There aren’t many places better than Grand Haven, Michigan on a sunny summer day. Plan your visit to this Lake Michigan beach town during the Coast Guard Festival for even more summer fun.
First, we hit the beach at Grand Haven State Park for a swim.
What a great way to make memories.
We had lunch at Porto Bello, an Italian Restaurant downtown. Eating out with our boys almost always means pizza, and Porto Bello’s pizza doesn’t disappoint. The restaurant, located in an old piano factory building, has a nice rustic atmosphere.
We walked around downtown where it looks like things have really gone to the dogs.
You’ll find the dogs, part of the community “Arf” walk, all over town. The boys had fun picking out their favorites. There are lots of great shops in downtown Grand Haven also. We had such a busy day that we didn’t make it to any of the shops.
We did find time for dessert at Temptations Ice Cream located along the south channel.
They serve up homemade ice cream and homemade waffles cones. The chocolate-dipped waffle cones are to-die-for. We don’t go to Grand Haven without stopping here. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their treats.
We finished the day viewing and touring the Coast Guard Boats docked in the harbour for the festival.
It was very cool to board a Coast Guard cutter and walk all the way through it top to bottom.
There’s still plenty of days left to visit the Coast Guard Festival. It runs through August 5th. Ship tours continue through August 4th. Every day features a variety of other activities including a downtown street carnival.
Come spend a summer day along the water in Grand Haven!
More Information:
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Hometown West Michigan is weekly series on Mommie Daze that features all the great places we like to visit and explore in West Michigan. You can follow Hometown West Michigan on Facebook.