Weekend Getaways in Michigan: 15 Scenic Destinations for Every Traveler

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or a solo escape, Michigan has a weekend getaway to match your style. From charming lakeside towns to wine country trails and hidden Upper Peninsula gems, these 15 destinations offer the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and local flavor. This guide introduces each spot with key highlights to help you choose your next getaway—each destination will be expanded into its own blog post soon.

1. Traverse City & the Leelanau Peninsula

Home to world-class wineries, clear inland lakes, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, this region blends natural beauty with vibrant small towns. Glen Lake and Lake Leelanau provide a quiet lake experience, while Traverse City’s downtown offers shopping, dining, and culture.

Don’t Miss: Wine tastings at Chateau Grand Traverse, hiking Pyramid Point, beach days at Clinch Park

Best for: Wine tasting, beach days, couples' escapes, fall foliage drives

Learn More: Read the full Travere City & Leelanau Peninsula guide

2. Charlevoix & Boyne City

Lake Charlevoix stretches between these two towns, offering marina views, scenic hikes, and walkable downtowns. Charlevoix’s South Pier Lighthouse and mushroom houses are icons, while Boyne City provides easy trail access and a relaxed pace.

Don’t Miss: Downtown Charlevoix’s boutiques and bridge views, Avalanche Preserve trails in Boyne

Best for: Boaters, weekend wanderers, families, festival-goers

Learn More: Read the full Saugatuck & Douglas guide

3. Bellaire & Central Lake

Tucked among Torch Lake, Intermediate Lake, and Lake Bellaire, this area is peaceful and picturesque. Enjoy Short’s Brewing in Bellaire, farmers markets in Central Lake, and waterfront rentals like The Dragonfly Cottage and The Unsalted Mermaid.

Don’t Miss: Dockside dining on Torch Lake, exploring local wineries and farmstands

Best for: Low-key travelers, family getaways, waterfront stays

4. Saugatuck & Holland

On Lake Michigan’s east shore, these beach towns are known for their art galleries, dining, and shoreline views. Climb Mount Baldhead, relax on Oval Beach, or stroll downtown Saugatuck for a cozy coastal experience.

Don’t Miss: Tulip Time in Holland (May), art shows, Saugatuck Dune Rides

Best for: Couples, art lovers, weekenders from Chicago, spring travel

5. New Buffalo & the Southwest Michigan Wine Coast

Wineries, beaches, and a short drive from Chicago make this a go-to for quick escapes. Enjoy tastings, boutique shops, and waterfront sunsets in Union Pier, St. Joseph, or New Buffalo.

Don’t Miss: Tabor Hill Winery, Red Arrow Highway shopping, Warren Dunes State Park

Best for: Wine weekends, romantic escapes, small groups, summer fun

6. Petoskey, Harbor Springs & Walloon Lake

This Northern Michigan trio offers a balance of luxury, history, and nature. Petoskey’s Gaslight District is perfect for strolling, while Walloon Lake and Harbor Springs offer lakefront relaxation, Hemingway lore, and access to trails and golf.

Don’t Miss: Petoskey stone hunting, Tunnel of Trees scenic drive, Hotel Walloon

Best for: History buffs, upscale travelers, fall color tours, golfers

7. Houghton Lake & Higgins Lake

Affordable and family-friendly, these central Michigan lakes deliver big on summer fun. Houghton is Michigan’s largest inland lake, great for boating and fishing. Higgins Lake is known for its clear water and laid-back shoreline.

Don’t Miss: Kayaking, fishing charters, South Higgins Lake State Park beaches

Best for: Fishing trips, budget family vacations, outdoor activities, cabin stays

8. Ludington & Hamlin Lake

Dunes, beaches, and laid-back charm define this Lake Michigan town and its inland lake neighbor. Ludington State Park offers top-rated trails, while Hamlin Lake provides calm waters for paddling and sandbar relaxing.

Don’t Miss: Big Sable Point Lighthouse hike, SS Badger ferry views, beach bonfires

Best for: Families, nature lovers, beach vacationers, sunset chasers

9. Silver Lake & Mears

A unique Michigan experience—off-roading on dunes between a lake and Lake Michigan. Silver Lake offers dune rides, small-town lodging, and easy beach access.

Don’t Miss: Renting a dune buggy, climbing the dunes, lakefront campgrounds

Best for: Active families, ATV fans, thrill-seekers, summer fun

10. Tawas Bay & the Sunrise Coast

This Lake Huron region offers wide beaches, bike paths, and quiet lake mornings. Explore Tawas Point Lighthouse, stroll the boardwalk, and enjoy sunrises over the water.

Don’t Miss: Birding in spring, East Tawas shops, kayaking the bay

Best for: Slow travel, couples, beach walks, sunrise seekers

11. Caseville, MI

A thumb coast classic. Caseville is known for its sandy beaches and the quirky Cheeseburger Festival. Rental cottages and RV parks line the bay, making it easy to stay and play.

Don’t Miss: Cheeseburger in Caseville (August), paddleboarding the bay

Best for: Summer road trips, beachy family fun, festival weekends

12. Lexington, MI

Less than two hours from Detroit, Lexington has walkable charm, live music, and a scenic harbor. Relax on the beach, grab a drink, and shop small-town boutiques.

Don’t Miss: Lexington Village Theatre, beachfront picnics, wine tasting rooms

Best for: Couples, staycations, easy escapes, live music lovers

13. Germfask & the Seney Wildlife Region

Basecamp for outdoor adventure. Paddle the Manistique River with Northland Outfitters, visit Kitch-iti-kipi, and explore Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Quiet, wild, and unforgettable.

Don’t Miss: Tahquamenon Falls side trip, Upper Peninsula wildlife viewing

Best for: Wildlife lovers, paddlers, U.P. explorers, photographers

14. Manistee, MI

A mix of riverside charm and lakeshore views. Stroll the riverwalk, take in a Lake Michigan sunset, or hit nearby trails. The local casino and historic inns round out the trip.

Don’t Miss: First Street Beach, kayaking the Big Manistee River, hiking Arcadia Dunes

Best for: Couples, fishing weekends, last-minute trips, fall color drives

15. Marquette, MI

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette is a scenic, adventurous destination with Lake Superior cliffs, waterfalls, and some of the best hiking and biking in the state.

Don’t Miss: Sugarloaf Mountain hike, Black Rocks swimming, Presque Isle Park

Best for: Hikers, college town explorers, cool-weather travelers, waterfall chasers

Plan Your Michigan Getaway

Each of these destinations offers its own rhythm, scenery, and sense of escape. As you explore more of Michigan, you’ll find there’s no one right way to “do” a weekend here—just your way. From spring tulips and summer festivals to fall foliage and snowy hikes, Michigan’s weekend escapes are made for every season.

Stay tuned as we publish detailed guides for each location, with curated recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of your lakeside (or forest) adventure.

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