You just can’t beat the location of Waters View Inn! With the lake in front and the marina in back, you will have quick and easy access to water – and on top of that, we’re just steps to the bridge and all downtown has to offer!
Attractions & Things to Do in South Haven, MI
Local Dining
Bunde’s Bakery One of our favorites for coffee and breakfast – and just across the street from Waters View Inn. Check out Bunde’s before your morning beach stroll – Steps from our sister property Inn at the Park and steps from North Beach.
Café Julia Fantastic deli-style eats for breakfast and lunch. Stop over before hitting up the Farmers’ Market across the street.
The Depot Mostly a liquor store, but their deli is a hidden gem! Some of our favorite fresh-made sandwiches – great to grab and head over to the beach or a park to picnic. Walk across the bridge from the Inn and you’re at The Depot!
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Maria’s Taste of Italy Is it fair to say probably the best pizza in town? And a full Italian menu too. Plan ahead and get here early!
Taste Small plates and martinis… what more can you ask for? Fantastic food in the heart of downtown. With a wide-ranging menu, there’s something for everyone – and a really fun bar to sit at too!
Black River Tavern Your local bar that frequently has live comedy shows and music. Come here for a range of food and drink. And stop down below in The River Bottom for fun cocktails and a taste of the Mediterranean.
Three Blondes Brewing Headed out to Sherman’s Ice Cream or looking for a great local brewery? Just on the edge of town, Three Blondes offers craft local beer, a wide menu and a fantastic patio.
Festivals and Fun
Be sure to check out the South Haven Visitors Bureau for all the up-to-date details on local events. Here are just a few to check out:
- Ice Breaker Festival (February)
- Chocolate, Wine & Jazz Fest (March)
- Annual Member Artist Exhibit (over 70 years) (May)
- Blessing of the Fleet and Season Kick-Off Fish Fry (May)
- Tulip Time (May)
- Harbor Fest (June)
JUNE
- Mermaid Festival
- Annual Sherman’s Ice Cream Social
- Festival of Cars
- Antique & Classic Boat Show
JULY
- Light Up the Lake! Fireworks
- 4th of July Parade
- Garden Walk
- Annual South Haven Art Fair (a happening for over 60 years)
- Annual Lake Shore Harvest Road Rally
- Waterfront International Art Fair in Saugatuck
- Village Square Art Fair in Saugatuck
AUGUST
- Blueberry Festival and Craft Fair (almost 60 years)– second weekend in August
- Festival 5K Run & Walk
SEPTEMBER
- Annual All Crafts Fair
- South Haven Jazz Festival
- Annual Crane’s CiderFest
- Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride
OCTOBER
- Annual Blues Coast Artists Tour
- The Vine Wine’d – 5K or 1 mile tour through vineyards, meadow and forest
- Fennville’s Annual Goose Festival
- Douglas Halloween Adults Parade
NOVEMBER
- Mistletoe Market
- Holiday in the Park
DECEMBER
- New Year’s Eve in the Haven
More Things to Check Out
- Farmers’ Market every Wednesday and Saturday 9 AM-2 PM. (Spring-Fall).
- Blue Water Boat Rentals offers tourists and locals in South Haven and St Joseph, Michigan the opportunity to rent a boat by the hour, day, or week. Ask us how to save $25 on your boat rental.
- Foundry Hall – a century-old building in the heart of downtown, extensively renovated in 2000-2001 from a former piston factory into a music hall and theater.
- Kal-Haven Trail – along the Black River and over a covered bridge. A wide range of activities are available to trail users: biking, hiking, birding and horseback riding. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
- Wine Trail – 11 wineries offering tasting, tours, and other special events.
- Van Buren Trail – Biking or hiking south through Van Buren County parallel with Lake Michigan.
- Golf – 10 area courses. Championship course like Hawk’s Head, an Arthur Hill course, Beeches Golf Club playing from just over 5,000 yards up to just over 7,100 yards or Ravines, a Palmer course, can challenge any golfing fanatic.
- Gingerman Raceway – Local and long distance racing hobbyists come to live their passions. Events have included guests such as Paul Newman and a recent movie filming location for “Blue Sky The Movie”.
- Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail – a canoe and kayak trail encompassing 21 miles of the South Branch of the Black River between Bangor and South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan, emptying out into Lake Michigan.
- RiverWalk Park Concert every Thursday night in summer.
For the Kids
- Lake Arvesta Farms Recreation Park – A 4-lake Aqua Park with Wibits, waterslides, cable wakeboarding, indoor/outdoor pickleball, disc golf, plus kayaking, and more! Fun for kids and fun for all ages. Includes a full service restaurant and bar.
- Michigan Maritime Museum – Offers maritime exhibits, harbor walk map, and educational sessions. Newly renovated and offers extensive meeting and events space – across the street from Inn at the Park!
- Friends Good Will Tall Ship – A replica of an 1810 topsail sloop, commissioned by and for the Michigan Maritime Museum. Offers summer sails three times daily, a pirate cruise, and charter sails.
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- The Mitten Childrens Museum – Michigan-themed, play-based activities for children of all ages and abilities, serving as a safe, engaging place for kids and their families to explore, learn and make lifelong memories together all year long.
- South Haven Center for the Arts — Explore, discover and experience the arts.
