The Perfect Girls’ Weekend in Saugatuck, MI
A Curated 2025 Guide for Fun, Relaxation, & Memory-Making
Saugatuck isn’t just a charming Lake Michigan escape — it’s one of the Midwest’s best girls’ trip destinations for sunshine, boutique shopping, wellness, wine tasting, art experiences, and waterside bliss.
And your home base?
A peaceful oasis at Forest Inn, where towering pines, cozy porch moments, and chef-crafted breakfasts set the tone for a weekend you’ll talk about for years.
Why Saugatuck Steals Hearts for Girls’ Trips
- Walkable, creative, beach-town energy
- Trendy yet relaxed Midwest-coastal vibe
- Art, wine, lake adventures, wellness, and boutique shopping — all in one place
- Endless photo-worthy sunsets & cute cafés
- Local makers, seasonal festivals, and a foodie scene that surprises people in the best way
Saugatuck gives you Napa energy meets Lake Michigan sunsets meets Cape Cod charm — and that’s exactly why girls keep coming back.
Where to Stay: Forest Inn
Forest Inn is designed for girlfriend getaways — quiet, elegant, and just minutes from everything.
Why groups love it:
- Charming wooded setting steps from the lake
- Stylish, cozy suites perfect for relaxing in robes with coffee or wine
- Homemade breakfasts (the kind you rave about later)
- Porch swings + fire-pit evenings + pool lounging
- Easy walking/driving to downtown & beaches
- Options for private yoga sessions on-site or beachside
Pro Tip: Ask about a pre-arranged welcome — like local rosé, charcuterie, or lavender farm treats waiting in your suite.
Weekend Itineraries (Choose Your Vibe)
Slow-Luxury Wellness + Spa
Vibe: Quiet luxury, soft linens, slow mornings, and self-care with a side of Lake Michigan air.
For the group that’s ready to slow down, this itinerary is all about rest, rejuvenation, and reconnection. Think sunrise yoga at the beach, locally roasted coffee enjoyed under the forest canopy at Forest Inn, and long spa afternoons with laughter between treatments. You’ll wander from one serene space to another — a lavender farm visit, a glass of crisp rosé at Virtue Cider, and maybe even a grounding herd meditation session at Red Horse Center. Evenings are slow and indulgent — private dinners, plush robes, and stargazing from the porch.
This is your chance to exhale deeply, eat beautifully, and feel rebalanced before heading home refreshed, glowing, and a little more in tune with yourself and your friends.
Friday
- Check in & toast with your beverage of choice on the porch
- Stroll Butler Street boutiques
- Dinner at Borrowed Time — cozy wine bar & seasonal bites in Douglas
Saturday
- Private yoga session (on the beach or at Forest Inn)
- Spa day at Bella Vita Spa or SPAlia
- Smoothie bowls + café vibes at Pennyroyal
- Evening wine flight at Petter Art & Wine Gallery
- Sunset at Oval Beach + s’mores back at the Inn
Sunday
- Chef-made breakfast & slow morning
- Lavender stop at Summerhouse Lavender Farm
Creative, Stylish, & Pinterest-Perfect
Vibe: Boutique elegance, boho energy, camera in one hand, latte in the other.
If your group loves to capture beautiful moments — from brunch tables to boutique window displays — this itinerary brings out your inner designer, foodie, and content creator. Start your day with a cooking class at Lulu Cadieux or get hands-on making art at Express Yourself Art Barn. Stroll Butler Street’s colorful shops (The James Boutique, Endora Bohemian, many others) and pick up something handmade and totally Instagram-worthy.
Afternoons are for sipping wine at J. Petter Art & Wine Gallery or laughing over lavender cocktails at Borrowed Time. As golden hour hits, you’ll find your crew at the waterfront — camera ready for those sunlit group photos that look like they belong on Pinterest boards titled “Girls’ Weekend Goals.” This trip is about creativity, connection, and chic little moments you’ll relive long after the weekend ends.
Friday
- Check-in & fizz on the porch
- Express Yourself Art Barn — pottery, fused glass, or mosaic session
- Dinner at The Butler (water views!)
Saturday
- Coffee + bakery stop
- Lulu Cadieux cooking class (French-style culinary fun)
- Shopping spree:
- Wicks Park free outdoor live music (seasonal)
Sunday
- Brunch, group photos, goodbye mimosas
Adventure + Lake Life
Vibe: Laid-back energy meets full-on fun — sand between your toes, wind in your hair, and laughter echoing over the water.
For the friends who can’t sit still for long, this itinerary is all about exploring, playing, and soaking up Saugatuck’s outdoor magic. Start the morning with dune rides or a sunrise paddle, hike Mt. Baldhead’s 300 steps, and reward yourself with beach time at Oval Beach. In the afternoon, climb aboard a private catamaran with TFD Adventure Co., music up, sun out, and snacks flowing as you drift along the Kalamazoo River.
When evening hits, it’s bonfires, lake breezes, and maybe a surprise live band downtown. The Adventure & Lake Life itinerary is high-energy, laughter-filled, and unforgettable — perfect for groups who want memories that sparkle like the water at sunset.
Friday
- Check-in, pool dip & porch drinks
- Sunset at Oval Beach
Saturday
- Saugatuck Dune Ride (you will scream laugh)
- Hike the Mt. Baldhead steps
- TFD Adventure Co. pontoon or luxury catamaran cruise (private + customizable!)
- Dinner at The Southerner (comfort food heaven)
- Live music at Pumpernickel’s
Sunday
- Chain Ferry ride (seasonal) + river walk
- Farewell brunch
Shopping Guide: Where Girlfriends Will Want to Go
Shopping in Saugatuck isn’t just a pastime — it’s part of the town’s creative soul. The boutiques here are artful, independent, and full of personality, making every stop feel like a discovery. Whether you’re drawn to high-end handmade jewelry, breezy lake-day fashion, or fragrant lavender products straight from the farm, the town’s walkable streets make it easy to wander from one beautiful storefront to another.
Start along Butler Street, where windows overflow with color and style — from The James Boutique’s chic neutral palettes to Endora Bohemian’s effortless summer dresses and For the Love of Shoes’ playful accessories. Slip into Good Goods Gallery for one-of-a-kind gifts and gallery-quality art, then head a few minutes out to Summerhouse Lavender Farm for an experience that’s part shopping, part aromatherapy.
Every bag you bring back will carry a story — a local artist’s design, a scent of summer, a memory of laughter over coffee while deciding who really needs that second pair of sandals (hint: everyone).
Butler Street + Downtown Saugatuck
| Vibe | Spots You'll Love |
|---|---|
| Chic + elevated | The James Boutique • Good Goods Gallery |
| Boho + creative | Endora Bohemian • Urban Found |
| Self-care & scent | Summerhouse Lavender Farm • Spice Merchants |
| Art & craft | J. Petter Galleries • Button Gallery |
**Pro Tip: Ship purchases home — some boutiques will pack & send for you.
Sip & Taste Essentials
No girls’ weekend in Saugatuck is complete without sampling its sophisticated yet unpretentious food-and-drink scene. The area is a hidden gem for wine lovers, craft-cocktail explorers, and anyone who believes good meals are best shared over stories and laughter.
Spend your afternoons drifting between vineyards and cider houses:
- Fenn Valley Vineyards for classic Michigan whites and scenic tastings among the vines.
- Modales Wine for unique, organically produced Michigan wines.
- Crane’s Winery & Restaurant for pie, pours, and that nostalgic orchard vibe.
- Virtue Cider for a farm-chic tasting on picnic tables under the trees.
Art lovers can toast at J. Petter Art & Wine Gallery, where wine flights meet original paintings — a pairing as memorable as your weekend itself.
When it’s time for dinner, the choices are effortlessly elegant: Coast 236 for coastal-inspired plates, Borrowed Time for artisanal cocktails and shareable small plates, or The Butler, a waterfront favorite for seafood with sunset views. End the night with dessert along Butler Street or live music at Pumpernickel’s, clinking glasses to a weekend well spent.
Wine & Cider
- Fenn Valley Vineyards
- Crane’s Winery & Restaurant
- Virtue Cider (don’t skip the farm + cider flight!)
- Petter Art & Wine Gallery
Brunch
- Ida Red's
- Pennyroyal
- Isabel's Market & Eatery
Dinner
- Borrowed Time
- The Southerner
- Coast 236
- The Butler
Sweet stops
Pro tip: Make reservations early — especially June–September. Also, check out our guides on breweries and wineries and local restaurants.
Seasonal Events You’ll Love
Saugatuck doesn’t just sparkle in summer — it celebrates all year long. Each season brings new reasons to gather, dance, sip, and explore together. The town’s festivals, live music, and creative happenings are part of what makes it such a beloved getaway spot for groups of friends.
Spring ushers in the Art Coast Spring Gallery Stroll, when local artists open their doors and Butler Street becomes a walking gallery. In June, the Douglas PRIDE Festival fills the streets with color, inclusivity, and live music. By midsummer, the Venetian Festival turns the river into a lighted spectacle with its boat parade, fireworks, and music echoing across the harbor — a must for unforgettable group photos.
As leaves turn, the tempo softens into harvest season at local wineries and cider mills, with tasting flights and fall markets. Even winter has its cozy magic, when art shows, boutique pop-ups, and candlelit dining make for an intimate girls’ retreat.
Whatever the month, Saugatuck’s events guarantee connection, laughter, and the kind of stories that last long after you’ve unpacked your
Annual Events
- May: Art Coast Spring Gallery Stroll
- June: Douglas Pride Festival
- July: Venetian Festival + Lighted Boat Parade
- September: Fall Gallery Stroll + wine harvest weekends
- October: Douglas Oktoberfest, Douglas Halloween Parade
- December: Holiday shopping + tree lighting magic
Getting Around + Local Tips
- Parking at Forest Inn
- Walkable to town & beach – plus we have free bikes!
- Interurban Shuttle for nights out or tastings
- Even in summer: bring layers — lake evenings get breezy
- Book spa, restaurant, and boating experiences ahead
Girls’ Weekend Planner Checklist
Thinking of what you’ll need to bring or do in advance? Our handy checklist below can get you started.
Reservations
☐ Spa + private yoga
☐ Evening lake cruise
☐ Wine/cider tastings
☐ Dinner reservations
☐ Gallery stroll + hands-on art class
Pack
☐ Comfy walking shoes
☐ Cute dinner outfits
☐ Swimsuit + cover-up
☐ Layers for lake evenings
☐ Reusable water bottle
☐ Sunscreen + sunglasses
☐ Portable phone charger (photos all day!)
Add-Ons
☐ Welcome rosé or charcuterie
☐ Lavender gifts to take home
☐ Printed weekend itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions: Girls’ Weekend in Saugatuck
When is the best time of year to plan a girls’ weekend in Saugatuck?
The most popular time to visit is late spring through early fall (May–October), when the weather is ideal for shopping, wine tasting, and outdoor adventures. Summer brings festivals, live music, and beach days, while fall offers crisp air, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds — perfect for a cozy getaway at Forest Inn.
How many days should we plan for a girls’ weekend?
A 2–3 night stay is ideal. That gives your group enough time to enjoy a mix of relaxation, shopping, and lake adventures without feeling rushed. Many guests arrive Friday afternoon, spend Saturday exploring, and head home after brunch on Sunday.
What are the must-do activities for a girls’ trip to Saugatuck?
Don’t miss:
- Shopping on Butler Street and in nearby Douglas.
- Wine tasting at Fenn Valley or Virtue Cider.
- Spa time at Bella Vita or SPAlia Saugatuck.
- Beach moments at Oval Beach or a boat day with TFD Adventure Co.
- Art experiences, like pottery at Express Yourself Art Barn or browsing Good Goods Gallery.
Each itinerary theme — whether it’s luxury and spa, creative and stylish, or lake life and adventure — can be customized around these core experiences.
Where should we stay?
Forest Inn is a top choice for groups looking for comfort, charm, and easy access to everything Saugatuck offers. Guests love the private suites, home-cooked breakfast, and peaceful setting close to downtown shops and the lake. Other group-friendly options nearby include boutique hotels and vacation rentals, but Forest Inn’s blend of warmth and local hospitality makes it especially ideal for girlfriend getaways.
What are some great dining spots for groups?
Saugatuck has no shortage of standout eateries. Try:
- The Butler – classic waterfront dining with cocktails and seafood.
- Borrowed Time – seasonal small plates and wine flights.
- Coast 236 – upscale coastal fare with elegant presentation.
- Pumpernickel’s – casual spot with live music on weekends.
Make reservations in advance, especially during summer or festival weekends.
Are there group-friendly experiences or private tours?
Yes! You can book private wine or cider tours, chartered catamaran cruises, beach yoga sessions, or art workshops for your group. Local providers like TFD Adventure Co., Satya Yoga, and Express Yourself Art Barn offer tailored experiences for girls’ weekends — perfect for creating lasting memories.
What should we pack for a weekend in Saugatuck?
Bring layers for lakefront evenings, comfortable shoes for boutique browsing, and a camera for all those scenic stops. Don’t forget swimwear, a light jacket, and a reusable water bottle for exploring.
Is Saugatuck walkable?
Absolutely. Downtown Saugatuck is very pedestrian-friendly, with boutiques, cafés, and art galleries all within a few blocks. You can easily explore the area on foot or hop on the Saugatuck Interurban Shuttle for quick rides between popular spots.
Do we need to book in advance for activities?
Yes — especially for spa appointments, private tours, and popular restaurants during the summer. Booking ahead ensures your group gets the best time slots and stress-free experiences throughout your weekend.
Is Saugatuck a good spot for celebrating birthdays or bachelorette parties?
Definitely! Saugatuck is known for its fun, laid-back, and inclusive vibe. Whether it’s a birthday, engagement, or “just because” getaway, the mix of relaxation, nightlife, and photo-worthy moments makes it perfect for group celebrations.
Book Your Adventure
Whether your idea of a perfect adventure includes peaceful solitude; exploring the trails, dunes, water, and beaches of spectacular Lake Michigan; fine dining, live music, world-class art, craft beer, renowned vineyards, or all of the above...
Forest Inn is an extraordinary setting for you to make memories and take full advantage of all that Michigan’s Art Coast offers. We look forward to welcoming you!