Anyone who has experienced a Lake Michigan summer vacation will likely tell you there are many things to do on the water. From boat rides to beaches, our stretch of the “North Coast” has much to offer visitors and locals alike. Still, finding the best opportunities for you and your crew can sometimes be overwhelming—especially if you’ve never been in our neck of the woods. There’s also a chance we have activities that may not come to mind. So, to jump-start your itinerary, we brainstormed five ways to spend time on the water when staying with Unsalted Vacations.

Fishing on Lake Michigan and Beyond

When you think of fishing in West Michigan, it’s easy to imagine pulling in massive salmon and lake trout from the side of a large vessel. While that is an accessible possibility, there are also several fishing opportunities for those wishing to explore inland. Either way, fishing is an excellent way to get out and connect with the great outdoors at a slow pace—and you may even get some dinner out of it. Places like On the Fly Charters, FishGH, and Campbell Outfitters are professional guide services that will take the guesswork out of where to go. Otherwise, if you’re confident, you can surely go fishing at one of the piers, from shore, or a secluded riverbank.

Boating and Sailing

Whether you plan to bring your own, rent one, or let someone else navigate, you must consider boating during your Lake Michigan summer vacation. It allows you to get out and see the communities from a different perspective and gives you a sense of freedom as you cruise along one of the world’s largest lakes. It’s also an excellent time to relax, take pictures, and make memories. 

• Sailing charters and cruises: Ahh! Venture Cruise, Deeplake Ventures, Aquastar Cruises, and Sailing South Haven.
• Boat rentals: Mac Adventures, Big Lake Outfitters, and Bluewater Boat Rentals.

Paddle Away

Consider kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding for a self-powered boating experience that doubles as a workout. Paddling away on Lake Michigan is a bucket list item for some outdoor enthusiasts, but Lake Macatawa, the Kalamazoo River, and the Bangor-South Haven Heritage Water Trail are worthy considerations.

West Michigan Beaches

No Lake Michigan summer vacation would be complete without at least one trip to the beach. Even if you don’t want to go in the water, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Whether you want to dip in for some swimming, try boogie boarding, or simply soak up the sun (or watch it set), there are plenty of nearby places to do it. Check out one of our blogs showcasing the 13 Best Lake Michigan Beaches and take your pick.

Splash Pads

So this might be bending the rules a bit, but let’s face it—not everyone wants to hang out at the beach, go fishing, or kayak down a river. Thankfully, there are a bunch of splash pads and water parks for kids and kids at heart to enjoy. We did a Google Maps search for splash pads near Holland, Michigan, to point you in the right direction. All you have to do is move around the map and choose the best one for your group!

Unsalted Lake Michigan Summer Vacation Rentals

Spending time on the water can be a lot of fun, especially on hot summer days. So whether you’re with friends, family, or a combination of both, be sure to let us know your favorite ways to enjoy Lake Michigan and the other local water bodies. In the meantime, if it’s been a while since browsing our vacation rental collection, now’s the time to start booking! Make your reservations today!

With its sprawling shoreline, iconic lighthouses, and seemingly endless recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder that many of Unsalted Vacations’ guests choose Lake Michigan as a summer getaway destination. There’s something for everyone. From kayaking to jet-skiing, and everything in between. And with an esteemed collection of Lake Michigan boat rentals nearby, exploring  is easier than you may think! 

To help you navigate your options and find the best boat rentals in West Michigan, we put together a quick boat rental guide that will have you making waves in no time! Also, be sure to check out our feature about the best boat rentals in Holland, Michigan, for those of you staying there.

Lake Michigan Summers | 7 of the Best Boat Rentals Around

Spending time on the water is a summer staple around Lake Michigan. Here, you’ll find easy access to the Midwest’s beloved vacation spots, and we are excited for the fond memories you’ll gain. Here are some of our favorite boat rental options in the region

• Grand Haven Boat Rental provides vehicles for aquatic adventures. Since they specialize in pontoons, they have several to choose from that can seat eight to ten passengers. Their boats have shade canopies and swim ladders. Additionally, the boats’ Bluetooth speakers set the best vacation vibes!
• Freedom Boat Club has three Lake Michigan boat rental locations in Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Whitehall. Perhaps you want a high-speed day of wakeboarding. Or maybe a tranquil float on a kayak. No matter what you desire,  they’ll have you covered with their innovative membership program.
• Although Grand Haven Cycle Boat technically isn’t a boat rental service, it’s still worth adding to our guide because of how cool it is! For this unique experience, you’ll hop aboard a custom-built boat equipped with bike seats. While on the boat, you’ll pedal your way to an unforgettable good time!
• Lakeshore Kayak Rental in Spring Lake offers single kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. They also have self-guided trips and transport services.
• If you’re looking for an inland option, Waypoint Boat Rentals in Fruitport is open seven days a week. This company specializes in laid-back pontoon and tritoon rentals on the calm waters of Spring Lake.
• Bluewater Boat Rentals in South Haven has several small craft, pontoons, and speed boasts to rent by the hour, day, or week. You might get a same-day reservations, but booking in advance is highly recommended.

Lake Michigan Boat Rentals with Ultra-Convenient Delivery

• Dive into fun with Living Water Adventures, your go-to source for on-demand jet skis, pontoon boats, flyboarding, kayaks, and paddle board rentals! Best of all, they’ll be delivered right to your lake of choice. Call (616) 340-3960 or use the “Contact Us” form on the homepage of the website to kick start a memorable day on the water with this family-owned mobile service.
• 3rd Coast Rentals boasts a stunning array of pontoons, speed boats, and personal watercraft. You can conveniently book your rental online with their seamless form. In fact, they’ll even deliver it to you! (If you’re within their delivery zone.)

Your Best Lake Michigan Summer Vacation with Unsalted Vacations

Now that you have a foundation to build on while looking for your favorite Lake Michigan boat rentals, you’ll have no issues making waves this summer! And at the end of each exciting day, you can rest up and recharge at your home-away-from-home with BVW Unsalted Vacation Rentals.

To learn more about our extensive collection of Michigan vacation homes, please contact us online with our easy-to-use chat feature or by sending us a message! Our Escape Artists are ready to help you find the perfect vacation home. You can also utilize our handy search feature to narrow options down by local.

Enjoy your Unsalted Vacation. Free of stress, free of salt!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and Twitter for regular updates on available vacation rentals in Michigan! 

By now, it’s no secret that the Lake Michigan summer offers a wealth of opportunities for friends and family to forge cherished memories while enjoying fantastic weather. Grand Haven, Michigan, is an excellent place to start your adventure, as it is just an hour’s drive from some of the best summer activities in the area. Today, we’ll explore ten options you’ll have while staying with Unsalted Vacation Rentals.

Grand Haven City Beach

Grand Haven City Beach is one of the most popular beaches to enjoy on a Lake Michigan summer day, and for a good reason—its expansive shores and azure wavy waters make it the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or play in the sand, there is much to appreciate about Grand Haven City Beach.

Enjoy a Picnic in the Park

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to combine a Lake Michigan summer day and a scenic lunch, a picnic in one of the many parks in the area is the perfect solution. For example, Duncan Woods and Hemlock Crossing are two popular options that offer picturesque landscapes and peaceful surroundings. Pack a basket of your favorite foods, bring a blanket, and settle in for a leisurely afternoon with your crew.

Go Fishing

Lake Michigan is an angler’s paradise, with many fish species to catch, including salmon, trout, and walleye. Plenty of fishing charters and boat rentals are available in the area, making it easy to explore the lake and find the perfect fishing spot. In addition to Lake Michigan, the area around Grand Haven also offers several rivers and smaller lakes to try your luck!

Take a Lake Michigan Cruise

There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset over Lake Michigan in summer, and one of the best ways to experience it is on a cruise. Star of Saugatuck and Aquastar Lake Cruises are two popular options that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area. Check out the Grand Haven Area travel page for more information.

Explore the Lighthouses

Lake Michigan has many historic lighthouses along its coastline, and the Grand Haven area is no exception. The Grand Haven Lighthouse, the South Haven Lighthouse, and the Muskegon Lighthouse are just a few examples of the many iconic cylindrical structures you can explore in the area. Take a tour, learn about the history, and enjoy the captivating vistas from the top.

Visit a Farmers’ Market

West Michigan summers are known for their delicious farm-fresh produce, and visiting a local farmers market is a great way to experience it. Pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables for your picnic, or prepare a delicious home-cooked meal at your vacation rental with local ingredients. Many nearby farmers markets also carry artisan crafts, baked goods, and dairy products.

Go on a Bike Ride

Biking is popular in the area, with miles of bike paths and scenic routes along the lakeshore and beyond. Rent a bike or bring your own and explore the area on two wheels. The Grand Haven State Park and the Muskegon State Park are just a couple of the many places you can ride around while immersing yourself in some of West Michigan’s beautiful summer surroundings.

Visit the Nearby State Parks

West Michigan’s state parks offer stunning views of the lake and opportunities to explore its coastal ecology. Holland State Park is a prominent spot with accessible boat launches and breathtaking sunsets. Hoffmaster State Park offers picturesque views, including the Dune Trail Overlook, which provides a panoramic perspective of the lake. Muskegon State Park features 12 miles of hiking trails and a track chair for wheelchair users. At the same time, Van Buren State Park is an excellent location for picnics, swimming, and fishing, with access to a 14-mile trail connecting South Haven to Hartford for cyclists.

Relax at Your Lake Michigan Summer Vacation Rental

The reason guests choose to stay with us for their precious Lake Michigan summer getaway is because our vacation rentals provide comfort and convenience, all under one roof. From exploring the state parks to discovering the various beach communities, having a place to call home at the end of each exciting day is crucial. Whether you need a lakeside condo or a spacious cottage-style house, Unsalted Vacation Rentals has you covered.

Check out our collection of Lake Michigan vacation homes and start planning your summer getaway today!