7 Days of Sunsets: Chasing Golden Hours on West Michigan's Coast
Oh, West Michigan. If there's one thing we do exceptionally well here, it's sunsets. Seriously, just a short drive west, and you're practically guaranteed a showstopping display of nature's finest. There are so many unique spots to soak it all in – some with wide, flat beaches that feel endless, others that demand a little trek over a dune or a descent down a set of stairs. But trust me, every single path leads to the undeniable beauty of a Michigan sunset. We even have our own hashtag for it: #sunsetcoast. And honestly, is there anywhere better for sunsets? I don't think so.
If you're planning a stay anywhere from Grand Haven down to Saugatuck, you're in for a treat. You can literally enjoy a different, breathtaking sunset location every single day of the week. Let's dive in:
PJ Hoffmaster State Park: This place boasts miles – literally three miles – of pristine public beach. That means plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your sunset without feeling like you're on top of anyone else. You can take a scenic trail right to the beach, or just head straight for the sand. And if you're feeling ambitious, that three-mile stretch is perfect for a pre or post-sunset stroll.
Grand Haven State Park: The walk along the Grand River from downtown is lovely, especially as evening approaches. Then, take the iconic stroll along the pier out to the lighthouse. It’s truly something special, watching the sky ignite with color as you're surrounded by water. Alternatively, you can settle right on the vast beach and take in the view from there.
Rosy Mound Natural Area: This one's a bit of a commitment, but oh-so-worth it. Rosy Mound requires a ¾-mile hike to reach the beach, taking you up and over a beautiful dune. The effort is absolutely rewarded! What makes it even more magical, especially in the summer, is the shade from the trees. You catch glimpses of the lake getting closer and closer through the foliage, building the anticipation until you emerge onto the stunning shoreline.
Tunnel Park: Walking through the tunnel itself as the sun begins to dip is an experience. It’s such a unique vantage point, literally walking through the dune to get to the stairs that lead down to the beach. But don't stop there! To the left of the tunnel, you can head up the dune to enjoy the sunset from one of the benches perched up high. And for those with kids (or just a playful spirit), running up and down that dune is practically a right of passage in the Holland area. Seriously, everyone does it!
Holland State Park: This is where you'll find that iconic sunset view with "Big Red," our famous lighthouse, standing proud. This beach is massive, with tons of parking, but fair warning: it can fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays. I usually prefer a weekday visit, or I'll park along Ottawa Beach Road and enjoy the walk in. There’s also a great playground right there, perfect for entertaining the kids while you soak in the spectacular views.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park: Another fantastic trail-to-beach experience, Saugatuck Dunes offers 2.5 miles of stunning lakeshore. If you've got a furry friend, they're welcome here, which is a huge plus. The beach trails are generally easy to navigate, and once you're on the sand, there are plenty of spots to settle in and enjoy the sunset in peace.
Oval Beach (Saugatuck): Consistently voted one of the best beaches in America, and once you're there, you'll instantly understand why. It's simply beautiful. Like Holland State Park, this is another spot where I highly recommend visiting on a weekday instead of a weekend or holiday – otherwise, it's going to be absolutely packed. But even with the crowds, the beauty of Oval Beach at sunset is undeniable.
So, there you have it – seven glorious sunsets just waiting for you along West Michigan's stunning coastline. Which one will you chase first?
