Planning a summer road-trip to Michigan? This Michigan itinerary covers the top spots to see and explore for a fun and scenic getaway.

• This is the exact driving route we took during our ten day summer road trip through Michigan
• Yes, it’s fast paced, but allows you to see a wide variety of sites
• You can do this itinerary staying at campsites, or at hotels 
• This Michigan itinerary combines natural scenic beauty with unique small towns. It’s also family friendly!

Get your beach gear ready and prepare for a memorable time!

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Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). 

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Day 1- St. Joseph & South Haven

Start your Michigan itinerary out strong with a first stop in the picturesque coastal town of St. Joseph.

While you could easily just spend time at one of its seven beaches, there are many other fun things to do:

• Lunch at Silver Beach Pizza

• Silver Beach Center and Carousel (a big hit with our kids!)

• Visit one of the scenic St. Joseph Lighthouses

Drive onwards for 30 minutes to the South Haven area. This port city is also beautifully idyllic, and has plenty to do.

With coastal charm and a very walkable downtown, this city is popular for good reason!

Here are a few things to do with a half day in South Haven:

• Visit the Michigan Maritime Museum

• Stroll the Harborwalk (a scenic pedestrian trail)

• South Beach for swimming and sunbathing in the white sand

In the evening, you could possibly take a sunset cruise, or just relax at your hotel.

🏨LODGING: Lake Bluff Inn (South Haven)

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Day 2- Saugatuck, Holland & Grand Haven

Early in the morning, drive for 45 minutes to Saugatuck, a place filled with artsy corners and murals. 

Considered part of the “art coast of Michigan”, it has a colorful and vibrant downtown.

While there are many activities here, I suggest visiting the world-renowned “Oval Beach”

Next, drive for 20 minutes to the idyllic town of Holland. If you want to feel like you’re experiencing a piece of Europe while in the US, this is the place to do it!

Your first stop should be Windmill Island Gardens. We spent two hours here, but you could easily stay longer.

⇒ See a video of my experience here!

If your schedule lines up, stop by the Holland Farmer’s Market- It really impressed us!

Also check out Nelis’ Dutch village. This is a theme park with a wooden shoe factory, cheese-making and petting zoo.

Next, drive 30 minutes on to Grand Haven. Known for its sandy beaches, scenic boardwalk, and the Grand Haven Lighthouse (built in 1839)!

Once settled in, take a walk along the Grand Haven Boardwalk. The whole thing is 3 miles round trip, starting at Chinook Pier. This shop and restaurant lined walk is the ideal activity!

Also, be forewarned, prices in this city are quite elevated compared to other towns in Michigan. 

🏨LODGING: Baymont by Windham (Grand Haven)

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Day 3- Ludington & Charlevoix

Leaving Grand Haven, drive 1 hour to the town of Ludington. First, visit the sand dunes of Ludington State Park.

Next, spend time simply strolling this walkable town. We loved finding various beach playgrounds, cute ice cream shops along the water, and fun murals.

Other options for how to spend your day:

• Visit North Breakwater Lighthouse or Big Sable Point Lighthouse

• Relax on the sandy beaches of Stearns Park

• Peruse the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum

• See the living history museum at Historic White Pine Village

Once ready to leave, drive 3 hours into the town of Charlevoix. Settle into your hotel, and walk through its scenic city center.

We loved getting to watch the bridge lift for sailboats, and the splash pad and unique shops along the water!

🏨LODGING: AmericInn by Wyndham (Charlevoix)

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Day 4- Charlevoix & Mackinaw City

With your time in Charlevoix, here are a few options of things to do:

• Head to one of the beaches and search for Petoskey stones

• Walk around town to find its iconic “mushroom houses”

• Walk the historic downtown full of boutiques, art galleries, antiques, and souvenirs

• Visit Castle Farms, a historic venue with stunning architecture and gardens

When you’re ready to leave, drive 1 hour into Mackinaw City.

Check in to your hotel, then spend time at Straits State Park.

🏨LODGING: Holiday Inn Express (Mackinaw City)

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Day 5- Mackinac Island Day Trip

Early in the morning, head to the ferry terminal in Mackinaw City, and get on ferry to the famous Mackinac Island (Book your tickets in advance: Check option 1 or option 2).

One of just a few places in the US where vehicles are banned, this magical island truly has a sense of whimsy and makes you feel like you’ve jumped back in time.

The horse-drawn carriages, abundant bicycles, and Victorian mansions all add to the feel!

While there’s plenty to do with a full day here, my main tip is to rent a bike and ride the full loop around the island.

We were able to do this with two young children (renting a kid carrier), and it is easily my favorite thing we did this entire vacation!

The views are incredible- the whole trail is a feast for the eyes.

⇒ See a video of our experience 

In the evening, board the ferry back into town. If you have more time, add another full day here!

🏨LODGING: Holiday Inn Express (Mackinaw City)

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Day 6- Mackinaw to Munising (Upper Peninsula)

Sadly leaving the idyllic Mackinac Island area, don’t be too sad as the beauty of Michigan continues!

First, drive 1 hour to Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and you’ll now officially be in the UP. 

From there, drive 1 more hour to stop at Tahquamenon Falls. There is a short trail to access a viewing platform, and it’s very easy to get to.

If you have time, you can make another stop at the scenic Whitefish Point Light House.

After the waterfall, it’s time to drive 2 more hours to the stunning Pictured Rocks area.

Pictured Rocks is a scenic spot on Lake Superior. Its famous for its colorful cliffs, cool rock formations, and crystal-clear water. You can explore by hiking, kayaking, or taking a boat tour.

If you’re a camper, there are many scenic places to set up. Our favorite is Otter Lake Campground– it has great features, is very family friendly, and the lake is actually warm enough to swim in!

🏨LODGING: North Star Hotel (Munising)

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Days 7 & 8- Pictured Rocks (Munising)

With your time in the Pictured Rocks area, there are plenty of epic activities to choose from!

Traveling with kids, we found that taking a 2 hour 40 minute boat cruise to see the rocks from the water was a great idea. Our older son loved it, and they do a great job keeping everyone engaged.

⇒ Book a boat cruise tour here!

If you’d like to see the scenery from land, there are many trailheads with great views.

If you go into Munising town, there are lots of local restaurants- but make sure to try the pasties from Muldoon’s!

A few other options:

• Chapel Falls Trailhead

• Elliot Falls

• Miners Castle Point

• Miners Falls

• Munising Falls

We also made a trip out to the nearby Kitch-iti-Kipi. This is a natural freshwater spring, and is so crystal-clear pool you can see bubbling sand and huge trout through the water.

It’s accessed by a self-operated raft that glides over the spring for a unique, up-close view.

🏨LODGING: North Star Hotel (Munising)

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Day 9- Route to Frankenmuth

Saying farewell to the Upper Peninsula, you next need to drive 4.5 hours to the German-inspired town of Frankenmuth.

Styled with Bavarian architecture, it really does feel a bit like you’ve landed yourself into Germany!

Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” due to its architecture style, they often host German festivals. Plus, you can always find some classic Bavarian cuisine.

⇒ See a video of my experience!

You can basically walk the main street and find plenty to do and see, but a few notable activities we tried are:

• Lunch at Frankenmuth Brewery

• Checking out the Clock Company & Woolen Mill

• Cheese at Frankenmuth Cheese Haus

• Ride the Bavarian Belle riverboat

• Go through the Holz Brucke Covered Bridge

You can also spend several hours at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the self-proclaimed “largest in the world”.

🏨LODGING: Drury Inn & Suites (Frankenmuth)

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Day 10- Drive back home

Your Michigan itinerary and summer road trip has sadly come to end. Its time to head home, and start plotting out your return!

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