Saugatuck

Art Coast of Michigan

Get ready to sip, savor, and be swept away by the artful craft of the Saugatuck/Douglas beverage scene. With flourishing vineyards, farms, and orchards producing some of the country’s finest grapes, hops, and apples—the craft beverage scene here is unlike any other. Join us as we explore the wineries, craft breweries, and cideries of the Art Coast of Michigan, a place where the delicious drinks flow as freely as the creativity does.

Home to world-renowned Oval Beach, one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 25 Beaches in the World,” there are miles of Lake Michigan shoreline here to explore. Explore our six pristine beaches and get ready to soak up the sun, splash in the waves, or simply watch the sunset. 

Our creative roots go back 100 years to when The Art Institute of Chicago established its Ox-Bow School here to inspire and educate artists. Now, dozens of working painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and other artists call this area home. Discover the creative culture that's at our heart and soul with a thriving art scene rich in visual and performing arts.

This November 5–7, the inaugural Art Coast® Food & Wine Festival celebrates a weekend of incredible flavors, unforgettable culinary experiences, and exciting guest chefs, including headlining chef Kristen Kish. Kish is the chef/partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, Texas, a three-time Emmy-nominated host of Bravo’s award-winning series Top Chef, and a New York Times bestselling author for her memoir, Accidentally on Purpose. From curated restaurant experiences and intimate hands-on sessions to a signature grand tasting in the Riverside Pavilion, each moment is designed to showcase the depth of Southwest Michigan’s culinary and wine culture.

Experience the magic of a Michigan fall when our scenic landscape becomes ablaze with color. It’s the perfect time for a bike ride or dune hike along our beaches and trails. Go apple picking, wind your way through a corn maze, take a gallery stroll or craft beverage tour.  It’s the best time to savor the unforgettable flavors of our fall harvest with restaurants that serve the season’s bounty picked at its peak.

Our quaint downtown neighborhoods are brimming with one-of-a-kind retail experiences for every personand every price range. Three distinct districts in Saugatuck, Douglas and Fennville offer an eclectic blend of upscale boutiques and inspiring galleries to explore. Whether you’re interested in art, antiques, fine jewelry, outdoor gear, or Michigan-made gourmet foods—you’ll find it here along with friendly, small-town service to go with it.

Throughout the years, our charming coastal towns have been honored with recognitions from prestigious publications, such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Midwest Living, Country Living, and Thrillist. We invite you to discover why.