Offering sandy beaches, lush countryside, wineries, and idyllic riverbanks, Southwest Michigan is home to some of the best vacation spots in the state. Frequently referred to as the “Third Coast” or “Harbor Country,” Southwest Michigan is the gateway to the longest freshwater shoreline in the world. Just a short drive from Chicago, the region’s pristine coast and small-town charm have invited city dwellers to unwind and unplug for generations.

What attracts vacationers to Southwest Michigan year-round is its natural beauty and picturesque quality. This is where green orchards stretch across the countryside before giving way to miles of sandy shoreline and stunning sand dunes along Lake Michigan. Breathtaking landscapes, vineyards, championship golf courses, and craft breweries are all part of the make-up of this city escape.

From the scenic beach town of Benton Harbor to the preserved Victorian-era charm of its sister city St. Joseph “the Riviera of the Midwest”, Southwest Michigan provides a rich backdrop of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and history. Along the coast, visit New Buffalo - named among Travel + Leisure’s best places to travel in 2022 - or climb the Warren Dunes near Bridgman after an outing picking blueberries.

Away from the expansive Lake Michigan shore, quaint downtowns across Southwest Michigan are bursting with art galleries, one-of-a-kind mom ‘n pop shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. Southwest Michigan is equally appealing to families, with opportunities to ice-skate year round in Stevensville, delight in the Silver Beach Center & Carousel in St. Joseph, or pick fresh fruit at a local farm. In short, there’s something for everyone on a Southwest Michigan vacation!

Staging environment