The Saugatuck center point is around the area of Good Goods and 1 mile southeast of Wild Ideas.
With its northern location and abundant water-based scenery and activities, Saugatuck is at its warmest and outdoor-exploration-friendliest in the summer. But unsurprisingly, this also means that, in summer, tourist crowds are at their peak—as are hotel prices. July 4th in particular is the high-water mark for both. By contrast, January is the least expensive time to visit and best for avoiding the crowds. But it's Michigan in January, so check the weather reports, don't forget your snow gear!
As an alternative, consider a trip to Saugatuck in the early fall. At this time, the summer rush has ended and hotels are slashing their rates to keep rooms filled—but temperatures still stay in the 60s and 70s. This is an ideal time for those who are less passionate about being on the water but are more enthusiastic about strolling around the art galleries, hitting the quirky little shops, and layering up to take brisk nature hikes.
Another window for travelers on a budget is late spring. Saugatuck stays cool through April but then hits the high 60s in a hurry, and hotels haven't switched to summer rates yet.
And for snowbirds, the winter excels on both the low-crowd and low-hotel-price front. In this season, Saugatuck offers plentiful snowshoe and cross-country skiing rentals to use in the nearby state park, as well as an abundance of natural winter wonders like the frozen waves and mini-icebergs on Lake Michigan.
Just down the highway in Grandville, the Rodeway Inn is a triple-score for seniors, AAA members, and current or veteran members of the military. Equally convenient to Gerald Ford Airport, it offers a variety of in-hotel entertainment features that range from billiard tables to LCD TVs to a pet-friendly policy.
Closer to town is Holland's Quality Inn & Suites, which offers numerous types of discounts as well as many convenience touches like in-room refrigerators, microwaves, coffee/tea makers, ironing boards, and complimentary newspapers.
The Blue Star Motel is a great find, located just 1 mile from Douglas Beach and 6 miles from Saugatuck Dunes State Park and boasting Sleep Number beds and a continental breakfast. Its sister property, the Starlite Resort, is an equally affordable but more style-conscious retro gem with unique decor, a pool and picnic area, and a homey feel. Meanwhile, the Captains Quarters motel is a no-frills affair that is conveniently located near both the state park and downtown and has been highly praised for its friendly, accommodating proprietors.
Hidden Garden Cottages & Suites is a bright and colorful bed-and-breakfast in the heart of downtown, a 10-minute walk from over 20 restaurants, as well as nearby attractions like Wicks Park and performances at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.
Finally, you'll want to book a room at the Twin Oaks Inn in advance but it's well worth it. The Twin Oaks is a bright and colorful 1860s folk Victorian house, but it's also been meticulously restored with modern updates. While an easy walk to all of downtown's attractions, the Twin Oaks is also an extremely comfy place to nest, with thoughtful touches like a screened-in outdoor porch and patio and free private parking.
Saugatuck offers a unique "beach" getaway for East and West Coast stalwarts, thanks to the warm, salt- and shark-free waters of Lake Michigan. And there are six distinct beaches to choose from, for every type of visit. Oval Beach has been named one of the world's top beaches by everyone from Conde Nast to National Geographic Traveller magazine to MTV. Pier Cove Beach is an ideal destination for families due to its shallow, smooth-stone-filled wading creek. For the romantically inclined couple looking for the perfect sunset, look no further than the intimate neighborhood of Douglas Beach. Meanwhile, for the more exploration-minded, Saugatuck Dunes State Park has 2.5 miles of secluded beach rippling with dunes of all sizes—the perfect place to explore on foot, dune buggy, or cross-country skis.
And Saugatuck's beaches are only half the aquatic adventures in store. For inland water action, there's the Kalamazoo River, which can be explored by kayak, pontoon, family-friendly double-decker paddleboat tours on board the Star of Saugatuck II, or the lovingly restored 1960s runaround rides available at Retro Boat Rentals.
Back on land, the big draw of Saugatuck is its vibrant, century-old arts scene. Ever since the Chicago Art Institute built its Ox-Bow School in Saugatuck, the town has become home to thousands of artists. On top of dozens of galleries as high-end as the Roan & Black Contemporary and down-to-earth as the Button Gallery, Saugatuck's creators also sport their wares in highly memorable locations. These range from the former one-room red brick schoolhouse now known as Dawn Stafford's Peachbelt Studio to the Khnemu Studio in a giant red barn on Fernwood Farm.
If you're visiting in July, do not miss one of the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club's juried, outdoor art fairs. And if you're itching to try your own hand with a brush and palette, visit the Art Barn, which provides materials and instructions to artists of all ages.
Finally, round out the trip with uniquely creative shopping. Admire glorious artisanal works that could soon adorn your home at Amaru Leather or the Art Glass Alcove. Chuckle at the vintage tin signs layered throughout local favorite clothing store Grins. Treat your taste buds by grabbing a small-batch balsamic vinegar or EVOO from the Olive Mill, or try one of the scores of scrumptious sauces, salsas, and preserves beckoning from the many jars at American Spoon Foods. And be careful of your kids begging to buy all the whimsical, handcrafted creations in the Tiny Tiny Toy Store.
Saugatuck offers endless opportunities to explore worlds outdoor and indoor—on land, river, lake, or art gallery. It has all the sun, sand, and fun of a beach vacation with the scenic lushness of a vibrant watershed. As a town, it's a unique convergence of history, culture, and sport that's very far off the beaten tourist path. And best of all, for the discerning traveler, Saugatuck, Michigan, offers a bevy of hotel options for every taste and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Saugatuck, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
Hotel is close to Sagatuck and Douglas.
Restaurants had great menus!
It's a wonderful little town.
Saugatuck is a very pretty city that I would defiantly visit again.
Saugatuck is a very pretty city that I would defiantly visit again.
We liked the artsy merchandise, restaurants like Butlers, Hercules and others. A great antiques market. Beautiful sunsets over Lake MI.