11 Things to Do in Holland, Michigan (From My One-Day Visit)
I visited Holland, Michigan over Labor Day weekend and had the best time!
I went with my parents and twin sister, and it made for the perfect road trip from Indiana since it was only about a 3-hour drive.
We spent one day in Holland and one day in Saugatuck, which was a great amount of time to get a good feel of each area.
In this blog post, I will share everything we did in Holland as well as some other fun things to do in Holland, Michigan that were on my list but we didn’t get to. That way, if you have more time in the area, you will know what else to add to your itinerary.
11 Things to Do in Holland, Michigan
In this post, I will share what I did during my one-day visit, along with other popular things to do in Holland, Michigan if you have extra time.
Below, I have included a Google Map with all the locations pinned.
1. See the Iconic Red Lighthouse from Holland State Park
One of the most popular things to do in Holland is to see the big red lighthouse at Holland State Park.
The lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Michigan, and it was easy to see why! It was beautiful, especially at sunset when we saw it.
A couple of tips from my visit:
- Make sure you drive into the far-right lane to pay for your entrance fee ($11 for daily pass). We went in the middle lane by mistake, and they had us loop back around to get in the far right lane since we hadn’t purchased the daily pass. By that time, the line was too long, and we didn’t make it in for sunset.
- If you do already have the pass, then you can go in the middle or left lane.
- It seems to be busy at all times of the day, so be prepared for some traffic at the entrance.
Even if you don’t have long, it’s worth stopping by to enjoy the beach, walk along the pier, and see the lighthouse up close.
I think timing up your visit to be around sunset would be perfect! It might be less busy than during the day, and it was so beautiful at that time of day when we visited.
2. Shopping in Downtown Holland
Downtown Holland has a really charming small-town feel and is a great place to spend a couple of hours.
The streets are lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it is very walkable.
Here are some of the shops in Holland that I liked:
- Holland Peanut Store: Classic old-time candy shop that has been around since the early 1900s. They sell a wide variety of candies, chocolates, and nuts.
- Dutch Village Downtown: Gift shop with Dutch-inspired items and souvenirs.
- Apothecary Gift Shop: Fun spot for unique gifts, home décor, and accessories.
- Reader’s World: Great independent bookstore with a wide selection.
3. Explore Nelis’ Dutch Village
Nelis’ Dutch Village is a great place to visit with kids, and it focuses on Holland’s Dutch heritage.
You will find Dutch-style buildings, gardens, and demonstrations like wooden shoe making and cheese making.
There is also a small petting zoo, rides for kids, and shops selling Dutch food and souvenirs.
It is a great way to learn about Holland’s history while keeping kids entertained!
4. Experience the Tulip Time Festival
If you are visiting Holland in May, the Tulip Time Festival is one of the best things to do in Holland during that time.
The city plants tulips that bloom all across town, and the festival brings visitors from around the world.
You will see tulip displays in parks and downtown, as well as parades, Dutch dance performances, and cultural events.
Even outside of the official festival week, many tulip gardens are still in bloom during May, making it a beautiful time to visit Holland.
If seeing tulips is high on your list, make sure to plan your trip to Holland around this festival! It is the event Holland is most famous for.
5. Enjoy the Local Restaurants
Holland has a good food scene with plenty of good restaurants to choose from.
Here are a few places we tried and liked, along with some others that were on my list:
- Windmill Restaurant: A classic spot downtown for breakfast. They are known for their giant omelets, French toast, and homemade cinnamon rolls. This place does get very busy, especially on weekends! The line queues outside, and they will come out to seat the next person when a table opens up.
- Deboer Bakkerij: A Dutch bakery with two locations. I recommend the northside one for better indoor seating. Great pastries and breakfast dishes.
- Wooden Shoe Restaurant: Another good breakfast option just outside of downtown.
- Bowerman’s on 8th: A cute spot downtown that features all things blueberry. Perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch, or blueberry pastry.
- Captain Sundae: A must for ice cream. They have soft-serve, sundaes, and lots of outdoor seating. Located slightly outside of the downtown area.
- Peachwave Frozen Yogurt: I was excited to find frozen yogurt in downtown Holland because there is no frozen yogurt where I live! It is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop with all types of flavors and toppings.
- Itty Bitty Bar: A nice dive bar outside of downtown with surprisingly good food. They have trivia nights and live music some evenings. I had the cheeseburger, and my parents liked their steaks.
- Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant: Restaurant on the water with nice views and good food.
6. Go to Local Coffee Shops
If you’re looking for coffee while in Holland, here are some great coffee shops:
- Lemonjello’s Coffee: Great spot downtown with lots of seating.
- Kin Coffee and Craft House: About 15 minutes outside of downtown but worth the drive! I liked their Kindred Spirit latte (brown sugar & maple syrup).
- Foxtail Coffee: Chain coffee shop with a good mix of classic drinks and seasonal specials.
- The 205 Coffee Bar: Great drink selection and seating!
7. Go to Tunnel Park & Beach
Tunnel Park was one of my favorite places we visited in Holland.
Parking costs $8, which you can pay at the meter station near the public restrooms.
There are stairs that take you up to a viewing point with benches where you can relax and take in the views of Lake Michigan.
The wide stretch of beach has soft sand, and while the water was too cold for me in early September, it was beautiful to see the waves.
The walk down to the lake is fairly steep and might not be ideal for people with mobility issues, but if you are able to make it down, it is a great place to spend an afternoon.
8. Visit the Holland Farmers Market
The Holland Farmers Market is a great place to visit if you are in town on a Wednesday or Saturday. It is from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
It is one of the biggest farmers markets in West Michigan, with vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods.
There are also food trucks and live music during the summer months. It is a fun way to experience the local community and pick up snacks if you are passing through.
9. Visit Windmill Island Gardens
Another popular stop is Windmill Island Gardens, where you will see a 250-year-old Dutch windmill.
The gardens are beautiful, and you can learn about Holland’s history while walking through the area.
If you visit in spring or summer, the flowers are in full bloom, which makes it especially beautiful.
10. Visit Veldheer Tulip Gardens
If you can’t make it to Holland during the official Tulip Time Festival, you can still see plenty of flowers at Veldheer Tulip Gardens.
This family-owned farm plants many tulips each year, and the blooming season typically runs from late April through mid-May.
They also have perennial gardens, bison roaming on the property, and a shop where you can purchase bulbs to take home.
It is a good alternative to the festival if you are looking for a less crowded way to enjoy Holland’s famous tulips.
11. Climb the Mount Pisgah Dune Boardwalk
For some of the best views in Holland, head to Mount Pisgah Dune Boardwalk.
The trail includes a long staircase that takes you up the sand dune, and from the top you will be greeted with stunning views of Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, and Holland State Park.
The climb is a bit of a workout, but the payoff at the top is worth it. If you’re visiting in the evening, this is also a great place to watch the sunset.
When to Visit Holland, Michigan
Holland is a great place to visit year-round, but the experience changes a lot depending on the season.
- Spring (April–May): This is the most popular time to visit Holland, Michigan thanks to the Tulip Time Festival. Tulips bloom across the city, and the event brings parades, Dutch dancing, and cultural celebrations. If tulips are on your bucket list, May is the best time to come!
- Summer (June–August): Warm weather makes this the perfect season for the beach. Holland State Park, Tunnel Park, and nearby Lake Michigan beaches are great for swimming, walking, and sunsets. Summer is also when the downtown feels the most alive with events, outdoor dining, and the farmers markets.
- Fall (September–October): The crowds die down, but the weather is still nice for exploring downtown and hiking the dunes. If you prefer a quieter trip, early fall is a great choice.
- Winter (November–March): Holland gets plenty of snow, and while it is a quieter time to visit, the city still has charm with holiday decorations.
Where to Stay in Holland, Michigan
Holland has several nice hotels, from chain options to more boutique stays.
Here are some good places to stay in Holland:
- Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Holland: Convenient location within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
- Marriott Springhill Suites: This is where we stayed! The rooms were clean, spacious, and a short drive from downtown Holland.
- Beachfront Vacation Rental (Vrbo): If you’re visiting in the summer, renting a place near Lake Michigan can make for a really relaxing stay! You can check out rentals on Vrbo.
Check out this interactive map below for more places to stay in Holland, Michigan!
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Holland, Michigan
Holland is such a fun Michigan destination with beaches nearby, Dutch heritage, and a charming downtown area.
One day was enough to see the highlights, but you could easily spend a weekend here and enjoy everything at a slower pace.
If you are planning a trip to Holland, I recommend combining it with nearby Saugatuck like we did for the perfect Lake Michigan getaway.
Be sure to check out my other Michigan blog posts!
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