The Most Scenic Way to Explore Michigan’s West Coast? Follow the Lights.
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There’s just something magical about a lighthouse, isn’t there?
Standing tall through storms, winds, and waves, these beacons have witnessed shipwrecks, sunsets, and more than a century of Great Lakes history.
And if you’re craving a road trip filled with small-town charm, scenic drives, and lakefront moments that make you pause and breathe a little deeper, this one’s for you.
We’re heading up the Lake Michigan shoreline, tracing the west coast of Michigan from New Buffalo all the way to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Along the way? Towering lighthouses, charming downtowns, secret beaches, and a whole lot of really good food.
New Buffalo Lighthouse
New Buffalo, MI
Tucked into the very southwestern tip of Michigan, New Buffalo is where your lighthouse road trip adventure officially begins. While the lighthouse here is a replica (the original was lost to time), it still marks a peaceful place to start your journey.
You’ll find it just off the public beach – simple, scenic, and never too crowded. On a calm morning, the harbor is glassy, and the sun rises behind the dunes in a slow, golden glow.
Things to do nearby:
- Stroll along the beach with a coffee in hand
- Rent a kayak for a paddle on the Galien River
- Pop into the charming shops downtown (look for beachy home goods and Michigan-made gifts)
Where to eat:
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill — A rooftop patio, Lake Michigan views, and one of the best burgers you’ll have all trip.
St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse
St. Joseph, MI
Just a short drive up the coast, St. Joe’s lighthouse is one of the most photographed in the state… and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Waves crash dramatically against the long pier, the light gleams white against the sky, and in the summer, locals and visitors alike make the pilgrimage to watch the sun sink behind it.
Things to do nearby:
- Ride the whimsical Silver Beach Carousel
- Walk the bluff and take in the view from Lake Bluff Park
- Let the kids run wild at the Curious Kids’ Museum
Where to eat:
Silver Beach Pizza — Set inside an old train depot, this place is practically a local landmark. The garlic crust is legendary.
Kilwins — Because every lakeside day needs a scoop of Mackinac Island Fudge.
More to Explore: Awesome Mitten’s Guide to St. Joseph Michigan
South Haven South Pierhead Light
South Haven, MI
You’ll catch sight of this classic red light as you drive into town, standing at the edge of a wide sandy beach, with a catwalk that seems to float above the waves. On a breezy day, it’s like stepping into a movie scene.
South Haven is a full experience: farmers markets, sunset sails, blueberry farms, and a walkable harborfront downtown.
Things to do nearby:
- Walk or bike the Kal-Haven Trail
- Take a cruise on the Friends Good Will tall ship
- Browse books at the local indie bookstore and sip a latte by the marina
Where to eat:
Clementine’s — Located in an old bank building, it’s full of character, and the onion rings are outrageous.
Taste — Small plates and creative cocktails in an upscale-but-not-stuffy space.
More to Explore: Awesome Mitten’s Guide to the BEST Things to Do in South Haven Michigan
Holland Harbor Lighthouse (“Big Red”)
Holland, MI
This one’s a Michigan icon. “Big Red” pops against the blue horizon and sits at the mouth of Lake Macatawa where it meets Lake Michigan.
It’s not open for tours, but the view from Holland State Park is picture-perfect… and the walk along the channel is a peaceful spot for sunrise or sunset.
Things to do nearby:
- Swim, picnic, or paddleboard at Holland State Park
- Visit Windmill Island Gardens or check out the wooden shoe factory downtown
- Time it right for Tulip Time in May, when millions of blooms line the streets
Where to eat:
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant — Lakeside dining with casual American fare, dockside views, and a cozy patio on Lake Macatawa
Captain Sundae — Known for the Tommy Turtle (hot fudge + caramel + pecans… yes please).
More to Explore: Best Things to Do in Holland Michigan
Grand Haven South Pierhead Lights
Grand Haven, MI
The catwalk, the pier, the twin red lights… it all comes together for a quintessential Pure Michigan moment. Grand Haven is a vacation town in the best possible way – laid-back, full of families, and buzzing with energy in the summer.
Things to do nearby:
- Walk the boardwalk from downtown to the pier
- Catch the Grand Haven Musical Fountain show at night
- Shop the boutiques or rent bikes for a sunset cruise along the lake
Where to eat:
The Kirby House — A mix of rooftop patio and cozy tavern with great views and big portions.
Snug Harbor — A stylish waterside spot perfect for a date night or cocktail hour.
More to Explore: A COMPLETE Guide to Things to Do in Grand Haven Michigan
Muskegon South Pierhead Light
Muskegon, MI
This bold red lighthouse is often missed, but it shouldn’t be. You can walk the breakwater and even tour the lighthouse in summer.
Muskegon itself has a working-class charm and a surprising number of attractions, especially for history buffs.
Things to do nearby:
- Tour the USS Silversides WWII submarine
- Ride bikes through the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail
- Spend a beach day at Pere Marquette Park
Where to eat:
Unruly Brewing — Craft beer, community vibes, and tasty artisan pizzas.
The Lake House — Upscale but welcoming, right on Muskegon Lake with a beautiful patio.
More to Explore: Awesome Mitten’s Guide to Things to Do in Muskegon MI
White River Light Station
Whitehall, MI
This one feels like a secret. Tucked between White Lake and Lake Michigan, this 1875 lighthouse-turned-museum is cozy, historic, and genuinely peaceful.
You can climb the tower and explore exhibits about the old days of Great Lakes shipping.
Things to do nearby:
- Rent a kayak and paddle White Lake
- Explore nearby Duck Lake State Park
- Browse local art galleries and antique shops
Where to eat:
Lipka’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain & Pizzeria — A charming throwback spot with fresh-made pizza, vintage decor, and hand-dipped ice cream
Fetch Brewing Company — Cozy brewery in a former bank building with craft beer, small bites, and a relaxed local vibe
Little Sable Point Lighthouse
Silver Lake State Park – Mears, MI
Rising out of the dunes like a brick-red sentinel, Little Sable Point is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the state. You can climb the 130 steps to the top (in season) or just sprawl out on the beach below and take it all in.
This stretch of shoreline is unlike any other in Michigan. Towering sand dunes roll in every direction, and you can even rent dune buggies and let loose on the ORV trails nearby.
Things to do nearby:
- Take a thrilling dune ride tour
- Explore the sand on foot or try sandboarding
- Swim and sunbathe on one of the least crowded beaches on the west coast
Where to eat:
Chicken Shack — Tucked near the dunes, this little shack serves up crispy fried chicken and picnic-perfect sides.
Silver Lake Chicken & Pizza — A great local spot for post-beach bites.
More to Explore: The Ultimate Summer Getaway to Hart & the Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Ludington North Breakwater Light
Ludington, MI
This one feels like it belongs on the cover of a novel. The walk out to the lighthouse is a half-mile jetty, and the water crashes dramatically on windy days.
It’s one of the most photogenic spots on the entire route, and you’ll often see couples taking engagement photos at sunset.
Things to do nearby:
- Watch the SS Badger car ferry pull into port
- Explore Ludington State Park (seriously — don’t miss it)
- Hike, bike, kayak, or tube the Big Sable River
Where to eat:
House of Flavors — An old-school ice cream parlor and diner. The ice cream is homemade, and the waffle cones are warm.
Jamesport Brewing Company — Cozy, rustic, and full of great beer and hearty meals.
More to Explore: Best Things to Do in Ludington Michigan This Year
Manistee North Pierhead Light
Manistee, MI
As you approach Manistee, the pace slows down a bit. This lighthouse sits at the mouth of the Manistee River, connected by a scenic riverwalk to downtown.
The light itself is short and stout, with a graceful catwalk and crashing waves that make every photo pop.
Things to do nearby:
- Wander the Manistee Riverwalk
- Tour the elegant Ramsdell Theatre
- Take a historic trolley tour (seasonal)
Where to eat:
TJ’s Pub — A cozy spot tucked beneath the Ramsdell Inn with farm-to-table flair and great cocktails.
Diner 31 — A cozy, family-owned spot serving hearty breakfasts and lunches, with unique offerings like the Bahama Waffle and six varieties of Eggs Benedict
Point Betsie Lighthouse
Frankfort, MI
This lighthouse is the stuff dreams (and postcards) are made of. Built in 1858 and perched right on the edge of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie is small but mighty.
The beach is rocky, the water is Caribbean blue, and the view is unforgettable.
Things to do nearby:
- Tour the lighthouse and museum
- Hunt for Petoskey stones on the beach
- Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes – just 30 minutes away
Where to eat:
Stormcloud Brewing Company — Belgian-style beers, flatbreads, and board games make it perfect for a relaxed evening.
Cabbage Shed — Funky, quirky, and very Frankfort, with cherry-themed dishes and waterfront seating.
More to Explore: Discover Frankfort: The Gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes
South Manitou Island Lighthouse
Accessible from Leland, MI
If you’re up for a side trip that feels like stepping back in time, hop the ferry from Leland to South Manitou Island. This remote light is surrounded by island wilderness – think forest trails, shipwreck beaches, and eerie ghost town vibes.
You can climb the lighthouse when it is open and imagine what life was like out there on the edge of nowhere.
Things to do nearby:
- Shop and snack your way through historic Fishtown
- Catch sunset views from Van’s Beach
- Hike to scenic overlooks at Whaleback Natural Area
Where to eat before or after the ferry:
Village Cheese Shanty — Home to the best pretzel-roll sandwiches in Michigan. (Try the Leelanau.)
The Cove — Deck seating, whitefish specials, and a bar that pours their signature Chubby Mary — yes, it has a whole smoked chub in it.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Leelanau State Park – Northport, MI
This one feels like a quiet finale. Surrounded by forest and tucked away at the very top of the Leelanau Peninsula, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse watches over the meeting point of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.
The museum is small but lovely, and the grounds are peaceful year-round.
Things to do nearby:
- Wander the trails in Leelanau State Park
- Sip your way down the Leelanau Wine Trail
- Browse cute shops and galleries in Northport and Suttons Bay
Where to eat:
Big Dipper Ice Cream & Coffee — Hand-scooped ice cream, fresh donuts, and locally roasted coffee.
Boathouse Vineyards — Cozy up with a flight of wine and views of the vines.
The Ultimate Lake Michigan Lighthouse Road Trip is One You’ll Want to Repeat
This Lake Michigan lighthouse road trip isn’t just about the towering lights (though they’re amazing). It’s also about the coastal towns, the sandy feet, the little diners where time slows down, and the moments that make Michigan feel like magic.
Take it slow. Stop often. Let the lake breeze mess up your hair and the sunsets linger a little too long.
Because once you’ve done this route… you’ll already be planning when to do it again.