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 SO MANY vacation rentals to choose from, how do you know you’re getting the best deal with the best service? Not to toot our own horn too loudly, but we think the following six reasons are outstanding reasons to book a vacation rental through BVW Unsalted Vacations Property Management.
1. Worry Free Check-In
First, you’ll receive a detailed guest portal with access codes, parking instructions, and everything else you need to locate and access your vacation rental. Our team also offers a highly individualized customer service touch, with someone making contact with you a week before check-in to answer any last minute questions and share helpful details with you. There’s no need to call anyone or notify us; simply arrive at 4pm, let yourself in, and then… R.E.L.A.X.
A previous guest says it best in this review: “The whole experience with Unsalted Vacations was great. Easy to book and clear, precise information regarding check in and check out procedures. We will definitely use your company again.”
2. Starter Supply of Professionally Laundered Linens & Cleaning Products
Many items are provided for you, so don’t worry about having enough space in your car. We provide professionally laundered comforters, linens, bath, and beach towels for guests. Kitchen towels and cleaning towels are also provided. Additionally, you’ll find a starter supply of paper towels, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and toiletries. Many of our vacation rentals offer additional amenities such as kayaks, beach chairs, and children’s equipment like high chairs and pack & plays. So much fun!
3. Fully Equipped Kitchens
Our kitchens are fully equipped with cookware, coffee makers, utensils, microwaves, dishes, and pots and pans. All you need to pack are your favorite ingredients! With spacious storage, such as full-sized fridges, freezers, and kitchen cabinets, you’ll have plenty of space to keep your favorite food and snacks on hand – and space for when you buy more after your kids ate everything.
4. Free 48 Hour Cancellation Policy
We get it – sometimes you change your mind! At BVW Unsalted Vacations, you can make a reservation with the peace of mind that free cancellations are available if you cancel within 48 hours of booking. (Some exclusions apply; please contact us for more details.)
5. Access to Unbeatable Pure Michigan Beauty
Bellavita offers private beach access in Manistee, Michigan.
Many of our properties are lakefront homes offering private Lake Michigan beach access. Some of them are located on private inland Goshorn Lake – 26 acres of water perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The rustic cabins at Cannon River Ranch offer access to the Pere Marquette river. But all of our properties are within driving distance of Michigan’s beaches and scenic hiking trails!
6. Round-the-Clock Customer Care Team
Our highly trained maintenance technicians and super-friendly guest services team members are available seven days a week to assist with the unexpected. On-call maintenance technicians are available for after hour emergencies. Looking for the best restaurant or boat rental nearby? Our guest services team is here to help. Best of all, we’re easy to get in touch with! You can call, chat, text, or email with questions or concerns… whatever your preferred method of communication is, there’s someone on our team at the other end to lend a hand.
Book a Vacation Rental Today
Michigan Vacations with BVW Unsalted Vacations Inspiration:
- Lake Michigan Summer: 5 Ways to Spend Time on the Water
- 7 Southwest Michigan Wineries Near Holland, Michigan
- The 13 Best Lake Michigan Beaches in Southwest Michigan: Looking Ahead to an Unforgettable Summer Getaway
- 38+ Amazing Lakefront Vacation Rentals in Michigan
Are you ready to make the leap? View our listings to start dreaming up your next vacation and book directly today.
You can trust BVW Unsalted Vacations to walk you through the short term rental process. We’ll be here to recommend vacation properties, advise you on check-in and check out procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Email hello@unsaltedvacations.com or call/text 616-383-LAKE (5253).
Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter for regular updates on available vacation rentals in Michigan!
Teeming with scenic shorelines, iconic woodlands, and stunning sand dunes, the Michigan state parks are excellent places for those seeking adventure. And on our side of the “Great Lakes State,” the state parks are numerous. Discovery is undoubtedly one of the pillars of a successful vacation, and West Michigan poses an inviting opportunity for exploration. And just in time to shake off the winter blues, Unsalted Vacation Rentals is pleased to offer a comprehensive collection of rental homes for you to find the perfect base camp for an exciting getaway.
Before you hit the open road, be sure to get yourself a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport either online or at one of the many park locations. Not only will the passport grant you parking access to all the Michigan state parks, but the proceeds will help manage some of our most treasured assets.
Holland State Park
As one of Michigan’s more popular parks, Holland State Park is worthy of your Lake Michigan bucket list. In the summer, you may find yourself fishing and boating off the shore, thanks to one of the accessible boat launches. Locals will tell you that this precious public space has one of the best sunsets in the Upper Midwest. It’s no secret that Holland State Park is a beautiful spot, so make sure you arrive early during peak season!
Hoffmaster State Park
As the home of the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, Hoffmaster State Park is a fantastic place for those who want to learn more about Lake Michigan’s coastal ecology. And if you’re looking for picturesque views, the Dune Trail Overlook promises to provide breathtaking photo opportunities giving you a panoramic perspective of Lake Michigan. Don’t worry; there are several benches along the way! There are also 10 miles of other scenic trails.
Muskegon State Park
Easily one of West Michigan’s unique public areas, Muskegon State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. The park features approximately 12 miles of maintained hiking trails and has a track chair allowing those who use wheelchairs to go off the beaten path. There are also about three miles of shoreline, making a perfect spot for picnics, swimming, and fishing.
Van Buren State Park
With grills, picnic tables, and a lovely swimming beach, Van Buren State Park offers a quintessential cookout spot. Moreover, guests can access the Van Burn State Park Spur Trail—a four-mile pavement trail leading to South Haven. Cyclists can go further thanks to the 14-mile trail connecting South Haven to Hartford.
Lake Michigan Summer Vacation Rentals
Now that spring and summer are just around the corner, visiting the Michigan state parks is something to put on your vacation to-do list. But before you create your itinerary, you’ll want to find a place to call home. So if you wish to stay near Muskegon, Holland, Manistee, or Grand Haven, Unsalted Vacation Rentals has an expansive assortment of vacation homes that will make exploration easy. To learn more or book your stay, visit us online or call 833-734-0090!
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As one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, Lake Michigan is as iconic as anywhere else on the map. Wave-tattered piers, stoic lighthouses, and beautiful boardwalks all play an integral role in creating the ideal vacation environment for friends and family alike. And it doesn’t take long to realize that many West Michigan beach towns offer a certain charm that’s difficult to replicate—places where down-home midwestern sensibilities fuse with the laid-back coastal atmosphere are familiar on this side of the Great Lakes State. So as the region’s premier vacation rental provider, Unsalted Vacation Rentals would like to share three places to consider for your next Lake Michigan getaway.
The Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns for Summer
While there are certainly plenty of things to do year-round, summer in West Michigan presents a clear opportunity to explore the lakeside. And it’s not just the beaches! These “North Coast” communities are teeming with activities and attractions ranging from quaint shops to picturesque parks.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven, MI, also known as “Coast Guard City,” boasts two spectacular beaches near enough to walk to and from downtown. The boardwalk and trolley offer excellent ways to get around while visiting stores, restaurants, and the Grand Haven Musical Fountain—a must-see attraction. The Grand Haven Lighthouse provides a fantastic photo opportunity, and there are two piers on the north and south sides of the Grand River, perfect for a stroll or fishing.
Saugatuck
Home to one of the state’s—and arguably the nation’s—most beautiful beaches, Saugatuck, MI, is a gorgeous community drawing visitors from all over the Midwest and beyond. In addition to seemingly endless outdoor recreation options, this West Michigan beach town is a robust cultural hub thanks to the Ox-Bow School of Art. And with such stunning scenery at every turn, it’s no surprise that many artists from Chicago have spent time in Saugatuck to find inspiration amid Lake Michigan’s shores. The Saugatuck Center of the Arts is an ideal place to enjoy a play or unique exhibit.
Holland
Ideally situated between Grand Haven and Saugatuck, Holland is another Lake Michigan community known for its love for tulips—and of course, its beaches. Watch the sunset over the shoreline or stroll the charming downtown. Holland State Park offers picturesque views of the Holland Harbor, where you’ll find another historic lighthouse, and the Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk provides patrons with panoramic city vistas. The Tulip Time Festival is a must for anyone who loves city celebrations.
Muskegon
Muskegon is undoubtedly among the best West Michigan beach towns, boasting two large beaches on the lake, the Michigan Adventure theme park, and an impressive art museum. Part of what makes Muskegon an excellent place to visit is the variety of attractions. From museums, theatres, and festivals to golf clubs, fishing charters, and bowling alleys, there’s something for everyone in Muskegon. They even have a planetarium!
Not Your Typical Lake Michigan Beach Town Vacation Rentals
These extraordinary West Michigan beach towns are just a few awe-inspiring and iconic communities you can visit while staying with Unsalted Vacation Rentals. And there’s no better time to begin thinking about your Lake Michigan vacation than now! Please contact us online and browse our collection to find out more!