Grand Haven, MI

Travel Guide

A pier extending into the sea at dusk with lights along its length and a warning sign near the end.
Two people on a sandy beach with waves in the ocean.
A beach scene with waves and people playing in the water.
A pier with a lighthouse and a building at sunset.
A pier with lights reflecting on the water at dusk.

Lighthouses twinkle over the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan and parks stretch out along the Grand River in this charming historical city.

Grand Haven is famous for its freshwater beaches. Spend warm days relaxing on the sand or dining in the Marina restaurants. This is the perfect destination for a laid-back summer vacation.

Walk along the boardwalk that juts out onto Lake Michigan at the mouth of the river. Take photos with the picturesque red lighthouses in the background and move closer for a better look. Visit in winter to see the structures covered in wind-blown ice formations.

Put on a swimsuit and go down to the water’s edge to find out why Grand Haven’s beaches have won so many national awards. Watch surfers catch a wave at Grand Haven State Park or relax on the natural beaches of Kirk Park.

Join a sailing tour to enjoy the sunshine and scenery on the lake and cruise down the river on a small motorboat. Catch your dinner on a fishing charter or do some stand-up paddleboarding. For greater thrills try kiteboarding or guided scuba diving.

Venture into town to admire old architecture and participate in traditional activities. Ride the historic trolleybus that rumbles through town from the Chinook Pier and catch the narrative tour to learn about the city’s history and landmarks.

Stroll through town for shopping at numerous gift stores. Eat freshly caught fish and visit the microbreweries to sample local beer. Walk past the musical fountain in the evening to see the interesting light display.

Time your vacation to coincide with one of the festivals. Pick up Christmas gifts, fine artworks and crafts at the Grand Haven Art Festival in summer. Bring kids to see the Jingle Bell Parade at Christmas time.

Grand Haven provides an unforgettable backdrop to a family vacation.

Enjoy even more activities, with mountain biking, trekking, wine tasting and canoeing available in and around the city.

Baymont by Wyndham Grand Haven

Baymont by Wyndham Grand Haven

2.5 out of 5
1500 South Beacon Boulevard Grand Haven MI
$84 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Oct 14 to Oct 15
$91 total
Oct 14 - Oct 15
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Grand Haven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Baymont by Wyndham Grand Haven
Harbor House Inn

Harbor House Inn

3 out of 5
114 S. Harbor Drive Grand Haven MI
$143 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
$155 total
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this B&B in Grand Haven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Harbor House Inn
Best Western Beacon Inn

Best Western Beacon Inn

2.5 out of 5
1525 S Beacon Boulevard Grand Haven MI
$117 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$126 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Grand Haven. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
Best Western Beacon Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Grand Haven Family Getaway: Stylish Condo, Walk to Beach & Downtown

Grand Haven Family Getaway: Stylish Condo, Walk to Beach & Downtown

Grand Haven MI
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Grand Haven. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Grand Haven Beach and Hot Spot ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"The host was great, communication specifically. The condo was comfortable and well stocked. We appreciated being able to bring our dogs along."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Grand Haven Family Getaway: Stylish Condo, Walk to Beach & Downtown
October, Indian Summer on the lake, swim in the moon light enjoy the fall colors

October, Indian Summer on the lake, swim in the moon light enjoy the fall colors

Grand Haven MI
Book a stay at this beach cottage in Grand Haven. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Grand Haven Beach and Grand Haven ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
"This property is high on a bluff with tons of steps. Very difficult for anyone with mobility issues. Jay was so very helpful with carrying luggage for us. The veiw was spectacular. The beach is 2 very long staircases and a acrossed the road from the cottage."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

October, Indian Summer on the lake, swim in the moon light enjoy the fall colors
The Lighthouse Retreat at Grand harbor 209-2

The Lighthouse Retreat at Grand harbor 209-2

Grand Haven MI
Stay at this apartment in Grand Haven. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Grand Haven Beach and Tri-Cities Historical Museum ...
7.4/10 Good! (10 reviews)
"The actual place we stayed was absolutely incredible. My husband and I stayed here because of the distance it was from the downtown Grand Haven area and that it had just about everything we needed inside. However, the trip would have gone smoother had the host communicated better with us. We were ..."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

The Lighthouse Retreat at Grand harbor 209-2
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Grand Haven attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Haven worth visiting?
Grand Haven is worth visiting for its beautiful Grand Haven Beach and the scenic Grand River Boardwalk, perfect for leisurely strolls. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of dining options, including Italian and North American cuisine, offering familiar favorites and delicious local dishes.
When is the best time to visit Grand Haven?
The best time to visit Grand Haven is from June through August, when the weather is typically warm and pleasant for enjoying the destination. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, offering cooler weather and a more relaxed atmosphere.
What is Grand Haven known for?
Grand Haven is known for its beautiful Grand Haven Beach and the scenic Grand River Boardwalk. Travelers can also enjoy the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. This riverside city on the Grand River and Lake Michigan also offers an Italian food culture, providing a variety of dining options.
What is a good itinerary length for Grand Haven?
A good itinerary length for Grand Haven is two to three days to enjoy highlights like Grand Haven Beach, the Grand River Boardwalk, and the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also experience activities such as a Grand Haven Afternoon Guided Bike & Beer Tour or a Morning Guided Bike & Coffee Tour.
What are the top things to do in and around Grand Haven?
Grand Haven offers travelers beautiful beaches, scenic walks, and unique local attractions to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Grand Haven?
To plan your trip to Grand Haven, search for flights and places to stay on Expedia. Book activities like the Grand Haven Afternoon Guided Bike & Beer Tour or the Morning Guided Bike & Coffee Tour in advance. Remember to pair outdoor plans, such as visiting Grand Haven Beach or the Grand River Boardwalk, with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Grand Haven?
In Grand Haven you can find Italian cuisine, with classic dishes like pasta, pizza, lasagna, and tiramisu. Travelers can also enjoy North American favorites, Latin American flavors including Mexican dishes, Asian cuisine, and fresh seafood options.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Grand Haven?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Grand Haven by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Grand Haven with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Grand Haven trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Grand Haven?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Grand Haven can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Grand Haven trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Grand Haven trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Grand Haven trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Grand Haven trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Grand Haven?
If it's your first trip to Grand Haven, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Grand Haven hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Grand Haven hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Grand Haven

Explore a world of travel with Expedia