunities, all within an easy, eye-catching 10-minute walk.
West Side
From tigers and coffee to meat markets and Mexican restaurants, the West Side is a fascinating mix of old-school and up-and-coming.
Heartside
Grit, growth and creativity characterize this downtown neighborhood, which boasts unique galleries, clever dining spots and many pleasant…
Heritage Hill
One of the nation’s top old-house neighborhoods – with 1,300 buildings dating back to 1844 – is just a five-minute walk from downtown.
Medical Mile
This world-class health-sciences corridor is spurring new retail and residential developments well beyond its namesake mile.
North Quarter
The city’s largest park, tiniest burger joint, oldest sweet shop and newest best-bar winner are just a few of the pleasures that await visitors.…
Southtown
Diversity is the hallmark of Southtown, with numerous ethnic groups contributing to a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops and events.
Uptown
An eclectic mix of specialty shops, galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues reflect this area’s friendly, funky, fabulous character.
Lake Michigan Beaches
If you've never been to a West Michigan beach, you're missing out on one of America's finest treasures. Clean, soft, sugar-like sands that practically beg you to dig your toes in. Crystal-clear fresh water as far as the eye can see. Gorgeous sunsets that paint the sky orange and purple and pink. It’s like no other place on Earth!
But don’t take our word for it:
- Condé Nast Traveler says the Lake Michigan shoreline is one of the 25 best on the planet.
- Travel+Leisure includes Grand Haven on its list of the world’s top 15 “secret beaches.”
- National Geographic Traveler lauds Saugatuck’s Oval Beach as one of America’s top 2 freshwater beaches.
Find your Beach Vibe
There are nearly 20 Lake Michigan beaches close and convenient to Grand Rapids. Some are almost always bustling with summer activity, others are more private and secluded. Many sit adjacent to soaring sand dunes and wooded forests ideal for exploration and sightseeing. A few are even dog friendly. Explore all the beaches below – and check out some personalized recommendations here.
After the Beach
Shop and dine in the lakeshore communities of Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon and Saugatuck/Douglas – each has its own distinct personality, and they’re all ranked among Michigan’s Best Beach Towns by Thrillist.
The lakeshore experience is just 30-45 minutes from the big-city culture, dining and entertainment of Grand Rapids. So you can easily spend a day on the beach and a night on the town – or vice versa!
Dynamic Variation:
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Official Travel Guide
Our 2019 Visitor's Guide features 84 colorful pages of don't-leave-home-without-it information on attractions, activities, lodging and more. Flip through the online guide or request your FREE copy by mail.
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