If you are not shopping or eating in town, eight public beaches are available for your use. One of the main public beaches is South Beach which is on the south and north side of the Black River. The south side is within easy walking distance of downtown South Haven. South Beach not only provides spectacular access to Lake Michigan and the South Haven Lighthouse, but it also turns and continues along the Black River to create a very enjoyable walk to downtown. Several equally spectacular beaches are across the Dyckman Bridge and on the north side of the Black River. North Beach rivals South Beach in its beauty and unparalleled access to Lake Michigan.
Harbor Festival
Blueberry Festival
Farmers Market
As vividly described in the Pure Michigan and South Haven County Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor's Guide for South Haven, "Van Buren County's 13 miles of Lake Michigan beaches showcase Mother Nature's finest work. Her clear inland waters stretch along wide expanses of golden sands shielded by towering dunes to create a setting unlike anywhere else on Earth. The romance of Lake Michigan and the power of her beaches to nurture the soul is the basis for the region's enduring appeal as a vacation destination for Michiganders and those beyond the mitten's border." Van Buren County also features Kal-Haven Trail which is 33.5 miles long. This nature trail links South Haven to Kalamazoo. It is favored by bikers spring to fall.
The nearby towns of Saugatuck & Douglas have amazing dining, breweries and arts. The Ravines Golf Club, East of Saugatuck was envisioned and built by Arnold Palmer. Newly renovated St. Joseph/Benton Harbor is home to shopping, fine dining, wineries, breweries and the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. A drive to the North or South along the Blue Star Highway finds many antique places to stop and explore. There are 8 beautiful golf courses along the 40 mile drive from St. Joseph to South Haven to Saugatuck.
West Michigan Tourism Websites