Tucked just 20 minutes north of Saugatuck along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Holland, Michigan is a lively and welcoming destination known for its Dutch heritage, charming downtown, and iconic seasonal events. Whether you’re in town for the tulips, heading to the beach, or simply out for a day of exploring, Holland is one of the best day trips from Saugatuck you can take.
At the heart of Holland is its beautifully maintained downtown—a walkable stretch of 8th Street filled with boutique shops, local restaurants, art galleries, coffee houses, and year-round activity. The city’s historic charm blends seamlessly with modern amenities, offering everything from traditional Dutch bakeries to contemporary craft breweries. And thanks to Holland’s unique snowmelt sidewalk system, it’s a place you can enjoy in every season.
Spring brings the internationally famous Tulip Time Festival, where over six million tulips bloom across the city in a celebration of color, culture, and community. In the summer, the beaches of Holland State Park and Lake Macatawa welcome sunseekers, boaters, and families. Fall offers farmers markets, cider mills, and scenic bike trails painted in gold and crimson. And winter brings cozy holiday charm, from the open-air Kerstmarkt to sparkling lights and festive shop windows.
Whether you’re staying in Saugatuck and want to branch out, or flying into Holland as your entry point to the lakeshore, this city is a natural fit for your West Michigan adventure.
There’s a little bit of everything in Holland, MI—and a whole lot to fall in love with. Whether you’re into art, outdoor adventure, lakeshore leisure, or boutique shopping, this is a city that offers variety, vibrancy, and small-town friendliness with a bigger-city feel.
Start your morning with a stroll through Windmill Island Gardens, where a 250-year-old working Dutch windmill stands among seasonal flower beds and canals. Then grab brunch downtown at a local café or Dutch bakery (tip: the almond krakelingen are a must). Spend the afternoon exploring art installations along the city’s public art trail, visiting Nelis’ Dutch Village for a fun, family-friendly peek into Holland’s cultural roots, or biking one of the many trails that loop around Lake Macatawa and the city’s parks.
Looking for some relaxation? Holland State Park offers soft sand beaches, beautiful views of Big Red Lighthouse, and paddle rentals for a laid-back lake day. Shopping more your style? Downtown Holland is full of independently owned boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and bookstores to browse.
By evening, enjoy dinner at a chef-owned restaurant, sip Michigan wine or craft beer at a local tasting room, and catch live music or a local event on the green. And if one day isn’t enough? You can stay overnight at a boutique hotel, cozy bed & breakfast, or even a lakefront cottage.
Whether you’re here for tulips, trails, or tacos, Holland pairs perfectly with a Saugatuck stay—and offers a full day (or weekend) of memorable experiences.
“I always grab an almond butterhorn and coffee at deBoer’s Bakkerij (bakery,) then head to Centennial Park to watch the town wake up. The flowers, the quiet, the old homes—it’s the best way to start a Holland morning.”
— Anya M., Saugatuck Local
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