Holland, Michigan, is well-known for its Tulip Time festival in May, where half a million people celebrate Holland’s Dutch heritage. But when summer arrives, Lake Michigan warms up, and the rolling sand dunes are calling your name! Come see the most photographed lighthouse in the state, order a tasty sundae, and experience the best beach vacation in Holland, Michigan.

Hi, I’m Emily, and I’m a Michigander through and through. I love the Great Lake State with all my heart and enjoy planning weekend trips around the mitten. I’m the Michigan writer for Only In Your State and work on the social media team. I grew up in West Michigan, just a 5-minute bike ride from Lake Michigan. Holland is my hometown, and I’ve spent every summer here swimming and walking the beaches at sunset. I can’t wait to share my love of Holland, Michigan, with you through Only In Your State Everyday Explorers!

When beaches are mentioned, you’ll likely think of the east or west coast, but I’m here to tell you that the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan in particular, is the best and most underrated coast in the United States.

The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater system in the world. Don’t like the bitter taste of saltwater after swimming in the ocean? That’s not a problem when you go swimming in Michigan. Don’t like the rocky shores of the Upper Peninsula? Come on down to Lake Michigan, which has soft, sandy beaches.

Holland, Michigan, is within a three-hour drive of Detroit and Chicago which makes it an excellent day trip or weekend getaway. We’re starting our day on the north side of Holland and getting breakfast at Deboer Bakkerij.

You can have a sit-down meal or pick up some baked goods to-go. The ham and gouda croissant and pigs-n-blanket are my personal favorite.

Grab your pastries and take a short ten-minute drive to Holland State Park to have the best beach day ever. The state park is well known for Big Red and is the most photographed lighthouse in Michigan.

There isn’t public access where the lighthouse is located across the channel, so you have to admire the lighthouse from afar. But you get an excellent view from the state park.

There is a lovely long pier you can walk out on to see the waves up close. The pier may be closed on windy days when the waves are crashing against the pier.

You can walk the beach for miles or go for a swim but be warned, the water can be chilly! If you’re hoping to swim, I recommend visiting Holland in July, August, or even early September. Give Lake Michigan a chance to soak up the summer sun, and it will be warm enough to enjoy.

Holland State Park can get busy on weekends and summer holidays, if you have the option to visit on a week day you’ll enjoy fewer crowds.

Or visit around sunset when most families have gone home for the day, and the water has had all day to soak up the sun. Holland beaches face west which makes for some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the country.

Conveniently located at the state park is the Beachplace Café & Shop concession stand which has everything you could need, including a tasty lunch. You don’t even have to leave the beach!

Ready for some dessert? Take a picturesque fifteen-minute walk to the Ottawa Beach General Store for delicious ice cream and a huge selection of candy that kids will love.

Cross the street to get an amazing aerial view of Lake Michigan and Holland State Park. At Mt. Pisgah, you’ll work off your sweets by climbing stairs to get 150 feet above the lake. There’s a lovely boardwalk, incredible views, and trails to explore once you reach the top.

For dinner, drive to Sluggo’s Pizzeria which has delicious pizza and shaved ice. But the bread stix keeps the locals coming back again and again. With more than ten types of bread stix to choose from, including savory and sweet options (Dirt is my favorite with crushed Oreos), there’s something for everyone.

Of course, a beach day isn’t complete without stopping at the most iconic ice cream shop around, Captain Sundae. Just a short walk from Sluggo’s, Captain Sundae is a local favorite with tons of tasty sundae options that have adorable nautical themes (Like the Peanut Butter Shipwreck which is the best).

There’s a campground conveniently located close by the Holland State Park that I love, Oak Grove Resort Campground. There’s a heated pool, hot tub, and bike rentals which is the best part. The north side of Holland has excellent sidewalks and is very bikeable, so bring your own bike or rent one to easily cruise to the beach and nearby parks.

All the activities, nature, and food we experienced on this adventure were within a 15-minute drive from each other. You’ll be able to spend more time with your family and enjoy the beach during your vacation. See more of Holland, Michigan in this video:

If you think Holland sounds incredible, we didn’t even mention the south side with charming downtown Holland where you’ll find amazing shopping, excellent restaurants, and a delightful farmer’s market. So the next time you plan a beach vacation, skip the ocean and take a trip to the glorious freshwater shores of Holland, Michigan. For more amazing trip ideas across the United States, visit our Everyday Explorers page.