When it comes to vacation destinations, Michigan might not be at the top of every traveler’s list. More popular spots like Florida, California, and even Hawaii might come to mind before the Great Lakes State. But we’re here to tell you that Michigan has everything you need for an incredible summer getaway — and we’ll give you 11 reasons why.

1. We’re pretty darn friendly.

That Midwest hospitality is no joke. When you visit Michigan, be prepared to chat with strangers and receive happy waves from passersby on the street. If you’re from a less social part of the country, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the kindness of most Michiganders — just be sure to return the favor!

2. Our beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Forget the ocean! Michigan isn’t called the Great Lakes State for nothing, and we can assure you that our freshwater wonderlands rival some of the world’s most beautiful seas. From the sprawling turquoise waters of Lake Michigan to the chilly waves of Lake Superior, there’s a beach here to charm absolutely everyone.

3. We’ve got plenty of city life to explore.

Eager for a night out on the town? Venture to Grand Rapids, Lansing, or Ann Arbor to find all the benefits of a city social scene with the added bonus of a small-town feel. We’re also home to Detroit, which offers an incredible chance to explore everything from modern art to riverfront scenery in a constantly-revitalizing area. Don’t let those negative headlines fool you — the Motor City is a place of great growth and creativity.

4. More into nature? You’ll find that here, too.

Not into the nightlife? That’s okay! We pride ourselves on being a top destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and generally appreciating the great outdoors. Whether you’re taking a hike in the Porcupine Mountains, rolling down the dunes at Silver Lake, or tossing your line in to catch a few fish in Lake Huron, Michigan is the ideal spot to unwind and breathe in a bit of fresh air.

5. We know how to celebrate.

Our state is home to plenty of summertime festivals where you can celebrate almost anything under the sun. From the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City to the Coast Guard Festival in South Haven, there’s truly something in Michigan to strike the fancy of each and every visitor. Whether you’re a music fan, art enthusiast, or foodie, we promise you’ll find a celebration to enjoy.

6. Did somebody say pasties?

Where else will you find such a wide array of delicious, perfectly cooked pasties? For those who aren’t familiar, pasties are a popular item in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, consisting of meat and vegetables all contained in a baked dough crust. Just trust us: you absolutely need to try a pasty this summer!

7. Our sunsets and sunrises are second to none.

Wake up early to catch a serene sunrise over Lake Huron, or sit along the shores of Lake Michigan as evening draws to a close and experience the magic of a perfect sunset. You’ve seen sunsets and sunrises before, but there’s something undeniably special about spotting one here in the Great Lakes State. It’s difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced one yourself.

8. We’ll treat you to an insanely good brew.

Michigan is home to an incredible array of locally brewed beer options, and those who love to imbibe will be in heaven during a visit to the Great Lakes State. Check out Grand Rapids Brewing Company, New Holland, Bell’s, Frankenmuth Brewery, Black Rocks… the list continues. All we can really say is that you’re sure to find your new favorite beer during a Michigan vacation.

9. Michigan has two whole peninsulas to explore and love.

When you visit Michigan, you’re essentially getting two states for the price of one. While there’s plenty that connects our Lower Peninsula with our Upper Peninsula, we can’t deny that the two areas almost feel like separate states at times. The best part? You can easily travel between the two with a drive over the Mackinac Bridge. Whether you’re vacationing in South Haven or Munising, we promise you’ll find your own little slice of paradise here in Michigan.

10. You’ll scream for our ice cream.

Nothing says summer like a tasty ice cream treat, and Michigan is home to plenty of creameries and family-owned sweet shops to keep you coming back for more. One of our favorites is Sherman Dairy, located in South Haven. Stop in at Sherman or one of our other longtime creameries to indulge in a delectable scoop or two. Don’t forget to try Mackinac Island Fudge — a classic Michigan flavor!

11. Our love for Michigan is contagious.

It’s no secret that we Michiganders love where we live. We could talk for hours about the beauty of our Great Lakes, the benefits of growing up among the state’s natural beauty, and the memories we’ve made over the years in Michigan. But we want you to experience it for yourself. Just be forewarned: we can’t guarantee that you won’t want to move here yourself once you get a taste of life in the Great Lakes State.

We want to hear from you, Michiganders! Why should our state be a vacation destination? What are some of your favorite spots to bring out-of-town friends? Let us know in the comment section below.